Technical Jack Damage Repair

MikeSalt · Sep 9, 2009

Found an awfully quick way to lower the car off the jack today...

Just got my new tyres and jacked the car up ready to switch the backs for the fronts to put my best on the back. Almost had the car at the right height to do the switch and then it just dropped to the floor. Suffice to say, the rear passenger footwell suddenly became much more ventilated. I bent the metal all back into place (as in the photo) and sealed the gaps with some tape.

My question to you guys is how much this is going to cost to put right? Clearly, it is part of the chassis, so it needs welding up. Now I am pretty sure that the corrosion was caused by the damage to the underseal from the jack, but is it possible that the whole chassis could be going rotten?

dave · Sep 9, 2009

that isnt a jacking point. wont cost much to just weld a plate over the floor on the inside

MikeSalt · Sep 9, 2009

dave said:
that isnt a jacking point. wont cost much to just weld a plate over the floor on the inside

In that case, that will explain why it went through then. Although I have been using it for years since it is just underneath the arrow indicating the jacking point. Is it actually under the sill itself that I should be using the jack then?

What is the purpse of the part I've broken then? With it having a nice, flat face it looked perfect for the head of my trolley jack to engage against. I've even stood the car on axle stands using these points, so could have had the car land on my head. eek!

Mr Wild · Sep 9, 2009

Suffice it to say that you never rely solely on a jack, always chock it up.

MikeSalt · Sep 9, 2009

Mr Wild said:
Suffice it to say that you never rely solely on a jack, always chock it up.

Well, I did have the jack either on the transmission or the rear beam as well as the axle stands, so hopefully that would have saved me had the axle stands gone through the floor. I still want to know which bit is the jacking point.

MikeSalt · Sep 9, 2009

Ahh, dave just answered my question in this thread. It is not a jacking point, it is something used on the production line to move the shell about. And there was also information with regard to welding it up. Cheers.

smokeyjoe03 · Sep 10, 2009

MikeSalt said:
................I still want to know which bit is the jacking point.

The reason the standard jack has that cut out in the top is for the lip underneath the sills to sit in, the jacking points are on the sill where the arrows are.

The sill lip might bend a bit overtime but thats normal for a car of that age if the jack is used often.

MikeSalt · Sep 10, 2009

Cheers smokey, Will go back to using the sill from now on. Going to phone round for quotes today to get a plate welded in over the hole. If I take the back bench and trim off and roll back the carpet, that should save some labour time.

dave · Sep 10, 2009

dont use a trolly jack on the sill though or the floor, bottom of gearbox, subframe for them

MikeSalt · Sep 10, 2009

dave said:
dont use a trolly jack on the sill though or the floor, bottom of gearbox, subframe for them

Ahh good point Dave (weirdly tyre-fitters seem to use the sill).

dave · Sep 10, 2009

tyre-fitters are monkies. i take wheels off and put them in the boot of another car when i go for fitting

Most Easterly Pandas · Sep 10, 2009

dave said:
tyre-fitters are monkies. i take wheels off and put them in the boot of another car when i go for fitting

I find it easier to get them to do it, but lean over their sholders breathing down their necks to make sure that they do it properly

dave · Sep 10, 2009

Most Easterly Pandas said:
I find it easier to get them to do it, but lean over their sholders breathing down their necks to make sure that they do it properly

h&s they shouldnt let you any where near the car to be looking

Most Easterly Pandas · Sep 11, 2009

dave said:
h&s they shouldnt let you any where near the car to be looking

Why not? Tyre tyre fitting, not placing car above you, so no danger

Feet are all clear when the car is lowered

MikeSalt · Sep 11, 2009

I suppose there is a risk associated with pressurised tyres. A severly damaged tyre could potentially explode as soon as the removal tool pushes against it. Then again, on many occasions I've been invited under the car to look at bits that are being worked on. I know the risks, I accept the risks and just employ a bit of common sense. You are probably far more likely to be killed by a car hitting you horizontally on the pavement than you are of being hit vertically by a car on ramps.

Got the car booked in for Tuesday. I'll take off the back seat, trim and carpet off ahead of time since the garage is pretty busy. Hopefully not more than an hour's work and the cost of a bit of metal and welding consumables.

dave · Sep 11, 2009

Most Easterly Pandas said:
Why not? Tyre tyre fitting, not placing car above you, so no danger

you are not supposed to be in the bay, chains should be across entrance unless cars are being driven in an out to stop you walking in

MikeSalt · Sep 11, 2009

I'm waiting for the health and safety book; 'Why living is dangerous for you'. At work, when working out of hours we have these devices you clip to your belt that sound a central alarm if you cease to be vertical. No sleeping at work then.

mikezs · Sep 11, 2009

dave said:
you are not supposed to be in the bay, chains should be across entrance unless cars are being driven in an out to stop you walking in

I sit in the car while I'm getting mine done!

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