MB jack - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Deezl · #1 03-08-2007, 06:34 PM

Somebody had one too many pilsners when they designed the W123 provided jack. Or, I am not getting it. How is the circular base on that thing supposed to lye flat/flush with the concrete? If I am to use it, the base will not fully sit flush with the concrete, resulting in car and jack movement, even though wheels are chocked. Seems like there should be a much larger circular base. The car moved so much, I finally decided to postpone the brake job.

What percentage of you use hydraulic floor jacks?

1983/300CD · #2 03-08-2007, 06:40 PM

Absolutely need to have the hydraulic. Well worth the money.
That MB jack is just in the trunk to "complete" the car.

tangofox007 · #3 03-08-2007, 07:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deezl

How is the circular base on that thing supposed to lye flat/flush with the concrete?

It can't be flush all the time. If it starts off that way, it will be tilted once the vehicle is lifted. The offset in the beginning helps account for the tilting that results from raising only one side of the car.

Stevo · #4 03-08-2007, 07:42 PM

I use the jack all the time on my shop floor, maybe something is tweeked on yours, I think they are well designed. If you use it for doing a brake job at least use good jack stands.

bgkast · #5 03-08-2007, 07:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stevo

I use the jack all the time on my shop floor, maybe something is tweeked on yours, I think they are well designed.

Ditto for me.

Lycoming-8 · #6 03-08-2007, 09:24 PM

I very much agree that it is well designed, as long as it is used in reasonable situations. Car needs to be on level pavement or have something flat and tough on the ground for the jack to push against. Wheels should be chocked and emerg. brake applied.

At least this jack design, which is a further development of what was used on the W-115, is actually strong enough to actually raise the vehicle. Many jack systems over the years, especially the old US style bumper jacks were ill designed and not strong enough or ridgid enough to get the car raised enough to remove a wheel/tire. And yeah, jack stands are necessary for the removal, but something has to raise the vehicle to get the jack stands underneath. A hydraulic one is just too heavy to be hauled all over the country just to have it for that rare emergency.

tangofox007 · #7 03-08-2007, 09:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lycoming-8

I very much agree that it is well designed, as long as it is used in reasonable situations.

Emergency equipment whose design characteristics require it to be used only in reasonsble situations might not be so well designed.

benzforlife · #8 03-08-2007, 09:55 PM

please dont ever use this thing to crawl under ur car and work on it!, unless of course u have jack stand underneath, it is meant for changing the tires, not wrenching under these things!

Deezl · #9 03-08-2007, 11:38 PM

Thanks to all. Yes, I have the jackstands, however, problem is just getting the car up off the floor. Borrowed a buddy's hydraulic jack tonight, will get the job done soon. I just needed to vent as, it proved to test my religion and have zilch to show for today's efforts. It was just one of those days.

#10 03-09-2007, 12:12 AM

I use mine as well. However, I've had it rotate down on me before (Luckily the wheel was still on) so I also keep a mini jackstand with it.

gregszustak · #11 03-09-2007, 10:31 PM

Picked up a small hydraulic jack from Walmart a few years ago, appx $16. That plus a few short 2x4's in the trunk to place under and level the jack.

GREASY_BEAST · #12 03-09-2007, 10:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lycoming-8

A hydraulic one is just too heavy to be hauled all over the country just to have it for that rare emergency.

I beg to differ

My wal-mart hydraulic jack lives in the back of my 300TD, along with all my tools...

vstech · #13 03-09-2007, 10:45 PM

hey, that aluminum racing jack set pep boys sells for 89.00 is AWESOME for this. it's a full fledged floor jack, made out of aluminum, it's lightweight, and it has a rubber pad on the jack point! it also comes with some 3 ton jack stands, round style with a pin, but still better than trusting a jack alone to work under a car. the thing fits perfect in the wheelwell of the trunk, and the stands fit well on the other side. I go nowhere without it. that and a 12V impact lug wrench complete the tire changeing cargo.
John