Safe Jack-up point - front end - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

jlomon · #1 04-08-2009, 01:27 PM

Hi Everyone,

I want to jack up the front end of my 1994 C280 so that I can get jack stands under the rubber jack footings right behind the front wheels. What point, aside from those rubber jack footings, would it be safe to use my floor jack on?

Thanks!

Texholdem · #2 04-08-2009, 01:47 PM

That was my problem too when using floor jack. The not-so-smart solution:

1- jack up the car with floor jack because it's easier than with stock car jack
2- secure it with the car jack, the two can co-exist
3- vacate floor jack to make room for jack stand
4- deploy jack stand and remove car jack
5- repeat steps 1-4 for other side if needed

pawoSD · #3 04-08-2009, 04:14 PM

I believe the structural cross member under the engine can be used to raise the whole front end of the car on most MB's.....I know it can on the W126.....

deanyel · #4 04-08-2009, 05:37 PM

If your jack is long enough you can go straight in from the front and grab the cross member of the frame - it's a two for one. I have a custom made block of wood for this, which takes only a few minutes to build.

TMAllison · #5 04-08-2009, 06:26 PM

MB has a rod with ~4"D x 1/4" plate welded to it that allows you to lift at the factory jack point using a floor jack. Gets the floor jack out from beneath the car as its lifted. Easily made.

pawoSD · #6 04-08-2009, 07:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TMAllison

MB has a rod with ~4"D x 1/4" plate welded to it that allows you to lift at the factory jack point using a floor jack. Gets the floor jack out from beneath the car as its lifted. Easily made.

That's great for lifting one side, or putting each side on jack stands....but for lifting the whole front of the car up evenly in order to place those jack stands, using a good floor jack (a STRONG one) under the front cross member is the way to go.

TMAllison · #7 04-08-2009, 09:19 PM

Yes. Requires some small amount of patience to use.......

Some models don't have a handy cross member or a rear end you can lift from.

I usually lift from the jack pads personally and then place the jack stand beneath the unibodi frame. Does require two/four lifts.

pawoSD · #8 04-08-2009, 09:53 PM

The rear end can be lifted by putting the floor jack under the bottom of the differential.....

jlomon · #9 04-09-2009, 08:38 AM

Thanks for the replies, everyone. I appreciate it.

anthonyb · #10 04-12-2009, 05:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pawoSD

The rear end can be lifted by putting the floor jack under the bottom of the differential.....

I always thought the diff wasn't a structural part of the chassis, and lifting at the differential stressed the mounts more than they were designed for?

compress ignite · #11 04-12-2009, 02:58 PM

BAD IDEA!
Mercedes would have provided a rubber jack pad on the "Diff",If it were to be
used in that fashion!

pawoSD · #12 04-12-2009, 07:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by compress ignite

BAD IDEA!
Mercedes would have provided a rubber jack pad on the "Diff",If it were to be
used in that fashion!

Works fine....the differential/mount is extremely strong. I lifted a W126 that way with 0 issues and then set it on jack stands.

FYI, it recommends it in the MB factory manuals.

hookedon210s · #13 05-30-2009, 10:32 AM

Quote:

MB has a rod with ~4"D x 1/4" plate welded to it that allows you to lift at the factory jack point using a floor jack. Gets the floor jack out from beneath the car as its lifted. Easily made.
__________________
Terry Allison

Here's the factory tool. Can't say I have ever seen these in use but then again I have never worked at a dealership. Mark