Jack Failure - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

d2bernhard · #1 10-09-2006, 02:36 PM

My MB Bilstein jack failed this weekend, it is actually bent about 20 degrees. Luckily I am unhurt, but the car dumped on the rotor, and fell off the jack stand.

Does anyone know MB's stance on a replacement jack?

Dee8go · #2 10-09-2006, 02:37 PM

I wish I could help, but I don't know jack!

Seriously, I hope your car is okay.

ILUVMILS · #3 10-09-2006, 05:33 PM

My guess is that they'd be happy to replace it as long as you pay for it. If they simply gave you a new one it would be like admitting that the original one was defective, and we all know that all MB products are virtually free of defects!!!

whunter · #4 10-09-2006, 07:45 PM

Simply call or e-mail Phil for assistance.
Toll Free 1-888-333-4642 or philip@peachparts.com

Call your local shops and salvage yards, they may have one on hand.
Washington
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/forumdisplay.php?f=78

There are many laying in peoples garage/shed.
Parts
Post parts for sale or wanted here. Open to individuals only. NO COMMERCIAL LISTINGS.
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/forumdisplay.php?f=8

Have a great day.

lkchris · #5 10-09-2006, 09:26 PM

How did it fail?

d2bernhard · #6 10-09-2006, 09:49 PM

I'll post pics soon. It actually bent in toward the car -- the entire thing is bent. Was quite a fright I tell you.

Hirnbeiss · #7 10-10-2006, 12:16 PM

Fahrzeug immer aufbocken und richtig unterstuetzen!

That famous German phrase applies:
selbst schuld!

beevly · #8 10-10-2006, 01:49 PM

My dealer says flat out to not use the jacks because they are prone to fail. Just call MB, they'll come out and change a tire for free. Of course, it's nice to tip the guy...

rdanz · #9 10-10-2006, 03:04 PM

The usual reasons for the jack to fail are owner induced by that I mean if the jack bottom wasn't placed on a good hard level surface or the car moved while jacking. Wheel chocks are a good investment and a 4x4 square of 1/2" steel plate with a piece of hard rubber epoxyed to the surface helps when placed under the jack bottom.
Been there done that

d2bernhard · #10 10-10-2006, 10:14 PM

Car was on concrete carport and brake was on and tires were chocked.

Hirnbeiss · #11 10-11-2006, 06:03 AM

The jack is a cheap piece of junk designed to make money for Daimler. Don't rely on it.

blueeagle289 · #12 10-11-2006, 09:23 AM

I have never had the slightest problem with the Mercedes Jacks, based on their use with five Mercedes over the years. Usually, the owner does something wrong if it fails ..... but my jacks were with cars that came out in the 60's, 70's, 80's and early 90's -- with the exception of my ML. I used the jack once for the ML when I did front and rear brake linings, but no other time. My experience with them has been perfect. Ben Carter

beevly · #13 10-11-2006, 09:36 AM

I like that steel plate with rubber idea.

Hirnbeiss · #14 10-11-2006, 10:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blueeagle289

I have never had the slightest problem with the Mercedes Jacks, based on their use with five Mercedes over the years. Usually, the owner does something wrong if it fails ..... but my jacks were with cars that came out in the 60's, 70's, 80's and early 90's -- with the exception of my ML. I used the jack once for the ML when I did front and rear brake linings, but no other time. My experience with them has been perfect. Ben Carter

My experience has also been good. As OEM jacks go, it's a good one. But, I know what Daimler pays for the jack, and I can assure you there's no room in that price for extended endurance or stability testing.

lkchris · #15 10-11-2006, 02:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hirnbeiss

My experience has also been good. As OEM jacks go, it's a good one. But, I know what Daimler pays for the jack, and I can assure you there's no room in that price for extended endurance or stability testing.

Those costs would have been amortized decades ago, as it's a very old design.