JimPap

I need to raise the front end of the car (driver's side) to remove the wheel and inner fender so that I can see which part of the washer components need to be replaced. I've got that check washer warning appearing on the dash and when I put fluid in the reservoir, it all runs out of some hard to see area.

Problem is that there are so many different floor jacks, I don't know which one to get.

Apparently, I can go low profile that starts at 3" or 5" and expands to 13" or other lengths and can handle 1,500 lbs to 3 tons.

Which one should I get? Keep in mind that this may be the one and only time I'll need to use it?

Thanks

Doanster

Since it's a one-shot deal, why not just use the stock jack??? Will give you an excuse to use the white gloves the factory included.

shotgun_banjo

Never ever use the stock jack to work under the car as it is a hazard and might cause your life or lost limbs. Always have a stand to hold the car up. I wont dare to even to put my foot under the car with a tiny jack in place and take a lot of caution wheen replacing my wheels as one small slip and the car might fall down.

So I will say invest on car stands instead.

Rodpwnz

I agree 100%, your life and well being is never worth saving some money or making a simple mistake. Invest in a pair of jack stands instead of relying on the stock jack alone. They are relatively cheap and might be useful later on. Good luck.

JimPap

Seems that I have a car stand up in the attic somewhere.

My thinking now is to use the stock car jack to raise the car and put the stand under the the car...then lower it such that the stand is supporting the weight of the car.

Not to necessarily take a shot at Mercedes, but couldn't they have made servicing the windshield washer assembly a bit easier to get to. You shouldn't have to remove the wheel and inner fender to get to the components.

95_993

Without getting into huge debate over which brand, etc. based on what the OP noted, I would recommend a decent "low profile", 2-ton floor jack from either harbor freight, craftsman or even tirerack....AND a good set if Jack stands. Even with low profile jack, drive the front wheels up on 2x6s to reach the center front jack point easier.

NEVER use ANY Jack to support a car while working under it. Even the best hydraulic floor jacks can blow a seal and collapse.