Air Marshall Eldritch

I need to swap out my winter wheels (yes, just in time for summer). Would you simply use the MB jack that lifts from the side hole, or is this meant for emergencies only? I can get a floor jack if I must, but just wondering if that would be redundant.
The stock jack seems a bit wimpy.

raymond g-

given the choice, i will always opt for hydraulic floor jack vs those mediocre,
worm gear side jacks. it gives me many more lifting options, is more secure,
lower center of gravity, quicker lifting and lowering. hydraulic floor jack is
50x heavier.

ProV1

get at least a 1.5 ton floor jack for your MB.

but remember the jack is just to lift the car. get at least 4 3-ton jack stands for added safety. have fun

f-rod

What are good points for the jack stands?

Air Marshall Eldritch

Same question I was going to ask. I'm always afraid I'll crush something underneath.

Also, what is the correct torque for the lug nuts? I've heard both 40lbs and 80lbs, depending on the mechanic I asked.

lexrex

I'm quite certain 80lbs is the correct torque...

zam2000

After seeing one of my coworker car (also a Benz) fell on that pathetic jack that Mercedes pack along w/ the car, I went out and buy a 1.5 (or 2 ??) ton hydraulic jack.

Huachipato

Floor jacks are so much less work, and the car has those jacking points that make it so easy to use. I'd say it is well worth the investment to purchase a floor jack.

Air Marshall Eldritch

I went to Pep Boys yesterday and bought a boxed set of 2-ton floor jack, 2 jack stands and a creeper for $30. Probably will explode after 2 uses.

Never been to Pep Boys before. Nearby the tool section was the 'spinner' wheel section. I was so tempted.

vraa

If you did, I'd have to revoke your posting ability.

ProV1

if you do any sort of work on your cars, i highly recommend getting a quality floor jack and QUALITY jack stands.

this is my setup, the jack is a rapid pump 1.5ton aluminum w/ 3-1/4" clearance for my S2000, and i have 4 Craftsman 3-ton jack stands (for 24000lb of support - gives me piece of mind when I get under the cars I work on)

patrick_y

You see the little covers for the insert for the jack holes on the side skirts of the car, right underneath there, you'll feel this round bulge made of metal. That is the ideal point to jack up your car.

patrick_y

First of all, ditto on the part with buying top quality jack stands. Keep in mind, if the car should fall off the jack stand, you could sustain a nasty injury. A friend of mine employs the same jack stands.

Secondly, if you have a very tall garage in your home, you might want to consider just buying a "car lift". Very convenient. Plus, it'll double your parking space.

f-rod

Yes, but what about the jack-stands?

Air Marshall Eldritch

I think you just swap out the jack for the jack stand once the car is lifted. This must be done really carefully, much like Indiana Jones swapping the idol for the sand bag.

Seriously, that's a good question.

RobertG

[QUOTE=RBrenton88]I think you just swap out the jack for the jack stand once the car is lifted. This must be done really carefully, much like Indiana Jones swapping the idol for the sand bag.

f-rod

LOL!

The only thing I can think of, and what I have been doing, is to lift the car with the factory jack and use the mentioned points for the jack stands.

Until I get an answer to the question, that is how it will be done!

doggmbz

As everyone says, get a good quality jack and some jack stands. They don't take up too much space in the garage (unless you park elsewhere).

What I like to do when swapping out my wheels, is clean (scrub) the backside of the rims so that I keep the brake dust buildup to a minimum.

Of course, the car is lifted on jack stands all this time while I finish polishing the wheels so I am in no rush. Also, I get the chance to peek around underneath the car for any preventative maintenence issues.

ruffrob

Don't be afraid,just put them on at 3 am,drive around til 4,and at 4:30 .put your other rims back on. We'll never know the difference.....

Musikmann

Please consider posting this on the Detailing forum. There are a lot of people who do this, but just as many who think all of you are ready for a rubber room. LOL, just kidding, and welcome to MBWorld.org

doggmbz

My neighbors already think I'm weird or crazy. But my cars are always getting compliments.

Yes, this should have been posted in the correct forum section , thanks for the reminder (and greetings)...