Floor jack failed
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 79
Likes: 8
From: Erie, CO
2016 GL550
Floor jack failed
This was a bit of a shock. After we picked up a decent size nail, I tried to replace the wheel with the spare tire.
However, while trying to use the never-used floor jack, the thread just ripped and I could not lift the vehicle.
I know these are probably not the best quality and I would not use them at home, but not even getting a single use out of it and basically left you stranded, it a bit bizarre.
Has anybody else had a similar experience with those?
Somewhat related question: Are the spare wheels different in size for those vehicles that come standard with 22 or 23 inch wheel over those that come with 20 inch wheels?
And does anybody know what the maximum tire rolling radius difference can be for replacing one vs. all four tires?
Thanks!
However, while trying to use the never-used floor jack, the thread just ripped and I could not lift the vehicle.
I know these are probably not the best quality and I would not use them at home, but not even getting a single use out of it and basically left you stranded, it a bit bizarre.
Has anybody else had a similar experience with those?
Somewhat related question: Are the spare wheels different in size for those vehicles that come standard with 22 or 23 inch wheel over those that come with 20 inch wheels?
And does anybody know what the maximum tire rolling radius difference can be for replacing one vs. all four tires?
Thanks!
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,224
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From: V E G A S
1922 Ford Model T / no OBD
Can you post a picture?
I've been using car jacks a lot in the past and never had them failing, even on cheap cars like Fiat or Skoda.
As for spare size, read it. Most of modern cars do have donut spare, when lot of wheels are changed by owners to different sizes.
Donuts are limited to 50 mph, what can be annoying on long drive.
Still check the pressure, as that is often overlooked.
For matching the tires, you need to find their rpm. Should not replace singe tire with different model. Do it at least in pairs/axles.
Forum experience says you can mix the tires with up to 3% difference in rpm, before red lights will start illuminate.
I've been using car jacks a lot in the past and never had them failing, even on cheap cars like Fiat or Skoda.
As for spare size, read it. Most of modern cars do have donut spare, when lot of wheels are changed by owners to different sizes.
Donuts are limited to 50 mph, what can be annoying on long drive.
Still check the pressure, as that is often overlooked.
For matching the tires, you need to find their rpm. Should not replace singe tire with different model. Do it at least in pairs/axles.
Forum experience says you can mix the tires with up to 3% difference in rpm, before red lights will start illuminate.
Last edited by kajtek1; Aug 3, 2024 at 04:54 PM.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 79
Likes: 8
From: Erie, CO
2016 GL550
Can you post a picture?
I've been using car jacks a lot in the past and never had them failing, even on cheap cars like Fiat or Skoda.
As for spare size, read it. Most of modern cars do have donut spare, when lot of wheels are changed by owners to different sizes.
Donuts are limited to 50 mph, what can be annoying on long drive.
Still check the pressure, as that is often overlooked.
For matching the tires, you need to find their rpm. Should not replace singe tire with different model. Do it at least in pairs/axles.
Forum experience says you can mix the tires with up to 3% difference in rpm, before red lights will start illuminate.
I've been using car jacks a lot in the past and never had them failing, even on cheap cars like Fiat or Skoda.
As for spare size, read it. Most of modern cars do have donut spare, when lot of wheels are changed by owners to different sizes.
Donuts are limited to 50 mph, what can be annoying on long drive.
Still check the pressure, as that is often overlooked.
For matching the tires, you need to find their rpm. Should not replace singe tire with different model. Do it at least in pairs/axles.
Forum experience says you can mix the tires with up to 3% difference in rpm, before red lights will start illuminate.
Thanks for your fast and detailed reply.
I agree, they shouldn't fail.
This is the original Mercedes one (166 580 01 18) and it stripped the thread in the bushing.
As for the donut, it says T165/90D19 (or rim part number A 164 400 01 02), which obviously is a 19 inch, but I'm a bit doubtful it's a good idea to run it with other 22 inch wheels.
Of course, I'll replace with same manufacturer and model.
Probably check how much difference there is (they are only about one year old), but I know that each manufacturer has they own specifications/ limits.
Thanks again!
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 79
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From: Erie, CO
2016 GL550
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,224
Likes: 1,798
From: V E G A S
1922 Ford Model T / no OBD
Looks like it stripped at the end of the screw, means you had heavy load on it at low raise. That puts max stress on the screw. Still not suppose to fail.
Call MB USA at 1 800 FOR MERC.
This is something they should hear about.
Call MB USA at 1 800 FOR MERC.
This is something they should hear about.
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Thread Starter
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From: Erie, CO
2016 GL550
Still wanted to measure the difference in tread depth and maybe get a better idea of the rolling radius.
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Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 79
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From: Erie, CO
2016 GL550
All the help they offered was connecting me to a local dealership, probably to purchase a new one.
I hang up at that point.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 79
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From: Erie, CO
2016 GL550
MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: DFW
SL63
Never trust a floor jack, unless it is backed up by jackstands. I know a flat tire forces you to change the tire without all the amenities we keep in our garages, unless the flat happens in your garage. But if at all possible, have something under the car especially if you are going to be under it with any part of your body. If there is a block of wood or a thick tree branch nearby, cement block, a good size rock, it’s a lot better than nothing. If you don’t have anything, once you get the flat tire off, put that under the car as a makeshift jackstand.
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Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 2,303
Likes: 1,206
From: Baltimore County, MD
'13 s212 63 p30. '06 LX470
This was a bit of a shock. After we picked up a decent size nail, I tried to replace the wheel with the spare tire.
However, while trying to use the never-used floor jack, the thread just ripped and I could not lift the vehicle.
I know these are probably not the best quality and I would not use them at home, but not even getting a single use out of it and basically left you stranded, it a bit bizarre.
Has anybody else had a similar experience with those?
Somewhat related question: Are the spare wheels different in size for those vehicles that come standard with 22 or 23 inch wheel over those that come with 20 inch wheels?
And does anybody know what the maximum tire rolling radius difference can be for replacing one vs. all four tires?
Thanks!
However, while trying to use the never-used floor jack, the thread just ripped and I could not lift the vehicle.
I know these are probably not the best quality and I would not use them at home, but not even getting a single use out of it and basically left you stranded, it a bit bizarre.
Has anybody else had a similar experience with those?
Somewhat related question: Are the spare wheels different in size for those vehicles that come standard with 22 or 23 inch wheel over those that come with 20 inch wheels?
And does anybody know what the maximum tire rolling radius difference can be for replacing one vs. all four tires?
Thanks!
generally tire difference should be no more than 3% for an awd or full time 4wd car. The manual has the answer as well as will tell which axle to put the newest tire on.
Last edited by Baltistyle; Aug 10, 2024 at 02:48 AM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 8,882
Likes: 1,212
From: In my garage
E55, GLS450, GL63, GLE350
Never trust a floor jack, unless it is backed up by jackstands. I know a flat tire forces you to change the tire without all the amenities we keep in our garages, unless the flat happens in your garage. But if at all possible, have something under the car especially if you are going to be under it with any part of your body. If there is a block of wood or a thick tree branch nearby, cement block, a good size rock, it’s a lot better than nothing. If you don’t have anything, once you get the flat tire off, put that under the car as a makeshift jackstand.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1,122
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'91 964 Turbo, '02 E55's & '14 E63s-w
There is a jack stand type device that will lock a floor jack in place. I'm probably going to get a few of these. Amazon.com: AGM Products Jack Rod - Easy to Use Floor Jack Safety Tool. Rated for 3.5 Tons. Squeeze to Extend, Locks Automatically Squeeze to Remove. SUV, Truck, Car Jack NOT Included : Automotive
MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: Baltimore County, MD
'13 s212 63 p30. '06 LX470
So true as I recently found out. Had one of mine in the air changing the brake pads when a rainstorm came through. Came back out a few hours later and it was sitting on the rotor. It was not damaged but the jack would not rise again. Had to remove it from underneath the car, raise and lower it with no resistance and it finally worked. Guess the hydraulic fluid leaked past the cylinder so it had to be reset. I did go out and buy a new 4 ton jack after that since I've had the old one for around 20 years. There is a jack stand type device that will lock a floor jack in place. I'm probably going to get a few of these. Amazon.com: AGM Products Jack Rod - Easy to Use Floor Jack Safety Tool. Rated for 3.5 Tons. Squeeze to Extend, Locks Automatically Squeeze to Remove. SUV, Truck, Car Jack NOT Included : Automotive
I’ve seen that product and will buy one in the future for myself as well. Anytime I am tugging or have a body part under the car I use a jack stand as insurance.
Last edited by Baltistyle; Aug 11, 2024 at 08:49 AM.
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'91 964 Turbo, '02 E55's & '14 E63s-w
The cost my friend
4 jack stands $150 each---$600
4 JS plates @ $110 each ---$450
Why not get one of the portable lifts for $1500 instead, not only it's convenient but faster and safer too
Not saying not have a JS, keep one or so and add a portable lift
4 jack stands $150 each---$600
4 JS plates @ $110 each ---$450
Why not get one of the portable lifts for $1500 instead, not only it's convenient but faster and safer too
Not saying not have a JS, keep one or so and add a portable lift
Member
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 80
Likes: 35
2017 GLS63
I've had good results with the Powerbuilt 620471 Unijack 6000 lb. combination bottle jack/jackstands. $87/ea at Amazon. These combine a hydraulic bottle jack and a jack stand into one unit, allowing you to jack on the single jacking points on each corner of M-B unibody vehicles. They fit (just barely) under my GLS if I run the Airmatic height setting up to the maximum.
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Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 8,882
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From: In my garage
E55, GLS450, GL63, GLE350
The floor jacks I have are more stable and much heavier duty than jack stands also much easier and quicker to use for changing brakes. Not to mention, I do not have a flat surface to work with and I would not trust a jack stand for my surfaces.
