Car jacking question - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

asexton · 07-20-2012, 09:51 AM

I plan on changing my gear oil soon and had a question about jacking the car up so it's level for this. I have two jacks and a set of Rhino Ramps. Is it safe to back the car on the ramps and then jack the front of the car up until its level?

san rensho · 07-20-2012, 10:04 AM

I would never get under a car with just jacks holding it up.

Ghostrider 310 · 07-20-2012, 10:04 AM

Don't know what others will say about ramps, I do know career mechanics are not fan club members. If it were me, for the job you want to do. I'd jack it on the factory spot first. Then locate the central jack point which is just ahead of the braided steel cable center of the car, (shown in Bentley book). Jack it up there second, then place stands out of your way for safety.

Don't forget the triple square, huge anti tamper you need to drain it.

thstone · 07-20-2012, 10:06 AM

Safety is often in the eye of the beholder.

With that being said, its is commonly recommended NOT to get under a vehicle supported only by a jack (or pair of jacks). For the best safety, you would want to use a pair of jack stands instead of two jacks.

asexton · 07-20-2012, 10:14 AM

Thanks for the help! I bought the tools needed for the job. I've never changed the gear oil but I figured I would do it myself after the local shop wanted $250. I have jack stands that I will use. I also have 5 2x12's that I nailed together to place under the car with me as a backup safety measure.

Boxster586 · 07-20-2012, 01:47 PM

$25 or less. Makes your garage more manly looking than a bunch of nailed together 2x12s

3 Ton Jack Stands

It's a good cheap investment that you will use more than you think. Best of luck with your project.

tonycarreon · 07-20-2012, 02:01 PM

i use the ramps all the time when changing the engine oil. (sloped driveway so it's fairly level once on the ramps). once in my garage i needed the car up. used the ramps for the rear and jack stands for the front. i did not like that setup as the car seemed to want to roll and the stands wouldn't have helped at that point. took it down and went to a shop instead.

asexton · 07-20-2012, 02:37 PM

Haha... I wasn't sure how the jack stands would hold up without the adapter to put on them. Is it hard to get to the drain plug for the gear oil? I have a friend with a lift about two hours away. It may be worth the drive if it's difficult.

asexton · 07-20-2012, 02:51 PM

Thanks for the link to the jack stands. I think I'll order a set. I've made lots of changes to my Boxster and this gear oil change will finally complete it.

Boxster586 · 07-20-2012, 03:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by asexton

Thanks for the link to the jack stands. I think I'll order a set. I've made lots of changes to my Boxster and this gear oil change will finally complete it.

No need to order. There may be a Harbor Freight store near you. The jack stands I posted are currently on sale for $14.99/set (there's an add in the current Motor Trend magazine).

asexton · 07-20-2012, 03:17 PM

I found a store in Champaign,IL. which is pretty close to me. I had never even heard of them before. I will probably pick up a new jack while I'm there since I've been working with a cheap 2 ton Walmart jack. It'll be something to keep me busy this weekend and get me away from the gfs crying kids for a few hours

Boxster586 · 07-20-2012, 02:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by asexton

Haha... I wasn't sure how the jack stands would hold up without the adapter to put on them. Is it hard to get to the drain plug for the gear oil? I have a friend with a lift about two hours away. It may be worth the drive if it's difficult.

No need for adapters. I use used hockey pucks I had laying around. They work perfectly on those stands I posted earlier.

asexton · 07-20-2012, 02:55 PM

I'll pick up some hockey pucks too. Great info! I appreciate it.

thstone · 07-20-2012, 07:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Boxster586

No need for adapters. I use used hockey pucks I had laying around. They work perfectly on those stands I posted earlier.

Hockey pucks? Can you describe (or post a photo) of how you use them? Do you just put them between the weird shaped jack stand tops and the differently weirdly shaped Boxster jacking point?

tonycarreon · 07-20-2012, 08:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thstone

Hockey pucks? Can you describe (or post a photo) of how you use them? Do you just put them between the weird shaped jack stand tops and the differently weirdly shaped Boxster jacking point?

exactly.

jrblackman · 07-20-2012, 11:15 PM

Don't car jack; just buy your own.

Ghostrider 310 · 07-21-2012, 02:24 AM

Made a set of wood circles with mouse pad upside down for grip and scratch resistance, cost is a fraction of a few pucks.

Spinnaker · 07-21-2012, 02:58 AM

Not trying to start a debate or act like a know it all, but I would never use the ratcheting style of jack stands. I have heard of the rachet mechanism slipping or failing to catch properly. Not saying that these would, but life is too precious to take any more chances than neccessary. I bought a set of heavy duty pin style ones when I was a kid, and have never regretted it. These are not the tinny cheap ones that most auto parts stores sell, that can bend if you don't put the weight on them right. They are HEAVY duty ones that commercial garages use.
Just my 2¢.

milliemax · 07-21-2012, 04:01 AM

My INDY Porsche shop charged me.....$ 43.90 for oil and $ 60.00 labor. The best $ 103.90 I have spent on the car. Got to watch and he earned every penny on that job !!! Safe, clean and professional procedure.

mrjr1000 · 07-21-2012, 05:43 AM

Changed gear oil in my 2000 S about four months ago.

Three challenges I found were: 1) Removing the braces and pans that stabilize suspension and protect trans-axle. I had not carefully read the article in 101 Projects before I got under the car describing their removal. So that surprised me a bit. 2) Getting the drain plug and filler plug loosened. I had use a ratcheting tie down strap attached to my truck at one end and the socket ratchet at the other to produce enough force to loosen the drain plug. Would suggest a breaker bar as best tool to use but mine was too short to assist me and my efforts. 3) The viscosity of gear oil and a hand pump while laying on one's back under a car on jack stands will work muscles one normally does not work. ;-)

Also, 2000 S only requires one size hex for both plugs. Other models and I think years require two different sizes and/or styles. Be certain you have correct tools before you begin.