You are currently viewing our forum as a guest, which gives you limited access to view most discussions and access our other features. By joining our community, at no cost, you will have access to post topics, communicate privately with other members (PM), respond to polls, upload content and access many other special features. Registration is free, fast and simple, so please join our community today!
I just want to get the rear of the car up on jack stands so I can do the rear brakes.
I've read the posts about using a real floor jack with a 2x4 on the side of the car to jack it up and put jack stands under, but I don't have a floor jack.
Is it possible to get the rear up on jack stands using the OEM jack? How?
I would imagine it's possible but not particularly safe. Maybe run to your nearest Harbor Freight and get a floor jack for $70.
concur - altho you can get a perfectly fine floor jack for about half that and includes a set of jack stands at Autozone and other places.... This is a case where smaller is better. You want a low profile jack to get under the MINI and that means either a high cost low profile jack ... or a really small jack. Our MINI weighs so little that small is fine.
If you are investing in the tools to do your brakes yourself a jack is a wize investment.
If you have a HF nearby be sure to get the brake piston compression tool while you are there!
I was able to go to sears, and get a floor jack and a pair of jack stands for around 50-60 dollars. Do it, it is totally worth it, the jack I have isnt big enough to do SUV or anything but it is perfect for normal sized cars.
__________________ '05 HB/B MCS.
With: LED lit scoop - DIY AUX cable - Angel Eye running lights - M7 STB - Air horn - Rally Lights -SVT Focus LSD - Poly Control arm bushings - IE fixed plates
UCONN FSAE Engine Systems Head '10-present
UCONN FSAE dyno testing and tuning lead '09-10: www.uconnracing.com
Follow UCONN FSAE on twitter: http://twitter.com/UCONNFSAE
Don't try to do it with the OEM jack. I did and the car nearly fell off. Worse, the jack damaged the slot where the head is supposed to lift the car! I don't get it. I wouldn't be surprised if they didn't even test the design properly. Makes no sense at all. Why didn't they use the design for the BMW 7-series? If you watch the movie "Transporter," you'll see how it works. Take a cover off the side of the car just under the passenger side door and the jack goes in the hole. You'll have it off the ground in ten seconds.
'79; 02 S {02 - 09}, 07 S
'05 HB/B MCS. 
I don't get it. I wouldn't be surprised if they didn't even test the design properly. Makes no sense at all. Why didn't they use the design for the BMW 7-series? If you watch the movie "Transporter," you'll see how it works. Take a cover off the side of the car just under the passenger side door and the jack goes in the hole. You'll have it off the ground in ten seconds.
