Does anyone know where to place a hydraulic lift jack under the CM to lift either the back end or front end? After lifting I will place two jack stands, one on each jack point on opposite sides of the car to hold the back end off the ground or front end depending on which tires I need to change.

 

+1

 

Page 138 of the manual, if this helps.

 

I jacked mine at the points where you would use the factory jack. IIRC there are slots in the frame.

Same place as where the ryanhaddad provided information.

There's a pic in my Gallery of my CM lifted with a floor jack when I installed the mudflaps.

Hobie

 

I was thinking more along the lines of, placing the floor jack under the rear differential, for example, and jacking the entire back of the car up, then placing the jack stands under the two rear jack points. You can do this on some cars.

 

YIKES! I think putting a jack under the differential in the rear is a really bad idea, based on the photos in my Gallery. It's not like it was designed to support the car - just transfer power to the independent rear wheels.

 

Generally with most automobiles and light trucks as far as I know you risk bending the differential cover plate when jacking it that way then you'll have a gear oil leak.

I'm not that familiar with my R60 yet but IIRC when I did my mud flaps back in April there was something I saw that told me not to jack the rear by the diff.

If I were you I'd rather buy a good second floor jack for $300 than take that chance.

Would probably be cheaper than the repair too.


Hobie

 

On my subarus I jack the rear diff all the time but they are AWD and the diff looks a whole lot sturdier than on my mini. Not even sure where on the frame I should jack the mini. The OEM jack which came with my convertible doesn't look very sturdy to me. Can I use another jack from another vehicle in those silly plastic things where the jack points are or will I break them off, seems some people find they fall off on their own.

 

In my R53 and my wife's R55, I've always put a 2x4 between the two jack points and then put the floor jack in the middle (a little closer to the engine than the rear). That lets me jack up one side at a time with no issues. The 2x4 prevents damage to the underside of the side skirt and spreads the load a bit. I was hoping the CM would be similar. I guess I'll find out Monday!

 

I wanna know too!! Need to be able to use a jack stand + jack to get the front end elevated...

 

Since no one answered this question for Rktcyntst, I'd like to ask again since I will be installing the mud flaps soon. Is it possible to jack the car at the jack points, with a floor jack, and then put a stand near that point, for safety, and if so, where? Thanks

 

These pics should be of help. I have added a carefully measured and cut 2X4 to my kit dedicated to the odd time I need to put the li'l guy up on floor stands. Works great. BC's blog is worth spending some time in too.

http://www.blimeycabrio.com/?p=76

 

good idea!

 

I just put em on mine I have a 3 1/2 ton floor jack I used on the jack tabs.One of the tabs are slightly bent as a result.On the boot I placed the jack on a frame cross piece right next to muffler.That got both rear wheels off the ground,then jack stands under tabs.
Not saying this is the way I like the 2x4 idea best so far!
Years ago a guy I worked with went home jacked his car up to work on it car fell on him and killed him.Whatever way you do it do it as safe as you can.

 

We appreciate the help. Thanks Fellas!

 

Is a 1 1/2 ton floor jack enough to jack up one corner of the Countryman? I have 2 and would use one for each side (front or back).

 

I would say yes but would also have some jackstands regardless of type of jack

 

Thanks all - great idea. Anyone tried the stud method with a CM?

 

I should be finding out tomorrow. I'm going to install a short shifter tomorrow afternoon if things go to plan.

 

There's a part of the frame towards the inside of the car, just past the plastic trim that worked well. It's about the size of a 2x4 and sticks down about level with the trim. I put the jack there, using a 2x4, and jacked up each side. I took a picture, but I don't have time to upload it right now.

 

And here's a picture:

 

Good pic. Did you put the stand somewhere other than the recommended lift "tabs"? Looks like you positioned it under some other part of the frame.

 

There were little cutouts in the trim where I assume jack stands are supposed to go. It worked well.

 

I just did this mod... You can buy the jack blocks that come on a Cooper and install them on the Countryman. Like chrunck points out the trim is already cut out for them and by just pulling the plug out of the rocker the blocks just snap in its place. Up side to this alot better place to put a floor jack (no bent tabs/ crushed rocker panel) down side the jack that came with the car may not work due to the block- may need to find a older style jack made for the Cooper. PN#51717039760 for the block

 

So you can use the block and place it anywhere on the tan areas to lift the vehicles weight? Are those areas load bearing/supporting? I'd be concerned of punching a block shaped hole through the bottom of my CM!!

Did you end up putting the jack stands in the same locations as the lift points are in the pic below? Thanks!