I was going to change the oil pressure switch today – well first Doh for not checking the nut size – it’s 24mm and my socket set only goes up to 23… :(

Second Doh for not checking that the Bottle jack I bought from Machine Mart a couple of weeks ago can actually lift the car high enough for the axle stands I bought on the same occasion… Well I’ll need either a higher-lift jack or lower stands… :(

Or a shifting spanner and a block of wood to sit the jack on, to get the height needed....

Broocie

i was almost in the same boat, i bought some axel stands from machine mart... the are red with a white Y shape to stand the car on.

I used my old trolley jack and its only just powerfull enough to lift i high enough to fit the stand underneath....

hotel21 wrote on 05. Aug 2006 at 13:46:

Or a shifting spanner and a block of wood to sit the jack on, to get the height needed.... Broocie

Thanks Broocie, I fully un-screwed the top bolt while the jack was in the lowest position until it touched the car, but I think that total lift is just not enough... didn't even get the wheel off the ground. Serves me right for buying the cheapest one .... I used the car's own jack, and just about managed to squeeze the stand in (just the base bit though without the actual stud and bracket), but I don't like them screw-type jacks too much as they are not very stable.

Markjay wrote on 05. Aug 2006 at 13:38:

I was going to change the oil pressure switch today – well first Doh for not checking the nut size – it’s 24mm and my socket set only goes up to 23… :(

Check you spark plug sockets, amongst mine I had a 24mm  ;)

On another note, members of 'the other site' may recall that Vx gave me an advisory on both front wheel bearings, and I found it odd that they should fail after only 45k miles - both of them...  

Well I checked it myself today, there is the tiniest 'knock' from top-to-bottom (12 to 6 o’clock), but no knock at all from side to side (3 to 9 o'clock), suggesting it's a suspension component (from memory, the lower wishbone joint...?) and NOT the bearing.

MartinP wrote on 05. Aug 2006 at 14:26:

Check you spark plug sockets, amongst mine I had a 24mm  ;)

Thanks issunaz, good to see you on this side...:)


I just did, I only have the one spark plug socket, and it's called a '10mm' but is actually 14mm. Off to the local tool shop then...

Markjay wrote on 05. Aug 2006 at 14:33:

MartinP wrote on 05. Aug 2006 at 14:26: Check you spark plug sockets, amongst mine I had a 24mm  ;) Thanks issunaz, good to see you on this side...:) I just did, I only have the one spark plug socket, and it's called a '10mm' but is actually 14mm. Off to the local tool shop then...

Halfrauds with TC  ;)

MartinP wrote on 05. Aug 2006 at 14:43:


Halfrauds with TC  ;)[/quote]

Yes Sir, I am now the proud owner of a deep 24mm spark plug socket curtsey of Halfords... I don't have a Halfords Trace Card though (don't think they would be impressed by my Vauxhall Trade Club card) so I paid the full amount of £6 (give or take a few pennies). Thank you kindly issunaz for the helpful advice...

Markjay - I would still say use a large block of wood under the bottom of the bottle jack to get the extra height, alongwith the screw portion.  Also, have a good look to ensure you get the lowest portion of the suspension mounts (not just the chassis legs!!) to get maximum lift.  Don't use housebricks under the jack as they crack and crush and could drop the car on you before you have time to get the axle stands in.

Broocie

You can borrow my proper 2 ton high lift garage trolley jack anytime, with the 6 ton high lift axle stands if you want. [smiley=vrolijk_26.gif]

Sorry. Salt and wound springs to mind here

wrote on 05. Aug 2006 at 20:26:

You can borrow my proper 2 ton high lift garage trolley jack anytime, with the 6 ton high lift axle stands if you want. [smiley=vrolijk_26.gif] Sorry. Salt and wound springs to mind here

Not at all. Much appreciated offer. When can you come round my house with them?  ;D

hotel21 wrote on 05. Aug 2006 at 19:15:

Markjay - I would still say use a large block of wood under the bottom of the bottle jack to get the extra height, alongwith the screw portion.  Also, have a good look to ensure you get the lowest portion of the suspension mounts (not just the chassis legs!!) to get maximum lift.  Don't use housebricks under the jack as they crack and crush and could drop the car on you before you have time to get the axle stands in. Broocie

Thanks Broocie, will give it a go again tomorrow....

this jack will do the job (I bought one on the recommendation of a mate) - but it ain't cheap, or light (about 30Kg!). However, it should last a long time ...

sounds2k wrote on 05. Aug 2006 at 21:06:

this jack will do the job (I bought one on the recommendation of a mate) - but it ain't cheap, or light (about 30Kg!). However, it should last a long time ...

Yep, saw this one in the shop... good stuff. I've got no garage, have to keep the stuff in the boot, so only the smallest bottle jack will do for me... :(

mine's in my boot too, along with the 150-piece Halfrauds socket set ... and the day-glow jacket ... and the kitchen sink  ;) ;D

wrote on 05. Aug 2006 at 20:26:

You can borrow my proper 2 ton high lift garage trolley jack anytime, with the 6 ton high lift axle stands if you want. [smiley=vrolijk_26.gif] Sorry. Salt and wound springs to mind here

:-?I agree with MJ, you should take them round to him straight away for taking the p***. :-?

I understand your predicament MJ, used to live in a flat myself, with out a garage.

Best of luck with your project [smiley=thumbsup.gif]