Jack points

Tiny
BLAYNERTFM
  • MEMBER
  • 2002 BUICK CENTURY
  • 3.1L
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 190,000 MILES
I have to jack up and put on jack stands. The problem is the factory jack points are rotted too badly to use. I normally use the control arms as jack stand points. However, the reason I am raising the vehicle is to replace the control arms. So I have to find an alternative point to jack the car up and alternative points for the jack stands. I am unsure where its safe to do so and I do not want to damage the vehicle or the alignment and I certainly do not want the car collapsing.
Thursday, July 6th, 2017 AT 10:55 AM

5 Replies

Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
If you cannot put the stands on the sub frame where the arrows are I have no idea. see picture. you can use the body under rocker arms too at the pinch welds as that is where they mount chassis to lift car in production.

Here is a guide that will help you.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/jack-up-and-lift-your-car-safely

Please use 2CarPros anytime, we are here to help. Tell a friend please.

Cheers
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Thursday, July 6th, 2017 AT 12:31 PM
Tiny
BLAYNERTFM
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Thanks, I was looking at the Haynes guide for alternate spots and saw the sub frame where the control arm connects to and was wondering if I could put stands there without them getting in the way of removing the control arms. There is also a bar that goes across the front end that I was thinking to use as a point to jack the car up but, not sure if it is strong enough at that point. I have tried using the pinch welds to raise the car but that part of the car is so rusted it just started collapsing and pushing in to the point where part of the rocker panel broke loose.
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Thursday, July 6th, 2017 AT 12:45 PM
Tiny
KEN L
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  • 42,840 POSTS
Hello,

Try to use the jack stands on the sub frame a little further back, do not use the sway bar to support the car

Cheers, Ken
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Friday, July 7th, 2017 AT 11:50 AM
Tiny
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Oh for sure no, I wouldn't use the sway bar. I also have to replace that as well though and then get a front end alignment. I was talking about a bar that looks to be part of the sub frame just behind the radiator. It seems to connect with the rest of the sub frame and would be an easy to reach spot to use the jack on so I can place the jack stands but I'm not sure if it can support the weight or not so, I'm guessing I'll have to jack the car up under each control arm one at a time and place the jack stands on the sub frame. I just wasn't sure how much support the sub frame has and if it could take the weight of the car safely. I'm using jack stands rated for 3 tons so the bases aren't as wide as I'd like. I'm used to working on a Cavalier. This Buick is a lot bigger and heavier.
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Friday, July 7th, 2017 AT 12:05 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 42,840 POSTS
Please let us know if you need anything else, we are here to help

Cheers, Ken
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Friday, July 7th, 2017 AT 7:32 PM

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