Automotive Jacks / Lifts

Jacks are used to raise a vehicle off the ground and are available in two basic designs and in a variety of sizes. The most common jack is a hydraulic floor jack, which is classified by the weights it can lift: 1 1/2, 2, and 2 1/2 tons, and so on. These jacks are controlled by moving the handle up and down. The other design of portable floor jack uses compressed air. Pneumatic jacks are operated by controlling air pressure at the jack.

CAUTION! Before lifting a vehicle with air suspension, turn off the system. The switch is usually in the trunk.

The hydraulic floor lift is the safest lifting tool and is able to raise the vehicle high enough to allow you to walk and work under it. Various safety features pre vent a hydraulic lift from dropping if a seal does leak or if air pressure is lost. Before lifting a vehicle, make sure the lift is correctly positioned.

Floor Jack

A floor jack is a portable unit mounted on wheels.

The lifting pad on the jack is placed under the chassis of the vehicle, and the jack handle is operated with a pumping action. This forces fluid into a hydraulic cylinder in the jack, and the cylinder extends to force the jack lift pad upward and to lift the vehicle. Always be sure that the lift pad is positioned securely under one of the car manufacturer's recommended lifting points. To release the hydraulic pressure and lower the vehicle, the handle or release lever must be turned slowly. An air ratchet.

--- Two types of air nozzles (blowguns).

--- Whenever you have raised a vehicle with a floor jack, the vehicle should be supported with jack stands.

The maximum lifting capacity of the floor jack is usually written on the jack decal. Never lift a vehicle that exceeds the jack lifting capacity. This action may cause the jack to break or collapse, resulting in vehicle damage or personal injury.

When a vehicle is raised by a floor jack, it should be supported by safety stands. Never work under a car with only a jack supporting it; always use safety stands. Hydraulic seals in the jack can let go and allow the vehicle to drop.

===

--- Make sure the locking device or safety is fully engaged after the vehicle has been raised to the desired height. --- An aboveground or surface mount frame-contact lift. ---64 The typical setup for a twin post lift.

---The typical setup for a single post lift.

===

Lift

A lift is used to raise a vehicle so the technician can work under the vehicle. The lift arms must be placed under the car manufacturer's recommended lifting points prior to raising a vehicle. There are three basic types of lifts: frame contact, wheel con tact, and axle engaging. These categories define where the frame contact points align with the vehicle.

Twin posts are used on some lifts, whereas other lifts have a single post. Some lifts have an electric motor, which drives a hydraulic pump to create fluid pressure and force the lift upward. Other lifts use air pressure from the shop air supply to force the lift upward. If shop air pressure is used for this purpose, the air pressure is applied to fluid in the lift cylinder. A control lever or switch is placed near the lift. The control lever sup plies shop air pressure to the lift cylinder, and the switch turns on the lift pump motor. Always be sure that the safety lock is engaged after the lift is raised. When the safety lock is released, a release lever is operated slowly to lower the vehicle.

The arms of a lift are fitted with foot pads or adapters that can be lifted up to contact the vehicle's lift points to add clearance between the arms and the vehicle. This clearance allows for secure lifting without damaging any part of the body or underbody of the vehicle.

Portable Crane

To remove and install an engine, a portable crane, frequently called a cherry picker, is used. To lift an engine, attach a pulling sling or chain to the engine.

Some engines have eye plates for use in lifting. If they are not available, the sling must be bolted to the engine. The sling attaching bolts must be large enough to support the engine and must thread into the block a minimum of 1 1/2 times the bolt diameter. Connect the crane to the chain. Raise the engine slightly and make sure the sling attachments are secure. Carefully lift the engine out of its compartment.

Lower the engine close to the floor so the trans mission and torque converter or clutch can be removed from the engine, if necessary.

Engine Stands/Benche

After the engine has been removed, use the crane to raise the engine. Position the engine next to an engine stand. Most stands use a plate with several holes or adjustable arms. The engine must be supported by at least four bolts that fit solidly into the engine. The engine should be positioned so that its center is in the middle of the engine's stand adapter plate. The adapter plate can swivel in the stand. By centering the engine, the engine can be easily turned to the desired working positions.

Some shops have engine mounts bolted to the top of workbenches. The engine is suspended off the side of the workbench. These have the advantage of a good working space next to the engine, but they are not mobile and all engine work must be done at that location.

After the engine is secured to its mount, the crane and lifting chains can be removed and disassembly of the engine can begin.

--- Foot pads on the arms of a lift. by Automotive Lift Institute

---One of your most important tools is a service manual.

--- The main index of a factory service manual showing that the manual is divided by major vehicle systems.

CONTENTS SECTION NUMBER GENERAL INFO. AND LUBE

General Information

Maintenance and Lubrication

0A; 0B HEATING AND AIR COND.

Heating and Vent. (nonA/C)

Air Conditioning System

V-5 A/C Compressor Overhaul 1A 1B 1D3 BUMPERS AND FRONT BODY

PANELS

Bumpers

Fr. End Body Panels STEERING, SUSPENSION, TIRES, AND WHEELS

Diagnosis

Wheel Alignment

Power Steering Gear and Pump

Front Suspension

Rear Suspension

Tires and Wheels

Steering Col. On-Vehicle Service

Steering Col. - Std. Unit Repair

Steering Col. - Tilt, Unit Repair

DRIVE AXLES

Drive Axles 4D BRAKES

General Info. - Diagnosis and

On-Car Service

Compact Master Cylinder

Disc Brake Caliper

Drum Brake - Anchor Plate

Power Brake Booster Assembly

ENGINES

General Information

2.0 Liter l-4 Engine

3.1 Liter V6 Engine

Cooling System

Fuel System

Engine Electrical - General

Battery

Cranking System

Charging System

Ignition System

Engine Wiring

Driveability and Emissions - Gen.

Driveability and Emissions - TBI

Driveability and Emissions - PFI

Exhaust System

TRANSAXLE

Auto. Transaxle On-Car Serv.

Auto. Trans. - Hydraulic

Diagnosis

Auto. Trans. - Unit Repair

Man. Trans. On-Car Service

5-Sp. 5TM40 Man. Trans. Unit

Repair

5-Sp. Isuzu Man. Trans. Unit

Repair

Clutch CHASSIS ELECTRICAL, INSTRUMENT PANEL and WASHER WIPER

Electrical Diagnosis

Lighting and Horns

Instrument Panel and Console

Windshield Wiper/Washer ACCESSORIES

Audio System

Cruise Control

Engine Block Heater BODY SERVICE

General Body Service

Stationary Glass

Underbody

Bumpers

Body Front End

Doors

Rear Quarters

Body Rear End

Roof and Convertible Top

Seats

Safety Belts

Body Wiring

Unibody Collision Repair

Welded Panel Replacement

INDEX

Alphabetical Index

--- A technical service bulletin.

Next: Automotive Service Information

Prev.:Power Tools for Automotive Use