Jacking up 1 tire at a time.

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Wyndru

Diamond Member
Apr 9, 2009
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Is it bad to jack up 1 tire at a time on a car? I've done it in the past for quick tire and oil changes, but now I need to do brakes and it might take an hour or 2.

Some people have mentioned something called frame flex which can throw off alignment, is this something I need to be worried about? It's just a passenger car.
 

boomerang

Lifer
Jun 19, 2000
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Some people worry about a lot of things both real and imagined. Jack away. Of course be sure to support the car in a safe manner. Don't work under the car with just the factory jack holding it up.
 

Wyndru

Diamond Member
Apr 9, 2009
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I usually set it on a jack stand once I get it where I want. Thanks for the reply. Off to jack it up :)
 

brainhulk

Diamond Member
Sep 14, 2007
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I usually set it on a jack stand once I get it where I want. Thanks for the reply. Off to jack it up :)

also use wheel chocks

have somebody near you if working under car

so someone can lift the car off you just in case you get crushed
 

CraigRT

Lifer
Jun 16, 2000
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I jack up my car for whatever the need.. If I only need to lift one wheel, I lift one wheel.

Just make sure you don't pinch something that's all. A block of wood disperses the pressure well.
 

exdeath

Lifer
Jan 29, 2004
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I always prefer to use jack stands in pairs at the front or rear. Try opening one of your doors when you have one tire off the ground without subframe connectors, which 99% of normal passenger cars won't have.

If it's something quick like swapping a wheel go for it, I personally don't like to leave it jacked up by one wheel and sitting for days if it's a long project.
 
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alkemyst

No Lifer
Feb 13, 2001
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I always prefer to use jack stands in pairs at the front or rear. Try opening one of your doors when you have one tire off the ground without subframe connectors, which 99% of normal passenger cars won't have.

If it's something quick like swapping a wheel go for it, I personally don't like to leave it jacked up by one wheel and sitting for days if it's a long project.

you own a mustang though.

many cars don't flex like that.

Not all cars need subframe connectors.
 

exdeath

Lifer
Jan 29, 2004
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I have a Toyota that does the same thing, YMMV. It's a natural side effect of unibody design and it will be more noticeable in heavier or longer wheelbase cars that have more floor pan between the front and rear frame rails.

Anyhow I love my subframe connectors. Jack it up from the rocker panel and get 3 wheels off the ground and open both doors easily.
 

Wyndru

Diamond Member
Apr 9, 2009
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Just took it out for a test, all good! Had it on the driver side jack for a while too, had a caliper bolt that was giving me problems. Shredded 3 T60 torx bits on a 3 foot breaker bar loosening it, in between soaking the shit out of it with penetrating oil.

So glad that's over, I hate rusty cars.

/blog
 
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