How to change a tire without hurting the car with the VW jack

1217 Views 15 Replies 13 Participants Last post by MAC, Dec 27, 2001

1.8Tvermonter

Discussion Starter · Dec 1, 2001

I am going to change my tires and will be using the jack from VW. I have heard and seen horror stories of using this jack. Does anyone have any pics/tips of the best way for me to do this? Thank you

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1 - 16 of 16 Posts

primekart

· #2 · Dec 1, 2001

Re: How to change a tire without hurting the car with the VW jack (1.8Tvermonter)

Read the car manual! There is no problem if you follow the manual!

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Re: How to change a tire without hurting the car with the VW jack (primekart)

Seat the jack on the Rib that runs longways on your car. There is a corrisponding grove on the Jack. I just use a floor jack and have crushed the rib in some places.

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flanders

· #4 · Dec 1, 2001

Re: How to change a tire without hurting the car with the VW jack (Bug_Power)

just make sure you're on a nice flat surface, and you'll be a-okay.

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SingleSpeed

· #5 · Dec 2, 2001

Re: How to change a tire without hurting the car with the VW jack (1.8Tvermonter)

Go buy a shop jack. I picked up a nice hydraulic one for $30 CDN (like about $2 US these days

- I'm sure your car will appreciate it!

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1.8Tvermonter

Discussion Starter · #6 · Dec 2, 2001

Re: How to change a tire without hurting the car with the VW jack (SingleSpeed)

Thanks all:
I knew how to use and where to place the jack, I have read post of the jack just colapsing (sp?) and was a little weiry. Well mad it withough hurting my car but BOY was I scetched out by that jack!
It gave me a GREAT idea for chirstmas! http://****************.com/smile/emthup.gif

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Turbine Driven

· #7 · Dec 2, 2001

Re: How to change a tire without hurting the car with the VW jack (1.8Tvermonter)

If you change it on a flat surface, no problem!! But the real problem is just that

I mean have you ever looked at a shoulder on an interstate highway? It's curved. I hit a rock on a mountain pass and had to change the tire. The jack fell and damaged the rocker panel. It needs a wider base. Flat tires happen everywhere, the jack should handle it without a problem, instead it doesn't.

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GreenVW1.8T

· #8 · Dec 2, 2001

Re: How to change a tire without hurting the car with the VW jack (Turbine Driven)

The manual lists the the four points for the emergency jack. Make sure you scotch the wheels. If your worried about the emergency jack failing then swing by your local Napa or Autozone.

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dorfy

· #9 · Dec 3, 2001

Re: How to change a tire without hurting the car with the VW jack (GreenVW1.8T)

keep the tire in your car, and call tripA

i tried using it once and the little jack felt like it wanted to blow up, and the car kept making wierd sounds like if the car was gonna blow up too, popped it down, put my dads jack under there , and it was all a ok the rest of the way.

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Gambit

· #10 · Dec 3, 2001

Re: How to change a tire without hurting the car with the VW jack (dorfy)

I've changed my tires at least 6 times now (don't ask - 2 blow outs and 4 new wheels...) using the stock jack - NEVER had a problem when using it properly

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decoder

· #11 · Dec 5, 2001

Re: How to change a tire without hurting the car with the VW jack (Gambit)

I've used it a whole bunch with no problems......then yesterday it happened.....car shifted and the jack made a big ole dent in the side of the car

What a funcked up POS.....

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dorfy

· #12 · Dec 5, 2001

Re: How to change a tire without hurting the car with the VW jack (decoder)

rofl!!!
omg im sorry im luaghing but its almost funny and not! we should all sue VW!

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decoder

· #13 · Dec 26, 2001

Re: How to change a tire without hurting the car with the VW jack (RainbowGTI)

quote:[HR][/HR]
learn how to use it, smarty[HR][/HR]

Whatever, I got a floor jack for Hanukah!

[Modified by decoder, 7:34 AM 12-26-2001]

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TRBNIUM

· #14 · Dec 27, 2001

Re: How to change a tire without hurting the car with the VW jack (decoder)

Just be VERY careful and follow the directions closely!
My buddy was using the factory jack (in his garage, on a level and perfectly flat concrete surface) on his Mk III GTI and it ended up collapsing without him even being near the car. It left a small dent just before the rear wheel. I have no idea if he was using it properly but be very careful nonetheless. Good luck!

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AxeAngel

· #15 · Dec 27, 2001

Re: How to change a tire without hurting the car with the VW jack (Gambit)

quote:[HR][/HR]I've changed my tires at least 6 times now (don't ask - 2 blow outs and 4 new wheels...) using the stock jack - NEVER had a problem when using it properly [HR][/HR]

changed 2 tires, removed front two tires for vents. removed front pass for ic mister and pipes numerous times.
never had a problem *touch wood*

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MAC

· #16 · Dec 27, 2001

Re: How to change a tire without hurting the car with the VW jack (AxeAngel)

the trunk jack isn't designed for repeated use... look at the part in the center that the threads go through... its plastic. Even if you are on flat ground that part can still break... I've seen it happen. I think that jack is designed to be used maybe 5-10 times total.

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