Jacking / Lifting points on your Prius

I have read on this (and other) forums, questions asked concerning correctly lifting (jacking up) the Prius to put it on a Dealer's lift or just jack stands in the driveway of your home. The following illustrations might be of some help:

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Have you seen anyone mention making or buying the rubber blocks as shown in the illustration? I haven't. I did note that John1701a has a writeup for changing the oil, and he placed the jack and jack stand(s) in different locations than shown in the illustration.

My GF has an Avalon, and it has a similar illustration. The locations for the jack stands are basically the same as the Prius; there is a flange that has notches where you are supposed to place the jack stands. I used these locations when I changed the oil, but having always worked on trucks that have a full frame, it gives me the hebeejeebes to support half of the vehicle weight on the body. When I did the front brakes another time, I supported the car under the front subframe, which seems to be more secure to me.

I watched the tech who checked my alignment (for the 4th time, see this thread) and I watched as he lifted the vehicle briefly to set the targets on the wheels; he placed the lift blocks under the shock mounts on the rear, I couldn't see exactly where he set them in the front, but it was up near the front wheels, probably under the subframe.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(dogfriend @ Jul 23 2007, 10:11 AM) [snapback]483558[/snapback]</div>

One would think that an official Toyota Dealer's Repair Dept. would have these specialized rubber blocks if their hydraulic lifts needed this adapter, just as many other tools Repair departments have, needed to do specific tasks. As an ex-Service Manager I know that in addition to the tools each one of the mechanics owned, the Dealership was also obligated to purchase specialty items for specific models of their vehicles. These were not limited to just adapters for the bearing presses or brake disc turning machines, but a lot of other items, like sockets needed to remove O2 sensors, specialized transmission/transaxle tools, even special lifts to support heavy transmissions, etc.

I always find it amusing (but really SAD) when a vehicle manufacturer goes out of their way to have a specialty tool manufactured and sold to dealers and repair shops, made to minimize damage to the vehicle being worked on, yet these specialty tools, adapters, etc. just sit on the shelf, not used. :angry:

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(FloridaWen @ Jul 23 2007, 07:51 AM) [snapback]483570[/snapback]</div>

I was asking in the context of a DIY user at home, using commonly available jacks and jack stands. I haven't done an exhaustive search, but I haven't seen anything like that for sale. I'm considering making my own, but I don't know if I will have time to do it. I would buy them if they were reasonable cost.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(dogfriend @ Jul 23 2007, 12:44 PM) [snapback]483613[/snapback]</div>

Do you recall those thick, hunks of rubber, almost the size of a bar of soap, that were COIL SPRING EXPANDERS ??
They had "notches" in the ends to slip into the metal circular coil spring to "raise it up" !!
They were about 3" to 4" long, 2+" wide and over 1" thick. These would fit nicely on the "top part" of a jackstand. You could also cut a groove down the middle of them to fit onto the chassis "rail" on the Prius to keep them in proper position. I bet ones made for trucks (and Hummers) would be large enough for what you would need. Properly sandwiched between the Prius and jack stand, it wouldn't move and with the groove cut would really "lock itself in" !!

Even the solid rubber 3M sanding blocks, although they have a slight curvature to them....

Whatta' ya' think ?? :blink:

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(FloridaWen @ Jul 23 2007, 09:55 AM) [snapback]483621[/snapback]</div>

I remember the coil spring expanders, but haven't seen them for sale lately. Maybe a JC Whitney item? The only problem with that is that I will get catalogs mailed to me for the next 5 years. :lol:

I found this:

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/disp...temnumber=36004

We have a couple of Harbor Freight stores nearby, so I may try to find this when I get a chance. It may not be thick enough for the groove, I will need to measure the flange.

Not sure about the 3m sanding block; good thinking out of the box though.

Oh yeah, I was going to point this out earlier, but forgot:

There is a typo under Jack Position:

Rear: Differential Carrier

There is no differential at the rear (unless you have the special 4wd version of the Prius).

There is a pedestal that is located about where the rear differential carrier would be. I'm pretty sure that is the jacking point for the rear.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(dogfriend @ Jul 23 2007, 09:11 AM) [snapback]483558[/snapback]</div>

I use the points shown in the diagram you provided with my floor jack.

I simply used the sole of an old sandal that's about 3/8" thick. I bet an old zori would work as well.

The load isn't that much to raise one wheel.

glenk

Heck, 'ol piece a 2x4 works fine.
Yee Ha

Here's an interesting product I found discussed on a VW board:

http://www.eastwoodco.com/jump.jsp?itemID=...temType=PRODUCT

I also found the "2 x 4" solution:

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(9G-man @ Jul 23 2007, 05:59 PM) [snapback]483772[/snapback]</div>

I once had some pieces of 2 x 4 pieces of wood (on top of solid cement blocks) crack on me and the vehicle shifted to one side.... scared the Hell out of me. This was NOT with a Prius, it was years ago with a 1969 Plymouth RoadRunner, which was a bit heavier. I guess when choosing the 2 x 4 a sort of "soft" piece as opposed to hard and brittle would have been a better choice.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(dogfriend @ Jul 23 2007, 08:35 PM) [snapback]483849[/snapback]</div>

Wow, this is a great, simple solution to many lifting problems..... great find !!
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<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(dogfriend @ Jul 23 2007, 01:13 PM) [snapback]483631[/snapback]</div>

Another really neat item (great find).... sure beats trying to cut up an old tire !!
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<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(dogfriend @ Jul 23 2007, 01:27 PM) [snapback]483638[/snapback]</div>

How right you are.... I would fear putting the weight of the vehicle on the rear axle by putting a jack under this solid axle in fear of bending it. I haven't looked under the Prius, except very quickly when installing the BT PLATE, carefully enough to see this "pedestal".... now you've got me curious to look for that. Gotta wait 'till the Wife drives the Prius home tonight

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(FloridaWen @ Jul 24 2007, 06:42 AM) [snapback]484083[/snapback]</div>

Yeah, I'm wary of the 2 x 4 / 2 x 6 splitting in half while on top of the jack stand. Fabricating something out of a couple of pieces of 3/4" plywood might be a better idea; the crossply construction of the plywood will make it a lot less likely to split.

You should always try to make the jack stands as secure as possible; you never know what may happen:

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showpo...mp;postcount=49

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(FloridaWen @ Jul 24 2007, 07:07 AM) [snapback]484098[/snapback]</div>

Actually, you can see it without getting under the car.

If you go to toyota.com, click on 360° views, supersize the car and rotate:


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In this view, I circled what I believe are the center jacking points in red:

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<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(dogfriend @ Jul 24 2007, 03:48 PM) [snapback]484302[/snapback]</div>

Very funny and I just hope no one takes you seriously!

Especially during an earthquake!..ROTFLMAO!

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(eastender43 @ Jul 26 2007, 09:46 AM) [snapback]485498[/snapback]</div>

Swear to whatever deity you choose to worship, the story about the truck on jackstands during the Loma Prieta is 100% true.

Also, I am serious about the center jacking points, but I'm not sure about the front one; the manual seems to locate it further back. I circled the part that bolts the lower engine/ transaxle to the subframe.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(dogfriend @ Jul 26 2007, 03:49 PM) [snapback]485626[/snapback]</div>

I would almost bet that the BEST front single jacking (lifting) point would be UNDER THE "K MEMBER", which in your picture would be about 1" rearward of what you circled in red.... (I made a white rectangle) !!

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<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(FloridaWen @ Jul 26 2007, 12:59 PM) [snapback]485633[/snapback]</div>

Yes, I think you are correct. I thought I saw a thread where someone used the motor mount, but what you are calling the "K member" (I'm calling it the subframe) is probably best and corresponds to the drawing in your first post.

Yeah now I get it ,My Bad!

I thought you were suggesting using those two jacking points to BALANCE the car while you VERY carefully worked under it...

I believe your earthquake story...I saw a photo of a guy who had his 4x4 pickup tipped 45 degrees,and held up by a single 2x8....and he was under it working on it....pretty nutty....



<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(dogfriend @ Jul 26 2007, 04:43 PM) [snapback]485715[/snapback]</div>

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(eastender43 @ Jul 26 2007, 07:01 PM) [snapback]485878[/snapback]</div>

Oh, its completely safe, he has a backup 2 x 4 near the front:


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Here's a safer way:


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