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The R107 looks solid, but lifting it in the wrong place can bend floors, crush rocker panels or damage the oil pan. Here is how I lift one safely in a home garage.
Factory jack points
The R107 has jack points along the sides, under the rocker panels, near the front and rear wheels. They are reinforced tubes or sockets designed for the factory scissor jack in the trunk. On older cars, check these points for rust before lifting; a rusted jack point can collapse. See rust spots.
Using a floor jack
The factory jack points are designed for the factory jack, not for a floor jack. For a floor jack, use:
- Front: the front crossmember or the lower control arm pivot area, using a rubber pad or a wood block. Avoid the oil pan and the steering components.
- Rear: the rear subframe or differential area as described in the manual. Use a wide pad; do not lift on the differential cover itself.
Use a hockey puck or a jack pad adapter to protect the metal.
Where to put jack stands
- Under the frame rails near the front, behind the front wheels
- Under the rear subframe mounting area or the rear frame rails
- Never under the rocker panel lip or the floor pan
Place stands on a level, solid floor. Lower the car onto the stands and give it a firm push before getting under it.
Lift points on a two-post lift
Use the reinforced areas near the factory jack points, with pads positioned on solid metal, not on the rocker panel trim. Many shops use rubber blocks to avoid damaging the jack point sockets.
Safety rules
- Never work under a car supported only by a jack.
- Chock the wheels that stay on the ground.
- Set the parking brake and put the transmission in Park.
- Use stands rated for the car’s weight; see dimensions and weight.
Using the factory jack for a tire change
The factory jack fits into the side jack sockets. Loosen the lug bolts before lifting, lift just enough to remove the wheel, and keep your body out from under the car. Check that your car still has the jack and its handle in the trunk.
Quick answers
- Is it okay to lift on the differential? Not on the cover. Use the subframe area.
- Can I lift the whole side at once? With the factory jack points, yes, but use stands before working.
- What if the jack point is rusted? Repair it before lifting there.
- Do I need special adapters? A jack pad helps protect the car.
