Jack in the boot...

[1.9GDE]

Hi all. Might be a silly question as I don't have much mechanical experience but here goes: My exhaust pipe has popped off the back box (i think the clamps have rattled loose as I cant see any damage to the pipe and the back box was only replaced 9 months ago) so the car has been obnoxiously loud and slightly less fuel efficient. My question is one of safety. Is it okay to use the jack in my book to lift the car enough for me to get under with some tools and re attach the pipe?

 

[Kenhayes247]

Personally, I would only attempt that if you can place some additional support under the car, that can hold the cars weight should the jack fail or move.

 

[t-tony]

In a word . . . . . NO. Never work under a car supported only by the jack supplied with the car. Lift the car using a trolley jack under the centre of the car, AND place an axle stand under the support pads at the rear of the sills before getting under the car.

Tony.

 

[1.9GDE]

thank you both for prompt replies, I will not attempt like this.

 

[Duncodin]

You say it's noisy and rattles a lot. Sounds like you're driving around? How far is it to the place who fitted it? If it's not far and the pipe isn't actually dragging on the floor I think I'd rattle my way to the garage who fitted it and remind them it's supposed to stay put longer than 9 months.

 

[1.9GDE]

You say it's noisy and rattles a lot. Sounds like you're driving around? How far is it to the place who fitted it? If it's not far and the pipe isn't actually dragging on the floor I think I'd rattle my way to the garage who fitted it and remind them it's supposed to stay put longer than 9 months.

aha, Im Yorkshire based but it popped off while I was up in Northumberland so had to drive home like that. Decided not to drive it since, until I work out the cheapest/easiest solution. Luckily I can cycle everywhere in the meantime . It was fitted in Mansfield which feels like a long way to go if all it needs if to be bolted back on. The pipe isnt dragging on the floor but when I look under the car I can see the open pipe

 

[Duncodin]

aha, Im Yorkshire based but it popped off while I was up in Northumberland so had to drive home like that. Decided not to drive it since, until I work out the cheapest/easiest solution. Luckily I can cycle everywhere in the meantime . It was fitted in Mansfield which feels like a long way to go if all it needs if to be bolted back on. The pipe isnt dragging on the floor but when I look under the car I can see the open pipe

Owning a 25 year old Z3 is going to need you to do at least some small jobs yourself. Maybe now is the time to invest in a decent pair of axle stands and a trolley jack. They're not expensive and will pay for themselves the first time you use them.

This forum is a great place to get advice with all those jobs you feel up to having a go at.

Do not - I repeat - do not go under the car on just a jack.