Hey guys, I had a flat tire today and I was changing it to the spare. However, when I pulled the flat wheel off, the entire car fell down because the jack failed. I was able to lift it back up to put the spare one on, but do you guys know if it could have damaged anything for the suspension? Thanks.

 

The suspension should be okay, but I would get the rotors looked at. Try braking at low speed and see if you get any shuttering or strange sounds coming from that rotor.

 

i was taking a look at the rotors and it seems like it wasn't really even touching the ground, but i hope i'm right.

 

take it to a shop and get the car in the air to inspect it

 

Holy cow....just glad you are ok. I would suggest next time to put the flat tire under the car while you put on the spare.

 

agreed, pull out everything first before you jack it up.

 

When I jack my car up, I usually put on the Parking brakes as well as stick 4 pieces of brick on the bottom of each wheel at the opposite end...

Also, I never use the factory jack...buy a 2-3 ton capable jack...

Scorcher

 

i guess our cars are low enough that the body will touch the ground before rotors?? personally i prefer that vs. the car slamming down on the rotor (of course assuming there was no damage to the body).

glad you're okay man - you prob already know this but be super careful when jacking up the car and remember to loosen/tighten all lug nuts while the car is on the ground and not the jack. my friend had a huge accident once - the car fell on him and it was pretty bad (i'll leave it at that).

 

+1

Remember this for future flats:

1) Nice flat surfaces...don't attempt to jack your car on a slant. You're basically working against gravity which is a no no.

2) Engage the emergency brake

3) Not a must have but every little precaution helps - Have at least two small 4x4" handy in the trunk and place them either in the front or rear wheels, depending on which tire you're changing.

4) If you feel unsure about anything, call AAA. It won't hurt your manhood to have the pros come out and do it. You could've seriously injuried yourself if your foot was underneath.

 

wow. yeah i'm very glad that i'm ok. i took it to a local shop and they said that it shouldn't have damaged anything. i don't feel anything wrong with the car or anything. when the car slammed down, i don't think the rotor really even hit the ground, but i don't know where it landed on.

 

that is my absolute #1 fear when working on cars...especially when you are working under your car...be careful fellas!

 

The OEM jack is pure crap. Get yourself a a nice jack from sears or something.

When i change my tires i use wheel chokes on the tire diagonally from the one im changing. Then i set the parking brake. Lift the car up and put a jackstand or tire underneath the car just in case. better safe than sorry.

 

the same thing happened to my car. that stock jack is a waste. luckily for me, the tire was still on the car, with no lugs. but it held on there. btw, before i get attacked, the ground was level and i placed the jack in the proper location.