How to Jack Up a Car

Video Transcript

"In this clip, we're going to talk about the proper service procedure in order to remove and replace a broken CV joint also known as a drive shaft on a front-wheel drive vehicle. In this step, we're going to talk about the proper service procedure for jacking your vehicle off the ground and setting your jack stands. What I'm going to do is roll my jack underneath the front of the vehicle. Now what I'm shooting for with my jack is a large piece of super structure or an engine cradle. You're going to note that the radiator is in the front of the vehicle, you're not going to want to jack up on the bottom of your radiator. That will bend and destroy it. So you're looking for a portion like I said, super structure or engine frame or other very sturdy component. What we're going to do is tighten the tension down on my jack and begin raising it. Once we've made contact, go ahead and jack it off the ground. Once you have the vehicle high enough to work on comfortably, you can go ahead and place your jack stands. And again, you are looking for a large piece of super structure or engine cradle to set your stand. Take and adjust it up to the appropriate location. I'm going to take and set the other side on an identical component. Once you have your jack stands in place, it?s ok to go ahead and release the tension on your hydraulic floor jack. You're going to want to let the tension off slowly so the vehicle settles down onto the receiving cups of your jack stands. Release the pressure by rotating the handle in a counterclockwise motion just like so. What that will do is open the release valve and you can take and speed it up by pushing down on the jacking boom itself."