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Just wanted to pass this along. When on my Quickjack, putting the wheels back on is a bit of a lift. The weight is not bad, but lifting and aligning can be just a little challenging. If you happen to have a motorcycle scissor lift it can do double duty for you.
My lift has wheels, so I just raise as needed and roll the wheel over. Kind of overkill, but if you have one handy anyway . . .
Not really overkill at all in my situation where I have so little room to work that lifting and lining up the wheels with the lugs (even with the extension rods) is extremely difficult. What brand lift is that? I also have a motorcycle so it could come in handy.
^^^Thanks! This is a Pyle lift. My next plan is to buy a couple rollers and bolt them to the top so you can spin the wheel. This really worked slick yesterday when I was changing brake pads.
PS: A new first for me--I remembered to loosen the lug nuts before jacking up the car!!
I see you have a DeWalt driver. Get their big 1/2 impact driver and you won't need to crack the lugs on the ground. I have the Makita and it blasts them right off with the tires in the air.
Originally Posted by JonMN
^^^Thanks! This is a Pyle lift. My next plan is to buy a couple rollers and bolt them to the top so you can spin the wheel. This really worked slick yesterday when I was changing brake pads.
PS: A new first for me--I remembered to loosen the lug nuts before jacking up the car!!
The Milwaukee 1/2 drive is a beast as well, I have the Dewalt version since all my other tools are Dewalt. The Milwaukee was a loaner from my son-in-law.
My large Makita is a beast, too. I also have a smaller 1/2" drive Makita impact that looks like the 1/4" drives that come in all the kits but has "more power". It even will take the lugs off, just takes a few seconds extra. But the real beauty of that tool is it is small and light and had 3 power settings so I use it to do the initial partial torque of the lugs while in the air. Then drop the car and pull it outside where it is easier to finish with the regular torque wrench. Can't have too many tools. ;-)
Not recommended If the QuickJack leaks your car will be on the ground sitting on the brake rotors with no way of getting it back up I nearly had this happen to me. I brought the lift up just enough to pull the wheels off the passenger side - the safety bar is NOT engaged at this low position (not good) - then switched to the driver's side when I heard a hissing noise and noticed the car tipped at an angle. Thankfully I was able to get a regular floor jack under it, then added jack stands to level things out. Finally put the wheels back on (barely had enough room) and lower it safety.
On my Z51 I've gone down to 18/19 and they barely clear the brake calipers so these lug extensions help you align the wheel to the studs. This is one of those "duh... why didn't I think of that" type tools.
The OP has those lug extensions in his picture...So do I. They are essential IMO.
Originally Posted by JMII
Not recommended If the QuickJack leaks your car will be on the ground sitting on the brake rotors with no way of getting it back up I nearly had this happen to me. I brought the lift up just enough to pull the wheels off the passenger side - the safety bar is NOT engaged at this low position (not good) - then switched to the driver's side when I heard a hissing noise and noticed the car tipped at an angle. Thankfully I was able to get a regular floor jack under it, then added jack stands to level things out. Finally put the wheels back on (barely had enough room) and lower it safety.
On my Z51 I've gone down to 18/19 and they barely clear the brake calipers so these lug extensions help you align the wheel to the studs. This is one of those "duh... why didn't I think of that" type tools.
You gave me inspiration to make the roller platform to add to your motorcycle jack tire lift idea. Works like a charm. My back thanks you. My neighbors than you because I don't have to curse as much now. ;-) See this thread: https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...post1599896292
You gave me inspiration to make the roller platform to add to your motorcycle jack tire lift idea. Works like a charm. My back thanks you. My neighbors than you because I don't have to curse as much now. ;-) See this thread: https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...post1599896292
Hey thanks for the idea! I have been looking for rollers, but 9" rollers on a mount are really expensive. Liked your idea of PVC pipe and a plywood. base!!
The steel roller I linked is only about $10. They have them in 1.5" and 1.9" diameters... the 1 1/2" PVC I used has about 1.9" OD and that size works well. McMaster Carr also sells 10" steel and aluminum rollers and they are also about $10 apiece and the brackets are about another $6 apiece. Look for transfer or conveyor rollers. Grainger also has them.
But the PVC is plenty sturdy enough with the 1/2" threaded rod axle. I didn't even bother to glue the end caps, the press fit is plenty. And the nylon lock nuts keep it all in place while leaving it free to turn. No bearings, but a little friction is actually good to hold the wheel position... we are not building a spinning wheel balancer after all.
This makes wheel install so easy. I don't even need the lug extensions.
Originally Posted by JonMN
Hey thanks for the idea! I have been looking for rollers, but 9" rollers on a mount are really expensive. Liked your idea of PVC pipe and a plywood. base!!
Great idea and I really appreciate the tip. I have some polished CCW wheels that require extra attention to stay looking good and this will help with that job.
Here's some pictures of a gadget I made to help handle wheels. The ATV lift came from Harbor Freight and the steel rollers from Northern Tool. Maybe 100 bux in the whole thing. Rolls on it's own wheels, lifts and rotates the tire.
Slide it under the tire & give a couple of pumps.
Pull it away and the wheel is off. Roll it back under to reinstall the wheel. The rollers allow the wheel to rotate in place to align the studs.
Easy on & off, no more humping big a$$ tires around. Works great on my truck too.
I see you have a DeWalt driver. Get their big 1/2 impact driver and you won't need to crack the lugs on the ground. I have the Makita and it blasts them right off with the tires in the air.
Absolutely. An impact wrench will make wheel jobs so much easier. I have an AC Delco model and love it:
Now that is slick. It won't fit or work in my car closet but I may duplicate a version of it if/when I move and get a real garage. Meanwhile I am working on V2 of a roller platform for the motorcycle jack. I'll post it up here later.
[QUOTE=wjnjr;1599912070]Here's some pictures of a gadget I made to help handle wheels. The ATV lift came from Harbor Freight and the steel rollers from Northern Tool. Maybe 100 bux in the whole thing. Rolls on it's own wheels, lifts and rotates the tire.
Wheel removal/installation tip
If the QuickJack leaks your car will be on the ground sitting on the brake rotors with no way of getting it back up 
I nearly had this happen to me. I brought the lift up just enough to pull the wheels off the passenger side - the safety bar is NOT engaged at this low position (not good) - then switched to the driver's side when I heard a hissing noise and noticed the car tipped at an angle. Thankfully I was able to get a regular floor jack under it, then added jack stands to level things out. Finally put the wheels back on (barely had enough room) and lower it safety.
