quick question on trans service

[Quicksilver]

But it could save your life trying to use "jack stands"

[bcredliner]

OMG, I must be dead.

Certainly, there is always some risk stemming from whatever way a vehicle is supported.

I hope everyone agrees that there is way to much risk to get under a vehicle supported by only a jack.

I don't think you meant it that way but jack stands should not be a deterrent to DIY. That assumes that I did my homework on how to determine good locations for the stands. That also assumes the jack stand rating is well under the load and the jack is still in place just snugged to the vehicle as back up. . Depending on what I am doing, I use additional jack stands in different locations as another back up plan especially if I am removing significant weight from one corner. IMO the risk of using jack stands is too high if the base of the stand is not on a level surface, if there is a risk that a stand leg can sink into the surface or the vehicle is on an incline Even then there are ways to address those circumstances. I would rather not be alone when I am under a vehicle. When I remember I have my phone within reach. Our risk is reduced working under an X5. Mine is lowered and I can still shimmy underneath in most areas. Of course, that won't be beneficial when the tire is removed.

Educating technicians on the risks of using jacks and jack stands improperly when lifting vehicles

[Scott ZHP]

Maybe I'm missing something, but I have a 3.0i and changed filter and fluid last month and didn't even have to jack it up, let alone using stands. I did use a scissor jack to support the pan after removing the last few bolts. FYI, even with the pan "drained", there's still about half a quart of fluid remaining as the drain plug boss sticks up inside the pan about 3/8 off the floor. I'm sure the video tells you, but remove the fill plug *before* you remove the drain plug.

I used one of these to refill:

Oil Suction Gun - Save on this Suction Gun at Harbor Freight

Fluid of choice for me is Valvoline Maxlife ATF full synthetic. Did a fluid/filter change at 80k and again at about 154k, same fluid both times. Still shifts like the day I bought it. Having now said that, it will probably die on me tomorrow, lol.

[Quicksilver]

Originally Posted by bcredliner

OMG, I must be dead.

Certainly, there is always some risk stemming from whatever way a vehicle is supported.

I hope everyone agrees that there is way to much risk to get under a vehicle supported by only a jack.

I don't think you meant it that way but jack stands should not be a deterrent to DIY. That assumes that I did my homework on how to determine good locations for the stands. That also assumes the jack stand rating is well under the load and the jack is still in place just snugged to the vehicle as back up. . Depending on what I am doing, I use additional jack stands in different locations as another back up plan especially if I am removing significant weight from one corner. IMO the risk of using jack stands is too high if the base of the stand is not on a level surface, if there is a risk that a stand leg can sink into the surface or the vehicle is on an incline Even then there are ways to address those circumstances. I would rather not be alone when I am under a vehicle. When I remember I have my phone within reach. Our risk is reduced working under an X5. Mine is lowered and I can still shimmy underneath in most areas. Of course, that won't be beneficial when the tire is removed.

Educating technicians on the risks of using jacks and jack stands improperly when lifting vehicles

DIY deterrent not intended. At my age I can just seem myself risking life
and limb doing a transmission service with my X on Jack stands.
Knowing me i would make some fatal error. BTW I do have a pair of them.

[dkl]

Originally Posted by Quicksilver

But getting it done right by a professional has it's merits.

One caveat - there are various levels of "professional" and getting things "done right" isn't always guaranteed

[O3X5]

Originally Posted by bcredliner

Need it up on 4 stands so it is level.

yes i'm aware, i've already done my research on it

[O3X5]

Originally Posted by Quicksilver

But getting it done right by a professional has it's merits.

i'm an ex mechanic so i'm like a semi pro. 3 years experience with 1 being at a vw dealership & another at a machine/engine building shop so a trans service is a walk in the park for me. i've even done trans swaps alone on a mk1 golf track car. thanks for your suggestion though

[O3X5]

Originally Posted by Quicksilver

But it could save your life trying to use "jack stands"

well only if you're an idiot. i've lifted hundreds of cars/trucks on lifts without ever having an accident. a couple stands & a jack is cake.

[O3X5]

is the torque spec for the pan bolts 7lbs?

[bcredliner]

Technically 7.3 ft/lbs.

https://www.ecstuning.com/b-bentley-...VHAaAqge8P8HAQ