How to jack up a c4(old and new) using a trolley jack?

[Cutac]

Why can't Citroen make a proper flat surface for jacking?

I still haven't found anything to put in between, I hope I'll find a hockey puck somewhere to buy.

And the problem is that the lug on the VTS is longer than the radius of the jack so it doesn't sit inside the cup. Especially with driver's side lug being bent. It's really giving me a headache...

[white exec]

I wonder whether some of the flimsy vertical 'jacking tabs' (vertical!) were more to do with movement along the production line, rather than any real thought being given to jacking.

Long time ago, many cars had four horizontal tubes set into the sills, into which a horizontal screw-jack arm could be inserted. These could rip out as corrosion took its toll on the sill area, but at least the body wouldn't 'fold' on a new or sound car. These tubular sockets were also used on the production lines, with roller-wheel/axle rods inserted.

Can't remember the last time anything other than token jacking points were incorporated into mass-production cars, although someone here surely will. Bet Bristol Cars managed something better!

Out of respect for ageing (or even modern) bodywork, load-spreading pads or jacking under subframes or appropriate suspension items is only sensible.

[GiveMeABreak]

Just for completeness, here's the C4 lifting guides that I said I would post up for future reference and for others:

Front of Vehicle: CAUTION: Do not lift the vehicle via the front. CAUTION: Never lift by means of the front panel supports.	Sideways Lifting: Do not position the jack away from the lifting points
CAUTION: Do not position the stands under the jacking points.	Correct positioning of the stand.
Vehicles with Body Sill Trims CAUTION: Do not lift the vehicle from the side by taking weight on the body sills.	Vehicles without Body Sill Trims Side lifting crossbeam [0010]. Positioning of the crossbeam. Take weight on the sill with the crossbeam, as close as possible to the mating plate. Position the stand at the location provided for lifting the vehicle with the jack provided. N.B. : To have 2 wheels suspended, repeat the operation on the other side.
Lifting from the Rear CAUTION: Do not lift the vehicle from the rear. Lifting by Vehicle Jack Lifting from the Front	Lifting from the rear. N.B. : The jack is specific to the vehicle, do not use for other purposes.
	Column Lift: Where it is possible to access the jacking points:- Position the lifting blocks underneath the lateral jacking points.

[momag46]

XM jacking points look really strong BUT are easily folded under. Quickfit made a great job of mine a few years ago.
You would have thought the design would allow the use of jacks other than the one that comes with the car, this is only designed to change one wheel at a time.

[Cutac]

Bought two pucks. I've slotted one and left one as it is. Both seem to be working fine.
It's just that I feel uneasy after the incident with the VTS's sill...

[GiveMeABreak]

They look just the job!

[Cutac]

Yup, and I honestly hope nothing is going to slip this time.

[Timmo]

Can certainly say I have learned again through the forum, I always use the subframe bolt area to jack mine up, that or the towbar..
I would never have thought jacking on the subframe would be a no,
On the subject of Jacks, have recently upgraded my 15 year old cheapy to one from sgs engineering, wish I'd done so much sooner!

[Cutac]

Puck proved itself great. Two cars, VTS and Panda and it handled them with no issues.
Will see tomorrow on the c4 and an Insignia.

I used the slotted one and it didn't split or show any signs of splitting.

[myglaren]

Speaking of jack pucks, here's a nice on for only £500

[white exec]

So, for a mere £2000, you could purchase a Set of Four for your two-post lift!
What a bargain...

[Cutac]

You buy 4 pads and get a lift thrown in for free!

[flying clutchman]

The citroen advice refers to the FRONT section of subframe. If you put a jack under this it will deform it because it carries no load, just gives the front of the car. I always jack any vehicle behind the wishbone mounting as this area is carrying the weight of the car anyway. Most jacking points are so flimsy I just never use them.

[white exec]

Would agree with your advice. Subframes at lower suspension points are normally both flat and very strong. A flat piece of wood can be used as a cushion if needed.
I never jack under sills (even at the so-called jacking points), but always under more substantial areas.
As you say, front subframe cross-member is a definite no-no.

[Gibbo2286]

Here's a couple of my many jacks collection. One jack with rubber pad, same jack with Draper adapter, can be used to lift under both side jacking points at once or under front and rear and an engine jack I knocked up for when removing a gearbox.