For basic servicing the Galaxy.
I did read
QuoteNotes:
The job is best tackled with the vehicle up on a set of ramps, however its possible to do it on a flat piece of ground without raising the vehicle.
https://www.fordmpv.com/smf2/ford-galaxy-reference-library/galaxy-tdi-oil-and-filter-change-%28self-servicing%29/
If I can get away with doing it all on the flat and minimize the risking injury I will, who has done it? How easy, would you go there again ;D
Ramps
Mine has 215 tyres, so it seems a lot of the advertised affordable ramps are no use!
I have seen on the internut, several DIY ramps, made from wood to concrete.
Suggestions please.
I use ramps that are probably 30 years old that have no problems with 215 tyres. The tyres cover the full width of the ramps, but I have never given it a second thought.
I had mine custom built by a local metal fabricator for Ã,£200 but split it 4 ways with some mates - we were able to build them exactly as we wanted them so they are wide, solid sheet metal instead of "rungs", get the car a long way off the ground and have a real shallow slope so we can get sports cars up there - excellent ;)
As long as most of the tyre (say 80%) is on the ramp then you should be fine, a little overhang isn't important unless the ramps have upright metal at the edges - this would be bad as that'll eat into your tyre. I did have the same problem before I had mine made so I created my own wooden ones using offcuts of wide decking board (handy there is a sawmill just around the corner!) cheap n' cheerful but did the job really well.
Thanks for the info
QuoteI did have the same problem before I had mine made so I created my own wooden ones using offcuts of wide decking board (handy there is a sawmill just around the corner!) cheap n' cheerful but did the job really well.
Think I am going to do this, as I am handy enough with wood.
As I am going into Halfords for some servicing kit.
I might get this kit as a in tandem back up, to be extra cautious.
http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_10001_catalogId_10151_productId_899721_langId_-1_categoryId_255207
It seems decent enough value now it has been reduced!
What do you think! Might I be better off getting the ratchet type axle stands, then I will not have to buld the wooden ramp to match up with the less variable fixed levels type stands provided in the 5 PIECE LIFTING KIT.
Seems good value. The only thing I would say about a ramp is that its a simple roll on, roll off affair unlike axle stands which require the car be jacked up enough so it can be put back down on them. Another reason I like ramps is that the car is still on its wheels with the suspension in it's normal operating condition - assuming the ramps are solid, then there is nothing that can fail. On an axle stand the suspension is normally dropped so should something happen then the weight of the car will compress the suspension as it comes down before resetting - obviously worst case but something to remember and the reason never to go under a car that's just held on a jack.
Thanks, Yes I have come to appreciate the dangers, and thanks mainly to the content of this site.
Would then the following be my best bet. (bearing in mind I will probably only be doing basics)
A home made well constructed and heavy wooden ramp, stepped, giving me around 6 to 9 " of extra clearance.
Would couple of bottle jacks for extra support be wise!
Sounds good, either that or build two ;)