Repair 7

Knowing how to safely lift any vehicle and support it onto jack stands is important, no matter what make or model the vehicle is. The Ford Taurus is no exception. If lifting one axle on the Taurus (front or rear), a single set of jack stands will be required. If lifting both axles, you will need two sets of stands. In addition, while the factory-supplied scissor jacks for emergency roadside repair will safely lift the Taurus, a better and safer option would be using a hydraulic floor jack.

Instructions

1

Place the two wheel chocks against the front and rear of a tire (doesnt matter which one) on the opposite axle from which the Taurus is being lifted first (if raising both axles).

2

Place the block of wood on the cradle of the floor jack and align it beneath the rocker panel seam of the Ford Taurus (front or rear). The wood block will help prevent bending or damaging the rocker panel seam Turn the handle of the jack clockwise as far as it will go to activate the hydraulic lift.

3

Pump the handle to raise the cradle and block of wood, making sure the alignment of the wood and cradle is centered to the rocker panel seam before contacting it.

4

Continue to pump the jack handle until the corner of the Taurus is elevated high enough to allow the jack stand to be placed under it. For front axle, place the jack stand(s) under the front frame rail (about 10 inches in from the rocker panel seam) of the Taurus. Theres one frame rail each for drivers and passengers sides, but the rail only runs about half the length of the Ford Taurus, so using the rail for rear axle support is not an option. For the rear axle support, place the jack stand(s) near the jack under the rocker panel seam.

5

Turn the handle of the jack counterclockwise slowly to release the hydraulic tension on the jack and allow the Taurus to slowly lower and contact the arm of the jack stand. Be sure the alignment of the arm of the stand is located directly beneath the front frame rail or rear rocker panel seam respectively.

6

Repeat the procedure for the opposite side of the same axle using the jack and the block of wood. If lifting all four corners, lift the opposite axle and support it onto jack stands (one side at a time) after one axle is secured onto jack stands.

A good hydraulic floor jack is a staple of every garage due to its versatile lifting abilities. With a floor jack there is no need to drive a car onto a lift -- simply put the jack underneath and raise it. For this reason, it can be a major frustration to find that your jack has broken. Fortunately you may be able to repair the jack yourself, and you should always try to do so before sending it away for a costly and potentially lengthy repair.

Instructions

1

Compare the capacity on the jack to the weight of the vehicle. The vehicles weight is listed on the drivers door pillar. The capacity of the jack is written on the jack or on the documentation that accompanied it when it was new.

2

Extend the piston by pumping it out or opening the release valve and pulling it out by hand. Watch for binding as the piston is extending. Once it is out look for dirt or grit on the piston which may have damaged the seal. Examine the seal at the bottom of the piston for pinches or cuts. If this seal is broken then the jack may have to go to a repair facility for further work.

3

Open the oil reservoir cap. This is usually the uppermost cap and you may need a flathead screwdriver to get to it. The oil should be 1/4-inch below the level of the hole. Top up the oil to this level if it is low and replace the cap.

4

Bleed air from the jacks hydraulics. Open the release valve and pump vigorously. Close the release valve, pump the piston to its full extension and then open the release valve to let it down. You should do this without using a vehicle as a weight. If the jack does not reach its full height then repeat the process until it does. Wipe the jack clean with a cloth before starting the bleed process and examine the jack afterward for evidence of leaks.

5

Lift the vehicle with the jack. If it still does not work then the pump may be broken and should be replaced. This is best undertaken by an authorized repair facility used to working with pressurized hydraulic systems.

Hydraulic jacks come in two basic styles, floor jacks and bottle jacks. Bottle jacks consist of a simple hydraulic ram oriented vertically on a small base with a lifting saddle mounted on top of the ram. Floor jacks are somewhat larger, with a frame that mounts the hydraulic ram horizontally under a lifting arm. Both types of jack operate by applying hand pressure at the handle socket, which produces hydraulic pressure and extends the ram. Release pressure from the ram to close the jack by turning the release screw to bleed off the pressure in the ram.

Instructions

Bottle Jack

1

Remove the handle from the handle socket.

2

Engage the slots in the end of the handle with the studs on the release screw located on the base plate at the bottom of the ram. Slowly rotate the release screw at the bottom of the jack counterclockwise until the jack collapses. Push down on the lifting saddle by hand if the jack will not collapse fully on its own.

3

Rotate the release screw clockwise until the screw bottoms out.

4

Disengage the handle from the release screw.

Floor Jack

5

Slowly rotate the lifting handle counterclockwise until the jack collapses.

6

Push down on the lifting saddle by hand, if the jack will not collapse fully on its own.

7

Rotate the lifting handle clockwise until you feel firm resistance to rotation.