ski35off

Since it looks like the oil extractor option is not going to work for oil changes (see thread below), at least not for a full drain, I'm trying to figure out the best way to safely lift the car to get under it while keeping it level. How do you do it?

One option, albeit expensive, is to install a four post lift (see link at end of this post). That's a lot of oil changes at the dealer, but could be handy for other things. And all the guys in the neighborhood would be jealous :-)<ul><li><a href="http://www.gregsmithequipment.com/Direct-Lift-Pro-Park-7-p/tppro-park7.htm">Direct Lift Pro Park 7</a></li></ul>

Troy H

Why not take it to the dealer? Did you skip on the maintenance plan?

Bob W.

obviously a little pricey, and you need enough ceiling height in your garage. my garage has an 8ft finished ceiling, so a 2 or 4 point lift wouldn't fit.

i've been thinking about getting a set of <a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Garage-Hydraulic-Vehicle-Dolly-Car-Lift-jack-1500lbs_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ63697QQihZ008QQ itemZ180075683684QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW">these</a> for a while....not sure how high they can be jacked up, though. it would be an easy way to lift the car and keep it level...the question is whether they could lift the car enough to let you crawl underneath and pull the drain plug.

ski35off

Yes, I got the Audi Care thrown in, but I plan on changing the oil more often - to RI RS4's guidelines.

ski35off

I saw something very similar at Griot's warehouse in Tacoma. Looks like they lift the tires just an inch or so off the floor so you can move the car around.

daveak05

How about a floor jack with jackstands. As long as you stick to the designated jacking points, should be okay. It's what I use to rotate my tires.

ski35off

The shop manual says:

"On no account should vehicle be lifted at engine sump, gearbox or on front or rear axle, as this may cause serious damage."

I've thought about driving the front onto ramps and then lifting the rear onto jack stands, but I haven't (yet) found a good spot to place the jack stands.

daveak05

never lift any vehicle at engine crossmember, gearbox, or axles.

There are specific jacking points on the side of the car, front and rear. They are denoted by small arrows. You will need to limit the jack contact to that area, which is not hard. The more difficult part is then fitting a jackstand into the same area, while the jack is still in the way.

It can be done though...by moving the jack as far forward(or backward) in the "approved" contact area, leaving enough room for a jackstand to also be placed there. I do it all the time, but have to be careful each time that I'm not beyond the proper contact point(s).

Auto ramps are usually a good alternative to using a jack, but the RS4 might not have good clearance. You wouldn't want to drag any of the lower front bumper.

Troy H

give an RS4 customer the hour of labor for free.

wagongotya

if you don't have room for a lift you can always get some ramps for oil changes