Questions - Front and Back Jack Point With Pictures

[william489]

I searched the forum and understand this has been discussed extensively. But I have some doubts about using front hook and rear vertical bar (close to rear differential) for central jack points, as neither are flat surface to put a jack on.

Below pictures show alternative jack points (red rectangle boxes) I thought are safe, but certainly need your inputs.

[william489]

Picture for the back.

[Roger]

The rear center point is fine. There is also one in the front, I've used both several times with no issues.

I haven't used the front hook, just because I don't see the need with the jack point right there in the center.

[tim.s]

See here for details.

[william489]

Originally posted by tim.s
See here for details.

Understand I can use stock jack points mentioned in the manual. But if I use them, I can not put jack stand under those stock jack points.

That is why I need alternative jack points.

I probably miss something here, but it doesn't appear right to me to use the protruding front hook and rear vertical bar as the jack points. I thought you need a stable/flat/sturdy surface.

Thanks.

[Sunday Rider]

Originally posted by william489


Understand I can use stock jack points mentioned in the manual. But if I use them, I can not put jack stand under those stock jack points.

That is why I need alternative jack points.

I probably miss something here, but it doesn't appear right to me to use the protruding front hook and rear vertical bar as the jack points. I thought you need a stable/flat/sturdy surface.

Thanks.

I use the floor jack to lift up the vehicle using the jack points mentioned in the manual. I then use the stands and place them under the areas you circled, that are closest to the wheels. That is what I used when I did the brake job. Just make sure you have all the wheels chucked so nothing moves.

[MinMet]

Front center (seems like a tow hook) and rear center (behind the differential) is still the best jack point according to the shop manual. One lift with a SUV jack will let you put two jack stands (for each side stock jack point) at once. Every jack's lift cup will hold the jack point perfectly. I have been doing this since first tire rotation. Working great. As I said, I just followed the direction of the shop service manual.

[william489]

Originally posted by MinMet
Front center (seems like a tow hook) and rear center (behind the differential) is still the best jack point according to the shop manual. One lift with a SUV jack will let you put two jack stands (for each side stock jack point) at once. Every jack's lift cup will hold the jack point perfectly. I have been doing this since first tire rotation. Working great. As I said, I just followed the direction of the shop service manual.

Again this is where I get puzzled, if your jack saddle touches front hook or the bottom of rear vertical bar close to differential, we talking about a very small area holding up 1 ton weight each. In this case, no matter how nice your jack is (or how big your jack saddle is), 1 ton of weight is basically sitting on a hook (say for the front). This doesn't look right to me.

And I don't have shop/service manual myself, it could be I completely misunderstand your point, you actually put jack saddle on the area close to hook, not directly under the front hook, even that area is quite small as well.

I am lost,.

[GreenMachine]

Originally posted by william489


Again this is where I get puzzled, if your jack saddle touches front hook or the bottom of rear vertical bar close to differential, we talking about a very small area holding up 1 ton weight each. In this case, no matter how nice your jack is (or how big your jack saddle is), 1 ton of weight is basically sitting on a hook (say for the front). This doesn't look right to me.

And I don't have shop/service manual myself, it could be I completely misunderstand your point, you actually put jack saddle on the area close to hook, not directly under the front hook, even that area is quite small as well.

I am lost,.

When I got my tires balanced and rotated, I watched the Discount Tire guy jack up the rear of our Pilot using that little piece of steel hanging down from the rear diff. It worked out fine.

Until we got a Pilot, I always wondered what that thing was for because I would see it every time we got behind one.

[MinMet]

Originally posted by william489


Again this is where I get puzzled, if your jack saddle touches front hook or the bottom of rear vertical bar close to differential, we talking about a very small area holding up 1 ton weight each. In this case, no matter how nice your jack is (or how big your jack saddle is), 1 ton of weight is basically sitting on a hook (say for the front). This doesn't look right to me.

I am lost,.

Yes, that's where the shop/service manual specified points. Nothing to worry about.

Don't use the stock jack come with your car, though. The stock jack can only be used at the stock jack points (two under front door and two under back door).

[Roger]

Originally posted by william489


Again this is where I get puzzled, if your jack saddle touches front hook or the bottom of rear vertical bar close to differential, we talking about a very small area holding up 1 ton weight each. In this case, no matter how nice your jack is (or how big your jack saddle is), 1 ton of weight is basically sitting on a hook (say for the front). This doesn't look right to me.

And I don't have shop/service manual myself, it could be I completely misunderstand your point, you actually put jack saddle on the area close to hook, not directly under the front hook, even that area is quite small as well.

I am lost,.

You are lost because you seem to be having a problem with what everyone is telling you. Yes, the jacking points on both the front and rear center sections will hold the weight.

If you don't believe it that's fine. Don't try and overengineer this, jack up the car from the jack points and sleep well at night, it's really that simple.

[NJGuy]

I use the same front and rear jacking points (mentioned by those who have replied) all the time.

I just changed my VTM-4 fluid this past weekend and had a chance to get a close look at the rear strip of steel/hook. I could have sworn that it said had the word "JACK" stamped on its side. I never really see the side of the front hook during oil changes because it's a bit recessed within a bunch of plastic. If you're curious enough, you should take a look for yourself.

And like others mentioned, I always use a hydraulic floor jack, not the OEM one.

[Sunday Rider]

Originally posted by william489


Again this is where I get puzzled, if your jack saddle touches front hook or the bottom of rear vertical bar close to differential, we talking about a very small area holding up 1 ton weight each. In this case, no matter how nice your jack is (or how big your jack saddle is), 1 ton of weight is basically sitting on a hook (say for the front). This doesn't look right to me.

And I don't have shop/service manual myself, it could be I completely misunderstand your point, you actually put jack saddle on the area close to hook, not directly under the front hook, even that area is quite small as well.

I am lost,.

Those jack points are strong and will hold up the Pilot. I have used them. I just didn't see the point, when all I wanted to do was change the one side. I have no room to work on the back when the garage door is closed, hence I use the side jack points as the owner manual indicates. I have used the OEM jack, when I had a flat in the snow, it is a royal pain, but it works too. The hydraulic jacks are the way to go.

Go out and try it. Don't put the jack beside the lift points, put RIGHT UNDER the lift point, they fit very nice at others have mentioned.

Make sure you block the tires with some wooken blocks or chocks.

You can do it.
If you have no confidence (which is okay we all start some where), go to a smaller tire store and just hang around and watch what they do, or ask them about where the points are. They know. Don't go to Walmart or any of those quick places.

[william489]

Originally posted by Sunday Rider


Those jack points are strong and will hold up the Pilot. I have used them. I just didn't see the point, when all I wanted to do was change the one side. I have no room to work on the back when the garage door is closed, hence I use the side jack points as the owner manual indicates. I have used the OEM jack, when I had a flat in the snow, it is a royal pain, but it works too. The hydraulic jacks are the way to go.

Go out and try it. Don't put the jack beside the lift points, put RIGHT UNDER the lift point, they fit very nice at others have mentioned.

Make sure you block the tires with some wooken blocks or chocks.

You can do it.
If you have no confidence (which is okay we all start some where), go to a smaller tire store and just hang around and watch what they do, or ask them about where the points are. They know. Don't go to Walmart or any of those quick places.

Hi everyone, thanks a lot for your help. I got it now.

This board is the best, I love it (and my Pilot).