TMC is an independent, primarily volunteer organization that relies on ad revenue to cover its operating costs. Please consider whitelisting TMC on your ad blocker and becoming a Supporting Member. For more info: Support TMC
  1. TMC is currently READ ONLY.
    Click here for more info.

The perfect Model 3 emergency jack?

Discussion in 'Model 3: Interior & Exterior' started by mswlogo, Nov 28, 2018.

Tags:
  1. Togg

    Togg Member

    Joined:
    Mar 24, 2019
    Messages:
    62
    Location:
    CA
    Works like a charm.

    To grind nub to round 15/16" dia, used angle grinder and vice to hold work.

    I added a sturdy 3/4" x 4" x 12" oak board to set it on to my kit.

    BTW, measured the jack heights: 3" closed & 10 5/8" fully up.

    Thanks!
     
    • Like x 1
  2. mswlogo

    mswlogo Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 27, 2018
    Messages:
    5,960
    Location:
    MA, NH
    That’s a good idea having the board. It doesn’t have a very large base (as many jacks don’t). If your are on soft ground it might dig in.
     
  3. Togg

    Togg Member

    Joined:
    Mar 24, 2019
    Messages:
    62
    Location:
    CA
    Also I changed out the 1/2" drive socket, to a lighter weight 3/8" drive, with a 3/8" to 1/2" adapter. Plenty of force, and half the weight.

    Another small thing I was concerned about was wheel locking, and/or the need to chock the front wheels when jacking up the back. It seems both back wheels are fully locked when in park. So I can jack up either back wheel without having to fear the car rolling because the other back wheel keeps it's traction and is locked. (But probably good to also chock the front wheels, just in-case.)
     
  4. Mako3

    Mako3 Member

    Joined:
    Apr 6, 2019
    Messages:
    52
    Location:
    Connecticut
    Exactly what I am looking for, thank you!

    How did you replace the nub with the rubber material? Did you drill out and replace the rivets holding the plate? If so; 1) Did you have to grind the nub down, cut it off or is there a way to remove it? 2) What fasteners did you use to replace the rivets? Do they need to be high strength? 3) What rubber material did you use?

    Thanks.
     
  5. Mako3

    Mako3 Member

    Joined:
    Apr 6, 2019
    Messages:
    52
    Location:
    Connecticut
    Exactly what I was looking for, thank you! To remove the nub, did you drill out and replace the rivets holding the plate? What fasteners did you use to replace the rivets, do they need to be high strength? What material did you use for the pad?
     
  6. mswlogo

    mswlogo Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 27, 2018
    Messages:
    5,960
    Location:
    MA, NH
    I drilled it out then wrenched it off. Pretty easy. I bought these self sticky bumper step no slip things at Walmart in the auto section. And just cut a piece to fit and stuck it on.

    I’ve seen one person grind the nub to fit the body lift point hole. And another mounted a lift puck on the jack. I jack up under the suspension instead of the body like I have for the last 3 decades. And it only requires jacking up 2 inches at most and doesn’t require any special lift puck. Just any old standard lift “cup” works.
     
  7. Togg

    Togg Member

    Joined:
    Mar 24, 2019
    Messages:
    62
    Location:
    CA
    I think you should try to keep the nub. With the nub, the jack is mounted securely in the jack point hole, and has no possibility of slipping off and putting a hole in our batteries!

    I used an angle grinder with a metal blade on it to cut the nub down to size. Held jack in a vice during trimming. It's aluminum so grinds easily. Trimmed both ends of nub a little at a time, then tested and re-trimmed. I happened to have a big washer with a 1" hole to help test how I was doing, so didn't have to test under the car each time. (You might also drill a 1" hole in a board to help you test for size.) For what it's worth: I measured the jack point hole with a caliper as being just a little smaller than 1" diameter.
     
    • Like x 1
  8. Mako3

    Mako3 Member

    Joined:
    Apr 6, 2019
    Messages:
    52
    Location:
    Connecticut
     
  9. Mako3

    Mako3 Member

    Joined:
    Apr 6, 2019
    Messages:
    52
    Location:
    Connecticut
  10. Rylet

    Rylet New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 17, 2019
    Messages:
    4
    Location:
    51501
    Awesome thread, thanks!

    My question is, what are you doing for a spare tire?

    Thanks again!
     
  11. Wennfred

    Wennfred Supporting Member

    Joined:
    Apr 4, 2019
    Messages:
    2,907
    Location:
    San Diego
    No spare tire, mini compressor, tire patch kit, Jack pad and I just picked up this OEM Porsche Jack on EBay tonight. Don’t need a breaker bar or socket since the tire isn’t coming off.


    Fred
     
  12. wjsx9999

    wjsx9999 Member

    Joined:
    May 12, 2019
    Messages:
    12
    Location:
    Connecticut
    Have you already sold the jack or is is still available?
     
  13. Mako3

    Mako3 Member

    Joined:
    Apr 6, 2019
    Messages:
    52
    Location:
    Connecticut
    I have an extra one if you are interested. Look at thread #29
     
  14. Daskid

    Daskid Member

    Joined:
    Jan 5, 2019
    Messages:
    127
    Location:
    Inland Empire
    I had bought a Hyundai Genesis spare tire. I had to ream the stud holes out a bit. Works great!
     
  15. wjsx9999

    wjsx9999 Member

    Joined:
    May 12, 2019
    Messages:
    12
    Location:
    Connecticut
    Yes, I am interested. Thanks for asking. I'm brand new to this forum and Teslaworld in general. Is there a way to private message you to further discuss?
     
  16. Mako3

    Mako3 Member

    Joined:
    Apr 6, 2019
    Messages:
    52
    Location:
    Connecticut
    I sent you a “conversation “
     
  17. xanatos

    xanatos Member

    Joined:
    Jun 21, 2016
    Messages:
    232
    Location:
    SF Bay Area
    Did it still fit before you reemed it? Or would it not fit at all?
    Some people said even if you don't reem, it will still fit but will be tight. Just trying to get some confirmation.
     
  18. steve1313

    steve1313 Member

    Joined:
    Apr 10, 2019
    Messages:
    34
    Location:
    Richmond, VA
    I read every post in this entire thread, and you guys have come up with some great ideas and "solutions" . But how many flat tires are you guys getting??? I think I've had one in the last 15 years!! Yes, when I got my Model X, I worried about not having a spare, especially when I realized foam/slime wouldn't work. But after my initial anxiety went away, I realize that in the unlikely event I do have a flat, help is just a phone call away, either for a tow, a repair, or exchange. Or worst case, an Uber ride to my destination.
     
  19. Togg

    Togg Member

    Joined:
    Mar 24, 2019
    Messages:
    62
    Location:
    CA
    I guess it depends on the roads you're driving. I think I've had 4 issues in about 5 years on two vehicles (non EVs). One screw, probably lost out of a contractor's truck, two GNW (god knows what), and one sharp rock too many, and I don't really drive that much.
     
  20. mswlogo

    mswlogo Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 27, 2018
    Messages:
    5,960
    Location:
    MA, NH
    Murphy’s law applies here. If I’m fully prepared, odds increase I’ll never need it.

    Between my wife and I, think we’ve had one incident, on the road, in the last 20 years. And that was on a railroad track with a pothole next to it and she popped the bead on Two tires. I had to just refill them. All other incidents have been a nail here and there but very slow leaks I could fix in my driveway.

    P.S. I used my Jack and Plug Kit the other day to help a friend patch a boat trailer. So glad I got to practice on her tires than mine. ;) The practice was well worth while too. The plugs didn’t go in as expected at all. Took like 3 attempts. I’ve plugged many times with older kits, but this newer style plug requires a different technique. Or so I thought.
     

Share This Page

  • About Us

    Formed in 2006, Tesla Motors Club (TMC) was the first independent online Tesla community. Today it remains the largest and most dynamic community of Tesla enthusiasts. Learn more.
  • Do you value your experience at TMC? Consider becoming a Supporting Member of Tesla Motors Club. As a thank you for your contribution, you'll get nearly no ads in the Community and Groups sections. Additional perks are available depending on the level of contribution. Please visit the Account Upgrades page for more details.


    SUPPORT TMC