Rear won't leave the ground

[Geddup Noise]

I was trying to get my car up on jack stands so that I could rotate my tires. I got the front end up and on jack stands, then proceeded to do the same with the rear. Only problem is, when I jack the rear (as far as the jack will go) the tires are still on the ground. This can't be good I know.

Does anyone know what exactly the problem is?

I'm using a standard size Mac hydrolic floor jack.

Also when riding over bumpy roads, I can hear a lot of rattling coming from the back. This sound is not normal.

 

[Steeda...]

LOL get a better jack

 

[Auto-X Fil]

Use a block of wood between the jack and car to get it higher.

The clanging could be lots of things. When you get it up (and get jackstands under it - never work under a jack alone!) shake and push on stuff and see what's loose.

 

[Geddup Noise]

LOL get a better jack

The jack is as good as any. There has to be something wrong with the suspension.

The rear wheels should leave the ground when i jack the car up.

 

[Tony2005]

..The rear wheels should leave the ground when i jack the car up.

Correct.

Check the rear spring and strut. Both could be broken.

 

[Geddup Noise]

Correct.

Check the rear spring and strut. Both could be broken.

Thank you Tony

 

[Reebs]

I had the same problem jacking up the car, but I realized that if I lower the front the rear will come off the ground. I had the front way to high so that the rear was way to low.



Reebs

 

[Auto-X Fil]

The jack is as good as any. There has to be something wrong with the suspension.

The rear wheels should leave the ground when i jack the car up.

Are you joking? The rear struts bottom (or should) on the subframe. Even if they don't, eventually the tires WILL come off the ground. Your jack doesn't lift high enough!

 

[Reebs]

Are you joking? The rear struts bottom (or should) on the subframe. Even if they don't, eventually the tires WILL come off the ground. Your jack doesn't lift high enough!

His jack could be older. Jacks can wear out with age and not lift as high. Also, as they age, you have to pump the handle more times to get it up.

 

[SVTGT350]

Try leaving the front on the ground and lifting the rear first. The struts have a catch on them that will rest on the rear subframe when they extend out so even if the strut or spring was broken the rear tire will come off the ground. Where are you jacking the car up from?

 

[Geddup Noise]

I had the same problem jacking up the car, but I realized that if I lower the front the rear will come off the ground. I had the front way to high so that the rear was way to low.



Reebs

yeah, i tried that. Still no luck even with a block of wood.

 

[Static]

try just jacking it up on one side at a time. This shouldnt be a problem unleess your trying to jack it up in the mudd or something

 

[weargle]

Have you tried putting the jack under the rear differential?

 

[KingpinSVT]

I suppose if he had, that may have lead to his current problem. Rear diff ?

 

[Damien]

Also, as they age, you have to pump the handle more times to get it up.


Oh the joys of getting old. glad I have a while still...

 

[Berkel]

Where are you jacking the car up from?

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[BrandonSVT99]

Have you tried putting the jack under the rear differential?

Since when did the contour have a rear diff(<Insert trout slap>)?

 

[Reebs]

Since when did the contour have a rear diff(<Insert trout slap>)?

In 2001 they added AWD. I really need to pick one up!

 

[Geddup Noise]

I've tried with the front on the ground. Still no luck. My jack is brand new.

 

[Tourige]

I've tried with the front on the ground. Still no luck. My jack is brand new.

Your car is broken.