Disco 2 Bottle Jack Discussion

I've referred to the discovery2.co.uk website on several occasions and noticed recently that it was mentioned that the original (red) bottle jack should never be used - he was quite adamant! Now, I'm very careful when I jack-up the car (there's a good reason and it goes back a while!) and I will never reach underneath with a jack only; I only use a jack for a wheel change (flat tyre).

The red bottle jack provided is still original (sits in the engine bay next to the ECU). After use I usually give it a clean and I have never had any problems to date. Even though it looks in good nick it is pretty old now I guess and I just wondered what others thought about it - safety and reliability wise? Any comments?

IMO, the D2 jack is only meant to be used for emergency wheel change by lifting the vehicle from the radius arms. I personally always use axle stands to support the weight (+ wheel chocks), irrespective of the type of jack and why I keep 2 folding stands in the vehicle. From a hydraulics viewpoint, bottle and trolley jacks operate on exactly the same principles and all trolley jacks that I know of use bottle jacks in a horizontal orientation. My original D2 jack is still working fine but I do replace the hydraulic fluid occasionally.

Noticed a bottle of jack oil at an auto store a while ago! The bottle jack is original so it would have the original oil (from 2003). Why do you need to change the oil - is it just because the level drops over the years (haven't noticed any leaks with mine) or does it break down in some way?

Have heavy duty axle stands, but might invest in a trolley jack at some stage for home use - guess a 3T would be the go.

There is no particular reason why I choose to replace the oil as it never leaked or needed any bleeding. I suppose it's one of those things I do whenever I decide to service the garage equipment. Over here I use a Halfords brand of hydraulic jack oil but any low viscosity 5W or 10W oil should do. Some even use ATF but I don't have experience with that and don't know if it would react with the seals.

A 3T trolley jack would be ideal - just make sure it has enough lifting height and a wide saddle with metal grips.

Intestinalworm said:

Have heavy duty axle stands, but might invest in a trolley jack at some stage for home use - guess a 3T would be the go.

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IMO no need to exagerate, a 2T telescopic bottle jack is more than enough, there are some good choises in Australia... or get an exhaust jack and you are done with it

Intestinalworm said:

mentioned that the original (red) bottle jack should never be used - he was quite adamant!

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IMO, whoever said that is talking out of their derriere.
Nowt wrong with the original bottle jack. Used ofr its intended purpose.
I have just put my spare one into my FFRR to use in place of the crap that LR sold with it. Now that is a bad design of jack.

Cheers

neilly said:

IMO, whoever said that is talking out of their derriere.
Nowt wrong with the original bottle jack. Used ofr its intended purpose.

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+1

Okay, has worked fine to date - 17 years! Gave it a shake and seems there's still oil in there! If I replace/top-up oil I just need to remove the rubber bung, but seeing there are no replacements available I might just leave it alone in case the bung gets damaged during removal. 2T Coram Jack it is then - stick with what I know!

I'll keep a look out for a trolley jack though (good for the other cars) - I heard Costco sell a good one.

sierrafery said:

IMO no need to exagerate, a 2T telescopic bottle jack is more than enough, there are some good choises in Australia... or get an exhaust jack and you are done with it

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Exhaust jack - seen one being used quite a few years ago, but haven't ever seen one for sale; were they like the hovercraft - looked good but never really took off?

I've used my bottle jack twice to further push down the rear diff from the top to remove and install longer springs. It worked well.
Sort of like this...


Due to my increased lift, I can use the bottle jack to jack up the Disco only if I stick a piece of 4"x4" timber under it.

Nowt wrong with the original jack that came with the vehicle it is compact and does the job intended.
BUT, as it lies on its side near the ECU, it can leak and mine wasn't the only one according to others who have posted here and elsewhere.
The plug is safe to remove you are unlikely to damage it, and jack oil or hydraulic oil as used in log-splitters is great. Just top it up then pump the jack to its fullest extent a few times to ensure no airlocks, top it up again if nec.
But I carry mine vertical in the rear locker AND I take a small trolley jack with me as the original having let me down once I don't want it happeneing again. The trolley jack only has to be capable of lifting max half the weight of the vehicle, as it will only be lifting maybe just over 1/4 of its weight at a time. So 1 1/2 tons should do.
And +1 to all those who expressed the necessity of getting axle stands under quick as.

Folding axle stands? Never seen them but I would sure be interested in a pair. Although I could see how to fab a pair, why bother if they are to be bought?

neilly said:

IMO, whoever said that is talking out of their derriere.
Nowt wrong with the original bottle jack. Used ofr its intended purpose.

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Indeed they are.

Intestinalworm said:

Exhaust jack - seen one being used quite a few years ago, but haven't ever seen one for sale; were they like the hovercraft - looked good but never really took off?

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if i was in Australia i'd certainly buy one of these https://www.outbackequipment.com.au/product/exhaust-jack , full of videos on youtube with such things

sierrafery said:

if i was in Australia i'd certainly buy one of these https://www.outbackequipment.com.au/product/exhaust-jack , full of videos on youtube with such things

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Only problem might be the amount of space they take up even when deflated.

Stanleysteamer said:

Only problem might be the amount of space they take up even when deflated.

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It's a flat circular thing very ergonomic when deflated e.g

sierrafery said:

It's a flat circular thing very ergonomic when deflated e.g

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OK. Point taken. but they do rely on the engine running.
Now then, what about Farm jacks. Have used them in recovery situations.
Anyone any opinions?

I was wondering if anyone was ever going to mention the fact that if you make up a big heavy frame using strong metal, like bits of RSJs, it is possible, with a bottle jack, to make a press, which can be useful. I have one a mate gave me when he emigrated and I have a bottle jack from a tube bender that I can use.
Just sayin!

Stanleysteamer said:

I was wondering if anyone was ever going to mention the fact that if you make up a big heavy frame using strong metal, like bits of RSJs, it is possible, with a bottle jack, to make a press, which can be useful. I have one a mate gave me when he emigrated and I have a bottle jack from a tube bender that I can use.
Just sayin!

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Nope, that would come under a discussion headed Press..!!.....

Cheers

Stanleysteamer said:

I was wondering if anyone was ever going to mention the fact that if you make up a big heavy frame using strong metal, like bits of RSJs, it is possible, with a bottle jack, to make a press, which can be useful. I have one a mate gave me when he emigrated and I have a bottle jack from a tube bender that I can use.
Just sayin!

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Have seen videos showing how to make a simple press using a hydraulic jack - might have a look at that later myself.

neilly said:

Nope, that would come under a discussion headed Press..!!.....

Cheers

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Yeah, spose so.
If I was in the UK I could put pics up, but then you would need to have the steel hanging around, it weighs a shedload and again it would be handy to have the bottle jack hanging around too. I just happened to get lucky and it was welded up by a guy who welded the first american nuclear powered aircraft carrier reactor together, so the welds are a bit good and the whole thing is very straight. but it is so unwieldy it has to live outside.
Prolly easier to buy one.