A service technician has completed an underbody repair on a vehicle currently resting securely on mechanical jack stands. In what chronological sequence should the technician perform the following actions to safely lower the vehicle back onto the shop floor?
- 1Position a hydraulic floor jack under the primary lift point and raise the vehicle slightly above the jack stands.
- 2Disengage the locking mechanisms and slide the jack stands out from under the chassis.
- 3Inspect beneath and around the vehicle to confirm all tools, equipment, and personnel are completely clear.
- 4Slowly turn the hydraulic release valve counterclockwise to gently lower the vehicle tires onto the ground.
- 5Remove the wheel chocks from the tires once the vehicle is fully resting on the ground.
Answer
The correct sequence begins with raising the vehicle slightly using a hydraulic floor jack to unload the jack stands, followed by removing the jack stands, clearing the work area of tools and personnel, slowly opening the hydraulic release valve to lower the vehicle, and finally removing the wheel chocks once all wheels are on the floor.
Safely lowering a vehicle requires systematically reversing the support process. First, the load must be temporarily taken up by the hydraulic jack to allow the mechanical stands to be freed. Second, the stands must be completely removed so the chassis has a clear path down. Third, the perimeter and underside must be inspected for safety. Fourth, the hydraulic release valve must be slowly metered for a smooth descent. Finally, wheel chocks are removed only after the vehicle is resting solidly on its tires.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Standard Operating Procedure for Safely Lowering Supported Vehicles
Estimated Time:1m 15s