JACKING

JACKING

All Subaru models come with a scissors type jack for tire changing. The jack on all models is stored in the engine compartment, rather than in the trunk.

Jacking points are located on both sides of the vehicle, just behind the front wheel well and just forward of the rear wheel well. Do not place the jack underneath the floor pan sheet metal or bumpers.

There are certain safety precautions which should be observed when jacking the vehicle:

Always jack the vehicle on a level surface.
Set the parking brake if the rear wheels are to be raised (parking brake works on the front wheels). This will keep the vehicle from rolling off the jack.
If the front wheels are to be raised, block the rear wheels.
Block the wheel diagonally opposite the one which is being raised.
If the vehicle is being raised in order to work underneath it, support it with jackstands. Do not place the jackstands against the sheet metal panels beneath the vehicle. The panels will become distorted.

CAUTION
Do not work beneath a vehicle supported only by a tire changing jack.

Do not use a bumper jack to raise the vehicle. The bumpers are not designed for this purpose.
When using a frame contact hoist, place wooden blocks that are at least 2 in. x 2 in. (12 x 12mm), between the hoist contact pads and the four lifting points of the vehicle.

CAUTION
Never place the contact hoist pads directly under the sheet metal panels beneath the vehicle or the panels will become distorted.

Fig. 1: The vehicle can be supported with jackstands at these points

When raising the front of the vehicle using a hydraulic jack always use the front crossmember as the contact point, never a suspension or steering part and never the engine oil pan. Always block the rear of the back wheels, and always use a block of wood between the saddle of the jack and the crossmember. When raising the rear of the vehicle using a hydraulic jack, place blocks in front of the front wheels and always place the jack in contact with the center of the rear crossmember. On four wheel drive models contact the bottom of the rear differential carrier. Always jack slowly until the vehicle is high enough to place the jackstands in their proper positions. The safety stands should be placed in the same location points as shown on the jacking point diagram. Make sure the stands are set on the flange of the side sill.

WARNING
Never work under a vehicle that is supported by a jack alone, always use jackstands. Never use cinder blocks or stacks of wood, even if you are only going to be under it for a few minutes.

Drive-on trestles or ramps are also handy and a safe way to both raise and support the vehicle.

Fig. 2: Jacking the front of the vehicle with a hydraulic jack — 1970–82 models

Fig. 3: Jacking up the rear of the vehicle with a hydraulic jack — 1970–82 models

Fig. 4: Jacking up the front of the vehicle with a hydraulic jack — 1983–84 models

Fig. 5: Jacking up the rear of the vehicle with a hydraulic jack — 1983–84 models