Jacking up a crunch noise?

[sleighty]

Hi everyone,

I've always been told it wasn't an issue to jack the front of the car up on the rear front LCA bushing that connects to the chassis rail. I wanted to do it today in order to drain the oil on my 318ti.

I intended to jack it up there and place the axle stand under the jacking pad.

As I jacked the car up all was well until I heard a crunch, I quickly let the car down again. I inspected the area where I had jacked and can't see any visible sign of damage but now im obviously worried I may have damaged the bush.

Firstly is it a big deal to jack on the bush? Secondly what checks can I do to ensure I haven't damaged it?

Thanks
Paul

[M-technik-3]

Invest in one of these. No more issues with underside damage.

Most big parts house in the US sell them.

[spidertri]

I would not lift the car from that bushing housing. There are only two threaded inserts into the frame rail that hold that bushing on. They are fine for bolting the control arm to but not for lifting the weight of the car.

One of the jack pads above is nice to have. I have also lifted from the front subframe to get the whole front end up at once.

[sleighty]

Thanks for the advice guys. Is there a way I can check if its done any damage?? Nothing is visible and car drives fine.

Does anywhere in the uk sell those pads or will ship to the uk?

Would like to be sure I haven't done any damage though. Wondering if it was the jack slipping slightly that made the noise.

[M-technik-3]

BAV Auto will ship internationally.

[BimmerBum]

Jack from the jack pads or front sub frame. I always place the jack stands under the frame rails behind the lower control arm bushings. Jacking from the lower control arm bushing itself is a bad idea and could lead to a VERY expensive repair. The lift pads are nice but I prefer to have the jack in contact with the car itself...

[M-technik-3]

Could always use the small portion of Unibody frame rail with a rubber pad over the jack. I lift that way on my E30's since there is no hole like E36's got.