For Mercedes-Benz owners who enjoy performing their own vehicle maintenance, a common challenge arises when it’s time to lift the car. The low ground clearance of many Mercedes models can make it difficult to position a standard floor jack under the designated Mercedes Jacking Point. Trying to find the right spot to safely lift your Mercedes can be frustrating and even risky if not done correctly.
One effective and budget-friendly solution to overcome this hurdle is to create a set of simple, homemade car ramps. These ramps provide a safe and gradual lift, allowing you to easily maneuver a floor jack into place at the mercedes jacking point. This method eliminates the struggle of trying to fit a jack under a low-riding vehicle and provides a stable platform for lifting.
Building Your Own Car Ramps: A Step-by-Step Guide
Constructing these ramps is a straightforward DIY project requiring minimal tools and readily available materials. Here’s how you can build a set of ramps to help you access your mercedes jacking point with ease:
Materials You’ll Need:
- Two pieces of sturdy lumber, ideally 2″x10″x24″ (actual dimensions in the US might be 1.5″x9.5″x24″). Hardwood is preferable for durability.
- Two sections of nylon strapping (from ratchet straps work well), approximately 2″ wide and 3/16″ thick.
- Deck screws (1″ – 1.25″ length) for securing the straps.
Tools Required:
- Table saw (or circular saw for angled cuts)
- Measuring tape
- Pencil or marker
- Screwdriver or drill
Construction Steps:
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Creating the Tapered Ramp: The key to these ramps is the tapered edge, which allows your Mercedes to drive up smoothly. Set your table saw blade at a steep angle. Carefully and safely cut a taper along the length of two pieces of lumber. Ensure the taper is gradual enough for a smooth drive-up.
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Preparing the Strap Notch: To prevent the ramps from slipping when you drive onto them, we’ll create a notch for a nylon strap on the underside. Set your table saw blade to a shallow depth of 3/16″. Make multiple passes along the center underside of each ramp piece to create a 2″ wide notch. This notch will recess the strap, allowing the ramp to sit flat on the ground.
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Attaching the Straps: Cut lengths of nylon strap so they extend about 12″ beyond the tapered end of each ramp (approximately 36″ total length). Position the strap within the notch on the underside of the ramp, ensuring the excess strap extends past the tapered edge. Secure the straps to the wood using deck screws. The extended strap will sit in front of the tire, preventing ramp slippage as the car begins to drive onto it.
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Testing and Refinement: Before using the ramps with your Mercedes, test them for stability and ensure the straps provide adequate grip on your garage floor. Make any necessary adjustments for a secure and safe ramp system.
Alt text: Homemade wooden car ramps with tapered edges and nylon straps for accessing Mercedes jacking points.
Using Your DIY Ramps to Access Mercedes Jacking Points
With your DIY ramps ready, accessing the mercedes jacking point becomes significantly easier.
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Position the Ramps: Place the ramps in front of the wheels you intend to lift (either front or rear, depending on your needs). Ensure the extended straps are positioned to prevent slippage.
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Drive onto the Ramps: Slowly and carefully drive your Mercedes onto the ramps. The tapered design will provide a gentle lift.
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Position Your Floor Jack: With the added clearance from the ramps, you can now easily slide your floor jack under the car and correctly position it on the designated mercedes jacking point. Refer to your Mercedes-Benz owner’s manual for the precise location of these points.
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Safely Lift Your Mercedes: Once the jack is correctly placed, you can safely raise your Mercedes for maintenance or repairs. Always use jack stands to support the vehicle before working underneath it.
Alt text: Floor jack correctly positioned at a Mercedes-Benz jacking point after the car was raised using wooden ramps.
Safety First When Jacking Your Mercedes
Remember, safety is paramount when working on your vehicle. Always adhere to these safety precautions when using ramps and a floor jack to access your mercedes jacking point:
- Consult Your Owner’s Manual: Always refer to your Mercedes-Benz owner’s manual for the correct mercedes jacking point locations and recommended jacking procedures.
- Use Jack Stands: Never rely solely on a floor jack to support your vehicle. Always use jack stands placed at designated support points once the car is lifted to the desired height.
- Stable Surface: Ensure you are working on a level and solid surface.
- Wheel Chocks: Use wheel chocks on the wheels that are remaining on the ground to prevent any unwanted movement of the vehicle.
- Inspect Ramps Regularly: Check your DIY ramps for any signs of wear or damage before each use.
By building and utilizing these simple DIY car ramps, you can confidently and safely access the mercedes jacking point on your Mercedes-Benz, making home maintenance tasks much more manageable. This cost-effective solution is perfect for DIY enthusiasts looking for a practical way to lift their low-clearance vehicles.
