Jack stand placement question

[NJFrank]

Where do I put them. and how.

Seems pretty simple, however the jack points (very short) are just behind the front wheel, and just forward of the rear wheel, so I can't see where to place them.

So where do I place the jackstands where I car safely lower the car on them, without damaging the frame.

What am I missing.

Want to do my own brake job, and maybe hubs if the need arises.

Thanks all

[MagicRat]

Although I have not looked under an Alero, all front wheel drive GM cars use the same principles. They have a front sub-frame that supports the engine, transmission and front suspension.

I usually lift a GM fwd car in the front by placing a hydraulic trolley jack under the frame crossmember that goes just in front of the engine, or lifting on the lower control arms, one side at a time.
I have also used a trolley jack on the body, (where the owner's manual says to place the tire jack, when changing a tire. However, often there is plastic bodywork which can get in the way.

Then I place the jackstands on the sub frame rails, just behind the front wheels, just where the big frame-to-body bolts are.

Rear ends are similar. usually, I lift on the rear lower control arm (so long as its not aluminum, like in some Cadillacs) and place the jack on the underneath, just in front of the rear wheels. Often, you can see a reinforced point that is just fine for the jackstand to sit.

If you have any doubt, ask at a local GM dealership. The factory service manuals usually have diagrams near the front of the book, showing all lift and support points.

[BNaylor]

For jack stand support points on the front end just use the subframe assembly as suggested. Either forward or to the rear of the wheel/tire or where you see the part of the subframe the lower control arm bolts to but not on any part of the lower control arm.

[NJFrank]

Thanks Naylor and Magic,

Hopefully I can get to it next weekend, I was confused as if you life the car by the tire change jack points, you obviously couldn't place a jack stand there. Since the jack would be in the way

Thanks again.

[MagicRat]

Originally Posted by NJFrank

Thanks Naylor and Magic,

Hopefully I can get to it next weekend, I was confused as if you life the car by the tire change jack points, you obviously couldn't place a jack stand there. Since the jack would be in the way

Thanks again.

Yes, do not place a jackstand on the body itself.
It's okay, obviously, to place the factory - supplied jack there, but it's not strong or stable enough to allow you to safely get underneath the car.