Transmission Fluid Change getting vehicle level while jacked up

[tiredguy]

Hello

I have a 2000 Passat and plan to service the transmission fluid /filter myself at home in my garage.

The vehicle needs to be jacked up and level to get the proper amount of fluid into the transmission

I have two sets of jackstands however they are different brands so don't think I am going to be able to find height positions that match front to back.

I do have two sets of rhino ramps and was thinking to drive the front up onto one set and then jack up the rear and put a rhino ramp under each wheel and then lower the jack. Does this should like a good idea?

Any other ideas?

 

[zzyzzx]

I put mine up on solid cinderblocks that are the same thickness. Also consider using wood the same thickness at each wheel.

 

[shortyb]

Before I got my Quick Jack, I used to drive up on the ramps (also Rhinos) and then jack up the rear of the car in the center. My VWs have the structural member that connects both lower links on the subframe and I would locate the jack in the middle of this. Would jack the car up and use the level feature in my iPhone on the lower front door jamb to confirm it was level (zeroed out). Place the jackstands underneath the trailing links for safety, but kept the car level with the jack. Did this for many years without any issues when doing trans fluid changes/fills.

 

[slacktide_bitog]

Different brands could still give you the same height, as long as both are the same size

If you'd rather use 4 ramps, you can just drive the car on the ramps like normal. Set up the rear ramps the same way you set up the front ramps. Stick the ramps under the rear wheels, just like you do with the front, and then drive up

 

[Nessism1]

It doesn't need to be surgically perfect. Get the car level to within a good eyeball site, and get to work.

 

[KrisZ]

How long have you been driving with the current ATF? If it’s been a long while and it’s not a new to you purchase, I would just drain and refill the same amount.

 

[tiredguy]

Different brands could still give you the same height, as long as both are the same size

If you'd rather use 4 ramps, you can just drive the car on the ramps like normal. Set up the rear ramps the same way you set up the front ramps. Stick the ramps under the rear wheels, just like you do with the front, and then drive up

thanks but I don't think that I will be able to get the rear ramps under rear passenger door area as I don't think there is enough clearance even with the low profile rhino ramps

 

[jayjr1105]

I know everyone can't get away with this but the Volvo tranny fluid has no dipstick, you have to get it level, get it to temperature then bleed the excess.

 

[Sumboodie]

Few inches off level won't matter enough.
Sometimes I do that on purpose to very slightly overfill stuff even.

 

[JMJNet]

We have to do the same in the Toyota, I usually just put the tires back on and remove the jack to have the car on the floor.
But I can still reach the drain plug when it is at the proper temp range to drain the fluid till trickle.


Not sure if that is possible for your car.
The key is, the floor have to be somewhat flat not on an incline.

 

[D60]

Many lifts in shops aren't lifting perfectly level and this is performed regularly.

Do the math on a 1* degree slope from left column to right column ‐- esp on a lift with extra drive-thru clearance like mine.

Then factor in imperfect lift pad adapter heights at the frame and variations in the framerails of trucks and it's a wonder any vehicle serviced on a lift can move under its own power at all ‐‐ or is it????

IOW people like to overthink is. Eyeballing level is good enough.

 

[fdcg27]

Check the level of the existing fluid. If it's in the correct range, just measure what you drained out and refill with that quantity.
No need to overcomplicate this.

 

[JeffKeryk]

As others have said, get it close, service that trans and enjoy your car.

 

[crashz]

I do the double set of ramps trick and face them in the opposite direction. Makes it a bit more secure and makes me feel a bit better about being under it and I know its reasonable level for what I'm doing.

 

[JeffKeryk]

You want to check for level? Open the driver side door and put a bullet level on the edge of the jam floor.

 

[tiredguy]

I do the double set of ramps trick and face them in the opposite direction. Makes it a bit more secure and makes me feel a bit better about being under it and I know its reasonable level for what I'm doing.

what is the ramp trick with them facing in opposite directions. Could you please send a photo thanks

 

[Carmudgeon]

I put one axle on ramps, and the other on stands, which I set to make the car level, checked with a 3-ft level placed against the rocker panels.

As already said, it doesn't have to be perfect.

 

[crashz]

what is the ramp trick with them facing in opposite directions. Could you please send a photo thanks

I don't think I have ever taken a photo of it. But essentially you drive the car onto the ramps with the front lifted. Then jack up the back of the car and place the second set of ramps under the tires with the ramp angle facing the front of the car. So the car cannot be driven froward or backward without falling off the ramps. In the case of Gorilla ramps, there is a lip, so the tires cannot roll off the ramp. This secures the car from moving. Works nice for a small car like our Beetle. Big SUVs or trucks have tires large enough to rollover that lip, so its point less on those. I'll try to take a photo of this Rube Goldberg setup next time I do it. Its at least worth the laugh.