Factory Jack Failure

[Belly Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Belly]

The day before i was due to get new tyres (after 89800km off the Grandtreks) i got a puncture. When changing the wheel on almost flat ground on concrete in the hills, with the flat off and whilst reaching for the spare next to the car i heard a bit of a bang and watched the jack collapse and the car fall onto the shock strut and the rear bumper.

On closer inspection i saw the jack base had opened up and the gear sheared in half and spilled onto the ground - not to mention a heap of ball bearings.
This was the first time the jack had been used. Has anyone else had similar problems with the factory jack?

Thankfully i didn't have any body parts under the car when it happened and a local came back with a trolley jack and a cold beer which was well needed.

[D4D Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close D4D]

Re: Factory Jack Failure

Bugger, I've never used the factory jack as I bought a 3T hydraulic jack to replace the factory jack.

[KybraBoss Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close KybraBoss]

Re: Factory Jack Failure

Lucky Lucky
I've always put the spare and then the tyre I've just taken off under the chassis as a safety measure in case the jack slipped but for it to just colapse...

mind you we had to change a tyre on a new toyota bus the other day and the jack wouldn't even fit under the jacking point to lift the vehicle. and this was on level ground

[ozwapet2 Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close ozwapet2]

Re: Factory Jack Failure

Many of us now carry a hydraulic bottle jack in addition to the OE jack.
Have a look here :

viewtopic.php?f=4&t=6421

I wouldn't use the factory jack as first choice now I have the bottle.
Belly, given your experience, and assuming your jack is not a one off fault, I reckon this is actually a major safety issue with these jacks.
Should be reported perhaps ?

[AlanH Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close AlanH]

Re: Factory Jack Failure

I use the hydraulic jack from my old Defender/Dico (forget which) as it's a far better item of equipment. It's got a bent bar across the top as well which helps with location instead of that silly little thing the original for the Prado has.
It fits OK into the space provided as well with a little cutting of the holder in there.
Definitely a cause for complaint but I don't suppose they want anything else being seen to be unsafe about their vehicles!
Alan

[Belly Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Belly]

Re: Factory Jack Failure

Thanks for your comments guys! I have taken your advice on board. I now have a new bottle jack and finally Toyota have come to the party and will replace the broken jack. However no confirmation on any recalls...