You raise me up...

[S10NPH]

No this is not a post about Westlife.

I'm planning to have a go at inspecting and adjusting my vario belts and clutch when the weather gets slightly warmer, and I was wondering what the consensus was about how to lift up a 300 safely. At the moment, I just drive my wheels onto pieces of old kitchen worktop, which give me just about enough clearance to get under the car properly, but it's still not exactly easy! I'm wary about ramps, as they look rather flimsy, and the surface of my driveway is gravel.

Any thoughts appreciated!

[macplaxton]

Axle stands. High is good, especially when you've had a few burgers.

Could never be bothered with ramps.

When axles stands aren't enough:

[Chris_C]

Dude, the camber is supposed to go the other way to fit in with the cool kids

[volvosneverdie]

Pea Shoota!!!

[Ride_on]

Axle stands are the most common, but you will get higher with ramps. Both can be tricky

Axle stands
- need good points to mount, rear axle tube is strong, front cross-member is not so good but you need to use it for jacking anyway, front jacking point better but can also be weak floor bending etc. Rear jacking points can be weak due to corrosion.
-Need a good trolley jack to get it up
-Suspension will move as you lower it onto the stands pulling them forward or back, so you have get the aim right, putting them directly under the point you want to support will not work. Handbrakes should be off during lifting and settling, if may be on otherwise but car should be stable without it.
-Stones are not so good to work on, make sure the axles stands are well settled and secure.

Ramps
-Need to be held in place as you drive up them
-Need to be well aligned

Both stands need to be well made to proper standards, buy only decent brands from established retailers.

Anyway trial and error is normal, but be very careful until you are sure you have a good solution. Axles stands flat on the ground (no small gaps at one side) and fully taking the weight. Ramps, tyres are nicely in the middle. Car should take a good shove and not fall off.