Jacking The B8 S4: How High To Access Oil Pan?

Jacking up your car is a skill every owner should know. It can come in handy in various situations, such as changing a tire or the oil. However, jacking up the car from the wrong jacking point can result in serious injury or damage to the vehicle. To access the oil pan of an Audi B8 S4, you will need to jack up the front end of the car. This can be done by placing the jack right behind the front wheel. There is a little mark along the rail that indicates the jack point. Once the car is raised, you can fit a jack stand underneath it and slowly lower the vehicle onto the stand. It is important to always use jack stands to secure the car, as a jack alone is not sufficient. When it comes to the oil pan replacement process, there are detailed DIY guides available online that outline the tools required and step-by-step instructions.

Jack placement for the Audi B8 S4

Jack placement is crucial when it comes to safely raising your Audi B8 S4, whether you're changing a tire or the oil pan. Incorrect jack placement can lead to serious injury or damage to your vehicle. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you position your jack safely and effectively.

Jacking Points

When jacking up your Audi B8 S4, the placement of the jack is crucial to ensure safety and stability. The jack should be positioned right behind the front wheel when lifting the front of the car, and directly in front of the rear wheel when lifting the rear. Look for a small mark along the rail, which indicates the designated jack point. This location provides a solid and secure spot to lift your vehicle.

Jack Stand Points

Once you've raised the car with the jack, it's important to secure it with jack stands. Right next to the jack point, you'll notice a ball-like piece of metal. This is specifically designed for the car to rest on the jack stand. Place the jack stand under this metal piece and slowly lower the vehicle onto it. If you need to raise both sides of the rear, it's best to work on one side at a time. Jack up one side, secure it with a jack stand, and then repeat the process on the other side.

Lowering the Vehicle

When you've finished your work and are ready to lower the car, use the same jacking points to raise the vehicle slightly off the jack stands. Then, carefully remove the jack stands and lower the car back to the ground.

Additional Tips

• Always use jack stands to secure your car. A jack alone is not sufficient to safely support the weight of the vehicle.
• If your car is too low to fit both the jack and jack stand, consider using ramps or a lower-profile jack.
• If there isn't enough room for both the jack and jack stand at the designated points, try angling them to make space for each other.
• You can also look for pinch welds along the body of the car, which can serve as alternative jacking points, but use caution to avoid folding them.
• Remember to place a piece of wood or other protective material between the jack and the car's body to avoid damage to the paintwork.

Jack stand points

The jack stand points are located right next to the jack points. Once you have raised the car with the jack, you will see a ball-like piece of metal next to the jack point. This is where the jack stand should be placed.

To secure the car, slowly and gently lower the vehicle onto the jack stand. If you need to raise both sides of the car, repeat the process for the other side. Ensure that you always use jack stands to secure your car, as a jack alone is not sufficient to safely hold the vehicle.

When you are finished and want to lower the car, use the same jacking points to raise the car off the jack stands. After removing the jack stands, you can then lower the car back to the ground.

It is important to note that the Audi B8 S4 may have plastic guards running down the sills, which can make it challenging to access the jacking points. In such cases, you may need to use a lower jack or ramps to lift the car high enough to access the jacking points and securely place the jack stands.

Lowering the car

• Practice with the jack: Before attempting to lower the car, it's crucial to familiarize yourself with the jack's operation. Practice raising and lowering the jack without any load. Determine the method to lower the jack—either by twisting the jack handle counterclockwise or by removing the handle, placing it over a notched screw, and then turning it counterclockwise.
• Inspect the jack stand: Ensure that the jack stand is properly positioned and located securely. Check the ground area to make sure there are no obstacles that could interfere with the lowering process.
• Alert others: As a safety precaution, loudly say "Clear" to alert anyone nearby that you are about to lower the vehicle. This double-check helps ensure that you can perform the task without risking injury to others.
• Slowly lower the vehicle: Begin to lower the vehicle by slowly turning the jack handle. Control the rate of descent to avoid any sudden drops or uncontrolled movements. Ensure that the vehicle is securely resting on the jack stand or back on the ground.

By following these steps in a deliberate and cautious manner, you can safely lower your B8 S4 after accessing the oil pan. Remember to take your time and prioritize safety throughout the entire process.

Additionally, it is worth noting that some sources recommend removing the belly pan under the car to access the oil drain plug and oil filter. This step may be necessary depending on the specific maintenance task you are performing. Always refer to a qualified mechanic or a detailed DIY guide for your specific vehicle model when attempting any car maintenance or repair work.

Removing the belly pan

• Tools Required: Before beginning the process, ensure you have the necessary tools. For belly pan removal, you will need a screwdriver.
• Jack the Car: Use a jack to raise the car to a comfortable height that allows you to work underneath the front end. This step ensures you have adequate access and space to work.
• Locate the Belly Pan: The belly pan is located right behind the front bumper cover. It is held in place by screws, including three screws along the front edge (center, left, and right), one screw in front of each mud flap, and three screws along the rear edge (center, left, and right).
• Remove the Screws: Using your screwdriver, turn the screws about half a turn to loosen them. There should be eight screws in total. Once loosened, remove the screws and keep them in a safe place.
• Detach the Belly Pan: With all the screws removed, gently detach the belly pan from the vehicle. Be cautious, as there may still be some fluids or residue in the pan.
• Clean and Inspect: Once the belly pan is removed, take the opportunity to clean it and inspect it for any damage or leaks. This step ensures that the belly pan is in good condition and can be reinstalled securely.
• Reinstallation: When you have completed your maintenance tasks and addressed any issues, carefully reinstall the belly pan. Ensure that the screws are tightened securely, following the same process as when you removed them.

Remember to follow all safety precautions when working on your vehicle. Always refer to the vehicle's service manual or seek advice from a certified mechanic if you are unsure about any steps or procedures.

Oil drain plug location

To access the oil drain plug, you will need to remove the belly pan or undertray. This is held in place by a series of flat-head screws or Phillips-head fasteners. There are 11 screws in total: three in the back, two in the front, and three on each side just in front of the tire. The three screws at the back stay with the lower engine cover, so you don't need to remove these.

Once the undertray is removed, you will be able to see the oil pan. The oil drain plug is located on the bottom of the oil pan. Place a drain pan under the drain plug to catch the oil, then use a 6mm Allen wrench or a T40 or T45 Torx bit socket to loosen and remove the drain plug.

When removing the drain plug, apply upward pressure to prevent oil from leaking out and covering your hand and tools. Install a new crush washer before replacing the drain plug.

Frequently asked questions