2018 Malibu LT Lifting Points for 2-Post Lift: A Guide
Safely lifting your 2018 Chevrolet Malibu LT is crucial for various maintenance and repair tasks․ This guide provides a comprehensive overview of proper lifting techniques using a 2-post lift․ Whether you’re performing routine maintenance like tire rotations or more complex repairs, understanding the correct lifting points is essential to prevent damage to your vehicle’s frame and ensure your safety․ Incorrect lifting can lead to costly repairs and potential injury․ This guide will walk you through the necessary steps, highlighting key considerations for a successful and safe lift․ Refer to diagrams when lifting․
Understanding Lift Points
Importance of Correct Lift Points
Using the correct lift points is crucial for safely elevating your 2018 Malibu LT․ Incorrect placement can damage the vehicle’s frame, undercarriage, or other components․ Such damage can compromise the car’s structural integrity, leading to costly repairs and potentially dangerous driving conditions․ Proper lift points ensure even weight distribution, preventing the car from slipping or falling off the lift․ This is especially important when using a two-post lift, as stability is paramount․ Moreover, adhering to the manufacturer’s recommended lift points helps maintain the vehicle’s warranty and avoids any liability issues related to improper lifting procedures․ Always consult the vehicle’s manual or a trusted repair guide for accurate lift point locations․
Identifying Lift Points on the 2018 Malibu LT
Identifying the correct lift points on your 2018 Malibu LT is a critical step before using a two-post lift․ Typically, these points are located along the vehicle’s frame rails, often reinforced areas designed to bear the car’s weight․ Look for notches or markings on the pinch welds along the rocker panels, indicating designated jacking locations․ Consulting your owner’s manual or a reliable repair guide will provide specific diagrams and instructions for your Malibu LT model․ These resources will illustrate the precise locations, ensuring you avoid vulnerable areas like the floor pan or suspension components․ Correct identification prevents damage and guarantees a safe and stable lift․
Using a 2-Post Lift
Using a two-post lift requires careful preparation and precise positioning․ This section outlines the necessary steps to safely lift your 2018 Malibu LT, ensuring proper weight distribution and stability throughout the process․
Preparing Your Malibu LT for Lifting
Before hoisting your 2018 Malibu LT with a two-post lift, ensure the vehicle is ready․ Begin by parking the car on a level surface, engaging the parking brake firmly․ Remove any loose items from inside the vehicle to prevent shifting during the lift․ Consult the owner’s manual for specific recommendations․
Next, identify the recommended lift points on your Malibu’s frame․ These are typically reinforced areas designed to bear the vehicle’s weight safely․ Double-check that the lift pads are clean and in good condition․ Lastly, ensure the area around the vehicle is clear of obstructions․ Proper preparation is crucial for a safe and successful lift․
Positioning the Lift Arms
Correct placement of the lift arms is critical for a safe and balanced lift․ Carefully align the lift arms with the identified lift points on your 2018 Malibu LT․ Ensure the lift pads make full contact with the vehicle’s frame to distribute the weight evenly․ Adjust the height of each arm individually to achieve a secure fit․
Before raising the vehicle, double-check that all four lift arms are properly positioned and locked into place․ A slight adjustment may be needed to ensure the car remains stable as it is lifted․ Slowly raise the Malibu a few inches and re-inspect the arm placement․ Make any necessary corrections before lifting to the desired height․
Jacking Points for Basic Maintenance
Floor Jack Points for Tire Rotation
When performing tire rotations on your 2018 Malibu LT, utilizing the correct floor jack points is crucial for safety․ These points are typically located along the vehicle’s frame, near the front and rear wheels․ Look for reinforced areas, often indicated by notches or markings on the pinch welds․
Ensure the jack is positioned securely on these designated spots to prevent damage to the vehicle’s undercarriage․ Consult your owner’s manual for specific diagrams, which often show the exact locations․ Using these designated floor jack points ensures even lifting and a stable base for safely rotating your tires, so follow the directions carefully․
Emergency Jacking Points (Spare Tire)
In the event of a flat tire on your 2018 Malibu LT, it’s important to know the correct emergency jacking points for safe spare tire installation․ These points are specifically designed for use with the vehicle’s emergency jack, typically a scissor jack, which is supplied with the car․ These locations are usually near the flat tire, indicated by notches in the vertical bottom edge of the body side sheet․
Position the jack securely within these notches to prevent slippage or damage to the pinch welds․ Refer to your owner’s manual for the exact location․ The notches are made for the emergency jack to be used safely and securely․
Safety Precautions
Prioritize safety when lifting your 2018 Malibu LT․ Always use proper safety equipment, including jack stands․ Inspect all lifting points for damage before commencing any work to guarantee secure lifting․
Importance of Using Jack Stands
When working on your 2018 Malibu LT, especially when using a 2-post lift or even a floor jack for tasks like tire rotation, the use of jack stands is paramount․ Never rely solely on the hydraulic lift mechanism of a jack or lift to support the vehicle’s weight․ Hydraulic systems can fail, potentially leading to sudden and dangerous drops․ Jack stands provide a mechanical safety net, offering stable and reliable support․
Position jack stands at designated points on the vehicle’s frame, ensuring they are securely placed before commencing any work․ These stands prevent accidental falls, protecting you from serious injury and preventing damage to your Malibu LT․ Always prioritize your safety․
Inspecting Lift Points for Damage
Before lifting your 2018 Malibu LT, a crucial step involves a thorough inspection of the designated lift points․ Over time, these areas can be susceptible to damage from road debris, corrosion, or previous improper lifting attempts․ Look for signs of rust, bending, cracks, or deformation in the metal․ Damaged lift points can compromise the stability of the vehicle during lifting, increasing the risk of slippage or collapse․
If you notice any damage, it’s essential to address it before proceeding․ Consult a qualified mechanic to assess the extent of the damage and recommend appropriate repairs․ Using damaged lift points can lead to further damage to your car․
Alternative Lifting Methods
Using Ramps for Oil Changes
For certain maintenance tasks like oil changes on your 2018 Malibu LT, ramps offer a convenient alternative to jacks and lifts․ Ramps provide a gentler incline, making them suitable for vehicles with low ground clearance․ Unlike jacks, ramps allow you to drive the car onto them, raising it gradually and evenly․ This can be especially helpful when you only need a slight elevation to access the oil drain plug and filter․ Ensure the ramps are properly rated for the weight of your Malibu LT and always use them on a level surface for safety․