How to Jack Up GMC Sierra: A Step-by-Step Guide

Whether you’re tackling a tire change, performing routine maintenance, or simply need to access the undercarriage of your GMC Sierra, knowing how to safely and effectively jack up your truck is essential. This guide will equip you with the knowledge and steps to confidently perform this common task, ensuring both your safety and the integrity of your vehicle.

Gathering Your Tools and Preparation

Before you begin, it’s crucial to gather the necessary tools and ensure a safe working environment. Here’s what you’ll need:

• A hydraulic jack: Choose a jack with a lifting capacity that exceeds the weight of your GMC Sierra.
• Jack stands: These are essential for providing stable support once the vehicle is lifted. Get a set that can safely hold your truck’s weight.
• Lug wrench: Ensure this is the correct size for your Sierra’s lug nuts.
• Chocks: These are vital for preventing the vehicle from rolling while it’s lifted.
• Work gloves: Protect your hands from potential cuts or scrapes.
• A flat, level surface: This is crucial for a stable jacking point and safe operation.

Choosing the Right Jacking Points

Your GMC Sierra has designated jacking points designed for safe and effective lifting. These points are typically located on the frame rails, near the wheels. Consult your owner’s manual for precise locations and diagrams.

Safe Lifting Practices

• Engage the parking brake: This prevents the vehicle from rolling while you work.
• Chock the wheels: Place chocks behind the rear wheels (if lifting the front) or in front of the front wheels (if lifting the rear) to prevent movement.
• Position the jack: Ensure the jack is placed firmly on a solid, level surface, directly beneath the designated jacking point.
• Engage the jack slowly: Raise the vehicle gradually, checking for stability at regular intervals.
• Use jack stands: Once the vehicle is lifted to a safe height, immediately place jack stands under the frame rails, near the jacking point.
• Lower the jack: Only lower the jack after the vehicle is securely supported by the jack stands.

Performing a Tire Change

Once your GMC Sierra is safely lifted and supported, you can proceed with a tire change:

• Loosen lug nuts: Use your lug wrench to loosen the lug nuts slightly, but don’t remove them completely.
• Remove the tire: After the lug nuts are loosened, carefully remove the tire.
• Install the new tire: Align the new tire with the wheel studs and gently lower it onto the hub.
• Tighten the lug nuts: Hand-tighten the lug nuts before using the lug wrench to tighten them fully, in a star pattern.
• Lower the vehicle: Remove the jack stands and slowly lower the vehicle using the jack.
• Final tightening: After the vehicle is fully on the ground, give the lug nuts one final, firm tightening.

Maintaining Your Jack and Jack Stands

Regular maintenance of your jack and jack stands is crucial for ensuring their longevity and safety:

• Inspect for damage: Before each use, inspect the jack and jack stands for any signs of damage, wear, or corrosion.
• Lubricate moving parts: Keep the jack’s moving parts lubricated to prevent rust and ensure smooth operation.
• Test the jack: Periodically test the jack’s lifting capacity to ensure it’s working properly.

Avoiding Common Mistakes

• Never jack up the vehicle on uneven ground: This can lead to instability and potential accidents.
• Don’t use the jack as a primary support: Always use jack stands for support once the vehicle is lifted.
• Avoid lifting the vehicle higher than necessary: This can put unnecessary strain on the jack and suspension components.
• Don’t lift the vehicle on soft or unstable surfaces: Ensure the jack is placed on a firm, level surface.

The Final Lift: A Summary of Safe Jacking Practices

Mastering the art of jacking up your GMC Sierra requires a combination of knowledge, practice, and safety consciousness. By following these guidelines, you’ll be able to confidently tackle any undercarriage tasks while ensuring the safety of yourself and your vehicle:

• Gather the right tools and prepare your work area.
• Locate the designated jacking points.
• Engage the parking brake and chock the wheels.
• Position the jack securely and engage it slowly.
• Use jack stands for support.
• Lower the jack only after the vehicle is safely supported.
• Maintain your jack and jack stands regularly.

What People Want to Know

1. How often should I inspect my jack and jack stands?

It’s a good practice to inspect your jack and jack stands before each use, looking for any signs of damage, wear, or corrosion.

2. What is the correct lifting height for my GMC Sierra?

The recommended lifting height for your GMC Sierra will depend on the specific task you are performing. However, it’s generally safe to lift the vehicle high enough to provide sufficient clearance for your work, but not so high that it puts unnecessary strain on the jack and suspension components.

3. Can I use a scissor jack to lift my GMC Sierra?

While scissor jacks can be used for minor tasks, they are not recommended for lifting a heavy vehicle like a GMC Sierra. Hydraulic jacks are more robust and provide a safer lifting experience.

4. Should I jack up both sides of the vehicle at the same time?

It’s generally not recommended to jack up both sides of the vehicle simultaneously. This can put undue strain on the frame and suspension components. It’s best to lift one side at a time, using jack stands for support.

5. What if I don’t have access to jack stands?

If you find yourself without jack stands, it’s best to avoid lifting the vehicle altogether. If absolutely necessary, you can use solid blocks of wood or concrete to provide temporary support, but this is not ideal and should only be done as a last resort.