Is the stock B6 and B7 jack the same?

[16vCorey]

I bought a stock jack from a seller on ebay, and according to him it fit '02-'08, or something like that. I can't get it to fit into my stock jack holder for the life of me, so I'm wondering if it might have come from a B7 and they're different, and he had the interchange wrong. I can get the part number off of it next time I go out to my car if that will help.

[john_gonzo]

Search "widowmaker".

I know that doesn't answer your question, but it may save you from heinous injury.

[Axis]

[DJHoro]

Those jacks are the WORST. Had one break on me. Good thing my vehicle was only slightly lifted and in my front drive way when it broke. Could have caused massive damage.

[16vCorey]

Oh, I know they're garbage, but I'm just kind of OCD about that jack box being empty. I don't really plan on ever using it.

[EuroxS4]

Those jacks are the WORST. Had one break on me. Good thing my vehicle was only slightly lifted and in my front drive way when it broke. Could have caused massive damage.

Those jacks are the bomb.As long as you know how to use them properly.On a flat surface/ground.Set parking brake.Then lift vehicle i have yet to see one fail.

[diagnosticator]

Those jacks are the bomb.As long as you know how to use them properly.On a flat surface/ground.Set parking brake.Then lift vehicle i have yet to see one fail.

I agree, the emergency jack is very useful when used as intended, according to instructions in the owners manual. I have never broken one either. The jack is specifically for changing a tire. When this is done properly it does the job required. Audi is not uninformed about emergency jacks. The same basic design has been used since the '70's or earlier.

I don't understand why so many guys are afraid of this jack. If placed in the specified locations, for each road wheel, lifting the car just enough to remove the road wheel is easy. IF the jack is unstable and is not lifting straight up, then that will be obvious before removing the wheel. If the car slips off the jack before removing the wheel, no harm can result. IF the lift is unstable, that will also be evident before the wheel is removed. If that is the case lower the car again and re-position the jack. Repeat until the lift is secure enough to remove and change the road wheel. Since there is no reason to ever be under the car supported by the emergency jack, there is really no justification for calling it the "Widow Maker", IMO. If the ground is to soft, or uneven, then move the car a short distance to a level area with firmer surface.

[john_gonzo]

I agree, the emergency jack is very useful when used as intended, according to instructions in the owners manual. I have never broken one either. The jack is specifically for changing a tire. When this is done properly it does the job required. Audi is not uninformed about emergency jacks. The same basic design has been used since the '70's or earlier.

I don't understand why so many guys are afraid of this jack. If placed in the specified locations, for each road wheel, lifting the car just enough to remove the road wheel is easy. IF the jack is unstable and is not lifting straight up, then that will be obvious before removing the wheel. If the car slips off the jack before removing the wheel, no harm can result. IF the lift is unstable, that will also be evident before the wheel is removed. If that is the case lower the car again and re-position the jack. Repeat until the lift is secure enough to remove and change the road wheel. Since there is no reason to ever be under the car supported by the emergency jack, there is really no justification for calling it the "Widow Maker", IMO. If the ground is to soft, or uneven, then move the car a short distance to a level area with firmer surface.

These are good points. They also highlight what appears to be a narrower margin of error for this emergency jack versus the steel scissor jacks found in many vehicles. I think the smaller footplate and asymmetric design contribute to initial vertical misalignment (footplate misplaced transversely). The footplate also lacks the larger ears of its scissor-type brethren which dig in and provide more forgiveness of longitudinal misalignment (initial misplacement or rotation of the vehicle during lifting).

It would be informative to start seeing images of the jacks that failed. Not the car on the ground, but the actual broken part of the jack. Maybe there's a theme?

Anyway, good tips in this thread: FML-car-jack-broke-while-changing-tire!-HELP

[16vCorey]

I'm guessing that most of them that have failed were not on level ground. I've never had a problem with one that was on level ground, but they start to twist pretty badly if you use them on any kind of slope. Also, I could imagine if your wheel was stuck on the hub after you've removed the lugnuts, excessive jerking or kicking of the wheel could fold the stock jack up.