There are 4 lift points behind the front wheels and in front of the rear wheels. But are there other places where the front of the car can be safely lifted from? For example there is a piece of metal attached to the front subframe (see part A in figure 3 of the Frame section in the service manual which is referred to frequently in this forum). I was wondering if the front end of the car can be lifted from that single point without affecting the vehicle (including wheel alignment), or whether this is not a good place to use? My car is an 2006 RL.

 

yes.
the front subframe is designed to be lifted, as there's a lift point in the center of the subframe.

on my TL it's indicated by a flat square in the middle of the subframe

 

from 3G but should be similar.

 

Thanks for the super quick response. Now I feel better. I run the rear wheels up ramps, set the parking brake and then will jack up the front and place on jack stands so the car is level for changing the differential fluids. I had done this 2 years ago but was concerned that the alignment might be affected. Now I can do this without this worry. Thanks again.

 

the only time alignment is messed with is if you changed ride height.

simply changing wheels or jacking vehicle up will not mess with ride height

 

But jacking up the RL does pose a significant risk of blowing the struts. Stupid, but true.

 

No kidding! Have you had that experience? I would consider that a design flaw. Something to watch out for. Thanks for the tip.

 

^idunno, about that.
The RL uses the same basic suspension design as any other honda.... double wishbone front and a linked rear.

literally the same suspension set up throughout Honda's entire lineup.

by lifting the chassis, the wheels are dragging the suspension down via gravity, but i dont see how it can blow.


unless, weak shocks to begin with.

 

You're shitting me..? Rear or fronts?!

 

No shits from me here. It has happened at least 10 times here. Honda has acknowledged to the dealers that there is an internal plastic seal that can tear or become dislodged (don't remember which) upon extension causing an internal leak and complete failure. The suspension design is nothing special, but the struts are specific to the KB1.

My RL did not experience that. Definitely a design flaw.

 

Ahh.. so the fronts..

Maybe ramps would be better for RL's then?

 

Don't read into the word "struts". I use that and shocks interchangeably. I think all four corners are susceptible.


I think any time you can avoid extending the shock absorbers is ideal, so yes, ramps would be prefered.