Don't Get Pinched: Finding the Right Jack Points on Your 2017 Subaru Outback
Hey there, fellow Outback owner! Ever found yourself staring blankly at the underside of your beloved 2017 Subaru Outback, floor jack in hand, wondering, "Where the heck do I put this thing without bending something important?" If so, you're definitely not alone. Whether you're tackling a quick tire rotation, swapping out some winter tires, or getting ready for a more involved DIY maintenance project, knowing the correct jack points on your 2017 Subaru Outback is absolutely crucial.
Trust me, this isn't just about saving a few bucks at the mechanic; it's about safety, preventing expensive damage to your car's frame or undercarriage, and frankly, just doing things the right way. Lifting a vehicle incorrectly can lead to catastrophic failure – we're talking about the car falling off the jack, injuring you, or completely totaling your ride. Not exactly a fun afternoon, right? So, let's chat about how to safely and effectively get your Outback airborne (just a little bit!) using its designated lift points.
Why Jack Points Matter (Seriously!)
Before we dive into where to put the jack, let's quickly touch on why it matters. Your Outback, like any modern vehicle, has specific areas designed to withstand the immense pressure of being lifted. These "jack points" are reinforced parts of the frame, chassis, or suspension components. Trying to lift the car anywhere else can result in:
- Damaged Bodywork: Dented rocker panels, squashed plastic trim, or bent frame rails. Yikes!
- Compromised Safety: Lifting on a weak spot could cause the car to become unstable or, worse, collapse.
- Broken Components: Ripped fuel lines, brake lines, or electrical wiring if you accidentally lift on something not meant to bear weight.
Think of it like lifting a heavy box. You wouldn't grab it by a flimsy flap, would you? You'd look for the reinforced handles or the strongest part of the box. Same principle applies here.
Safety First, Always!
Before you even think about grabbing your jack, let's talk essential safety steps. Seriously, don't skip these. Your life, and your Outback's structural integrity, depend on it.
- Flat, Stable Ground: Always work on a level, hard, stable surface. A slight incline or soft asphalt can cause the jack to shift or sink. Your driveway or garage floor is ideal.
- Parking Brake On: Engage that parking brake firmly. This helps prevent the car from rolling.
- Wheel Chocks: This is a non-negotiable. Place wheel chocks on the tires that will remain on the ground, opposite the end of the car you're lifting. So, if you're lifting the front, chock the rear wheels.
- Proper Jack: Make sure your floor jack is rated for the weight of your Outback (it's a hefty beast!). A good 2-ton or 3-ton hydraulic floor jack is usually perfect. Avoid using the tiny factory "bottle jack" for anything other than a roadside emergency tire change; it's not designed for extensive under-car work.
- Jack Stands are Your Best Friend: I cannot stress this enough: NEVER work under a car supported only by a jack. Jacks can fail. Always lift the car with your jack, then immediately place sturdy jack stands under the vehicle at appropriate support points. Once the car is resting on the stands, then you can remove the jack or keep it lightly supporting for extra security. Wiggle the car a bit to ensure it's stable on the stands before you crawl underneath.
- Personal Protective Gear: Gloves are always a good idea, and eye protection if you're doing anything that might involve flying debris.
Identifying the Jack Points on Your 2017 Subaru Outback
Alright, with safety out of the way, let's get down to the nitty-gritty: finding those specific jack points on your 2017 Subaru Outback. There are a few primary places you'll want to use, depending on whether you're lifting one corner or the entire front or rear of the vehicle.
1. The Pinch Welds (For Lifting One Corner)
These are your go-to for quick jobs like a flat tire change or getting one wheel off the ground.
- Location: If you look along the bottom edge of your Outback, just behind the front wheel and just in front of the rear wheel, you'll see a seam or "pinch weld" running horizontally. This is where the body panels are joined.
- The Specific Spot: On your 2017 Outback, you'll notice small notches or arrows stamped into the metal or a slightly thicker, reinforced section of the pinch weld, usually near the plastic rocker panel trim. These marks indicate the precise, reinforced areas where you should place your jack.
- How to Use: Line up your jack's saddle (the part that cradles the car) with these notches. Many jacks come with a rubber pad, or you can buy a dedicated pinch weld adapter. This helps protect the pinch weld from damage and provides a more secure grip. Lift slowly and steadily.
2. Front Subframe/Crossmember (For Lifting the Entire Front)
If you need both front wheels off the ground for an oil change, suspension work, or a full tire rotation, this is your spot.
- Location: Crawl a bit under the front of your Outback. Look directly behind the front bumper, centered between the front wheels. You'll see a substantial, sturdy metal crossmember (a thick, often rectangular or tubular beam) running horizontally across the vehicle. This is part of the front subframe assembly.
- Visual Cues: It's usually a very obvious, strong piece of metal, often somewhat rusty or dirty from road grime, but clearly designed to take a beating. It's distinct from any flimsy plastic splash shields.
- How to Use: Position your floor jack's saddle directly under the strongest, most central part of this crossmember. Lift the entire front end of the vehicle evenly. Once it's at the desired height, immediately place jack stands under the designated jack points on the pinch welds (or other suitable frame points) and slowly lower the car onto the stands. Then you can move your floor jack out of the way or keep it as an additional safety measure.
3. Rear Differential Housing (For Lifting the Entire Rear)
Similar to the front subframe, this point allows you to lift the entire rear of your Outback. Great for tire rotations, exhaust work, or accessing the rear suspension.
- Location: Look under the rear of your Outback, centered between the rear wheels. You'll spot the large, robust rear differential housing. This is a heavy, cast metal component that sends power to your rear wheels.
- Visual Cues: It's an unmistakable, bowling ball-sized (or slightly larger) metal pumpkin-shaped component usually in the very center of the rear axle area. It's super sturdy.
- How to Use: Place your floor jack's saddle directly under the strongest part of the differential housing, usually towards the bottom-center. Lift slowly and evenly. Once the rear is up, place your jack stands under the pinch welds near the rear wheels or under other solid frame points (consult your owner's manual if unsure about secondary frame points). Lower the car onto the stands.
What to AVOID (Seriously, Don't Do It!)
Just as important as knowing where to lift is knowing where not to. Steer clear of:
- Plastic Trim: Obvious, but worth mentioning. Those plastic rocker panels are purely cosmetic.
- Suspension Arms/Control Arms: While strong, these are often at an angle, making for an unstable lifting surface. Plus, you could bend or damage them.
- Axle Shafts: Same as suspension arms – unstable and prone to damage.
- Engine Oil Pan, Transmission Case, Fuel Tank: These are absolutely not load-bearing and will be punctured or damaged if you try to lift from them.
- Brake Lines or Fuel Lines: These are critical safety components and easily crushed.
A Few Final Friendly Reminders
- Owner's Manual: When in doubt, always consult your 2017 Subaru Outback's owner's manual. It will have diagrams and specific instructions for jacking points. It's literally written for your car!
- Take Your Time: Rushing leads to mistakes. Be deliberate and double-check your jack placement.
- Visual Inspection: Before lowering the car, quickly scan the area to make sure you haven't pinched any lines or wires.
Learning to properly lift your Outback is a fundamental skill for any DIY enthusiast. It empowers you to perform basic maintenance with confidence and keeps you and your vehicle safe. So, the next time you hear that tell-tale hiss of a flat tire or decide it's time for some preventative maintenance, you'll know exactly where to confidently place that jack. Happy wrenching, my friend!