Hi,
Shock absorbers - 20W/20 oil.
Finding it difficult to find, Is there a replacement.
The one`s i have found are for large amounts and expensive.
How much oil do i need for 4 Shock absorbers.
Thanks Ian.

Bull Motif sells proper damper oil under their part number ACC129. Most likely other suppliers provide it as well. Motor oil is not correct for these lever type dampers. If they are consuming oil most likely they need to be rebuilt and there are (at least in the USA) specialty shops that do this.

John F. Quilter
Eugene, Oregon USA

Hi m8,
I was just going to replace with new oil while they were off the car,
I do not know how old the oil is.
Thanks Ian.

Try a shop that does hydraulic work. 20w/20 hydraulic fluid should be correct. I have some motorcycle damper oil but don't know if they ever use 20w/20, mine is 15 I believe.

upgrade to a straight 30W oil .... lawnmower oil from B&Q is perfect for the job

Agree with Stuart - most guys on the MMOC forum use straight SAE 30 or for slightly heavier use straight SAE 40. Have reconditioned my shocks and used 30 in the rears and 40 in the fronts.
Bob

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Done the back 2 shocks and used SAE 30 works well.

Well done, I used a straight 40 in mine because its a bit warm here and the temperature possibly affected the viscosity. The stuff I drained out was stinky and very thin so the new oil made a huge difference. I can still provoke the axle into tramping but i'm driving like a lunatic by then ....... maybe

They feel correct on a bar in the vice.
Will know when they are back on the vehicle. Won't be for a while. Bu will let you know.

plenty of 'specialist suppliers' sell the proper stuff.. Moss motors, bull motif, etc etc .. i'd avoid oils thicker than recommended..it will likely accelerate demise of seals considerably.. if you desire firmer ride, change the valving..

Why do you think thicker oils will cause
the seals to go a knacker please Timothy

several factors..including composition of oil and compatibility with additives to seals. fitting stiffer valving increases pressure ONLY in piston area.. seems to have little effect on seal life..on 3 occasions when Ive drained out most of the old fluid and added thicker oil, seal failure followed quickly behind.. could be coincidence..I suspect the added viscosity is only part of the cause. hydraulic oil is likely the closest relative of shock absorber oil.. it carries different additives to motor oils, some of which are stated to 'help extend seal life'.

Thanks Timothy

Where do youi get your
stiffer valves from please?

valving:- any experienced shock rebuilder should be able to offer alternative valving.. here in USA I get exchange units for 'worldwide autoparts' ( Peter and Anne Caldwell) who also fit improved seals to all their rebuilts.. apple hydraulics in NY also offer alternative valving.. my preference is for softer compression and stronger 'jounce' or return.. this slightly improves ride quality and keeps the tires in better contact with road..

Thank you very much Timothy