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| | | | Joined: Jun 2008 Posts: 1,388 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Jun 2008 Posts: 1,388 | Darn this title thing, its just no long enough.
I've just got a simple and quick question.
My local flaps seeps to be all out of shock-oil, hahaha, and I need to fill the dual action shocks on the panel.
Now, I've seen some people use jack-oil, but can I just use 30 non-detergent? I ask, 'cause I'm sure my shocks will seep, and I always have a pail of that stuff around the shop here.
I'm sure I'll need to rebuild all four shocks, as there is some play in them right where the arm attaches, but for now, I figured I'd better put some oil in there so I'm not driving around with them dry.
These are my first lever shocks, and I'm pretty excited about them.
Thanks! | | | | | Joined: Jun 2004 Posts: 8,597 Riding in the Passing Lane | | Riding in the Passing Lane Joined: Jun 2004 Posts: 8,597 | Ive always put hyd. jack oil in them. I suppose you could use engine oil but never brake fluid.
They say money can't buy happiness. It can buy old Chevy trucks though. Same thing. 1972 Chevy c10 Cheyenne SuperIn the Gallery Forum | | | | | Joined: Aug 2000 Posts: 1,438 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Aug 2000 Posts: 1,438 | I think the biggest issue putting engine oil in the shocks is foaming. The extent of that depends on how much action it sees. Putting around town probably not a problem. Rough roads of fast on not a smooth road would be a problem, more so the longer you drive.
40 Chevy 1/2 ton
| | | | | Joined: Jun 2008 Posts: 1,388 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Jun 2008 Posts: 1,388 | Well, I've gone ahead and put the engine oil in them for now. The foaming was what I was wondering about too.
But, mostly I just wanted something in there, until I get a chance to take them apart and work on them, which will be awhile. There are a few other more pressing issues, I just wanted some kind of oil in there!
| | | | | Joined: Aug 2005 Posts: 278 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Aug 2005 Posts: 278 | You will find shock oil at your local friendly motorcycle store. They sell it as fork oil and it comes in different weights for soft or hard ride. Always wondered if automatic transmission fluid would be appropriate? | | | | | Joined: Jan 2001 Posts: 5,337 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jan 2001 Posts: 5,337 | I always use ATF, 30w may make them a little stiff.
See the USA in your vintage Chevrolet! My Blog | | | | | Joined: Jun 2008 Posts: 1,388 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Jun 2008 Posts: 1,388 | Heh heh. I'm not sure if its bling to make any difference..... Sure is allot of oil laying on the shop floor! | | | | | Joined: Apr 2011 Posts: 57 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Apr 2011 Posts: 57 | G M lube specs suggest 'light fluid'. | | | | | Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 29,888 Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer) | | Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer) Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 29,888 | Back when I was racing Brit sports cars, we used a 30 weight/STP mix in our shocks. It helped to wear a kidney belt on a rough track!
Jerry
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