Typically, what characteristics should a normal automotive shock absorber oil have, i.e viscosity, VI, mineral/synthetic, etc. Information on this subject seems to be very "elusive".
Original Post
Read our primer articles on High Mileage Oil, Synthetic Oil and Kinematic Viscosity
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Have a look at https://www.amsoil.com/msds/stl.pdf
RH
RH
Thanks for the link Henry, it did help very much.
This is what I was able to determine so far. Apperantly there is no industry standard for shock absorber oil. Most guys seems to recommend Automatic Transmision Fluid. Some Companies does have a "Shock Absorber Oil". They all seem to have the following in common:
Synthetic Hydrocarbon with
High VI: 165 to 210
Low pour point: -36 to -48 degC
Viscosity: 32 to 35 cSt (for motorcycles and extreme temp. conditions this can be as low as 10 to 15 cSt)
I'm going to work with this information, unless there's anything that I've missed or something that anyone would like to add?
This is what I was able to determine so far. Apperantly there is no industry standard for shock absorber oil. Most guys seems to recommend Automatic Transmision Fluid. Some Companies does have a "Shock Absorber Oil". They all seem to have the following in common:
Synthetic Hydrocarbon with
High VI: 165 to 210
Low pour point: -36 to -48 degC
Viscosity: 32 to 35 cSt (for motorcycles and extreme temp. conditions this can be as low as 10 to 15 cSt)
I'm going to work with this information, unless there's anything that I've missed or something that anyone would like to add?
mahmoodi82gar
the characteristics of shock absorber fluids should have excellent antifoam, damping effect, oxidation stability and seal compatibility to increase the life of shock absorber.
Thanx for the link.
The antifoam, oxidation stability and seal compatibility will be adressed by using a good quality ATF oil or synthetic, high VI oil as mentioned before.
However, the damping effect will be dictaded by the oil viscosity in a similar way that response time in a hydraulic system is affected by viscosity. Too low viscosity and no damping will take place, too high viscosity and too much damping will take place. Either way, both will result in an uncomfortable ride.
The antifoam, oxidation stability and seal compatibility will be adressed by using a good quality ATF oil or synthetic, high VI oil as mentioned before.
However, the damping effect will be dictaded by the oil viscosity in a similar way that response time in a hydraulic system is affected by viscosity. Too low viscosity and no damping will take place, too high viscosity and too much damping will take place. Either way, both will result in an uncomfortable ride.
Vis @ 100C -9.0
VI >300
VI >300
bruce381, what type of oil has a 300 VI?
kind I make LOL syn base fluid with shear stable VII. I have one that is 430 and have made them to about 625.
