Damper oil

[Dryad]

I would like to change my damper oil. Anyone know what type it is and where to get it?

[cadetchris]

SAE 30 and 40 are very good, they stiffen up the dampers alot and makes for a much better ride

[bmcecosse]

These are just 'straight' engine oils - like the old Castrol XL and XXL , So not Sae 5W30 or Sae 10W40 oil........ The SAE 30 is often found at tesco gardening section for mowers (but maybe the season has passed) - for Sae 40 you may have to go to a Motorcycle place - don't be fobbed off with thin 'fork oil'...... Drain and flush through with the new oil a couple of times - don't fill right to the top - go back a week later and top up after all the air works out, but still not right to the top.

[Dryad]

Excellent - thanks. There's a branch of Wilco in Norwich so I'll call in there tomorrow.

[bmcecosse]

Not seen it there.....

[MarkyB]

They do reasonably priced 20/50 which will be an improvement on what's in there, if you like the difference go for 30 or 40SAE and treat the engine oil as a flushing oil, it's cheap enough.

[xpress]

does damper oil make any difference? it's an old boneshaker at the best of times! (it didn't hear me call it that).

[bmcecosse]

Of course it does - the heavier the viscosity = the better the damping.

[rayofleamington]

does damper oil make any difference? it's an old boneshaker at the best of times! (it didn't hear me call it that).

If the dampers are empty and or faulty the ride feels very much like sitting on a springy/bouncy sofa - that's about as well as I can describe it

Aside from the wierd feeling, lack of dampers can make the car a liability on bumpy roads - the wheel/s can bounce around making very limited contact with the tarmac and the first you know could be when you try and get round a corner...

If in doubt, most Minor spares suppliers can send shock oil by mail order.