Damper Oil

[mickeytwonames]

IF, as is likely, the damper oil on my '56 splittie saloon has not been changed (only topped-up) is there any benefit in changing it and if so with what type of oil?

[bmcecosse]

Covered many many times - it WILL be knackered - and SAE 30 oil will be better - SAE 40 better still!

[JOWETTJAVELIN]

I've read a few posts on this and you say drain the old oil - but how without removing the whole unit? In the workshop manual it specifically says in bold capitals DO NOT TOUCH THIS NUT (the one at the bottom).

As I suspect my oil has also not been changed since it was manufactured, I'd like to know an easy way of doing it...

[JOWETTJAVELIN]

p.s. I used 20/50 engine oil in one damper which was bone dry due to a weep and it works fine. Damping is good, too.

[les]

If you want to change it, you could suck it out with a tube, motorcycle fork oil is suitable if you can't get the original stuff.

[bmcecosse]

You have to remove the valve assy to drain the damper. 20W50 is fine - but is no advantage over the standard SAE20 oil. If you want improvement go to SAE 30 - or better still SAE 40. Which is NOT SAE10W40........

[JOWETTJAVELIN]

So it's fine to remove the valve assy. then? Just unscrew it and bung it back in?

Thought it was a bit quiet recently BMC. Your computer gone bust or something?

[stag36587]

Thought it was a bit quiet recently BMC. Your computer gone bust or something? [/quote]



Roy is just giving the rest of us the chance to catch up

[bmcecosse]

SWMBO insists the internet doesn't work in Tenerife.....

[brucek]

30,000+ posts earns you a holiday in Tenerife in my book!

[mickeytwonames]

I've replaced the damper oil (front and back) and what a difference it makes to the ride - Smooth as butter. (I used chain saw lubrication oil which is the most viscous I could find) Of course it now shows up something else. There's a bit of rattle going over rough roads. The near side wheel is solid when you rock it but there's a little bit of play on the O/S when you grip the wheel at the top and rock it back and forth. Is there any adjustment I can make or do I need to replace a bearing? I want to fix this before I get stuck into examining the steering gear. P.S> All the rubbers were replaced when I rebuilt the front suspension.
Any help most welcome

[bmcecosse]

More likely the rattle is coming from worn trunnions and/or kingpin threads - check urgently, because if badly worn the lower trunnion can pull off the king pin with disasterous results. Fortunately - usually only happens at low(ish) speed....... Check by having someone stamp HARD on the brake pedal while you pull/push the wheel.