Rear damper

[meganwilkinson2008]

Hi I have a 69 traveller and have noticed a slight leak from the rear damper. I just wondered if anyone can tell me if you have to change both sides or if it is ok to just change one. Thanks.

[bmcecosse]

You can just change one. How bad is the leak ? A slight 'dampness' is not unknown - just wipe it clean before going for an MOT ! Drain and refill with SAE 40 for MUCH better damping...and who knows - maybe it won't leak as easily.......

[meganwilkinson2008]

Hi the leak is not bad I will do as you say and see what happens many thanks.

[liammonty]

Best to replace the oil in both of them, especially if you're going to put thicker oil in, as you'll end up with more damping on one side than t'other. You really need to take them off to change the oil, but the good news is that it's a whole lot easier than removing the front dampers!

[bmcecosse]

You don'ty need to remove front dampers to change the oil...... And yes of course - both dampers with new oil.

[liammonty]

You don'ty need to remove front dampers to change the oil...... And yes of course - both dampers with new oil.

I didn't say you do - fairly obvious you don't given the location of the filler

[bmcecosse]

Your comment about removing them may confuse others....

[meganwilkinson2008]

Hi thanks for the replys have replaced the link arm today and changed the oil.the oil I've used is a jack oil which was sent to me from bull motif when I requested a replacement oil.is that the correct oil ?

[liammonty]

That will be fine as it's similar viscosity to the original damper oil. There is something to be said for using a thicker oil which is what BMCecosse was getting at, as it improves the damping, but the new oil you have used will be much better than the ancient gunge you replaced!

[bmcecosse]

That oil will be hopeless - it's probably SAE 10 - the original oil was SAE 20. You will get far better damping with SAE 40 oil. Those who have used it are universally pleased with the result! The damping is then easily as good as any of the 'bolt on' tele damper kits......without the expense.

[panky]

Seconded whole heartedly. I used SAE 50 and it is fantastic - SAE 40 seems to be easier to get from garden centres Halfords etc (and Tesco) as it's used in petrol mowers

[bmcecosse]

I only see SAE 30 in garden places, but this compressor oil is ideal for the job - and not expensive, delivered to your door!
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Compressor-Oi ... 1c4deddceb

[meganwilkinson2008]

Ok thanks for the advice will remove both dampers and refill with s a e 40.Have got my m o t tomorrow so keeping my fingers crossed have been around everywhere with my grease gun and adjusted all the brakes and checked for any play in the bushes. All seems ok.

[bmcecosse]

Good luck !

[meganwilkinson2008]

over the moon ITS PASSED.will refill my dampers now.

[bmcecosse]

Well done - great success...

[SGTBILKO]

Well done on getting that pass.