Dampers

[MONTY007]

Quick question;-
If I check the fluid level in my front dampers, do I have the car on the level or jacked up?
Can I use the oil I have used to top up my hydraulic jack?

[panky]

The original oil was SAE20 equivalent so if that's what your jack oil is it will do and you don't need to jack the car up for the front dampers. But it is highly recommended that you drain the old oil off (it will stink of fish and be like water ) and re-fill with SAE40 (not a multi grade), the difference in dampening and ride is quite remarkable. The fronts can be done with the dampers on the car by taking the plug out of the bottom (taking care note to loose the valve and washers that sit behind the plug) and flush through a couple of times with the SAE40 before refilling with the new oil. As you top up bounce the car vigorously to circulate the oil. It's easier to remove the rears to do the same but well worth the effort all round - and cost only a few pounds

[MONTY007]

If the oil is like water and smells of fish, I guess this means it kn*ck*r'd.
I have been having trouble finding SAE40, other than buying a 5ltre can, which I guess is too much, the MMC in Bristol does not sell it, and ESM sell damper oil but does not say what grade it is.
Can you advise where to get some from?
Cheers

[amgrave]

Halfords, you want 40W compressor oil.

[bmcecosse]

Any amount on ebay - delivered to your door...

[MONTY007]

Many thanks gents

[panky]

Yep got mine off Ebay, about £8 for a litre - that's enough to do several cars

[bmcecosse]

Here you go .... http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Compressor-Oi ... 1c4deddceb

[Trickydicky]

Or here, https://www.machinemart.co.uk/shop/prod ... -000230150

[Monty-4]

How would one determine what's already in the dampers if it doesn't stink?

[amgrave]

Do you know what your engine oil is like, if the oil in the damper is thinner than that change it. For the cost and improvement it makes change it anyway.

[bmcecosse]

Don't worry about it - just drain /flush/refill. New 40 oil will make a HUGE improvement.

[MONTY007]

Decided to give it a go, bearing in mind my mechanical level is close to zero-
Removed the screw on the top of the damper, removed the drain at the bottom and the bits attached to it, a drop came out.
Questions;
How do I get the old oil to come out?
Do I need to remove the whole top of the damper, about 6 screws to get the new oil in, or is there a gadget I can use to get the new oil in a small hole?

Cheers

[MarkyB]

there a gadget I can use to get the new oil in a small hole

I used a syringe donated by my BIL which works very well.
You can make a funnel from card or tin foil .

[bmcecosse]

Bounce the car get the old oil out - but of course - maybe there was v little in there to start with! You should flush through with SAE40 before refitting the valve assy - and then top up to near - but not right up to - the top. A pump oil can works well to put the oil in....

[MONTY007]

Found a syringe for squirting medicine in a dogs mouth, which works well.
How much oil should the damper hold?
Has anybody go a cut though diagram of a damper to see how it works?

[danielvoorwerk]

Hi Monty,

The dampers takes quite some oil, I myself use a oil can and squirt it in, leaving a nice 'air-chamber' under the lid, so not to overfill.

Plenty of people doing a overhaul, where you can see all the parts http://www.mmoc.org.uk/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=36349

Greets, daniel