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Fe26 · 05-11-2012, 08:22 AM

There were three types of oil used: Gylcerin, Castor Oil and Hydraulic Oil. Apparently the type of oil used was particular to each type of shock absorber according to an original document I saw. The author was quite specific that what was originally used should be replaced with same.

However, if the shock absorber body and internals are the same I don't see why a specific oil must be used in preference to another, as long as the oil won't react with a particular material like seals, which might contain traces of the original oil.

Your nose might be able to guide you here (better still, the wifes nose) Castor Oil has a readily identifiable smell. Glycerin is thin and clear (after all these years?) And the Hydraulic Oil will look and feel like hydraulic oil, a little thicker and greasier.

05-11-2012, 08:22 AM	#3
Fe26 Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Sydney, Australia Posts: 949	Re: Shock fluid? There were three types of oil used: Gylcerin, Castor Oil and Hydraulic Oil. Apparently the type of oil used was particular to each type of shock absorber according to an original document I saw. The author was quite specific that what was originally used should be replaced with same. However, if the shock absorber body and internals are the same I don't see why a specific oil must be used in preference to another, as long as the oil won't react with a particular material like seals, which might contain traces of the original oil. Your nose might be able to guide you here (better still, the wifes nose) Castor Oil has a readily identifiable smell. Glycerin is thin and clear (after all these years?) And the Hydraulic Oil will look and feel like hydraulic oil, a little thicker and greasier.