The Ford Barn

Roadster Rich · 04-05-2013, 04:42 PM

I have searched several threads and still don't really know what I should use for replacing oil in my shocks. I have worked on lots of things over the last year (breaks, carb, steering gear, and checking all engine bearings and setting valve clearances) and am now ready to get out for the season. But I have NEVER put oil in my shocks. I think the car has driven over 20,000 miles since they were put on back in 1974. I took one off and it seems like it may still work, but I have no idea what I should put in for fluid to see if they work. I did stop today at 2 places looking for "motorcycle shock oil" bit nobody knew what I was talking about. Any suggestions?

Gary WA · 04-05-2013, 05:18 PM

I use jack oil!

1931 flamingo · 04-05-2013, 05:36 PM

Try a Harley dealer, maybe ask for :fork" oil. This was discussed at length a few days ago, try doing a search (black bar top of the page).
Paul in CT

Kaptain Karl · 04-05-2013, 07:19 PM

Hydrolic Jack oil works great

dave in australia · 04-05-2013, 07:44 PM

It would depend on what oil is already in the shock. Originally they were filled with glycol. If that what is still in the shock. just topping up with hydraulic jack oil may cause some problems with incompatibility between the fluids. If you have the capability to dismantle the shock, I would, clean them out, and then replace the fluid with either motorcycle fork oil, or hydraulic jack oil.

Roadster Rich · 04-06-2013, 04:09 PM

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Thanks for the suggestions but I should have checked them first. Amazing is that all four are full right up to the fill plugs. And they all seem to be working. Some of the things about this car just never cease to amaze me.

29ModelA · 04-06-2013, 04:22 PM

The vendors sell shock oil for the cars.

04-05-2013, 04:42 PM	#1
Roadster Rich Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Alpharetta, Georgia (Atlanta) Posts: 272	Shock Absorber Oil I have searched several threads and still don't really know what I should use for replacing oil in my shocks. I have worked on lots of things over the last year (breaks, carb, steering gear, and checking all engine bearings and setting valve clearances) and am now ready to get out for the season. But I have NEVER put oil in my shocks. I think the car has driven over 20,000 miles since they were put on back in 1974. I took one off and it seems like it may still work, but I have no idea what I should put in for fluid to see if they work. I did stop today at 2 places looking for "motorcycle shock oil" bit nobody knew what I was talking about. Any suggestions?

04-05-2013, 05:18 PM	#2
Gary WA Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Clinton,WA/Whidbey Island Posts: 4,457	Re: Shock Absorber Oil I use jack oil! __________________ www.whidbeymodelaclub.com

04-05-2013, 05:36 PM	#3
1931 flamingo Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: new britain,ct 06052 Posts: 9,428	Re: Shock Absorber Oil Try a Harley dealer, maybe ask for :fork" oil. This was discussed at length a few days ago, try doing a search (black bar top of the page). Paul in CT

04-05-2013, 07:19 PM	#4
Kaptain Karl Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Barre,Ma Posts: 37	Re: Shock Absorber Oil Hydrolic Jack oil works great

04-05-2013, 07:44 PM	#5
dave in australia Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Victoria, Australia Posts: 1,241	Re: Shock Absorber Oil It would depend on what oil is already in the shock. Originally they were filled with glycol. If that what is still in the shock. just topping up with hydraulic jack oil may cause some problems with incompatibility between the fluids. If you have the capability to dismantle the shock, I would, clean them out, and then replace the fluid with either motorcycle fork oil, or hydraulic jack oil.

04-06-2013, 04:09 PM	#6
Roadster Rich Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Alpharetta, Georgia (Atlanta) Posts: 272	Re: Shock Absorber Oil Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Thanks for the suggestions but I should have checked them first. Amazing is that all four are full right up to the fill plugs. And they all seem to be working. Some of the things about this car just never cease to amaze me.

04-06-2013, 04:22 PM	#7
29ModelA Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Owosso, MI Posts: 673	Re: Shock Absorber Oil The vendors sell shock oil for the cars. __________________ 1929 Model A Barn find. California car, just a few more parts to find. Interior, steering box (rebuild), and I am sure much more!