Fork Oil

AltaNorton · Aug 5, 2011

What do you guys like to use in your forks, for some reason I though Ive heard of ATF being used before?? Brand names might be helpful too if it makes a difference. I just want to pick some up quickly tonight so I can put the forks together before it gets too late.

Thanks,
Matt

ashman · Aug 5, 2011

Fork oil 20w is what to use, transmission oil will be to light.

Ashley

pete.v · Aug 5, 2011

mattthomas4444 said:
What do you guys like to use in your forks, for some reason I though Ive heard of ATF being used before?? Brand names might be helpful too if it makes a difference. I just want to pick some up quickly tonight so I can put the forks together before it gets too late.

Thanks,
Matt

20w fork oil or if thing are a little warn go with 30w for netter compression and rebound.

lcrken · Aug 5, 2011

Norton originally recommended 20W oil for the forks, with 30W for bumpy race tracks. They later recommended a variety of lubricants, including 10/30, 10/40, and 20/50 motor oils, as well as Filtrate brand ATF. You pays your money and you takes your choice! I use whatever brand name 20W fork oil I have around at the time. I tried ATF, and found it wanting.

150 cc per leg.

Ken

rvich · Aug 5, 2011

I couldn't buy 20W oil in my little berg, so I used AW46 hydraulic oil. ISO 46 is 20w, ISO 32 is 15w. Napa sells the AW46 in 5 gallon pails so I just asked them who usually buys it. LOL, ended up at the Bobcat dealer who was glad to sell me a pint at a nice price.

Russ

Hobot · Aug 5, 2011

Its pure trial and error as each vendors grading system is not the same as the next. Some like it thick 20-50 grade while others like thin ATF. I now like power steering fluid the best. Just don't over fill above 175 ml or after 1/2 mile the small air pocket pumps down to hydro lock forks that suddenly jerk exactly opposite of expected.

AntrimMan · Aug 6, 2011

ATF is too light for the standard damper piston to bore clearance.
It will lube just fine and give a nice smooth ride on dead flat macadum but will allow topping much too easily on bumps.
Stick with the book recommendation unless you are making alterations to the internal components.
All the best.

batrider · Aug 6, 2011

I've always used Bel-Ray fork oil in her. It has additives that seem to keep it from turning into mayonnaise. This is available in any cycle shop. When stock I used 20W now 10W with the Lansdowne kit.

Fork Oil

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