Shock fluid/oil

DD931

DD931

Well-known member
I just bought a set of rebuilt shocks at a fair price. They do not say "Houdaille" on them and the rebuilder says they are repops from maybe the 70's. Made in Chicago. He says he used 80/90 wt. gear oil as fluid. In principal, that seems to be OK, but I'm interested in your comments! What's the viscosity of proper shock fluid?
 
The right fluid depends a lot on how tight the internal clearances are. If the rebuilder says 80/90 I would go with that.
 
Is there aa chance the thicker oil will slow down the leaking? I have two sets that came from a reputable rebuilder who is no longer with us. Both sets were filled by him and leaked from day one. The oil is about the consistency of hydraulic jack fluid and gave a fair ride but it is getting about dry now, so I have been reluctantly contemplating going with the heavier oil or tube shocks. I haven't had the best of luck with rebuilt shocks, all leak upon installation and a short ride. I have heard here that new shocks now don't leak if you spend enough money, but have never actually seen a shock that doesn't leak. Thanks for any suggestions.
 
Dave I've read a lot of leaking shock posts in the past. It just didn't make sense to try and rebuild old worn out or froze up shocks that I've also read leaked coming out the door from a dealer when they were new. Granted I paid a lot of money for a set of Stipe shocks, they are bone dry after 2 years. Hopefully they will stay that way. Too bad I didn't know you had never seen a shock that doesn't leak when we were at the MAFCA convention last year, I could have shown you mine.
 
I have a set of Brattons (bill stipe) that I have had for 4000 miles and they have been leak proof for that time. Yes they are expensive.
 
old31 said:
I have a set of Brattons (bill stipe) that I have had for 4000 miles and they have been leak proof for that time. Yes they are expensive.
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I don't think the shocks Bratton's sells are from Bill Stipe. Bratton's shocks are 'factory sealed'.
 
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