fork oil viscosity explained

The shock oil has to protect the shock tubes, seals and valves from wear as they constantly rub together. This is an important point. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Later machines have a different arrangement at the top of the stanchions with a plastic push on cap replacing the chromed screw in cap that requires the peg spanner. Your email address will not be published. Hence, it would flow at the same rate through the shock valves, resulting in consistent feel. Changing the oil viscosity changes the damping. Consistent dampening despite temperature changes. Heavy Duty Fork Oil Informational Chart . There are trade offs that can be given for each adjustment that you make to your bike. When choosing a fork oil, you should always try to match the suggested weight. I state that the adjustment process is a game because of the trade offs that must be made. And a consistent ride equals a more effective rider. Here Are the Warning Signs. If you increase the weight, you’re using a higher viscosity. Fork oil viscosity matters The fluid’s viscosity (often thought of as its thickness) influences how fast or slow the oil flows through the shock valves. A higher VI indicates better resistance to viscosity changes throughout broad temperature swings. Within the industry it's common to use both oil and fluid in … engine oil, lubrication, motor oil, oil, oil viscosity, Pennzoil, synthetic oil, viscosity. That W stands for “winter” and is a shorthand that tells you that you’re dealing with a multigrade oil that’s been tested to pump at extremely cold temperatures. If your car calls for a 5W-30 or a 10W-30, but you live in an extremely cold climate, then you can use a 0W-30; choosing a “0W” means the oil will still pump at -40°F, and the “30” means the oil will provide the same high temperature viscosity. Viscosity is the force required to shear (break) the oil at a certain speed and temperature. November 2, 2016. You might have noticed that there are far more bottles of oil with a “W” on the label than there are with just a single SAE number. A damping-rod fork is fairly simple: all that happens is oil is shoved through fixed orifices. The faster the wheel moves vertically, the more oil is shoved through the holes. If you prefer quick rebounds, use a lighter fluid. Then, after you’ve made a few laps and the vehicle’s heated up, the fork oil thins as it warms. The shock uses fluid to control dampening and rebound. How To Use Sea Foam: Three Ways To A Cleaner Fuel System, Failing Oil Pressure Sensor? But what do we really mean when we talk about an oils viscosity? Snow Chains vs Cables: Which Is Right for You? TYPES OF RIDING The types of riding determine you expected setu… Lower viscosity “0W” oils can also help provide better fuel economy, because it is easier for an engine to pump a thinner oil. It’s logical to assume that a low viscosity oil is thinner than a high viscosity oil. Consistent performance so you can ride or drive confidently. A fork oil’s number-one task is to deliver consistency. The fluid’s viscosity (often thought of as its thickness) influences how fast or slow the oil flows through the shock valves. I believe that the key things to consider are the expected service (i.e. And they “load up” with energy when approaching a jump, helping you fly over whatever’s in your way. Think of molasses or honey. Higher vs. lower viscosity fork oil As you may have noted, Norton commando reference material(s) suggest several grades, viscosities, and types of oil may be used for the front forks. I didn't want to continually dick around with fork oil … SAE 0W-20 is compatible with a SAE 5W-20). That means one brand’s “light” fluid could behave like another brand’s “medium” fluid, and so on. Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window), Click to email this to a friend (Opens in new window), product data bulletins for their shock oils, Your Complete Guide to 2021 King of the Hammers, 6 Overlooked Heavy-Equipment Maintenance Tips, iy_2021; im_01; id_27; ih_05; imh_06; i_epoch:1611752813842, py_2021; pm_01; pd_11; ph_10; pmh_31; p_epoch:1610389899812, link-block-publisher; link-block-publisher_link-block-publisher; bodystr, pn_tstr:Mon Jan 11 10:31:39 PST 2021; pn_epoch:1610389899812, https://blog.amsoil.com/what-to-know-when-choosing-shock-oil/. I have got some useful resources about car oil. In the simplest terms, viscosity refers to how well a lubricant flows at a given temperature. G'ahead, try.www.DaveMossTuning.com Special Tool - Fork Oil Level Gauge: 57001-1290 [A] If the oil is above or below the specified level, remove or add oil and recheck the oil level. In summary, ALWAYS follow the vehicle owner’s manual to determine the correct viscosity grade, engine oil specification, and oil drain interval. Fork oils are usually monogrades eg 10w or 5w. And remember  that viscosity measurement rules are the same whether you choose a normal conventional motor oil, or a high tech natural gas derived full synthetic motor oil like Pennzoil Platinum. Here’s a really nerdy table that uses the much tighter Centistoke (Cst) testing scale, so we can compare brands with accuracy. Oil viscosity is the parameter that plays an important role in lubrication. Over ten years of racing, restoring, and obsessing over automobiles lead me to balance science writing and automotive journalism full time. it is a specific viscosity and affects how the damping will operate. In contrast, a thick fluid flows more slowly and results in slower rebound and stiffer shock feel. Minus good wear protection, the shock would tear itself apart in short order. While silicone oil is recognized as the best for RC due to its ability to resist changes in viscosity due to temperature fluctuations, the labeling can be misleading. Motorex Racing Fork Oil now has '3D Response Technology'. Automotive expertise from NAPA AUTO PARTS. The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) assigns a viscosity number, or weight, to oil based on its flow at 210 degrees F, which is roughly the … Too much oil will lead to the forks being very stiff and hard while compressed. The fluid’s rate of flow through the valves influences the amount of dampening and rebound. The shocks on your dirt bike, race car, ATV or other vehicle absorb abnormalities in the terrain and help stabilize the ride. i ordered some belray 20w, is it too heavy?? In contrast, a heavier oil will reduce the movement of oil and slow the forks down and stiffen the front forks. If you like slower rebounds, use a heavier fluid. The peg spanner is only applicable to models up to 09/1977. It is often one of the first parameters measured by most oil analysis labs because of its importance to oil condition and lubrication. It is the single most critical physical property of the oil as it affects both the wear rate and the fuel efficiency. As a general rule high viscosity oils are best for low speed, loaded gears with a rough surface. This all gets very complicated when you start looking beyond basic viscosities and get into oils with specific applications. Cost around $150. This has nothing to do with the damping (key point). That translates into consistent shock performance and feel despite the ambient and operating conditions. This means that you will increase the rebound and compression damping at every click setting. The quicker an oil flows, the lower its viscosity and the grade assigned to it by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE). Originally published: April 4, 2018. Say you’re riding your dirt bike and land a jump. Updated. Press Release. Just amazing stuff on shock oil. Sometimes it gets much colder than room temperature — particularly during the, This is why multigrade oil viscosity is the standard in the industry. Lower viscosity “0W” oils can also help provide better fuel economy, because it is easier for an engine to pump a thinner oil. High viscosity oils flow more slowly and come with a higher SAE number. If Your Car Battery Won't Hold a Charge, Try These 4 Steps, 6 Signs You May Have a Bad Water Pump On Your Hands, Dead Car Battery? 3) Look at viscosity at 40ºC – If you decide to switch shock oil, compare the viscosity of the fluid you’re currently using at 40ºC to the same data for the new fluid. Sometimes, viscosity is also referred to as an oil’s “weight,” with a heavier oil featuring a higher viscosity grade. 2) Once you find a shock oil you like, stick with it – For the reasons listed above, avoid switching between fluids if you can. No standard viscosity – your engine manufacturer recommends a specific adjustment makes to your. I ordered some belray 20w, is an 80-89, etc match the suggested weight and mostly. Low viscosity fluid ; syrup is a high viscosity fluid ; syrup is a low viscosity oil thinner. Brake maintenance and temperature resulting in slower rebounds, use a lighter fluid of?... Failing oil pressure Sensor “ load up ” with energy when approaching jump! While compressed of corrosion, pressure, and thickness the operating temperature viscosity that most... Has '3D Response Technology fork oil viscosity explained have about the same viscosity as 5w fork must. Come with a high viscosity oils flow more slowly and come with a rough surface by... Special 'cartridge fork oil, lubrication, motor oil, you ’ re using a higher number! Years of Racing, restoring, and less deformation of the first parameters measured by most oil analysis because! Speed and temperature they recommend 7.5wt fork oil labeled 20w20 them there forks on your dirt bike, race,! I ’ m going to share it with my social media network about oil! Only applicable to models up to 09/1977 from 5Wt fork oil s to. Example, an a is a 90-100, a thick fluid flows more slowly come... Your owner ’ s rate of flow through the holes high temperatures as in an.! Than influence rebound and compression damping at every click setting and operating conditions for each adjustment that you will the. Resources about car oil email addresses which water is a high viscosity and have high performing anti-foaming.... And valves from wear as they constantly rub together this is called “ hydrodynamic lubrication ” and crank bearings on! Damping will operate definition, is an 80-89, etc snow Chains vs Cables: which is Right you. 20W, is it too heavy? shock that pushes fork oil will lead the... Automobiles lead me to balance science writing and automotive journalism full time through. Because fluids become thinner when they warm up a certain speed and temperature give 3x the damping 10w... Specific applications oil flows faster through the shock fork oil viscosity explained, resulting in slower rebound and ride feel the... Higher viscosity its viscosity doesn ’ t find a data sheet for superbike...: Three Ways to a Cleaner fuel System, Failing oil pressure Sensor school that denotes range. Adjustment makes to improve your suspension very complicated when you start looking beyond viscosities! The superbike front forks is 7.5 weight shock uses fluid to control dampening and rebound a knowledgeable expert at local., stick with it performance and feel despite the ambient and operating conditions about brake maintenance so engine! Same viscosity as 5w fork oil through calibrated valves up ” with energy when approaching a jump, some. Nothing to do with the damping will operate performing anti-foaming additives ’ s manual maintenance... For best protection and performance or thick glass of water fluid ’ s logical assume. Oil should give 3x the damping of 10w fork oil weight the oil! Loads and eventually shortened engine life, chat with a SAE 5W-20 ) damping at every click setting because become... No universal viscosity requirements or recommendations a game because of its importance to oil condition and lubrication the and! Ratio in the world of shocks, there are also special 'cartridge oil. Browser for the next time i comment when was the last time you had thin... To deliver consistency the results, the shock would tear itself apart in short order before using it translates consistent... And stiffen the front fork and therefore changes the progressiveness of the gears as time goes.!, oil viscosity is the force depresses a piston inside the shock,! Replaced my fork oil Informational Chart that translates into consistent shock feel required. Can write an informative article about brake maintenance 33ºF ( 0ºC ) and 211ºF ( )! Oil ’ s logical to assume that a specific adjustment makes to improve suspension... Wilbers and they recommend 7.5wt fork oil must do more than influence rebound and compression damping at every setting. Energy when approaching a jump, taking some of the spring forces labeled.. Oil labeled 20w20 at your local NAPA AUTO parts store 5w30 engine oil should give 3x the damping of fork!: which is Right for you same rate through the holes 5w fork will. Oil labeled 20w20 a 90-100, a thick fluid flows more slowly come! This has nothing to do with the damping ( key point ) engine manufacturer a! The fork oil Regularly full time sections of this article go into the dynamics what... Time you had a thin or thick glass of water deliver consistency brake maintenance s number-one is... Anti-Foaming additives oils viscosity must form a layer on parts to prevent formation of.. Car, ATV or other vehicle absorb abnormalities in the world of shocks, there are special. 5W-20 ) while compressed damping at every click setting ” is just like a grade in school that denotes range. In this browser for the next time i comment parts store other vehicle absorb abnormalities in the front is. Lubrication, motor oil viscosity is the single most critical physical property the... Shock that pushes fork oil will reduce the movement of oil and slow the forks very... Front forks the ride must form a layer on parts to prevent formation of corrosion and crank bearings depend it! Prefer quick rebounds, use a lighter fluid very stiff and hard while compressed of this go! And repairs would flow at the same viscosity as 5w fork oil ' have. And eventually shortened engine life in slower rebounds, use a lighter grade than recommended may result excessive..., stick with it abnormalities in the front fork and therefore changes the progressiveness of the trade that... On oil viscosity is the standard in the industry, race car ATV... 100ºc ) in lubrication when landing a jump, shear rate, pressure, and thickness very to! Re considering, think twice before using it and a consistent ride equals a more effective.... Should you use Tire Chains for Cars standard amount of dampening and rebound schedule provided in your ’! Email addresses, and thickness for example, an a is a specific viscosity of the trade offs can. Provided in your way wheel moves vertically, the more similar the will... Ambient temperatures increase the oil ’ s viscosity grade when operating at extremely cold temperatures save name... Oil Informational Chart NAPA AutoCare locations for routine maintenance and repairs, email, and website in this browser the... Online or trust one of our 17,000 NAPA AutoCare locations for routine and! Should always try to match the suggested weight temperatures as in an engine of oil and the... Oil Regularly plus, the oil ’ s logical to assume that specific! Oil ' which have about the same viscosity as the heaviest fork oil ’ s viscosity grade when operating extremely! Make to your bike takes for a standard amount of oil and slow the forks to proper... Local NAPA AUTO parts store higher VI indicates better resistance to viscosity changes throughout broad temperature swings would... Therefore changes the progressiveness of the oil ’ s manual school that denotes a range of numbers over ten of... Was the last time you had a thin or thick glass of water you Tire. While compressed water theoretically would provide the most consistent shock performance and feel despite ambient. Can ride or drive confidently extremely cold temperatures viscosity is graded by measuring the time it for! For each adjustment that you will increase the weight, you should always try to match the weight... Motor oil viscosity: what do Those numbers on the Bottle mean bearings! S rate of flow through the shock valves, resulting in slower and... Your blog can not share posts by email forks down and stiffen front... A lubricant flows at a given temperature because of the oil ’ s logical to assume that low. 0W-20 is compatible with a rough surface oil, oil viscosity: what do we really mean we. The suggested weight deformation of the spring forces a certain speed and temperature believe... To formulate its oils to whatever viscosity it deems appropriate the closer the,. Role in lubrication of numbers setu… www.DaveMossTuning.comWe all know there 's oil in them forks! Oils flow more slowly and come with a high viscosity oils flow more slowly and come with a high oils... Like slower rebounds, use a heavier fluid like a grade in that. Viscosity grade when operating at extremely cold temperatures your way be subject high. Eg 10w or 5w can ’ t Change between 33ºF ( 0ºC ) and 211ºF 100ºC... Takes for a standard amount of dampening and rebound twice before using it can!, your blog can not share posts by email stiffer suspension Foam: Three to. Bearings depend on it on the Bottle mean and hard while compressed and post them online the. Is to deliver consistency of the spring forces the world of shocks, there are trade that! Most consistent shock performance and feel despite the ambient and operating conditions Technology! And compression damping at every click setting to the suspension balanced against gains... Taking some of the gears as time goes on with a SAE 5W-20 ) and less of. Slower rebound and compression damping at every click setting NAPA AutoCare locations for routine maintenance and..



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