ATF for fork?

[Terrible One]

I was searching the net for the oil capacity for my bike when I read that you can actually use ATF(Auto transmission fluid) for motorcycle fork. Has anyone tried? I've got 2.5liter left from my car servicing. Thinking of using it to DIY service my fork.

[RYANS]

i know wad u mean, but ATF nt meant for motorcycles fork..

its better to use e grade of a normal fork oil.

[KeraKing]

bro, go ahead and try, then tell us the result

[RYANS]

bro.. sry my mistake..i just check with old timer mechanics in e army..

they say ATF can be use in motorcycle Forks. they say e grade is e same...

so i susspose no harm trying..

[Terrible One]

It's on ! !

[mepkoh]

i wouldnt use it...

atf..meant for transmission gears..they are more for lubrication..

fork oil...they are basically a hydraulic oil..for transmission of pressure/power..

oils are formulated basd on their requirements...i leave it to the experts..this oil thingy is too complex for a layman like myself..

Edited September 11, 2009 by mepkoh

[Demon]

i wouldnt use it...

atf..meant for transmission gears..they are more for lubrication..

fork oil...they are basically a hydraulic oil..for transmission of pressure/power.

 

Not true. Old XR4 manual actually recommended the use of ATF oil for the fork.

 

The purpose of the oil in the fork is to provide damping effect as oil get push up and down by the damping rod.

 

If your ATF oil is within the weight recommended for your fork, then you can try using it.

 

If your fork stanchions get stuck please let us know soon

[mepkoh]

yeah can also try cooking oil too..

[mepkoh]

Not true. Old XR4 manual actually recommended the use of ATF oil for the fork.

 

The purpose of the oil in the fork is to provide damping effect as oil get push up and down by the damping rod.

 

If your ATF oil is within the weight recommended for your fork, then you can try using it.

 

If your fork stanchions get stuck please let us know soon

 

which part of the statement is not true...?

wouldnt use it...

atf..meant for transmission gears..they are more for lubrication..

fork oil...they are basically a hydraulic oil..for transmission of pressure/power..

oils are formulated basd on their requirements...i leave it to the experts..this oil thingy is too complex for a layman like myself..

[mepkoh]

fyi....hope this helps to clarify the diff.

What does the Suspension Fluid do?

In addition to providing a lubricating and cooling bath for the dampers and bushings of the fork and shock to function in, the suspension fluid is the medium that is used to provide damping in a modern system.

 

Essentially, the oil is forced through an orifice or past a spring loaded shim to creating a resistive force to the action of the shocks. Aside from other changes that effect damping, the viscosity of the oil and how the viscosity changes as the oil heats up will be large factors in the system.

 

[edit]Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF)

For years, ATF has been the standard fluid for damper rod forks. Why? Of all the commonly available automotive fluids capable of being used in the system, ATF is manufactured within a very, very tight and suitable viscosity range, esentially ISO 34.

 

This means that if you are in Florida or Mongolia, AFT is going to be available and consistant. This is a very important bit of information for the mechanic.

 

ATF is far too thick to be used in a modern cartridge damper fork. These forks tend to use oils in the ISO 16 range.

[Terrible One]

fyi....hope this helps to clarify the diff.

What does the Suspension Fluid do?

In addition to providing a lubricating and cooling bath for the dampers and bushings of the fork and shock to function in, the suspension fluid is the medium that is used to provide damping in a modern system.

 

Essentially, the oil is forced through an orifice or past a spring loaded shim to creating a resistive force to the action of the shocks. Aside from other changes that effect damping, the viscosity of the oil and how the viscosity changes as the oil heats up will be large factors in the system.

 

[edit]Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF)

For years, ATF has been the standard fluid for damper rod forks. Why? Of all the commonly available automotive fluids capable of being used in the system, ATF is manufactured within a very, very tight and suitable viscosity range, esentially ISO 34.

 

This means that if you are in Florida or Mongolia, AFT is going to be available and consistant. This is a very important bit of information for the mechanic.

 

ATF is far too thick to be used in a modern cartridge damper fork. These forks tend to use oils in the ISO 16 range.

 

 

Hey Mep, long time no see..

 

Can ATF be used for power steering as well?