Re: 1937 120 Shock Absorber oil?

Posted by TxGoat On 2023/11/8 14:28:47

Some people have used hydraulic jack oil in them. I have, and it seems to work well. They typically leak if they have not been rebuilt in recent years. The correct procedure for checking and refilling can be found in the shop manuals in the Literature archive on this website. I use a squirt oil can with a piece of electrical wire insulation about 3" long on the tip to refill the shocks. The piece of insulation acts like a small hose that will fit into the filler hole on the shock body. Don't allow any dirt to get in the shocks. The small 7/16 plug on the upper shock body is the filler hole. If the shocks are very low on fluid, add fluid, then drive the car or bounce it, and it will usually take more as air is expelled. The correct fill level is the bottom of the filler hole. If you use the wire insulation trick and get the end of the insulation down to the bottom of the reservoir, then pump slowly, oil will start spilling over when the correct level is reached. These shocks will usually work well when full of oil, but it's common for them to leak. If they leak, it will make a mess over time and they will need refilled every few hundred miles or so. They are rebuildable in most cases Several shops around the country rebuild them, and exchange services are available. I jack my car up until the wheels clear the ground, then turn the wheels full left or right to access the left and right front shocks for refilling. A floor jack and safety stands do a good job. The rear shocks are similar. Shocks that are low on fluid or otherwise inoperable will cause all manner of ride and handling issues, inluding excess swaying and bouncing, wheel hop, shimmy, and severe wander or road-walking. It's worth the effort to get them in good working order, and worth the expense of getting them rebuilt if necessary.