Trans fluid in forks?

[ericzx7]

I was reading about fork seal replacement on another site the other day, and this guy said that you could use automatic transmission fluid in place of fork oil when changing seals. Is this guy for real or what? I have never heard of this before, and was wondering about the safety issues that might arise fron using this guys info. Anyone have any opinions?

[nert]

Yes, use ATF. The oil Viscosity is correct, has excellent cold temperature characteristics, has fine lubricating qualities, has lots of additives to prevent corrosion and breakdown depletion, superior hydraulic performance, and readily available. I have been using it in forks since the 60's. Its very common to due so. No side affects i know of, or have heard of.

[speedzter2000]

Fork oil has different weights. When I did my fork seals, it was 15w. I dont know what the weight of the tranny fluid is, and I think that's what the problem is. Fork oil is about $6 a quart, and you use about half of it. I'd rather err on the side of caution, that's why I got the fork oil.:-D

[ericzx7]

Yes, use ATF. The oil Viscosity is correct, has excellent cold temperature characteristics, has fine lubricating qualities, has lots of additives to prevent corrosion and breakdown depletion, superior hydraulic performance, and readily available. I have been using it in forks since the 60's. Its very common to due so. No side affects i know of, or have heard of.

I just had someone else tell me the same thing as you. I guess there really is something to it. Thanks for your input.

[t3rmin]

I've used ATF before. Was curious about the weight, though. I searched extensively but couldn't find much info on it. Any idea how ATF compares to standard fork oil viscosities? I had thought it was a little on the thin side so I cut it with a bit of motor oil.

[kingofvenus]

ATF is about 7w

[paco13]

It can be used But why fork oil is cheap anyway and you will only need to buy one quart and prob. have left over. Plus you can choose what wieght you want to use, and it has all those cool additives for that specific application.
I not positive but I think trans fluid is equal to like 11-13 wieght.
You can use trans fluid in many 2 stroke gear boxes too.

One of my old dirt bikes actually called for 30wt. motor oil in the forks.

[ericzx7]

I've used ATF before. Was curious about the weight, though. I searched extensively but couldn't find much info on it. Any idea how ATF compares to standard fork oil viscosities? I had thought it was a little on the thin side so I cut it with a bit of motor oil.

Oh? Do trans fluid and motor oil mix ok?

[speedzter2000]

Motor oil will foam up.

[hotbox05]

the manual i just bought states half atf and half 10w40

[speedzter2000]

http://www.elfmoto.com/lub/lubroot.nsf/VS_OPM/D3B4C5913FBA310DC125717E004CE6F4?OpenDocument

[t3rmin]

Yes, ATF and motor oil mix nicely in my experience.

And I think the anti-foaming additives in the ATF will keep the mixture from foaming well enough (unless you're almost all motor oil).

[ericzx7]

http://www.elfmoto.com/lub/lubroot.n...4?OpenDocument

Thanks for the link.

[ericzx7]

Yes, ATF and motor oil mix nicely in my experience.

And I think the anti-foaming additives in the ATF will keep the mixture from foaming well enough (unless you're almost all motor oil).

I see you have a 85 gs700 listed as a current ride. Have you made any modifications to it?

[t3rmin]

I see you have a 85 gs700 listed as a current ride. Have you made any modifications to it?

Got a UNI in the airbox and bumped up the pilot and main jets one notch each, that's about it. Although that little change completely smoothed out the power band, cured cold-blooded lean running, and increased gas mileage noticeably. Highly recommend it.

ES body work may or may not be in its future.