Damper Oil Change

finally after 2 years ive decided to change the oils on my trf dampers for i was not getting enough rebounds on them. saw a really big difference in color, it was all black and im sure theres gonna be improvements in performance aswell.

so how often do you guys change your oils and what weight do you guys use?



evo and mini dampers


now they're ready for the buffet

my TRF is still fresh......hmmmmmm but i did do the same to my baja about 2 weeks back, as you all know, baja springs have to take alot of beating so they need care more often, but i feel like they are very hard now, is that good?

i changed oil on my dampers every quarter of the year... (4 times a year) used or not and it sure makes a hell lot of difference. i used an oil i bought at T&U.. not sure about the grade but it works fine.

just done changing my oil, last week!!!

@J, nice, those mini trf's work well.....remember to put spacers under the pistons to reduce ride height.

Mini you can use the 2-hole pistons with heavy oil, but make the front springs the softer ones......that should reduce your tailsliding :-)

I wouldnt worry about rebound too much. The small rubber bladder will always make any rbound constant.....try to get it minimal, and let the spring control the action of the shock...

My 0.02 fils

On 1/8 scale off roads oils are changed every 10 sessions or so or until the viscosity of the oils differs since the shocks take a lot of beating through jumps, ruts, etc.

Whereas on roads the oils should last a lil more longer than off roads i guess since the shocks go through very minor dampening.

@Andy i thought on roads use 1 hole piston and soft - medium oils ?? I think i had seen this in one of the tamiya manuals... Springs off course depends on personal driving taste . :geek:

i change my damper oil whenever there is no play happening on the shaft, rebound?

some tips on how to change oil hope this one will help us.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wRufP_X9K3g&feature=PlayList&p=CB53CA6BD8402A5C&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=1

That video is a good benchmark, but you gotta admit...the serious racers go to extremes. Of course their cars are pretty 'slop' free and any small changes are noticed quickly...

Vinesh, there are no hard and fast rules, but guidelines. Essentially it all comes down to track surface and conditions. A simple rule to remember is for low grip surfaces, a softer setup will give you more traction, the cost being more body roll, and high grip surfaces a harder setup will work better (to a point).
Here in Dubai we have the damn dust to contend with...which pretty much screws any setup guidelines.
Jay pointed out to me the other day that drifters require a nice soft setup on the front and a harder rear....this makes sense...even with hard tires, a harder rear will help 'lose' grip..

i agree with you sir +1000000!!! ill post some good tips in the future.