Sliding pillar - which oil?

[Mikenoangelo]

What brand/vicosity of oil is best for the front suspension?
Handbook says Mobyloil heavy or Veedol heavy. I've used 20/50 which seems to be ok but wonder whether "heavy" implies something thicker than the 30sae of the typical engine oil pre multigrade? Perhaps 40sae or 50sae?
Mike Clark

[Kari]

A question that comes up now and then.

In my original Handbook (second issue April 1934) it is stated to use the same oil as for engine in the sliding pillars, like Veedol Medium 3. On the first page of my handbook, a additional page has been stuck on, which states the usage of lubricants of several Lancia car models. I think, that No. 3 oil would be about SAE 30 grade.

In my car I use SAE 30 single grade oil for the engine and the Sliding Pillars. The differences would be the operating temperatures, therefore different viscosity. No problem in all the years.

Karl

[Mikenoangelo]

Thanks Karl - I'll switch to SAE30.
I guess that at ambiant temperature SAE30 will be more viscous than 20/50 multigrade which might make a small difference to the sliding pillar shockabsorber function although it all seems to work perfectly.
Cheerio
Mike

[Kari]

Hmm, I just wondered how to change oil in the Sliding Pillars, without partial disassembly at least.

Cheers

Karl

[Mikenoangelo]

Tricky!
I will just let it change over time as I top it up with the 30 grade.
Mike

[chriswgawne]

Yes, I think I would do the same.......but some years ago an Italian Aurelia owners was insistent that there should be virtually negligible oil loss from sliding pillars in good condition.
My experience has always been the opposite on all of the many Aurelias we have owned.
Chris

[Mikenoangelo]

The annoying thing is that the oil drips onto the sidewall of the tyres as well as onto the garage floor. I had the same problem on my previous 20hp RR and cured it by fitting a smaĺl scoop to deflect the oil from the tyre. Something similar could be attached by the drainplug at the bottom of the sliding pillar unit, in fact I've heard this has been done by others.

Mike Clark