G'day all
I am in the process of rebuilding the original front strut inserts of my 1600 and was wondering if anybody had suggestions on what type of oil to put back in, also if the seals are available.
I was surprised by how thin the oil was that came out.
I have searched for this topic on the forum but can't seem to find anything relevant.
Any info or links are appreciated.
Thanks
Mick

Are you re-using the old tech hydraulic struts?
You could use a light engine oil but the performance will be unknown until they are all back together.
Alternatively, fit some standard replacement cartridges which are fully self contained and far easier to replace.
http://www.monroe.com.au/trade-corner/c ... earch.html

_________________
Regards, Graeme
Just trying to help...
http://nissanman.shutterfly.com/
graemes@internode.on.net

Hi Nissanman, thanks for your reply.

Yes they are the original 'old tech' hydraulic inserts. Apart from reading on various forums that when in good condition, the original inserts give a very good ride, but I am trying to keep the car as original as possible, hence rebuilding the originals.
I have contacted SW Motorsport who recommended that I use a motorbike fork oil of about 10W, and that the genuine main Teflon seal is NLA from Nissan but there may be some floating around somewhere. He also suggested, the seal might be the same size as something out of an auto transmission, if I find something I will post it here.

Anyway, please keep the suggestions coming.
If I don't have any luck getting replacement seals, I will rebuild using the originals. If they don't give me the ride quality I desire, I will do as you suggest and go for aftermarket cartridge inserts.

Thanks again
Mick

The old seals should have a code stamped on them somewhere, hopefully, like 282210 which is major diameter, minor diameter and thickness in mm, in that order.
If you can provide that info. to say CBC, they might be able to source them.
Restoration to that degree is extreme but I do understand.
I've just got my fully restored Datsun Fairlady back on the road after 35+ years laid up.

_________________
Regards, Graeme
Just trying to help...
http://nissanman.shutterfly.com/
graemes@internode.on.net

Interested to know how you went with the seal & the oil choice?

I use auto trans fluid. Works perfect.

_________________
Original 77' 260Z 2+2

No luck on the seals, but I used a synthetic 10w motorbike fork oil, about $20 a litre.
I haven't driven the car yet, it's still a couple weeks off before I get the motor and box back in but, I have the feeling they will be a little too soft. That's only from pumping the shock up and down by hand but a test drive will be the true test.
Rebuilding them is actually pretty simple, just be very thorough with cleaning them up (be mindful of what you clean the rubber seals with) and assembling in a clean environment. Supposively you should be very accurate with the volume of oil you put back in. The FSM suggests 300ml, I used a syringe to measure.
Will update once I get to test drive it.

Mick

Mick, if they turn out too soft you can always use a heavier oil in them to stiffen them up.

Yeah I'll see how it goes on the road and if too soft I will try some 20w. I might also try and get some Teflon seals made up, depending on cost.
No rush though, just want it on the road.

If you post up some pics of what the seals look like or send me email mitchello@hallite.com.au I sell and machine hydraulic seals for a living we might be able to machine some up depending on profile etc.

Cool, if I do have to pull them down again I will get in touch.
Thanks for the heads up.
Mick

No problem mate drop me an email when your ready.

We do a fair bit of it these days with people doing up old cars and bikes and not being able to get seals.