Front fork stiction...again...

[jdugen]

Hi all.

I know that this is an old topic with many past threads.  Trawling through the the ones the search threw up I can't find any that mention friction modifiers.  I generally use Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) in forks, it works out at about 8W in viscosity and is designed for the kind of environment found in forks.  There are additives that claim to reduce friction, pamper seals etc.  Has anyone used an additive, and has it helped reduce stiction?

 

[laverdakeith]

I use a product called ActiV8 that works well.


    Keith

 

[phil37]

I add Slick50 - works OK- but still would prefer bushing - regards - Phil

 

[Haggis]

I use a little Slick50 also.

Can't help but think a good quality fork oil, rather than ATF, would be a better place to start though....

 

[jdugen]

Thanks for the fast replies!
I agree that the right stuff for the job is always preferable.  But, ATF IS designed to do exactly the job in forks.  I'm a bit on the skinny side, 5W is too soft, 10W just a bit too hard, AFT sits right in the middle without having to mix up different grades. (for me, of course).  Finding fork oil suppliers locally, (and this in Manchester, a major UK city) is difficult, my local car spares shop has ATF readily available.
So, does the additive noticeably reduce stiction?  If so, what sort of ratio do you mix it at?

Cheers

 

[sonicboom500]

Any local mountain bike shops, they usually have a fine range of low viscocity fork oils.
Motocross suppliers also have a wide range of proper fork oil grades available with anti foam agents and seal lubes already in the formulation.
Used to mix grades to suit applications 50%-10wt +50%-5wt = 7.5wt on Enduro bike.
Best to stick to one manufacturer if combining grades.

 

[nealebms]

I think ATF is recommended for Honda vfr forks so should be fine
Neale

 

[piranha-bro2]

I think ATF is recommended for Honda vfr forks so should be fine
Neale

'Cept that VFR forks have a teflon upper bush - and maybe another on the lower staunchion ... as Phil said, better to have bushes, but ...
qf

 

[Tippie]

Honda recommended ATF in forks (and rear dampers iirc) for years. I was told that it equates to approx 12.5wt. Interesting what Jdugen says. These days I always use top quality synthetic fork oil. There are different grades of ATF. We had a Guzzi convert that kept shitting it's torque converter, and it was a slug to ride with the transmission slip. Found out it was spec'd for "F" type ATF which transformed it.