MTB Oils & Lubricants

MTB oils and lubricants: which oil for what?

Oils and greases are wear parts on a mountain bike: suspension oil dampens and lubricates, brake fluid transmits braking force, grease protects bearings and seals, and chain oil protects the drivetrain. At MTB-Raceshop, you will find products from Öhlins, Danico Biotech, PUSH Industries, WPS, and Brembo.

The most important rule: Use what the manufacturer of your fork, shock, or brake specifies. The wrong oil will alter the damping or damage the seals.

Lubricants compared

Damper oil

Fills the damping unit and its viscosity determines how the oil flows through the valves. For example, Öhlins High Performance Suspension Fluidor Danico Race Shokfrom 1.5 to 10 WT.

Lower-leg and air chamber oil

Lubricates bushings, seals, and the air chamber, and is changed during a lower-leg service. For example, WPS FL01, Danico Air Chamber & Lower Leg Oil 0W30, or Öhlins Renep oils.

Assembly grease

For seals, O-rings, and air shafts: PUSH SOS assembly greaseor Öhlins silicone grease. For bearings and pivots, use a waterproof lubricating grease such as Danico Race Grease.

Brake fluid

Mineral oil or DOT, depending on the brake. For the Brembo GR-PRO, there is the original Brembo mineral oil; Danico Bionolis a plant-based brake fluid.

Carbon assembly paste

Paste with fine friction particles for carbon handlebars, stems, and seat posts. It ensures that components do not slip at the specified torque. Grease does not belong on carbon clamping areas.

Chain oil

MTB chain oil is available for wet and dry conditions. You can find out which one is suitable and how to lubricate correctly under Cleaning & Maintenance.

Suspension oil: understanding viscosity correctly

Suspension oils are often specified in WT (weight), such as 5 WT. However, this specification is not standardised: 5 WT from one brand can be thinner or thicker than 5 WT from another. Viscosity is comparable in cSt (centistokes) at 40 °C.

• The oil type and quantity can be found in the service manual for your fork or shock.
• If you want to change brands, compare cSt at 40 °C, not WT.
• Damper oil and lubricating oil in the casting are different oils – for Öhlinsforks, for example, High Performance Suspension Fluid for damping and Renep CGLP 68 as lubricating oil.
• For forks with a semi-bath or open-bath system, only use the oil recommended by the manufacturer, otherwise the damping will change according to WPS.

Brake fluid: mineral oil or DOT – never mix

Hydraulic disc brakes work with either mineral oil or DOT fluid. The two are not compatible: the wrong fluid will cause seals to swell or decompose, which can lead to brake failure.

• The fluid your brake requires is usually indicated on the brake lever or brake caliper.
• Mineral oil is used by brands such as Shimano and Magura; DOT 5.1 is used by many SRAM and Hope brakes. However: newer SRAM brakes like Maven and DB8 run on mineral oil.
• For mineral oil brakes, always use the brake manufacturer's oil; for the BremboGR-PRO, use the original Brembo mineral oil.
• DOT attracts water, which causes the boiling point to drop over time. Furthermore, DOT damages paint – wipe off any splashes immediately.
• According to Danico, Danico Bionol is not for DOT brakes. Check with your brake manufacturer to see if your mineral oil brake is approved for it.

To MTB brakes

Frequently asked questions about MTB oils and lubricants

Which assembly grease do I need for my bike?

For seals, O-rings, and air shafts, use a seal-compatible grease like PUSH IndustriesSOS assembly grease or Öhlins Renolit SI 410 M silicone grease. A waterproof grease such as Danico Race Greaseis suitable for bearings and pivots. Use carbon assembly paste on carbon clamping areas, not grease.

Can I mix mineral oil and DOT?

No, never. Mineral oil and DOT brake fluid are not compatible and will attack the seals of the other brake system. If the wrong fluid has been added, the brake must be completely flushed and usually overhauled with new seals.

Which oil goes into my suspension fork?

Usually two types: damper oil in the damping unit and lubricating oil in the casting. The correct oils and quantities are listed in your fork's service manual. If you don't want to do it yourself, we can perform the suspension servicefor you.

What is a bio-hydraulic oil for brakes?

A plant-based brake fluid instead of mineral oil, for example, Danico Bionol. According to Danico, it is non-toxic, biodegradable, and has a boiling point of 420 °C. Bionol is not for DOT brakes; check with your brake manufacturer to see if your mineral oil brake is approved for it.

What does 5 WT mean for suspension oil?

WT stands for "weight" and is a rough, non-standardised viscosity specification. Two oils with 5 WT from different brands can differ significantly. Therefore, compare the viscosity in cSt at 40 °C or stick to the oil type specified by your suspension manufacturer.