What Shock Oil for RC Crawler

I envy you; getting ready for your next RC race, cleaning your car, checking if the tires are sticky and soft enough, and confirming whether the engine is alright to ensure everything’s fine. But have you checked if the shock absorber is worn out?

If it is, you’ll need to replace it; otherwise, it would be best to look for the right shock oil for your RC crawler to extend its lifespan. Here we talk more about the best shock oil for RC crawlers, along with everything else you need to know:

What Shock Oil for RC Crawlers?

The most recommended oil for RC crawler shock absorbers is silicone shock oil. This is because it is safer and offers ample lubrication compared to motor oil. Usually, these oils have different weights; hence it would help if you choose your shock oil depending on the rigidity you prefer for your RC shock. 

The thicker the shock oil, the stiffer the Spring and the slower the rebounds. On the other hand, if you go for light shock oil, you get a less rigid spring and swifter rebounds. 

The shock absorber’s role is to absorb shocks, and bumps, steadying and shielding the crawler from shocks and crashes. You’ll need to put some oil in it since the shock absorber will wear away without a lubricant. 

Further, if the shock absorber is spoiled, you might need to switch it for a new one. Fortunately, the shock absorber won’t wear fast with the right shock oil for RC crawlers. 

The shock absorber

This component features two sections: a piston and a cylinder head. Every time your crawler experiences shock, like when jumping a bump, the piston motions upwards and strikes the cylinder head. This means that each time your car experiences shock, the piston and cylinder head come into contact, hence the necessity for a lubricant, the shock oil for RC crawlers. 

The best shock oil will lubricate the entire process, ensuring the shock absorber lasts long. 

What to Consider 

The shock oil you go for will depend on a few factors, such as:

Size of the Shock Absorber 

A larger shock absorber will need more shock oil than a smaller one. So, check your RC’s shock absorber size to determine the type and quantity of shock oil you’ll require. 

The rigidity of the Spring

The stiffness of the Spring is a vital consideration when choosing the best shock oil for your RC car. If you want a rigid suspension system and Spring, you’ll have to pick a thick shock oil. 

On the other hand, if you want to achieve a less rigid spring, you’ll need to purchase a lighter product. 

Driving Style 

Usually, if you race on rough terrain with large bumps, you’ll have to purchase thicker shock oil. However, lighter shock oil is the most suitable product if you race your RC car on terrain with smaller bumps.

Weight of the RC Car

If you’ve been racing crawlers for a while, you certainly know the different car sizes on the market. Consequently, the market is filled with different shock oils. It would help if you chose the best one for your crawler. Generally, you’re supposed to use the principle of higher CST or WT oil for weightier RC vehicles. 

Weather 

You have to consider the weather since the oil’s viscosity can be affected by weather changes. For instance, it would be best to use a low-viscosity product during winter. However, you should choose a high-viscosity oil during summer. 

You can reduce or increase by 100 CST for every 20⁰-temperature shift. 

Types of RC Shock Oil

RC shock absorbers can use two types of oils:

• Silicone oil
• Motor oil.

Even though you can utilize motor oil, it’s not the best option since it’s not as eco-friendly as its counterpart. Additionally, motor oil can spoil the RC car parts. 

Why Silicone shock oil

The main advantages of using silicone shock oil for RC crawlers include the following:

• It reduces the friction between the piston and cylinder head, which makes your crawler run smoothly.
• It provides longer life to your shock absorber, especially in extreme conditions such as mud, sand, and snow.
• It keeps your crawler quiet, so you can enjoy the fun of driving without being disturbed by noise or vibration from your vehicle’s suspension components.

Best Shock Oils

Traxxas 5033 Shock oil

The Traxxas 5033 silicone shock oil is a relatively new offering from the company, but it has already made quite a name for itself in the world of RC shock oils. It’s been around for a while now, but only recently have I been able to get my hands on one.

It comes in a small bottle that sits in your shock reservoir and holds enough oil to last you for quite some time. Depending on how often you race your crawler, you can expect about 2-3 months of usage with this product.

The instructions are simple and easy to follow, but it will take some time to get used to how much oil you need to add at each step to get the most out of your shocks. It also helps if you have experience using other types of oils/lubricants before.

Flashpoint Shock Oil 

Flashpoint Shock Oil is a product specifically designed to help prolong the life of your shocks in both hard and soft terrain. This oil is made with the same formula used by many top shock manufacturers worldwide, so it’s safe to say it will work as well as they do.

This Shock Oil is also very easy to use. You apply this oil to each shock piston, then let it sit for about 10 minutes before reassembling your crawler. The first time you use this Silicone Shock Oil, you should expect initial signs of wear on the pistons. However, this should not be a problem if you follow the instructions carefully and keep your crawler on a clean surface when applying the oil.

The best part about this product is that it does not require special equipment or tools to apply properly.

In conclusion

Shock oils for RC crawlers are utilized in RC shock absorbers to offer lubrication. The lighter the oil, the less rigid the shock’s suspension system, and vice versa. Hopefully, this piece has helped you better understand what shock oil best suits your RC crawler.