Substitutes for Shimano Mineral Oil
PVD
www.peterverdonedesigns.com
Shimano Mineral Oil
Mineral oil is a great alternative to DOT Brake fluid. Mineral oil is
not caustic and is non-toxic, but the main performance advantage to
the rider is that mineral oil will not absorb water from the air like
DOT fluid will. This absorbed water causes gas bubbles to form in the
system which creates a 'sprongy' feel. While researching for a
replacement oil to the hyper-expensive SM-DB-OIL Shimano Mineral Oil
for Disk Brake($18.95 for 50ml., #Y-839 98010)(Red Color), I have
found:
Pentosin central hydraulic fluid is one option. Either of LHM Plus or
CHF 7.1(No. 54106) will work fine. LHM Plus & CHF 7.1 are rated at 18
cSt@40C/6.0 cSt@100C/VI 340. This is slightly thinner than the
Castrol, so it may work even better in Shimano brakes. Pentosin is
supplied in the hydraulic systems of most German and European cars,
most notably as BMW and Audi power steering fluid. Consult a local
dealer about availability. Do not use CHF 11S with as it is a
synthetic oil. CHF 7.1 should run about $15 per liter. I think that
Pentosin CHF 7.1 is probably the best improvement that can be made to
the Shimano brakes. (Green Color)
Castrol Hydraulic System Mineral Oil (HSMO) ($13.99, 500ml., Jaguar #
JLM-9886 or Castrol # 6582/5966 01) or Castrol Hydraulic System
Mineral Oil Plus (HSMO Plus). This mineral oil is used in some british
cars, like Jaguar and Rolls Royce, in the suspension, and brake assist
systems. It is not readily available in the US but it can be found at
a Jaguar dealer parts counter. This oil is rated at 19.8 cSt@40C/6.0
cSt@100C/VI 285. A data sheet is available HERE. (Green Color)
It is very important to note that while the above two fluids are used
as power steering fluids, they are very different than conventional
power steering fluids or ATFs available in most auto stores.
Conventional power steering fluid or ATF is almost twice as viscous as
these mineral oils and may be incompatible with the seals used in the
system. Use of other fluids would be a serious mistake.
Magura supplies low viscosity MAGURA Royal Blood and Royal Blue Blood
mineral oil. A 16oz. container costs $15.00 while a 2oz. container
costs $4.00. (Blue Color) (reported to be 10wt. but it is probably
more like 5-6wt.))
Another option (in an emergency) is to use a suspension fluid such as
Motul Fork Oil (Light), RockShox (5w Medium, Hydracoil), Bardahl (5w
Fork Oil), Bel-Ray Fork Oil (5wt), or Kayaba KYB (01). These may work
fine in a jam. Make sure not to use any synthetic fluids. Replace with
the proper fluid when you get home. The low viscosity index (VI) of
these fluids are not suitable for the heat range that the brake system
will experience.
DO NOT USE MINERAL OIL FROM THE DRUGSTORE!!!! What you are buying at
the drugstore is a laxative, not a specific industrial oil. This oil
does not have the specific viscosities (up to 3X too thick) or
additives for perfect functionality with a hydraulic system. A MSDS
for drug store mineral oil is available HERE. If you were in a jam and
just had to use this crap, use Drakeol® 10 or 10B, Ultraol 100NF.
This is what Magura says about drugstore mineral oil:
What type of oil should I use in my Magura hydraulic brakes?
Magura Blood mineral oil is the recommended oil, which is a 10 weight
mineral oil. By far, our most common problem we encounter is consumers
putting off-the-shelf mineral oil (from a drug store) in their Magura
hydraulic brakes. Off-the-shelf mineral oil is normally 30-50 weight
which will make the brake very sluggish. In addition, off-the-shelf
mineral oil has additives, perfumes and different boiling points, all
of which can cause brake failure. USE ONLY MAGURA BLOOD IN YOUR BRAKE
SYSTEM. Use of any other fluid besides Magura Blood mineral oil will
void your warranty.