aBr May 2014 | Page 22

Fitment Centre Feature SACHS Shock Absorbers – the ORIGINAL choice Offering newcar comfort and safety If this happens the springs should be checked immediately by a specialist workshop to avoid them breaking if overloaded. If they do break, or if there are signs of fatigue, they should always be changed in pairs. The SACHS springs correspond to vehicle manufacturers’ original equipment quality. T he SACHS shock absorber range guarantees the same level of safety and comfort as in a new car. The technical properties of the SACHS original parts are precisely tailored to the car manufacturer’s sp ecifications using reassuringly high-quality materials and a polished production process. They are true all-round shock absorbers with an impressive price/ performance ratio and that is why SACHS customers prefer to replace OE shocks with SACHS shocks. Life insurance for shock absorbers SACHS shock absorbers emphasize the characteristic qualities of the chassis design and guarantee maximum safety and comfort. The SACHS shock absorber range comprises mainly of gas pressure shock absorbers in single and twin tube models. SACHS also offers limited oil-air based shock absorbers which also guarantee 100% original fitment replacement. Special technologies tailored precisely and individually to the type of vehicle, axle construction and suspension design are used in the development of SACHS shock absorbers, always ensuring crisp, but comfortable road handling. These special technologies include load-sensative dampers, shocks for selflevelling suspensions and CDC (continuous damping control) electronic managed suspension systems. Shock absorber safety and economy Damping is vitally important for a safe, comfortable or sporty ride, as it ensures constant wheel-ground contact and therefore good road holding and braking. Worn shock absorbers produce a critical change in driving behaviour. The braking distance is increased by up to ten percent and even the effects of electronic control systems such as ABS or ESP are significantly restricted, as these are programmed to an optimum chassis. Shock absorbers should therefore be checked regularly every 20 000 kilometres. Top quality with staying power In addition to the shock absorbers, springs are fundamental to driving behavior and ensure vehicle comfort. The vehicle body mass rests on suspension springs, and do NOT rest on the shock absorbers. But even the best springs don’t last forever. A sure sign of fatigue is a noticeable reduction in the original vehicle height. | words in action 20 may 2014 The SACHS service kits and shock top strut mountings are complementary products for shock absorbers, significantly affecting shock absorber lifetime. In the service kit one would normally find a dust cover and rebound rubber stopper, or bump-stop as some people will call them. Rebound rubber stoppers act as an additional springs, helping the chassis suspension and the shock absorbers to reduce vibrations and also serves as a pressure buffer to prevent overloading of the chassis suspension. System overloading occurs in extreme situations such as when mounting the kerb or driving over pot holes at speed. The rebound rubber stopper prevents severe impact on the shock absorbers and the inevitable damage this causes. To maintain the service life of shock absorbers and chassis at a high level, one must always inspect the top strut mounts and rebound rubber stoppers and replace if there are any signs of wear.