The SACHS MAX range of heavy-duty shock absorbers for off-road, four-wheel-drive and utility vehicles has expanded with ZF Services Australia adding new part numbers to their already extensive product line.
Recently added to the range are fitments suitable for the Volkswagen Amarok, Ford Ranger and Everest, Mazda BT-50, Isuzu MU-X, Holden Colorado and Trailblazer, the Toyota Rav 4, plus the Hyundai Santa Fe.
These new product lines have grown the already extensive line-up which included the Toyota HiLux and LandCruiser, the Isuzu D-Max, plus the Nissan Navara and Patrol.
The full SACHS MAX range now covers the whole motoring spectrum, from 4WDs, utilities and vans, with parts also available for vehicles produced by diverse manufacturers such as Foton, Great Wall, Jeep and Mitsubishi.
Designed specifically with Australia’s harsh conditions in mind, the SACHS MAX offering features larger pistons and cylinders, with the increased bore size resulting in shock absorbers that are more durable, while continuing to offer the ultimate in safety. This big bore design results in a reduction of heat and subsequently an improvement of consistency with heavy loads in rough terrain, especially when towing.
For those looking to enhance their off-road capabilities, the SACHS MAX design allows for vehicle lifts of up to two inches depending on the make and model of the vehicle.
To highlight the capabilities of the SACHS MAX range, SACHS Product Expert Craig Lowndes recently filmed a series of informative clips, to ensure drivers get the most out of their four-wheel drive adventures.
The clips are available to view on the SACHS and ZF Services Australia social media channels and on sachsmaxshocks.com.au.
SACHS SHOCK ABSORBERS
ZF Services Australia has provided some useful tips around the replacement of shock absorbers.
Step 1: Vent the Shock Absorbers
During transport and storage, shock absorbers tend to be stored horizontally, which can cause the gas and hydraulic fluid to mix together.
If workshops replace shocks without venting the new ones beforehand, the optimum damping effect will only be achieved once the vehicle has moved up and down several times. This may lead to an increased build-up of noise (hissing).
To prevent this occurring, the piston rod must be manually pushed and pulled several times in the operating direction. This separates the gas and hydraulic fluid, and ‘vents’ the shock absorber.
Step 2: Replacing worn shock absorbers
Note: Due to the many different types of shock absorbers, only a few basic replacement instructions have been provided.
Make sure to use a suitable tool, such as a transmission jack, to support the wheel suspension before removing the shock absorbers.
When replacing shock absorbers or struts, it might be required, where appropriate, that the cables are detached from the ABS sensors and electrical lining wear indicator, and the brake hose is detached from the corresponding brackets.
Loosen and remove all mounting bolts, and remove the shock absorber and/or spring strut. If you also remove a spring strut, make sure to observe the manufacturer’s installation instructions and safety regulations.
For assembly and installation, replace all of the mounting bolts and install the supplied accessory, while observing the torque specified by the vehicle manufacturer. Secure any cables that may have been detached from the ABS sensors and electrical lining wear indicator before replacing the shock absorber, as well as the brake hose, back into the corresponding brackets.
For more information on the SACHS MAX range visit www.sachsmaxshocks.com.au, or call 1800 ZF SALES (1800 93 72537).