Frequently Asked Questions

  • Shocks and Struts
  • Clutches for Commercial Vehicles
    • What is the difference between SACHS Super Touring and SACHS Value Line?
      • Super Touring shocks and struts provide OE quality like new ride, control, fit and endurance and closely restores original handling dynamics. SACHS Value Line is an economical choice for the most popular ageing vehicle.
      What is the difference between gas charged and hydraulic shocks?
      • Both shocks are hydraulic; nitrogen gas is added to pressurize the fluid. Pressure helps prevent foaming. When the fluid foams air is trapped in the fluid and allows the fluid to compress changing the rate it passes through the valving. When the fluid foams the shock loses its ability to dampen and keep the tires in contact with the road.
      Is it ok to replace non gas charged with gas charged shocks?
      • Not all shocks are gas charged; the vehicle manufacturer determines what is required for each vehicle. Adding gas charged shocks will not harm the vehicle or change ride quality.
      What is the difference between a Mono Tube shock and a Twin Tube shock?
      • Mono Tube shocks have a higher gas pressure. The Mono Tube design allows for an accurate valve actuation even at a minimum stroke allowing the shock to operate more reliably in all driving situations. Both Twin Tube and Mono Tubes are specified by the OE vehicle manufacturer and will restore like new ride quality.
      What is a NIVOMAT Shock?
      • The Nivomat was developed by SACHS and is an internal self-leveling design. It does not require any external lines or electronics. The Nivomat raises and lowers the vehicle to its normal ride height through its internal valving after 100yards of driving. It is mounted at the rear wheels where specified as an OE option.
      What is the difference between shocks and struts?
      • Shocks control ride quality and handling. Struts are an integral part of the suspension system while functioning the same as a shock and also help to support the weight of the vehicle.
      How do I know if my shocks are worn out?
      • Shocks cycle thousands of times even during a normal trip even on quality roads. Wear may be unnoticeable at the internal valving or visible as heavy leaks externally. It is not possible to bounce the vehicle and determine the number of returns until it stops. If tire pressure is correct but a noticeable deflection in steering is present on uneven or damaged roads shocks/strut replacement may be required. Also cupping of rear tires on front drive vehicles is an indication of worn rear shocks. Always perform a complete suspension and steering check before replacing shocks.
      Do I need a wheel alignment after replacing shocks?
      • Shocks do not require wheel alignment after replacement. Struts or strut inserts require disassembly of the suspension and alignment settings will be lost. A wheel alignment is required after a strut replacement.
      Can shocks be mounted upside down?
      • Twin Tube shocks must be mounted with the reservoir end down, Mono Tube may be mounted in any position. Always mount shocks in same direction as removed.
      Should I replace the strut mounts when replacing struts?
      • It is suggested that strut mounts be replaced when struts are changed. To replace struts the upper mount must be removed. For front wheels the upper mount also pivots during steering, both front and rear mounts absorb the weight of the vehicle at that corner. Worn mounts cause knocking and may effect alignment both front and rear.
    • How do I choose the right clutch for my truck?

      There are four things you need to know when determining the correct clutch for your application:


      • Clutch Size
      • Maximum Engine Torque
      • Spline Diameter and Number
      • Minimum Flywheel Bore Opening (to accommodate the Disc Spring space claim)
      Aren’t Diaphragm clutches for car/light duty applications?
      • Everywhere else in the world diaphragm clutches are the preferred HD clutch. Diaphragm clutches actually have advantages over the coil spring clutch including less moving parts/fewer wear points (to increase reliability) and maintenance of lower pedal effort over clutch lifetime.
      How long will SACHS clutches last?
      • Clutch life depends on many factors including vehicle use and driver behavior. On an average line-haul application SACHS clutches will last approximately 500,000 miles. This is an average, some will last longer and some will last less.
      Why don’t Sachs warrant their clutch for as long as the OE new vehicle clutch?
      • In an OE application all the surrounding components (i.e. flywheel, pilot bearing, release fork, linkage, etc.) that affect clutch life are new. In an aftermarket application their condition is uncontrolled.
      Isn’t it best to buy my clutch from the same manufacture that makes my transmission?
      • No. The clutch is matched to the engine (i.e. peak torque capacity) not the transmission. Transmission is not a consideration in clutch spec’ing.
      Where is Sachs product made?
      • SACHS clutches are made in the USA in Gainesville, GA.
      Sachs clutch looks like the Meritor (or Rockwell) clutch. Is it a copy?
      • SACHS bought the physical manufacturing assets and the intellectual property rights from Arvin Meritor in 2002. Since then SACHS have made many design improvements to the clutch.
      Where the company is located?
      • SACHS office and Warehouse is in Vernon Hills, Illinois. SACHS North American and Technical Center is in Northville, Michigan, a suburb of Detroit. SACHS has manufacturing plants all over the world including the USA.