Opinion on Sachs Struts?

Jibberish18 · Jul 22, 2008

I was interested in purchasing these from Bat-Inc. I have a feeling they'd do a lot better than either KYB or Monroe but I figured I'd ask for anyones opinion. They're just stock struts and shocks. Nothing special for performance or lowering of the car. Anyone have any experience with them?

BTW, what should I tell the mechanic to replace while he has my struts off? Of course the strut mounts and bearings for the front are a must, but anything else to check for? Thanks!

hommie · Jul 22, 2008

I have heard people having problems with the Sach's blowing out and going bad. However I guess it all depends on what you are going to be using the car for?

Jibberish18 · Jul 24, 2008

Anybody? OEM struts.

MichaelXi · Jul 24, 2008

As far as I know, for OEM replacement, they should be Fine.
IIRC, Ford uses/used them in Several applications.
Beyond the things you named, (Strut Bearings!), the other things to replace depend on mileage and your local climate/road conditions.
Inspect and Replace As Necessary: (In Order of Likelihood of Need)
Swaybar Endlinks
Outer Tie-Rod Ends
Ball-Joints
Wheel Bearings
Any other bushings are less likely, but should be checked, especially in High-Salt areas.
All of this is Assuming "Daily Driver, No Lowering, No Abuse".
Any of those Factors may accelerate the rate at which these items need to be Checked And/Or Replaced.

gizmo88 · Jul 29, 2008

I would chose them over Monroe but not KYB.

Jibberish18 · Jul 29, 2008

I would chose them over Monroe but not KYB.

Please explain? Is this a preference with reliability or performance?

gizmo88 · Jul 29, 2008

Jibberish18 said:
Please explain? Is this a preference with reliability or performance?

I've used Monroe shocks out of the 3. They're cheap OEM replacements imo.

It looks like Koni has started to offer affordable OEM replacement shocks for the Focus. I wouldn't hesistate to grab these, they would run circles around those 3 options. With similar valving to the Koni sports, the only real thing these guys are missing is dampening adjustment.
http://www.jegs.com/p/Koni/1043342/10002/-1/10075

jrgtrain · Jul 29, 2008

I have been running the SACHS dampers on my car for a year. I have Eibach Sportlines as well. The dampers are firm enough for the springs and have never bottomed out. They are not too stiff for a comfrtable ride either. Best bang for the buck.

Jibberish18 · Aug 2, 2008

I've used Monroe shocks out of the 3. They're cheap OEM replacements imo.

It looks like Koni has started to offer affordable OEM replacement shocks for the Focus. I wouldn't hesistate to grab these, they would run circles around those 3 options. With similar valving to the Koni sports, the only real thing these guys are missing is dampening adjustment.
http://www.jegs.com/p/Koni/1043342/10002/-1/10075

But the Sachs and KYB's are much cheaper. Which is what I need. A good strut/shock that gives me stock height. My suspension is done. I've never felt the Focus handle as bad as it does right now. And the tires slap the fender walls every chance they get. Although $240 for all four from TireRack ain't bad.

I have been running the SACHS dampers on my car for a year. I have Eibach Sportlines as well. The dampers are firm enough for the springs and have never bottomed out. They are not too stiff for a comfrtable ride either. Best bang for the buck.

Thanks man. I think I may go with them. Hopefully shipping isn't ridiculous from Bat-Inc.

BTW does anyone know if I should replace these things? I'd imagine yes but I've never encountered a strut boot.

MaroonZX3 · Aug 2, 2008

Replace the strut mounts for sure. They do wear out and they are usually not expensive. The old boots are probably fine, just dirty.

Z63R · Aug 2, 2008

^ :thumbup:

BTW does anyone know if I should replace these things? I'd imagine yes but I've never encountered a strut boot.

Inspect the boot for signs of rot and cracking. If in doubt, replace them; it'll be another couple of years before you're back in there.

Also replace the strut bearings; the entire weight of that corner of the car rests on the strut bearing and when they develop play (usually every 25-35K miles) it can be felt in the steering wheel.

Opinion on Sachs Struts?

Jibberish18

hommie

Jibberish18

MichaelXi

gizmo88

Jibberish18

gizmo88

jrgtrain

Jibberish18

MaroonZX3

Z63R

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