Chain tensioning technology for VAZ 2106: 7 stages of repair work

Before tightening the chain on the VAZ 2106, make sure that the gas distribution mechanism is functioning properly.
If adjustment is not possible, replacing the old drive with a new one is a mandatory measure. Keep in mind that the chain will continue to stretch as it is used for longer. As its length changes, the gas distribution phases are disrupted. This is followed by a mismatch between the exhaust and intake strokes, which is why the operation of the engine as a whole is disrupted. If the quality of the chain is not high enough, it is likely to break and cause excessive wear. You may also be interested in an article devoted to how the VAZ-2106 valves are adjusted.

Additionally, we recommend reading our expert’s article, which describes in detail the VAZ-2106 generator.

How to tension a timing chain on a VAZ 2106

Owners of VAZ 2106 and other Classic models often encounter the problem of chain knocking.
This unpleasant sound comes from under the valve cover at the front, right here the chain is stretched onto the camshaft sprocket. Tensioning the chain on a VAZ 2106 is quite simple, and you can do it without even removing the valve cover, but in this case I will show how to do it by removing the cover, because this is a more reliable method and the tension can be assessed visually and checked by hand. To perform this operation you will need the following tool:

• Key for 13
• Driver and ratchet handle
• Heads for 8 and 10
• Pliers

The procedure for tensioning the chain on a VAZ 2106

Most of the tools listed above will only be needed to remove the air filter housing and valve cover. I won’t describe this in detail here, it’s better to follow the link: Instructions for removing the valve cover.

Once the cover is removed, you can begin this repair. To do this, you need to unscrew the chain tensioner, which is located on the right side of the engine on the side of the cylinder head - just near the water pump drive pulley:

There is no need to unscrew it completely. Just a couple of turns is enough. Then we turn the crankshaft of the car: about 2 turns, the chain should tighten itself at this time. We try the tension by pressing on the branches of the chain.

You can rotate the crankshaft either with a key, putting it on a pulley, or with a starter - literally turning the ignition key for a split second so that the shaft makes about 2 revolutions.

If the timing chain is tight enough, you can tighten the tensioner properly and put back all the parts removed from the car, including the valve cover and air filter housing.

Before tensioning the chain on the VAZ-2106, it is necessary to carefully check the gas distribution mechanism. If adjustment is not possible, a new drive will need to be installed. As the chain wears out, it stretches, its length increases, and therefore the valve timing is disrupted. The injection and exhaust strokes do not match - this affects the functioning of the engine as a whole. The chain may break if its quality is poor and wear is excessive.

Symptoms of mechanism malfunction

The first signs that the engine chain tensioner or the chain itself is faulty are:

• A sudden stop in the vehicle's movement while the engine is running, and a significant increase in the speed of rotation of the crankshaft, with the same throttle position.
• Instant engine blocking (wedge), accompanied by a characteristic sound.

The causes of such breakdowns can also be factory defects, such as:

• A weak collet-type clamp that cannot lock the rod in one position, preventing the tensioner from working correctly.
• Deformed shape of one of the planes of the product.
• Damper spring faulty.
• Defective threaded connections of installation fasteners.

Preparing to replace the drive chain

Before tensioning the chain on the VAZ-2106, it needs to be replaced. To carry out the work you will need the following tool:

1. Open-end and ring wrenches for “10”, “13”, “17”.
2. Ratchet key set to "38". With its help, the crankshaft rotates.
3. Phillips and flathead screwdrivers.
4. Mounting blade.
5. Hammer.
6. Ratchet and socket set.

Be sure to purchase a new chain and gasket for the cylinder head cover. But, as practice shows, reusing the gasket is possible; the tightness is broken only after it completely breaks.

Briefly about the drive design

To change the chain and related elements yourself, you need to know the structure of this part of the power unit. The mechanism that drives the camshaft of the VAZ 2106 engine includes the following parts:

• a small drive sprocket is mounted on the crankshaft;
• large idler gear;
• the upper large gear is bolted to the end of the camshaft;
• double-row timing chain;
• tensioner shoe supported by a plunger rod;
• damper - a metal plate with a wear-resistant lining;
• pin - the chain runout limiter is installed next to the lower sprocket.

When rotating, the chain is held on both sides by the guide and tensioner pads

While the engine is running, the timing chain must be kept in tension, otherwise there will be beating, accelerated wear and the links jumping over the gear teeth. A semicircular shoe supporting the part on the left side is responsible for the tension.

After the camshaft sprocket (in the direction of rotation), a damper plate is installed, pressed against the chain drive. To prevent the element from jumping off the lower gear as a result of strong stretching, a limiter is installed nearby - a metal rod screwed into the cylinder block.

In the updated versions of the “six”, automatic tensioning devices were installed, powered by oil pressure

The drive mechanism is located at the front end of the engine and is covered by an aluminum cover in which the front crankshaft oil seal is installed. The lower plane of the cover is adjacent to the oil pan - this feature must be taken into account when disassembling the unit.

Replacing the chain

In order to replace the timing chain yourself, you will need to perform a number of these steps:

1. Remove the cover from the block head. To do this, unscrew all the nuts that secure it. Be careful not to lose the washers and remove any attachments that will get in the way.
2. Using a ratchet wrench, rotate the crankshaft until the mark on the camshaft sprocket aligns with the mark.
3. The locking plate must be straightened using a thin chisel and a hammer.
4. Unscrew the bolt that secures the camshaft sprocket. To make unscrewing easier, you need to turn on the fifth speed (or fourth) and squeeze the handbrake. There is no need to completely unscrew the bolt.
5. Remove the damper and tensioner shoe, then unscrew the stop pin.
6. Do not let the sprocket and chain fall down. Carefully remove the sprocket from the camshaft, then from the crankshaft and carefully pull it out.
7. The new chain must be lubricated with fresh oil, then put it on the crankshaft sprocket, and then on the auxiliary mechanism drive.
8. Make a small hook out of steel wire and use it to hook the chain and lift it up.

After these manipulations, you can install the sprocket on the camshaft, tighten the bolt and secure it with a plate. Before tensioning the chain on the VAZ-2106, you need to make sure that the timing marks match. To do this, rotate the crankshaft (with the gear off) and make sure that all marks match.

Is it possible to shorten a stretched chain?

Theoretically, such an operation is quite possible - it is enough to knock out the cotter pin of one or several links and reconnect the chain. Why such repairs are very rarely practiced:

1. It is difficult to estimate the degree of elongation of the element and the number of links removed.
2. There is a high probability that after the operation the marks will no longer align by 5-10 mm.
3. A worn chain will definitely continue to stretch and will soon begin to rattle again.
4. Worn gear teeth will allow the links to skip easily when the chain is pulled back out.

Economic feasibility plays an important role. A set of spare parts is not so expensive that you waste time and effort trying to repair the part by shortening it.

Replacing the timing chain drive will take an experienced technician approximately 2-3 hours. An ordinary car enthusiast will need twice as much time without taking into account unforeseen breakdowns. Set aside part of the weekend for repairs and do the work without rushing. Before starting the engine, do not forget to compare the marks and make sure that the mechanism is assembled correctly.

Replacing the tensioner

This element is necessary for tensioning the VAZ-2106 chain. Replacing it is very simple, just follow these steps:

1. Remove the old tensioner; to do this, unscrew the two nuts that secure it.
2. Unscrew the cap-type nut - this can be done conveniently using a vice.
3. Clamp the tensioner in a vice and unscrew the nut. Inspect the collet located inside the nut.
4. If this clamp has no defects, you can assemble the mechanism and “charge” it. To do this, you need to push the plunger inside the body, and then tighten the nut.

Drive chain tension

When installing the tensioner, you need to slightly loosen the nut and turn the crankshaft clockwise - this will tighten the chain. The nut is then tightened. If there are defects inside the clamp, a new mechanism must be installed. Before tensioning the chain on the VAZ-2106, make sure that all mechanisms in the gas distribution system are in good working order.

After loosening the nut, you need to carefully rotate the crankshaft. In this case, the shoe should move on the tensioner. If this does not happen, you need to apply a light blow directly to the tensioner - the plunger should move. The crankshaft must be turned until resistance is felt. But we must not allow kickback to occur.

If under the hood of a VAZ 2106 something suddenly begins to ring and grind, then this does not bode well. Neither the engine nor the driver. Most likely, the timing chain under the cylinder block cover became so loose and loose that it began to hit the tensioner shoe and damper. Is it possible to tighten a slack chain yourself? Yes. Let's figure out how this is done.

When is it time to change the chain?

Replacement or adjustment of the chain is necessary if the following symptoms are present.

1. Loud knocks and grinding noises in the hood area after starting the engine. As the crankshaft speed increases, the noise frequency also increases.
2. Fuel consumption cannot be called economical if the cylinder block is not operating properly. The increase in consumption occurs by a third or even two times.
3. Gaps form in the engine's power output, which can be noticed both at idle and when accelerating.
4. The vehicle's reaction to activating the gas pedal is not good enough; the reaction may be delayed by a couple of seconds.

The presence of these signs indicates the need to remove the chain and examine the degree of its wear. Excessive wear requires replacing the chain, but if signs of wear are insignificant, it is enough to tighten it.

Be sure to read our specialist's detailed article, which talks about replacing the timing chain.

We also recommend that you carefully study our expert’s article, in which he talks in detail about replacing the timing belt.

Purpose of the timing chain on the VAZ 2106

The timing chain in the engine of a VAZ 2106 car connects two shafts - the crankshaft and the timing shaft. Both shafts are equipped with toothed sprockets, on which the chain is put.

After starting the engine, the chain ensures synchronous rotation of the two above shafts. If the synchronization is disrupted for some reason, this leads to malfunctions in the operation of the entire gas distribution mechanism of the car. In addition, malfunctions in the operation of the cylinders occur, after which the car owner notes the appearance of dips in engine power, poor response of the car to pressing the gas pedal and increased fuel consumption.

Timing chain characteristics

Classic VAZ cars are equipped with timing chains, which differ only in the number of links. The length of the chains is the same:

• on VAZ 2101 and VAZ 2105 cars a 114-link chain is installed, the length of which varies from 495.4 to 495.9 mm, and the link length is 8.3 mm;
• On VAZ 2103 and VAZ 2106 cars, chains of the same length are installed, but they already have 116 links. The length of the link is 7.2 mm.

The timing chain pins on the VAZ 2106 are made of high-quality alloy steel, which has high strength and wear resistance.

Checking the timing chain for wear

A car owner who decides to find out the degree of wear on the timing chain on a VAZ 2106 will have to solve a very difficult problem. The fact is that a worn and stretched chain is not much different in appearance from a new one. An old chain, as a rule, does not have serious mechanical damage, and it is almost impossible to notice the wear of its pins with the naked eye.

But there is one simple wear test that every car enthusiast should know about. It is carried out as follows: a piece of old chain about 20 cm long is taken from one side, placed horizontally, and then turned in the hand so that the chain pins are perpendicular to the floor.

After this, the overhang angle of the chain is assessed. If the hanging section of the chain deviates from the horizontal by 10–20 degrees, the chain is new. If the overhang angle is 45–50 degrees or more, the timing chain is severely worn and needs to be replaced.

Let's consider a VAZ sprocket chain tensioner for a single-row chain

Let's consider a VAZ sprocket chain tensioner for a double-row chain

How much does the Zvezda chain tensioner shoe cost?

To provide a 1 year unlimited mileage warranty on the part, only high quality parts are used. In terms of price-quality ratio, there is a clear loss in the price of the product. The price of the Zvezda tensioner is lower than its quality. You are buying a quality part with a guarantee!

Chain tensioner shoe “Zvezda”, payment - delivery!

You can order the “Star chain tensioner shoe” directly on our website. To do this, click on the button

order - and in a short time you will be able to receive a chain tensioner shoe.

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selected delivery service - in your city.

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Signs of a poorly adjusted chain

When they talk about a poorly adjusted chain, they usually mean a loose and sagging chain. Because a highly tensioned chain does not show any signs of breakage. She's just bursting. Here are the main signs that the timing chain has become loose:

• after starting the engine, a loud grinding and knocking noise is heard from under the hood, the frequency of which increases as the crankshaft speed increases. This occurs due to the fact that the slack chain continuously hits the damper and the tension shoe;
• the car reacts poorly to pressing the gas pedal: the engine begins to increase speed only one or two seconds after pressing. This is due to the fact that due to a sagging chain, the synchronism of rotation of the timing shaft and the crankshaft is disrupted;
• There are power failures in engine operation. Moreover, they can occur both when accelerating and when the engine is idling. Due to the desynchronization of the shafts, which was mentioned above, the operation of the cylinders in the engine is also disrupted. In this case, one cylinder either does not work at all, or works, but not at full strength;
• increase in fuel consumption. If the cylinder block is not working properly, this cannot but affect fuel consumption. It can increase by a third, and in especially severe cases - double.

If the driver notices one or more of the above signs, this only means one thing: it’s time to remove the timing chain and check for wear. If it turns out to be very worn, it will have to be replaced. If the wear is minor, the chain can simply be tightened slightly.

Nature of tensioner mechanism breakdowns

Since the tensioning mechanism consists of a damper, a shoe and a shoe fitting, any failure will be associated with the failure of one of these elements:

1. The fitting may break due to corrosion processes or mechanical wear. The result is that the shoe no longer extends and puts pressure on the chain, which becomes unstable and too loose. In extreme cases, it can even break completely. Replacing the fitting is the only possible measure to eliminate the problem in question. Since the body of the part is non-separable, repair is impossible.
2. The damper can fail as a result of metal fatigue failure or a weak chain that hits the bolts, weakens them and breaks the damper. Replacing the element in question is also the only option in this situation. The new part must be original, but not from a Chinese manufacturer.
3. The tension shoe wears out, causing vibrations and impacts. The element should be replaced, since its polymer coating cannot be restored under domestic conditions.
4. If the chain cannot be tensioned, the cap nut is not loosened enough or the fitting has not been discharged as a result of failure. Check the condition of the parts in question and correct any problems.

How to tighten the timing chain on a VAZ 2106

Before we begin tightening the slack timing chain, let's decide on the tools that we will need for the job. Here they are:

• open-end wrench 14;
• open-end wrench 36 (it will be needed to turn the crankshaft);
• 10mm socket head with wrench.

Sequencing

Before adjusting the chain, you will have to perform one preparatory operation: remove the air filter. The fact is that its body will not allow access to the timing chain. The filter is held on by four 10mm nuts, which are not difficult to unscrew.

After removing the air filter housing, access to the carburetor opens. On the side of it there is a gas thrust. It is disconnected using a 10mm socket.

Source

How to properly tighten the chain on a VAZ-2106

Sometimes owners of VAZ Sixes can hear a rather unpleasant knocking sound coming from under the valve cover.
This is a signal that the timing chain tension has weakened. The knocking noise that irritates the driver comes from exactly the place where it is pulled onto the camshaft sprocket. This is the surest sign of a problem. Not only owners of “sixes”, but also all models belonging to the VAZ classics face the need to periodically adjust the timing chain. In all of these vehicles, the timing chain is an integral part of the design. It is not difficult to understand that it needs to be tightened. As mentioned above, this will be clearly signaled by an unpleasant knock from under the valve cover, which will be heard every time you sharply press or release the accelerator pedal.

Advantages and disadvantages of chain drive.

The history of using a timing chain drive began a long time ago. This does not mean that such a decision is a thing of the past, as novice motorists often believe. It is still widely used today, and industry leaders such as Mercedes, BMW, Toyota, etc. do not neglect it.

Using such a mechanism has certain advantages:

• strength and, accordingly, resistance to long-term mechanical loads and short-term peak overloads;
• resistance to wear, due to which, with proper care, the service life of the drive as a whole reaches 100 - 200 thousand km;
• ability to work at high and low temperatures, in conditions of significant differences without loss of performance properties.

Chain drives also have certain disadvantages,

• significant weight places additional demands on the quality, reliability and characteristics of other parts of the mechanism;
• the complexity of the design leads to high production costs and, accordingly, the relative high cost of the part for the buyer;
• complication of the drive as a whole due to the need to use tensioners and dampers;
• the need to perform additional operations to adjust the tension or replace the chain;
• increased operating noise level compared to other gear options.

These shortcomings are not critical and have not become a reason for the widespread abandonment of chain transmission. The still popular VAZ “classic” uses just such a drive.