Replacing the resonator of Lada Kalina sedan (VAZ Kalina)

During operation, the engine produces certain noises, which require the installation of appropriate equipment to suppress them. The muffler for Kalina is represented by a tube, which includes the muffler itself and the resonator.

Its body is solid and sealed, it is made without welding, which indicates good protection against rust. After some period of use, the device wears out and begins to work louder. As a rule, drivers of a Lada sedan, station wagon or hatchback, whose mileage is at least 40 thousand kilometers, encounter this problem. If the part is worn out, it can be “patched”, but its complete replacement is recommended. You can do this yourself using a hammer, wrenches and lubricant.

Differences between spare parts

Today on the market you can find an extremely large number of Kalina mufflers, the prices of which are too low. However, you need to understand how much an original spare part costs (to do this, just go to the official Lada website) in order to be able to distinguish between components made by hand. They will most likely last several times less than the original and, quite possibly, due to non-compliance with the technology, will even pose a danger to the life and health of the driver. Spare parts for model 1118 differ in the following parameters:

• material. The original spare part is made of aluminum or stainless steel. A product made of stainless steel will be quite difficult to find; they are often made to order. If the muffler is made of any other material, it is a fake;
• price. The cost of the original component is estimated at a thousand rubles or more, while fakes can cost less;
• weight. For the original it is higher than for the fake, since the real model is equipped with thicker walls and also contains a soundproofing layer;

The difference between the Kalina sedan, station wagon and hatchback muffler is that in the first and second models the product tube is curved, and the last model is equipped with a muffler with straight inlet and outlet pipes.

Manufacturers

Parts for Lada 1118 can be purchased from the following manufacturers:

• Lada . The AL category factory part has all the necessary characteristics for installation. It is made of aluminized steel, and the addition of silicon to the mixture only better protects the product from rust and improves resistance to temperature changes and aggressive chemical compounds. You can purchase such a part from official representatives of the company or in company stores;

• BalakovoRezinoTechnika. This Russian manufacturer, in addition to spare parts for domestic cars (VAZ, KamAZ, GAZ), is engaged in the production of rubber products as its main activity;
• Auto kit . This company operates in St. Petersburg and produces, in particular, roll-up mufflers for the VAZ 1118;
• Melitopol plant of automobile and tractor mufflers "UTAS". Engaged in the manufacture of exhaust gas systems. The company's assortment includes 150 types of products, including intake and exhaust pipes, mufflers for the VAZ 1118. The products produced are excellent for Moskvich, VAZ, MTZ, GAZ, ZAZ and many other brands of vehicles;
• SKS . The company's products meet the declared characteristics and have the required thickness and standard size. It is made, like the factory components, from aluminized steel, and can be installed along with the factory components of Kalina 1118;

• Polmostrow . The products of this Polish company include muffler models for the Kalina sedan and fully comply with the factory requirements of the domestic manufacturer. The design has seams that are welded automatically, which eliminates the appearance of unevenness and roughness. Rolling takes place along the tank of the product, which is done using German equipment. After manufacturing, the product undergoes technical control, testing, and only after that it is sent for sale.

Features of replacing parts

After replacing the muffler on Kalina, in rare cases you may encounter the following problems:

After approximately 3-4 years of operation of the car, some elements of its exhaust become unusable. Of course, in this case we are not talking about foreign cars, but about cars from a domestic manufacturer. Why does the muffler fail so quickly? It's simple: firstly, it is usually made from low-quality metal, and secondly, constant exposure to various external factors contributes to the very rapid development of corrosion.

Be that as it may, in this article we will consider not the reasons for the rather rapid wear of the exhaust system, but the process of replacing its main elements: an additional muffler and a catalyst. An important point: the instructions for doing the work yourself are valid for Lada cars of the Kalina, Priora, Grant models.

Malfunctions

The following signs indicate a muffler malfunction:

• the engine makes a growling sound;
• Exhaust gases enter the interior from under the bottom of the car, which is easily determined by the smell.

The main causes of muffler malfunction:

• water, it causes corrosion in the muffler and, over time, holes form in it;
• a sharp change in temperature leads to the formation of condensation;
• mechanical damage (impacts from the muffler due to its low location);
• shaking on the roads leads to disruption of connections;
• muffler burnout.

When malfunctions occur, a problem arises - repair or replacement? In any case, measures must be taken, otherwise the powerful roar of the car will disturb others, get on the owner’s nerves and attract the attention of traffic police officers. If there is no experience in repair work, or the muffler is seriously damaged, then it is worth replacing it

If there is no experience in repair work, or the muffler is seriously damaged, then it is worth replacing it.

Replacing the muffler on Lada Kalina

The easiest way to replace a worn muffler is in the inspection hole. The main and additional mufflers are connected to each other by means of a metal clamp. To dismantle it, you will need two 13mm spanners or wrenches. With one wrench we hold the bolt nut, preventing it from turning, and with the second we unscrew it. After the bolts are unscrewed and removed, carefully remove the clamp.

Next, move the exhaust pipe of the muffler back a little and remove the connecting gasket (connecting ring). Then we move the exhaust system pipe to the rear suspension beam.

Now we remove the muffler mounting bracket from the first shock-absorbing rubber pad. Then, using a small pry bar, remove the muffler from the second cushion. We remove it, carefully removing it from under the rear suspension beam.

Replacing the resonator yourself

As when replacing the main muffler, to replace the resonator we will need to remove the mounting clamp. To do this, use two 13mm wrenches to unscrew the bolts that tighten it. By the way, if due to severe corrosion it is impossible to unscrew the bolts, you can go another way: cut them off using a grinder and subsequently replace them with new ones.

The resonator is bolted to the catalyst with two bolts. Before unscrewing, it is recommended to treat them with WD-40 and tap them with a hammer. After the nuts have loosened, use two wrenches to unscrew the bolts securing the resonator to the neutralizer. An important point: do not unscrew the nuts completely. If the car does not have a neutralizer, unscrew the bolts securing the resonator to the exhaust pipe.

Next, carefully lift the resonator and remove the rear rubber cushion from it, and then the front one.

After this, holding the resonator, finally unscrew the nuts and remove the spring washers. Remove the bolts and dismantle the resonator.

Installing a new resonator is done in the reverse order.

It should be noted that in case of severe corrosion of the mounting bolts, clamp and the resonator itself, a somewhat non-standard method can be used: the faulty unit is cut off using a grinder from the corrugation to the main muffler. The new resonator is installed in place of the old one using electric welding.

Recommendations for replacing the resonator and muffler

Dismantling the old part

1. Unscrew the nuts securing the clamp connecting the muffler pipe and the resonator pipe. Remove the clamp. Lubricate the bolts and nuts with WD. Since they are completely stuck, it can be impossible to disconnect them. About 10 minutes after lubrication, you can begin to unscrew them. If it is impossible to twist the bolts, you can cut them off using a grinder (grinder). After this, the clamp is bent. Now, by lightly tapping on the bend of the muffler, you need to dislodge the clamp from its connection to the resonator. There is a possibility that the clamp can be easily removed without using a hammer.
2. Release the muffler from the fasteners, i.e., remove it from the rubber bands. There are two of them on the Lada Kalina. The first is somewhere near the rear beam, and the second is directly near the exhaust pipe itself.
3. Remove the muffler itself.

The resonator on Kalina is screwed with three steel nuts directly to the catalyst. Since the nuts also stick very well, they must be lubricated with a rust softener. If this method does not work, a grinder can help. When replacing the resonator with a new one, all steps are carried out in the reverse order. The following method of replacing the resonator is also used. The old unit is cut off from the corrugation to the main muffler, the new resonator is welded. The cost of the resonator and muffler ranges from 1000 to 4000 thousand rubles.

Despite the huge selection of resonators from various companies and manufacturers, it is very difficult to find a worthwhile one. Since the resonator of the Lada Kalina is corrugated, it is advisable to find the same one made of stainless steel. However, there are practically no such offers on the Internet. You can install something else, the car will be able to work quietly, which will delight any car owner.

To learn in detail how to independently replace the resonator or the entire exhaust system on a Kalina, you can use information on the operation and repair of the Lada Kalina on online forums, video tutorials and photo reports.

According to experts, the car resonator must be replaced every 20 thousand kilometers. Any driver who has driven that many kilometers will be able to detect malfunctions of the device, usually by ear. It is recommended not to purchase cheap fakes. Practice proves that in this case, approximately 700-1000 km after changing the air resonator, you can return to the service station again.

Both the owner of a new car and the buyer who purchased a used car can face the problem of replacing the resonator on Kalina. Based on the foregoing, you can carry out repair work and replace parts of the exhaust system yourself or by contacting a car service center. Replacing the resonator is inexpensive. It should be remembered that without timely replacement of one of the components or if it is completely absent from the exhaust system, the remaining parts may burn out. And then repair work will cost more.

Replacing the resonator Lada Kalina

The car became painfully loud. The muffler was new (see how to replace it here), but I still decided to crawl under the car and check the tightness of the entire exhaust system. It turned out that the resonator pipe (additional muffler) was rotten in the place between the main and additional mufflers.

In such a situation, the resonator must be replaced. To replace the resonator on Kalina, it must be removed (this is obvious). To do this, you will have to unscrew three nuts securing it to the exhaust manifold and 2 nuts of the clamp connecting the resonator to the main muffler. The work is best done from the pit.

The task at first glance is simple, but there is one “but” - the nuts on the manifold could become very stuck and it will be very difficult to unscrew them. Spray them with WD-40, use strong wrenches. For convenience, you can remove the engine protection.

After everything is unscrewed, remove it from the hangers and pull it out. The resonator itself was in good condition, but the two elbows going to the clamp were rotten. Therefore, I decided not to spend money and buy a new one, but to try to solve the problem with the help of welding and a grinder. If things are much worse for you or you just don’t want to fool your head, then buy a new resonator and install it in the reverse order (you don’t have to read further).

Replacement

There are two options here. Give the car with a new muffler to a service center, or replace it yourself. If you have the skills to handle the tool, then replacing it yourself will not be so difficult and much cheaper.

To work independently you will need the following:

• WD-40 lubricant or similar chemicals;
• a set of wrenches (mostly socket, socket 13 with a collar);
• hammer.

1. The car is driven into a pit.
2. All bolts and nuts of the clamp that connects the muffler to the resonator are lubricated with grease. Most likely, without it, it will be difficult to unscrew due to dirt and rust. When the lubricant penetrates the entire thread, use a 13mm wrench to unscrew the nut on one side of the clamp completely, and on the other half. If required, the bolt head is kept from turning with the same key. The clamp can be easily removed.

3. The muffler is disconnected from the resonator, the sealing ring is removed. If you can’t remove it by hand, then you need to knock it off the joint with light blows of a hammer.

4. The next step is to release the muffler brackets from the rubber cushion rings. One is located next to the rear beam, the other is located next to the exhaust pipe. If this is difficult to do, you can help with a screwdriver. That's it, the muffler is removed.

Installing a new one is done in reverse order. When replacing, do not forget about installing the O-ring and ensuring that the muffler is in an even position, otherwise you will not be able to avoid damage on uneven roads.

Exhaust system "Lada Kalina"

After processing the air-fuel mixture, residual substances must be released from the engine cavity. An exhaust system is used for these purposes. Without it, operating any car is simply impossible.

The exhaust system of the Lada Kalina car consists of several elements:

• an exhaust manifold;
• exhaust pipe;
• main muffler;
• additional;
• catalytic converter.

All parts of the exhaust system not only allow you to safely and quickly remove exhaust gases from the engine, but also reduce noise levels . And the neutralizer serves to reduce carbon monoxide emissions, that is, it reduces the toxicity of exhaust on the Lada Kalina.

It should be noted that the mufflers for Lada Kalina sedans, hatchbacks and station wagons will be slightly different. Thus, the device labeling must fully comply with the VAZ labeling. For example, VAZ-1117 (Lada Kalina hatchback) requires model 1117, and VAZ-1118 (Lada Kalina sedan) requires muffler 1118. For the Lada Kalina station wagon modification, a device marked 1118-1200010 is installed.

The result of the work

In order for the muffler to last a couple of thousand km longer, before installation it is necessary to fill it with a special liquid that prevents corrosion from forming. The muffler must be twisted in different directions so that the liquid completely lubricates the internal space.

As a result of replacing the muffler, the sound of a running engine will not frighten passers-by, alarm drivers or infuriate traffic police inspectors. And comfort.

Whose muffler is better to buy for Lada Kalina?

Lada Kalina or VAZ of the 1117-1119 family is not as common in our country as classic models or models of earlier versions, but they are still quite common on our roads. For this model, you can find a fairly wide range of exhaust system spare parts on the Ukrainian market. Today we will focus on the questions: how much does a muffler cost for Kalina, how much does a resonator cost for Kalina, which muffler is better to choose for Kalina?

The most important criteria that we will focus on will be the cost of the spare part, as well as the ratio of quality and price. The cheapness of spare parts is not always the optimal solution, although here it is clear: “the stingy pays twice!”

Which muffler should I buy for Kalina (VAZ 1117 - VAZ 1119)?

Fundamentally, on the Ukrainian market you can buy two types of spare parts for the VAZ 1117-1119 muffler system. These are parts made of ordinary black steel, as well as products with anti-corrosion coating. You should consider which muffler is best installed on Kalina (station wagon, sedan or hatchback).

What does the muffler consist of?

The main part of the exhaust system serves to absorb noise. On the Lada Kalina car, this function is performed by a pipe, which includes the muffler itself and its resonator.

The thickening is the resonator, the end is the muffler itself

The pipe has a completely sealed body, which is manufactured using the rolling method, that is, without the use of a welding machine. Thanks to this, the muffler is durable and does not corrode. And the resonator, which is also located in the pipe, consists of several closed chambers. These chambers are connected to each other by small tubes with holes in them. Thanks to this structure, the resonator can quickly smooth out all acoustic vibrations. In the latest modifications of the Lada Kalina, the inside of the resonator is lined with sound-absorbing material.

The three-chamber device allows you to reduce the noise level in the car

Unfortunately, the quality of mufflers for Kalina leaves much to be desired. Often their service life does not exceed 40–50 thousand kilometers. Therefore, the car owner has to think about which “gluker” to choose. Today, mechanisms for the Lada Kalina are presented at a variety of prices - from the cheapest to the most expensive. However, it is better to navigate the world of auto parts using the following parameters:

• muffler material: original spare parts are made of stainless steel or aluminum, they will last as long as possible and ensure high-quality exhaust removal;
• cost: you should not purchase a device below the 1 thousand ruble mark;
• weight: an original and high-quality “glushak” will weigh more than a fake, since the chambers are equipped with thicker walls and sound-proofing materials.

How to determine whether the muffler is faulty on a Lada Kalina

Domestic cars have a simplified exhaust system design. Thanks to this, the driver can easily determine malfunctions in the operation of the Lada Kalina muffler.

First of all, it is necessary to clarify exactly what risks are possible when using a faulty device:

• If a hole has formed in the plug, toxic gases can enter the cabin. The danger is that the exhaust gases are colorless and odorless. After even a short period of inhalation, the driver may feel headache, nausea and fatigue;
• If the system mechanism fails, loud popping noises in the resonator will immediately be noticeable. And today, many city districts and entertainment establishments limit the noise level on their territory, so the driver of a car can receive a fine;
• decreased comfort while traveling, since the noise level with a faulty muffler will not allow you to talk or listen to music.

Malfunctions can be determined independently. This does not require any special knowledge or equipment.

It is important that the muffler is always in a strictly horizontal position

Step-by-step instructions for diagnosing a malfunction

Proceed in the following order:

1. Listen carefully to the noises that arise when the car is moving. If the muffler is faulty, the car will run much louder than before. And also knocking or a characteristic gurgling sound while driving indicates a breakdown in the exhaust system.
2. Raise the car on a jack and inspect the body of the device. There should be no holes or even ordinary rust on it. If there are already rust marks on the case, then most likely there are also some defects inside the case.
3. When driving, carefully monitor the quality of the exhaust gases. If black and dense smoke periodically escapes from the muffler, then there is definitely something wrong with the exhaust system.
4. Start the engine and rev it up for a few minutes. Then turn off the ignition and check the engine temperature. After a short period of operation, the motor should not have time to heat up. If there is overheating, it means that the mechanism is not doing its job.

How does a resonator work and its functions?

As mentioned above, the exhaust system includes a resonator. In a resonator, each of the constituent components has its own role. The main purpose of this unit is to dampen low-frequency sounds generated during the intensive movement of the exhaust gas stream inside the muffler circuit. Sounds of this nature occur for the following two reasons:

• from the effect of gas expansion;
• due to vibrations of components in the muffler line.

An important function of the resonator unit is reducing the speed of movement of the gas jet. Here fundamental physical laws come into play, indicating the inevitable damping of speed during the transition of a gas mass from a thin pipe into a volumetric cavity. It is precisely to achieve this effect that the design concept of the resonator is designed.

In the exhaust gas circuit, the resonator component is located in front of the main muffler, thereby being the primary link in the chain of damping low-frequency sounds.

Structurally, the product assumes the presence of a perforated section of pipe inside the metal body, where there is a throttle-type hole, designed to effectively dampen vibrations arising from the movement of the gas jet. The internal space of the housing has partitions that are oriented transversely to the perforated pipe. Now you have an idea of ​​what an exhaust system is.

In comparison with the resonators in the exhaust circuits of other models, this unit in the Lada Kalina has a corrugated element. The design necessity is due to the tendency of the device to move during the heating of the gas exhaust jet.

The manufacturer makes all resonator components only from high-quality steel. Otherwise, the car's exhaust system would constantly require repair work. But sometimes it is still necessary to replace the resonator, and in some cases, replace the muffler.

How to replace the Lada Kalina muffler with your own hands

Before we talk about replacing the muffler, you need to choose the right model. The device is matched to the car body. At the same time, it is best to purchase “Glushak” not at car markets, but in specialized stores. You can buy a model on the market for 500 rubles, but it is unlikely to last long. When in a car shop you can pick up an aluminum or stainless steel muffler housing for 1000–1500 rubles and be sure of its long service life. Typically, original exhaust system elements last for 50 thousand kilometers.

To successfully complete all procedures, it is best to immediately prepare the following tools:

• WD-40 lubricant;
• two open-end wrenches for 13;
• hammer;
• flat blade screwdriver.

Video: DIY replacement of the silencer

Dismantling procedure

Removing the resonator and plug can be considered the most labor-intensive part of the entire replacement procedure. The complexity is determined by the fact that it can be very difficult to disconnect the elements of the exhaust system from each other:

1. The first step is to jack up the rear of the car or drive it into a hole.
2. Then you will need to find the connecting clamp that connects the muffler and the resonator. It will be difficult to remove the clamp, since the bolted connections stick to the metal structures due to constant heating.
3. It is best to first lubricate all connections with lubricating fluid and then proceed with removal.
4. After dismantling the resonator, you need to remove the muffler itself.
5. It is usually easily removed, since it is attached to the bottom of the car using rubber hangers.

It is recommended to immediately remove all stickers and wrapping from a new product.

Therefore, removing the muffler may take about 20-30 minutes, depending on how difficult it is to remove the resonator bolts. In this case, all connecting elements and seals must also be removed - their further use on the new device is impossible.

The described operating procedure will be the same for all modifications of the Lada Kalina, regardless of body type.

How to change seals, rubber bands and corrugation

There are usually no problems when it comes to changing o-rings and rubber bands on the muffler. All components can be purchased along with the device and rubber bands can be put on in place of the old ones.

The rubber band for the silencer is inexpensive and can be changed in a minute.

Replacing the corrugation is considered a more complex procedure. In addition, the car owner does not always have a welding machine at hand and knows how to operate it.

To change the corrugation on a still working muffler, you must perform the following steps:

1. Using a grinder, cut off the remnants of the old corrugation (of course, the muffler will need to be removed before doing this).
2. On the new corrugation, neat cuts are made in those places to which the pipes will be joined.
3. The corrugation is pulled into place and must be fixed on both sides with clamps.
4. “Glushak” is installed under the bottom.

This simplified method of replacing the corrugation is considered quite practical, although, of course, welding work would make the replacement more durable.

Corrugation element increases muffler service life

Main malfunctions and the order of work to replace the muffler

The main malfunctions of Lada Kalina mufflers include:

• muffler corrugation burnout;
• catalyst malfunctions;
• gasket burnout;
• breakage of rubber fasteners, etc.

However, the main and defining defect remains muffler burnout. Therefore, we will study the issue of replacing the Lada Kalina muffler with our own hands, having previously prepared plumbing tools and the car itself for this. When preparing a vehicle for repair, we select a platform without slopes and install the car in the parking brake mode and first gear engaged.

The order of work when dismantling the muffler on the Lada Kalina:

1. Having prepared the necessary tools for the repair, we dismantle the clamp that tightens the muffler pipe at the junction with the resonator. This operation is carried out using a pair of keys set to “13”; for convenience, you can select a head with a knob and a ring wrench.
2. It happens that the nuts securing the plug are stuck to the base and are very difficult to unscrew even with the help of special liquids. When there is no longer any hope of safely dismantling the product, it is easier to prepare new fasteners, and the old nuts must be cut off with a grinder.
3. After dismantling the tightening clamp, it is necessary to apply several gentle blows with a mechanic’s hammer along the circumference of the muffler bend to facilitate complete removal of the product. After this, use your hands to press the muffler in the direction opposite to the direction of travel of the vehicle.
4. Then remove the rubber fasteners on the sides of the product.
5. We dismantle the “glushak”, set the unusable part aside and install a new part, and do everything according to the “reverse” principle.

The technological operation takes only a couple of hours, after which the car is ready for use again.

Typically, mufflers can withstand quite a long service life. In my memory, there were many cars, and almost all of them had the same muffler service life. For example, on the Twelfth we replaced it at about 50,000 km, and on the Seven the resonator recently burned out when the mileage was 60,000 km. So far I have driven a little more than 40 thousand on Kalina, but thank God, so far everything is fine and there are no signs of burnout.

I’ll say right away that I didn’t want to remove and put it back using Kalina as an example, I’ll just show from previous experience how this procedure is performed, but with photographs using the example of my station wagon. I’ll just show you clearly what needs to be removed and unscrewed and where.

So, to perform this repair, you will need:

1. WD-40 lubricant or its analogues, such as all kinds of liquid wrenches
2. Keys size 13, preferably a socket and a head with a knob
3. Hammer (may not always be needed)

First, I’ll show you where the clamp connecting the resonator and muffler is located, since it is this that will need to be unscrewed.

First of all, be sure to apply lubricant to the bolts and nuts securing the clamp, since they stick thoroughly and in some cases it is simply impossible to unscrew it. After 10 minutes, unscrew the nuts. On one side you can completely, and the other just slightly unscrew.

After this, we move the clamp to the side and now you can knock it off the junction with the resonator with small knocks on the bend of the muffler. Often there are no problems with this step and it can be easily knocked down or even removed without any extra effort.

After this, you need to free the muffler from the fasteners and remove it from the rubber bands that hold it. There are two of them in total. The first is located near the rear beam. Shown more clearly in the photo below:

And the second is in the back of the car, almost at the exhaust pipe. Its location is also shown in the picture:

After these steps, you can safely and without any obstacles remove the muffler and replace it with a new one. Installation occurs in the reverse order of removal. The price of this part in auto parts stores is approximately 1050 rubles.

How to install a new muffler on the Lada Kalina

The installation procedure will take no more than five minutes. Since all the elements are new, you won’t have to deal with rust and corrosion. The installation procedure looks like this:

1. First, the device itself is installed - two rubber hangers are used for this.
2. The resonator is mounted in place of the old device with 13 bolts.
3. The connection between the muffler and the resonator is secured with new clamps.
4. After which you can remove the car from the jacks and check the functionality of the device.

Table: tightening torques for threaded connections

Lada Kalina cars can be quite capricious in terms of wear and tear on exhaust system elements. However, the short service life of mufflers can be prevented by choosing a quality product and carrying out installation work yourself, since only in these cases can you be sure of the long-term operation of the muffler.