We change the rear struts on a Lada Kalina with our own hands

Purpose and design features of racks

The front struts are designed to reduce the impact of the road surface on the car while driving. If the road is full of uneven surfaces, then the operation of the struts in this driving mode is especially important. The front struts, as well as the rear ones, of the Lada Kalina allow you to smooth out the vibrations that occur in the body under the influence of inertia when driving on an uneven road surface. Even if the road has a smooth surface, the shock absorbers are still endowed with the function of holding the car steadily on a given trajectory.

Over time, the front struts become unusable, and then the owner, while driving, notices the appearance of difficulties in driving the car. He also begins to feel the smallest irregularities in the road surface, during which the body tends to sway and move from the set course. Efficient shock absorbers are designed to prevent this development of events.

Before starting repair procedures, you need to familiarize yourself in detail with the design aspects of these elements of the Lada Kalina chassis.

1. The front oil struts have a two-pipe mechanism, the functioning of which is possible due to the internal movement of liquid, that is, oil. This design of the shock absorber is quite simple, but in operation a tendency to overheating has been revealed, which provokes the supports to deform. Selecting and replacing these product options is also easy.
2. The front gas-oil struts operate under the influence of gas pressure. They are very effective and allow the Lada Kalina car to gain reliable protection from shock and rocking influences.
3. Single-pipe structures. In most models, manufacturers use such versions of products in the stern suspension. Shock absorbers can please you with good heat transfer and fairly high efficiency. Disadvantages include low reliability and high sensitivity to shock loads.

The choice of product option is significantly influenced by the operating features. Primary replacement of struts in Lada Kalina is recommended after 100,000 mileage. Subsequent replacements must be carried out after approximately 80 thousand km, but we must not forget about the influence of the operational factor.

Symptoms of a problem

Which struts are best to install on Priora and Kalina (+ Station wagon), first you need to make sure that it’s really time for you to change the shock absorbers. Surely they can tell you this in a service equipped with a special stand. But, there are also folk methods of determination. A sign of problems with this unit is a “breakdown” of the rack. At the same time, you will feel a shock when passing an obstacle.

Knocks may also be observed, but this may be a consequence of malfunctions of other components. In garage conditions, you can use the following method. To do this, press on the corner of the car and release. With a good stance, the car will make 1.5 moves and calm down. If more, then you can safely change the part. Please note that racks are replaced in pairs.

The original shock absorbers on Priors and Kalinas are oil-based. They are quite tough and often not very hardy. Depending on the operating conditions, they can travel 60-80 thousand kilometers. Experienced car enthusiasts do not recommend using original parts for replacement. If you want to use this type of rack on your car, then it is best to purchase analogues. They are more reliable and provide greater comfort.

Gas shock absorber struts are not used as standard. But this does not prevent you from installing them when replacing them. Cars with such shock absorbers hold up well on the road, even at low speeds. Therefore, they are preferred by drivers who love speed. Gas-oil shock absorbers have mixed characteristics. For everyday driving, mechanics often offer clients this option.

Symptoms of replacement

Oil leaks on the rack are a reason for an urgent replacement.

1. The shock absorber “ sweats ,” which indicates an almost complete lack of fluid inside.
2. The pillar is completely leaking, indicating an urgent replacement.
3. An unpleasant knocking sound appears when entering a hole or driving out onto a hillock - the rack cannot cope with the job.
4. Deterioration in control , skidding of the rear of the car.

The replacement may not be carried out immediately, since many factors depend on the conditions of use of the vehicle and driving style.

It is best to determine the malfunction at a service station using a stand, but traditional methods can also help.

The right strut usually wears out the most - the photo shows the difference in the free movement of the rods. In any case, the racks should always be replaced in pairs.

Analogs

You can save on consumables by purchasing non-original parts. They may be a little more expensive, but the quality will be much better than the factory ones. The following options for replacing front struts are in greatest demand among experienced drivers:

As you can see from the table, the price range is large. You should not think that similar options will fail faster - the reason for the low price is that they are produced by little-known brands. In general, all offered auto parts have decent, proven quality.

The situation is the same with the rear struts. It is advisable to order front and rear struts from the same manufacturer to minimize risks. It is also strictly forbidden to change only one rack, or use the right and left racks from different companies.

Models most suitable for Lada:

Of course, even parts from little-known companies can be counterfeited by Asian manufacturers. The safety rules when choosing are still the same - carefully examine the packaging and compare it with the original one. Check that the parts are in excellent condition - without visible external defects such as paint chips, cracks, scratches, or various damages.

When is it necessary to replace rear struts?

For shock absorbers there is no replacement period or service life between repairs. The condition of the Kalina's rear pillars is largely determined by the conditions and intensity of use. In the vast majority of cases, they fail after 30-50 thousand kilometers. Sometimes this happens much earlier, and in some cases the car can travel 70,000 kilometers. Therefore, the racks must be periodically monitored. Sometimes their malfunction can be determined visually.

Step-by-step algorithm for replacing the front strut

Before work, we stock up on tools with approximately the following “composition”:

• keys: “13”, “17” and “19”;
• a key that allows you to remove the wheels;
• device for removing springs;
• jack and ball pin remover.

1. We install the car on a level area.
2. Loosen the front wheel mounting bolts on one side of the car. We install wheel chocks under the rear wheels.
3. We hang up the corresponding side of the LADA Kalina, not forgetting about the safety supports.
4. To prevent an accidental short circuit in the electrical network, remove the terminals from the battery.
5. If the design contains an ABS system sensor, then dismantle it.
6. Let's move on to pressing out the ball pin. Here we recommend abandoning the hammer and using the specified puller.
7. The strut is attached to the steering knuckle with two bolts through a bracket (or bracket). Before unscrewing the fastener, you need to mark the position of the upper fastener. This will allow you to maintain the approximate wheel camber after assembly.

1. We unscrew the fasteners indicated here and remove it from the bracket.
2. We move under the hood and unscrew the 3 nuts that hold the shock absorber in the spar support cup. We hold the stand from below (you can get an assistant) to prevent it from falling out after the support fasteners “surrender.”
3. We disassemble the rack assembly using a tensioning device for the spring.
4. We install the new product and put everything back together.

We proceed similarly on the second side. The struts in the rear suspension are changed using a similar technology.

Replacement procedure

First of all, you need to prepare the necessary tools. To carry out the work you will need:

• two spanners 19;
• open-end wrench 6;
• hammer;
• curved socket wrench 17;
• mount;
• WD-40 or other penetrating liquid;
• spring ties;
• flat screwdriver;
• jack.

Replacing the rear struts of the Kalina can be done with or without removing the wheels. The second method is somewhat simpler and much safer, but is only possible if there is an inspection hole or overpass. Therefore, it is recommended to take care of this in advance.

Replacement is carried out in the following sequence:

1. Drive the car into the inspection hole and set the parking brake.
2. Remove the rear seat along with the backrest.
3. Using a screwdriver, remove the decorative plugs from the top mounting of the racks.
4. Holding the shock absorber rod with a wrench (No. 6), unscrew the nut that secures the strut with a spanner wrench (No. 17). Sometimes this is not easy to do, especially if the replacement is being made for the first time. You will have to worry about finding a special device. If the nut is unscrewed, the work in the interior is finished for now.
5. Using a jack, the rear wheel is hung from the side of the rack being dismantled. Now you need to go down into the inspection hole.
6. From below, the stand is attached to the bracket with a long bolt and nut, which should be treated with WD-40.
7. Use a union nut (No. 19) to unscrew the nut, holding the bolt itself with another wrench. Sometimes such manipulations do not help; you have to use a special tool to remove the stand.
8. We take it out of the bracket. It is pressed from above by a spring, so care must be taken.
9. We inspect all rubber parts. If possible, it is better to replace them with new ones. Assembly is carried out in reverse order.
10. When installing a rubber buffer on the top of the spring, you need to ensure that the last turn rests on a special protrusion. Now you need to secure it with electrical tape or nylon ties.
11. The lower coil of the spring should rest against the protrusion on the cup.
12. We install the stand in place, fix it using the lower fastening.
13. Now you need to compress the spring, gradually lowering the jack. The complexity of this operation is that at the same time the shock absorber rod must be directed into the hole in the upper mounting. It's better to use a friend's help.
14. As soon as the rod gets into the hole, you need to attach a nut to it. This will help pull it out to its maximum length, after which it can be unscrewed.
15. Place the support washer and rubber cushion on the rod. Now you can tighten the nut.

Features of Kalina 2013

VAZ released the modernized Kalina for sale in 2013, having previously widely covered the upcoming event in the media. The debut took place on a grand scale. The car has really become more interesting in every sense. Now completely new power units have appeared, eight- and sixteen-valve, with a volume of 1.6 liters, with a capacity of 98 to 106 hp. with front-wheel drive, five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. The simplest engine accelerates Kalina to a speed of 167 km/h, the most powerful - up to 190 km/h.

Kalina is stable, but the chassis should be carefully monitored

The model now has unprecedented options: a good security system, an increased degree of comfort. But what about the car's dynamics? The 2013 Lada Kalina turned out to be much more powerful and durable than previous developments. The car has many undeniable advantages, good engineering and design solutions.

Racks are one of the issues that require special attention. At the beginning of using the car, the driver notices that knocking noises appear on steep climbs and turns. As a rule, motorists hope that after traveling a certain number of kilometers this will go away, because lapping and rolling are needed. But over time, the knocking not only does not go away, but also becomes even stronger. In addition, they are accompanied by other troubles related to the vehicle’s handling and stability.

There is excessive rigidity of movement; it seems that the suspension does not want to perform its functions and filter out road irregularities. If there is a speed bump along the way, Kalina howls, informing the driver about the unpleasant impact. If suddenly the car gets into an off-road zone, it even starts to skid. To understand this issue, it is necessary to study the features of different types of struts as the most important parts responsible for driving quality.

What will make a car enthusiast think?

1. The situation is if you often have to drive off-road, on poor asphalt surfaces, when the vehicle’s suspension is subject to the aggressive influence of potholes, holes, and sharp soil. Initially, the car still resists the “traps” of poor-quality road surfaces, and then many parts become unusable: they either rust, or become covered with cracks, or succumb to rupture.
2. Buying a used car. The seller is not always conscientious, and it is not necessary that he previously monitored the technical condition of the vehicle, thought about how to change the rear struts on Kalina, or eliminate emerging problems. Used cars are a lottery, and you can lose if you don’t have a minimum of knowledge about repairs and maintenance of the domestic automobile industry.
3. Frequent changes of drivers. This is the situation when several people alternately drive one family car, especially when there are also novice drivers who have recently received a license and do not know how to change the rear struts on a Kalina; the profile video for them is just beginning to open up new horizons in understanding the structure of the car.
4. A machine that sits idle for a long time has a negative impact on its rubber parts. And before you start an active driving period again, it is worth checking all its control systems to see if they are acceptable for use and if their condition is safe.
5. Unfavorable temperature conditions. Sudden changes in temperature and increased humidity levels will also force the driver to soon figure out how to change the rear struts on a Lada Kalina, having first checked them.

Original spare parts

Most vehicle owners prefer to install only original parts from the manufacturer that were originally supplied with the car. Factory spare parts for Lada Kalina Universal are marked with article number 2110-290540203. Their cost varies from 2200 to 2500 rubles. The racks are produced by the Skopinsky Automotive Aggregate Plant, that is, they are domestic.

Owners of Lada cars note that it is better to immediately replace the original parts with foreign-made analogues immediately after purchasing the vehicle, as they are of much better quality. However, it all depends on you. Some people, on the contrary, only like racks from SAZ.

Parts are often counterfeited. In order not to stumble upon non-original spare parts, make sure of the quality of the product. Ask for accompanying sales certificates and carefully inspect the packaging.

All barcodes and names must be printed clearly. The presence of extraneous logos is unacceptable. The parts should be free of burrs, chips and cracks of paint, and other external defects. Unless, of course, you purchase used parts.

In general, models of the category “Standard 1118 (1119)”, “Sport 1119” and “Highway 1118”, “Optima 1119” are considered the standard choice. Highway and Sport are narrowly focused struts, so they are not practical for city driving. The most common option is the Optima category racks. Note: they are good both off-road and on high-quality trails.

Original parts are covered by a warranty; the kit must contain a coupon. Therefore, it is advisable to purchase them from an official dealer or trusted reseller.

Rear suspension: design and features

The rear suspension beam consists of 2 longitudinal arms 13 and a connector 12, connected by means of amplifiers to each other.

Rear suspension parts: 1 – rubber-metal hinge, 2 – bracket for mounting the suspension arm, 3 – hydraulic shock absorber protection casing, 4 – buffer for the compression stroke, 5 – casing cover, 6 – support washer, 7 – shock absorber pads, 8 – spacer bushing, 9 – hydraulic shock absorber, 10 – insulating gasket, 11 – shock absorber strut spring, 12 – connector for levers, 13 – lever for the front suspension beam, 14 – bracket for fastening the shock absorber strut, 15 – flange, 16 – bushing from the lever .

Rear wheel hub and shock absorber strut mount: 1 – hydraulic shock absorber protection casing, 2 – buffer for compression stroke, 3 – support washer, 4 – insulating gasket for the spring, 5 – upper support spring cup, 6 – cushions for attaching the shock absorber rod, 10 – bolt for fastening the rear wheel hub axle, 11 – brake drum, 12 – hub bearing, 13 – hub from the rear wheel, 14 – hub axle, 15 – hub nut from the rear suspension, 16 – retaining ring, 17 – locating pin.

Location of parts from the rear suspension on the car: 1 - bracket for attaching the lever to the body itself, 2 - lever, 3 - shock absorber from the strut, 4 - lower hinge from the strut, 6 - connector for the levers, 6 - rubber-metal hinge of the lever.

In the rear part, brackets 14 with eyes are welded to the suspension arms, thanks to which you can attach shock absorber struts and flanges 15, to which the axles from the rear wheels are bolted together with the shields of the braking mechanisms. In front of the suspension arms, bushings 16 are welded into which rubber-metal hinges 1 are pressed. Bolts pass through these hinges that connect the suspension arms to brackets 2, which, in turn, are attached with studs to the power elements of the body.

The suspension springs 11 rest with one end on the shock absorber strut cup 9, and with the other, through the insulating rubber gasket 10, in the support, which is welded to the rear wheel arch of the body.

The shock absorber from the rear underseed is a telescopic hydraulic double-acting one that is attached with bolt 9 to the bracket from the suspension arm. The rod is attached to the upper support 5 from the cushion suspension spring 6 and the support washer 3.

A 2-row angular contact bearing 12 is installed in the hub 13, similar to the hub bearing in the front wheel, but with smaller dimensions. Unlike the hub in the front wheel, on which the inner ring from the bearing is installed with guaranteed interference, on the hub from the rear wheel, bearing 12 on axle 14 has a transitional fit.

What will make a car enthusiast think?

1. The situation is if you often have to drive off-road, on poor asphalt surfaces, when the vehicle’s suspension is subject to the aggressive influence of potholes, holes, and sharp soil. Initially, the car still resists the “traps” of poor-quality road surfaces, and then many parts become unusable: they either rust, or become covered with cracks, or succumb to rupture.
2. Buying a used car. The seller is not always conscientious, and it is not necessary that he previously monitored the technical condition of the vehicle, thought about how to change the rear struts on Kalina, or eliminate emerging problems. Used cars are a lottery, and you can lose if you don’t have a minimum of knowledge about repairs and maintenance of the domestic automobile industry.
3. Frequent changes of drivers. This is the situation when several people alternately drive one family car, especially when there are also novice drivers who have recently received a license and do not know how to change the rear struts on a Kalina; the profile video for them is just beginning to open up new horizons in understanding the structure of the car.
4. A machine that sits idle for a long time has a negative impact on its rubber parts. And before you start an active driving period again, it is worth checking all its control systems to see if they are acceptable for use and if their condition is safe.
5. Unfavorable temperature conditions. Sudden changes in temperature and increased humidity levels will also force the driver to soon figure out how to change the rear struts on a Lada Kalina, having first checked them.

Which stands are best to buy?

On sale you can find several manufacturers who offer various models of racks for domestic cars. Those that are installed on the top ten from the factory are of rather poor quality. Of course, comfort will improve with replacement, but it will not be at a high level. The price of the VAZ-2110 rear pillar (stock) is about 1200 rubles. Higher quality shock absorbers will be more expensive.

On the market you can find racks manufactured by SS20. There are only three modifications for dozens:

1. Racing - sports elements that have a slightly shorter stem and body length. When installing these struts, the car becomes a little lower, when cornering, roll is reduced and stability improves. Manageability at a high level.
2. Master - these are elements that facilitate the operation of the car and reduce noise emanating from the road surface.
3. Queen is a type of rack in which the entire load is evenly distributed and extraneous noise is well damped. The reliability of the suspension elements is much better than that of the factory ones or even the previous two.

Which VAZ-2110 rear struts are best to install on your car, it’s up to you to decide

Note the SS20 production elements. They work much more efficiently than stock ones, are resistant to high loads, although they are quite expensive

Front shock absorbers for Kalina 1117, 1118, 1119

According to their technical parameters, front shock absorbers for Kalina are divided into right-hand and left-hand, and for VAZ 1119 models the cup width will be smaller than for VAZ 1117 and 1118. Shock absorbers with the article number right. 11182905002 / lion 11182905003 were installed on the VAZ 1117 and 1118 of the first modifications. And the details with art. number 11192905002 (right), 11192905003 (left) were installed on VAZ 1119 of all model series and VAZ 1117 and 1118 latest versions. Front shock absorbers 1118 and 1119 are interchangeable with each other, but the difference is in the springs.

On cars with an eight-valve engine (the exception is the VAZ 1117 station wagon), conical springs art. 11182902712 or shaped barrel springs art. 11192902712. For cars with a 16-valve engine and for the VAZ 1117, springs with higher stiffness and load rating are installed - article numbers 111862902712 and 111962902712.

The shock absorber parameters are shown in the table:

How to choose racks for Lada Kalina

Lada Kalina racks are divided by type and manufacturer. The area of ​​application of the vehicle decides here. For good roads, it is better to install hard shock absorbers that hold the asphalt even at high speeds. Medium hardness options are suitable for riders whose vehicles drive in small towns where there is an abundance of primers. In rural areas, experienced car enthusiasts recommend installing soft racks.

Firms stand out among the popular manufacturers.

1. SAAZ. A domestic brand that supplies products to the AvtoVAZ conveyor belt. The stands are quite soft and inexpensive. One of the disadvantages is the lack of stability when cornering.
2. KYB or Kayaba. Rigid gas-filled struts meet the most modern vehicle control standards. Extreme stability, durability and reasonable price. The downside is that they are only suitable for normal roads.
3. ASOMI and SS. differ from the stock version in increased reliability. There are no fundamental differences in the operation and efficiency of shock absorption. Used as an alternative to factory racks.
4. FENOX. Naturally, the Fenox brand produces some models of shock absorbers suitable for second-generation viburnums. Quite popular racks are characterized by an increased shelf life, increased strength and average dynamic characteristics. The manufacturer is often chosen by users who want to find a balance between stability, durability and machine control.
5. Denckermann. According to buyers, this is a “foreign” analogue of Fenox products, which has similar parameters to the prototype. The only drawback is the low prevalence in certain regions.