Grant gear selection mechanism with cable drive

October 28, 2015 Lada.Online 239 851 112

In 2013, AVTOVAZ decided to modify the manual transmission (manual transmission 2180). A cable replaced the gear shift drive with rods. The design of the box was modernized, and the following serial number was added to the name (manual transmission 2181). Let's look at the features of a cable gearbox.

Removing and installing the gearbox

We remove the gearbox to repair or replace it, as well as when dismantling the engine. We carry out the work with an assistant on an inspection ditch or overpass. Disconnect the wire terminal from the negative terminal of the battery. Remove the air filter (see “Removing the air filter and air intake”). We remove the starter (see “Removing and checking the starter”). Remove the left and middle mudguards of the power unit (see “Removing the mudguards of the engine compartment”). We disconnect the wire blocks from the reverse light switch (see “Removing the reverse light switch”) and the speed sensor (see “Removing the vehicle speed sensor”). Drain the oil from the gearbox (see “Changing the oil in the gearbox”). Remove the air filter (see “Removing the air filter and air intake”). We disconnect the clutch release cable from the clutch release fork lever and the bracket on the gearbox (see “Replacing the clutch release cable”). We disconnect the gearbox control rod from the shaft of the gear selector rod hinge (see “Removing and disassembling the gearbox control mechanism”). Remove the left front suspension brace (see “Removing the brace”).

Using a 10mm wrench, unscrew the three bolts securing the lower cover of the clutch housing...

...and remove it.

Using a 19mm wrench, unscrew the nuts of the two bolts securing the clutch housing to the gearbox housing (which also secure the torque arm), holding the bolts from turning with a head of the same size.

We remove the reaction rod with the bracket from the gearbox. Remove the front wheel drives (see “Removing the front wheel drives”).

Using a 19" socket with an extension, we loosen the two bolts of the upper fastening of the gearbox to the cylinder block, which simultaneously secure the mounting bracket for the wiring harness holders.

Using a 13mm socket, unscrew the bolt securing the ignition coil bracket to the clutch housing...

...and remove the bolt and washer from the hole in the clutch housing.

Using a 19mm socket with a long extension, loosen the nut of the lower rear mounting of the gearbox to the cylinder block.

Use a 19mm socket to loosen the bolt of the lower front fastening of the gearbox to the cylinder block.

We install adjustable stops through wooden blocks under the engine oil pan and gearbox housing.

Using the E‑14 head, unscrew the two screws securing the front left support of the power unit to the support.

Using a 15mm socket, unscrew the three nuts securing the bracket for the left support of the power unit to the gearbox...

...and remove the bracket. Completely unscrew the bolts and nut securing the gearbox.

We move the gearbox away from the engine by removing the input shaft from the clutch driven disc hub.

When removing and installing the gearbox, do not rest the gearbox input shaft on the clutch diaphragm spring petals to avoid damaging them. Before installing the gearbox, apply a thin layer of CV joint-4 lubricant to the splined end of the input shaft. To facilitate the operation of installing the gearbox, we screw in a guide pin M12×1.25 mm (with a sawn slot for a screwdriver...

...into the front lower threaded hole of the cylinder block. We insert the input shaft of the gearbox into the splines of the driven clutch disk and, orienting the gearbox so that the guide pin fits into the corresponding hole in the clutch housing, and the standard pin of the clutch housing into the hole in the cylinder block, we send the gearbox all the way into the engine cylinder block. Using a screwdriver, unscrew the guide pin from the hole in the cylinder block. We carry out further assembly operations in reverse order. Filling the gearbox with oil

Manual transmission 2181

Unlike its predecessor, the new gearbox has received a lot of innovations. This box was the first for AvtoVAZ to undergo computer modeling; a similar approach to production and engineering made it possible to optimize the design and make it more reliable. The oil sump of the new gearbox has changed from 3.3 liters to 2.2 liters and the oil used is not outdated “mineral water”, but good “semi-synthetic” whose service life is designed for the entire life of the car, namely 5 years or 200 thousand kilometers .

But, undoubtedly, the most important and significant change was the introduction of gear shift cables instead of metal rods. This solution made it possible to completely remove vibration from the gearshift lever, qualitatively increase the clarity of gear engagement and their selectivity, and reduce the lever strokes.

The filling of the new box has also changed. The gear part, namely the primary and secondary shafts, remained unchanged; new multi-cone synchronizers were introduced in first and second gears. Unlike classic synchronizers, the new type of synchronizers are much more reliable, and since, according to statistics, the first and second gears are the most loaded, this solution made it possible to increase the reliability parameter of the new unit. Also, synchronizers of this design simplify gear shifting, making it even smoother. In addition, the car plant’s plans include installing this gearbox on more powerful engines, which means a clutch with a larger diameter is required. Unlike its predecessor, the new clutch has a size of 215mm (approx. It was 200mm), this entailed changing the clutch housing and relocating the starter.

The next change will be especially noticeable at subzero temperatures. In old-type boxes, the gear selection mechanism was located at the bottom and was in oil. When the temperature dropped below zero, the oil thickened and engaging gears until the oil warmed up was difficult. In the new model gearbox, the gear selection mechanism is a separate module located outside the gearbox - this solution made it possible to get rid of the problem of difficult shifts in cold weather during the first kilometers of the journey, and also in the future greatly simplifies the process of repairing and servicing the gearbox. There is protection against erroneous engagement of reverse gear, which can only be engaged in neutral.

Through an integrated approach to the development of a new gearbox, engineers managed to achieve a level of gearbox operation no worse than that of competitors in the price segment. AvtoVAZ plans to introduce multi-cone synchronizers in third gear, as well as switch to a hydraulic clutch drive.

Change frequency and types of oil used

According to the manufacturer's instructions, transmission oil in old Grants should be changed approximately every 70,000 kilometers, or once every five years (whichever comes first). In the case of gearbox 2181, the oil will have to be changed almost three times less often - once every 200,000 kilometers. Another important aspect regarding gearbox maintenance is checking the oil level and its consistency. For older boxes, a period of 15,000 kilometers between checks is set, and they have a special dipstick for checking the level. Box 2181 does not provide for oil level control, so there is no dipstick in the design.

In addition, in boxes 2181 and 2190 the volume of the transmission oil sump is significantly different - in old boxes it is 3.3 liters, in new ones it is 2.2. Be sure to remember this when changing the oil - an insufficient oil level (as well as an excessive one) will definitely not benefit the gearbox.

As a rule, the factory oil that is poured into Grant boxes is semi-synthetic and belongs to the GL-4 class. Below is information about the types of factory oil being poured (this does not mean that this is what you should fill in - there are better options on the market, but this information may be useful if you decide to add oil rather than make a complete replacement):

— For box 2190: LukOil TM-4 and ROSNEFT KINETIC 80W85 (these brands of oils were used for a short time, for several months from the start of production of the Lada Grant), TATNEFT TRANSLUX markings TM-4-12, 75W85 (used since 2012);

— For box 2181: TATNEFT TRANSLUX and ROSNEFT KINETIC marking 75W85.

The result of modernizing the Granta box

Gear shifting has become clearer and easier, and vibrations on the gear shift lever have been eliminated.

Minimal changes in the internal design made it possible not only to improve the quality of gear shifting, but also to make the entire unit more reliable and demanding of the driver.

The manual transmission VAZ-2181 became the first AVTOVAZ gearbox for which a complete computer calculation of all parts subject to loads was carried out.

The volume of oil in the Granta box was reduced by a third, the factory began to fill in semi-synthetic rather than mineral water, the oil itself now does not require replacement for the entire service life of the car - five years or 200,000 kilometers.

In 2013, AvtoVAZ decided to modify the manual transmission (manual transmission 2180). A cable replaced the gear shift drive with rods. The design of the box was modernized, and the following serial number was added to the name (manual transmission 2181). Let's look at the features of a cable gearbox.

Transmission malfunctions on the Lada Granta and methods for eliminating them

First, we need to note the disadvantages of a manual transmission as a cheaper and more popular transmission option on these cars. The problems and their solutions are clearly presented in the table.

Transmission malfunctions are often closely related to a faulty clutch. Characteristic signs may indicate many breakdowns. Detailed and more objective diagnostics are carried out only after dismantling the gearbox and completely disassembling it to identify problems.

It is not recommended for beginners and those who have no idea about the technical structure of this unit to carry out repairs. The fact is that the gearbox is a complex mechanism with many parts. With inept repairs, there is a high probability of getting even bigger problems, up to and including complete failure of the unit.

When contacting a car service center, you should take into account that not every mechanic has the appropriate qualifications, and repairing a Lada Granta gearbox with a cable drive can cost a lot of money.

For example, replacing oil seals involves a complete disassembly of the gearbox and is estimated on average at least 6,000 rubles. You can carry out repair work yourself. Yes, this will save money, but it will take up a lot of free time, and you will also need an assistant. Alternatively, in case of serious problems, motorists simply change the gearbox assembly. In some cases this is the only rational solution.

Automatic transmission malfunctions

To independently identify automatic transmission problems, you should drive the car. Characteristic signs of gearbox malfunction:

• gears are not included;
• strong jerks when moving;
• flashing of the corresponding indicators;
• transmission oil leak.

The presence of these problems indicates the need for urgent repair of the gearbox. And automatic transmission malfunctions also affect the robotic transmission. The robot is a kind of middle option between an automatic transmission and a manual transmission, and therefore it can be affected by breakdowns of both transmissions.

It is not possible to repair an automatic transmission at home. The design of the machine and the robot in particular is too complex and cannot be done independently. Moreover, not even all service centers do this. An experienced car owner will be able to eliminate the simplest faults, such as oil leaks and problems with spontaneous gear shifting. Moreover, in the latter case we are talking about cleaning contacts.

Most often, owners of a Lada Granta with an automatic transmission may encounter problems typical for this transmission.

Interesting Facts

Let's look at the interesting facts that we managed to learn about the new Lada Granta gearbox:

• The VAZ-2181 gearbox will not be installed on the Priora, since the designers considered that it would not be cost-effective to redo the entire design of the power units.
• The cost of Lada Grant and Kalina 2 increased by 5000-7000 rubles. with the introduction of a new gearbox into the car.
• According to reviews from car owners, the first copies of cable-driven gearboxes were not entirely successful and had quite a lot of flaws: vibration became audible after 70-80 thousand mileage, howling of the gearbox, increased wear of parts, etc. Based on this, the manufacturer made adjustments to the design and improved the characteristics, but many car owners had a negative impression of the VAZ-2181 cable-driven gearbox.
• The AVTOVAZ plant continues to develop and modernize a new gearbox, which will become the second generation of cable gearboxes. It is planned to install it on the 2nd generation Lada Granta, which is currently under development. The designers promise to take into account the experience gained during the development of the first generation and not allow such an oversight a second time.

What did you get?

The design of the gearbox was not only optimized and made more reliable, but also almost completely eliminated unpleasant vibrations on the lever and the car body. The backlash has become smaller and the shifts are clearer. It is worth noting that the use of a modernized gearbox on the Lada Granta and Lada Kalina 2 entailed an increase in the cost of these cars by an average of 5,000 rubles. By the way, the cable box is not installed on the Lada Priora; this car uses a 2180 manual transmission with rigid rods.

Let us remind you that according to reviews, the first copies of the modified gearbox were not entirely successful. The owners noticed a decrease in vibrations, but encountered a new problem: the box began to howl. After this, AvtoVAZ made changes to the design, but the sediment remained...

Regulations for changing gearbox oil from AvtoVAZ

It is necessary to change the oil in the gearbox-2181 in one case - if the mileage exceeds 200,000 km.

In theory, the entire service life of the car is indicated here, and the numbers are taken from the regulations.

The first two dismantling steps

The thin clamp that secures the expansion tank hose is also removed (see photo).

The video shows how to change the oil

do it yourself in the gearbox

with cable drive
LADA Granta
Liftbek.

Changing the gearbox oil on a Lada Granta

Change of oil

with your own hands.

Disconnect a couple of connectors: the mass air flow sensor and the adsorber valve connector. The first of them is oval (photo below). And the second one is turned off like this: tighten the tongue, remove the terminal block.

Down with all terminal blocks!

The filter housing can be moved to the side in the final step. There is no need to disconnect it from the corrugation.

Rubber fasteners can be defeated this way: the rubber band is held with pliers, and the body is pulled back (to the left, forward). Start with the right front support.

Reconnaissance in force

We are trying to remove the reverse switch. We look for a plastic connector on the crankcase (see photo) and immediately disconnect it.

View of the gearbox housing from under the hood

Using a 22mm round wrench, try to unscrew the switch housing. Cancel the replacement if nothing can be done - neither unscrew the “top” plug, nor remove the switch.

When the switch is returned to its place, the threads are treated with sealant. The tightening torque should be 28-45 Nm.

Detailed algorithm for changing the oil in a CABLE gearbox

The oil from the Lada Granta gearbox is drained through the “bottom” plug. It is unscrewed with a 17 key.

The simplest thing is to drain the oil

You need to unscrew the cap like this: make 1-2 turns with the key, then substitute the container. And then unscrew the plug by hand.

When the liquid flows out, wipe the surface of the crankcase. We tighten the plug back (torque – 29-46 Nm). Getting ready to refuel.

Hose and funnel are ready for use

Features of the gearbox device

So, if you don’t want to deal with a scheduled transmission oil change, then you should purchase the Granta “Lux” package and get a Jatco automatic transmission made in Japan. It has its own resource - only 5 years, but during this period the manufacturer guarantees that work on the box will only be necessary in the event of a breakdown. The automatic transmission is already filled with a special fluid, and it will not need to be replaced during the entire period of use. Adding oil is also not necessary.

A cable manual transmission requires more attention in terms of maintenance, but it can last much longer. As such, it does not have a service life - you can, if necessary, update its parts and change the lubricant, thereby increasing the duration of its uninterrupted operation.

Replacing the timing belt on an 8 valve Lada Granta

This gearbox is based on the model first installed on the VAZ-2108. It has been slightly changed and modernized. Weaknesses in the previous version:

• large lever stroke;
• fuzzy switching scheme;
• high vibration;
• Difficulty shifting gears.

The manufacturer has tried to correct this situation. And on the Lada Granta, the cable drive made it possible to make gear shifting clearer. In addition, the shift mechanism in the new gearbox has changed, which is no longer bathed in transmission oil, but is installed last as a separate module. It is easier to repair and assemble during production. It also embodies German technology, and a three-dimensional plate has appeared in the gearbox, which sets the force when shifting gears.

The cable drive has replaced the old rods, which are no longer used by any manufacturer when assembling boxes. The rationality of its use was also, like all innovations, calculated using a computer program.

This is interesting: Which spark plugs are best for Lada Largus 16 valves?

Grants box shift mechanism

Many important elements of the old manual transmission were located at the bottom and were bathed in an oil bath - the shift mechanism, the rod clamps and reverse forks, the gear set seal, the reverse light switch. All of these elements were potential sources of leakage. Many people solved the problem with sealant, but moving the elements upstairs solved the problem once and for all.

The new gear shift module on Grant is a separate mechanism that, if necessary, can be removed without disassembling the box. The mechanism has a selector grille that clearly follows the gear shift pattern and prevents accidental engagement of reverse gear.

Noise insulation of gearbox

Car owners of Lada Granta, as well as other VAZ models, often complain about noise from the gearbox. Most often this is the fault of the manual transmission. There are many reasons, the problem may be hidden in design defects or wear. Another insignificant detail may be to blame for everything. Often the source of transmission noise is the clutch cable, which transmits vibration from the gear shift fork. To eliminate this problem, you will need to soundproof the gearbox, which involves installing a gasket between the cable and the gearbox.

The procedure is as follows.

1. Remove the cable end from the fork.
2. Unscrew the tip.
3. Remove the boot and rubber stop from the cable.
4. Instead of the insert, install a rubber washer with a diameter of 35 mm.
5. Glue a piece of porous rubber to the plastic cable stop and additionally secure it with electrical tape for several turns. Reassemble everything in reverse order.

After everything is assembled, you need to place a rubber gasket 2-3 mm thick under the tip of the clutch cable and the gearshift fork. Then all that remains is to adjust the clutch pedal. After such a kind of sound insulation, extraneous sounds during operation virtually disappear.

But in winter, some vibrations may be observed. This is due to the fact that when the air temperature drops, the rubber gaskets harden and cannot function normally. There are no other soundproofing methods for the Lada Granta gearbox. There are some methods, but they are ineffective. You can soundproof the floor, but vibration will still make itself felt.

A cable-driven gearbox does not require sound insulation.

When may it be necessary to replace the gear shift cable?

As soon as the rear derailleur starts to malfunction, the first thing you need to do is check the condition of the high-speed shift cable. This is what most often causes:

• switching jams;
• or incorrect switching.

Why does the cable fail? Its main “enemies” are water and dirt. Have you driven in the rain and slush? Did you not wash or dry your bike? Be prepared for problems with gear shifting. The cable will start to fail. At first, after purchasing a vehicle, this part is still protected by factory lubricant, then you can hold out for some time on aerosol lubricants. But then the cable will still have to be changed.

But the replacement process, as already mentioned, is simple and takes only a few minutes. The main thing is to do everything correctly and consistently, following the step-by-step instructions.

Lada Granta equipped with different gearboxes

Manual transmission is gradually becoming a thing of the past, which is why even Lada cars have long had new gearboxes. Specifically, the Lada Granta Restyle from 2022 is equipped with three types of transmission - mechanical, automatic and robotic. The boxes are not bad and have few flaws. If owners complain about something, the problem is promptly corrected.

Mechanics

The plant did not reinvent the wheel and decided to follow the old tradition - to modernize the old transmission, which first appeared on the VAZ-2109.

Checkpoint "Lada Granta"

First, the modernized box received the index 2180 and was a modified version with rods from the “nine”. After this, the manufacturer decided to keep up with the times and make a cable box, which received the index 2181. The box turned out to be good, despite the unsuccessful start. All shortcomings of this version of the transmission were promptly corrected. Some argue that the new gearbox on the Grant is an old one, given over to be torn to pieces by Renault, but this is far from the case.

It’s clear that when the cable gearbox came out, the price of the car went up a little. However, AvtoVAZ claims that this type of transmission is the future.

They're right, but the new box had flaws. The first revision turned out to be extremely unsuccessful, and the owners bombarded the company with negative reviews - they noted increased noise levels and lower reliability. All problems were promptly eliminated, but many people were left with an unpleasant aftertaste.

Pros:

• transition to cables;
• reduction of vibrations of the gearshift knob and extraneous sounds;
• good clarity of gear shifting;
• reducing the volume of oil poured.

The box has acquired a certain reliability due to the cables.

The downside is that the manufacturer tries to save on everything. Therefore, the metal of the gears does not differ in quality, and they lick off. There is a risk of failure of the cable drive, but it is small. Despite the absence of vibrations in the handle, the Grant's gearbox began to howl. The howling occurs precisely because of the low precision of gear processing and there is no way to constructively eliminate the defect. The plant equipment does not allow processing with the required accuracy.

Machine

A Jatco four-speed automatic transmission is offered as an automatic transmission on the Granta sedan and liftback. This transmission model, unlike the manual transmission and the “robot”, is unremarkable. The same transmission model is supplied to the Datsun foreign car.

Automatic transmission "Lada Granta"

One of the advantages is that it is an automatic on a Lada. Good acceleration dynamics, confident shifting, durability, simplicity of design. Oil can be poured and is inexpensive.

Of the minuses - 4 gears are clearly not enough, increased fuel consumption. In Drive mode, there are increased vibrations at idle.

Robot

As in the case of mechanics, the robotic gearbox on the Grant was modernized, the new version is called AMT-2.0. The owners speak very warmly about this type of transmission and the 5 AMT gearbox on the Grant is the best.

Among its advantages are its price, fast and predictable shifts, the presence of engine braking, fuel economy, and crawling mode.

The creeping mode saves a lot of energy in a traffic jam. When the brake is released, the car moves smoothly at a speed of 5-10 km/h, allowing you to operate only with this pedal. It is definitely worth the overpayment of 25 thousand rubles.

Of the minuses, it is worth noting the resource, like most cheap robots. Subjectively, some people do not like the basic mode of the robot - they have to constantly drive in “sport” mode. Also, when starting up a hill in reverse, the car will roll forward a little. The speed sensor shows slightly low values.

Manual transmission 2190

A manual transmission that started its journey on the assembly line together with the release of the Lada Granta. In terms of its ideology, it is almost a complete clone of previous manual gearboxes from Lada, however, there are differences from the old models and the assembled gearbox from the tens or nines will not fit. Firstly, Granta has its own gearbox housing, which some craftsmen call the “bell”. Secondly, the principle of placement of the speed sensor is different; in old gearboxes there was a shaft for the speed indicator, but since with the arrival of the Lada Grant on the assembly line, AvtoVAZ began to switch to a different car control bus and the speed sensor 2190 is already built into the gearbox and only an electrical contact comes out.

Otherwise, in terms of its internal parts, the mechanism is completely identical. Despite its excellent reliability, it has a number of fatal drawbacks: low vibration comfort, poor selectivity of gear selection, large lever strokes.

At the moment, it is not used on Lada cars; it has been replaced by manual transmission 2181, which will be discussed further.

==Disassembly of differential ==

We clamp the driven gear of the main gear in a vice with soft metal jaw linings.

Using a 17mm socket, unscrew the eight bolts securing the gear to the differential box. Leaning the driven gear of the main gear onto the jaws of a vice (with jaw linings made of soft metal)…

...using a hammer with a plastic tip (or a soft metal tip) we knock the differential box out of the driven gear.

By inserting a blunt chisel into the gap between the end of the inner bearing ring and the differential box, we strike the chisel, increasing the gap.

Then, installing two mounting blades into the resulting gap...

...press the bearing with them.

Remove the speed sensor reference ring.

During subsequent assembly, the tabs of the drive ring must be installed in deeper grooves at the end of the differential box.

By turning, we remove the wheel drive gears from the differential box.

Using circlip pliers, remove the circlip from the pinion axis.

We take out the pinion axle and pinion gears from the differential box.

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== Disassembly and assembly of the synchronizer ==

Synchronizers of 1st–2nd, 3rd–4th and 5th gears are disassembled and assembled in the same way. We show the disassembly and assembly of a synchronizer using the example of a 5th gear synchronizer. Before disassembling, we mark the blocking rings and their position relative to the synchronizer clutch. Remove the blocking rings. We mark the position of the hub relative to the coupling and the position of the crackers relative to the grooves of the hub, so that during subsequent assembly they will be installed in their original places. To disassemble the synchronizer...

...carefully slide the coupling along the hub, holding the balls with your hand to prevent them from “shooting out”.

5th gear synchronizer parts:

1 – coupling; 2 – ball; 3 – cracker; 4 – spring; 5 – hub. Before assembly, we inspect the synchronizer parts. Nicks and chips on the splines of the hub and coupling, the gear rims of the locking rings and the coupling are unacceptable. We replace defective parts with new ones. If there is significant wear on the working conical surface of the blocking ring (the minimum permissible axial clearance between the ends of the gear rims of the gear and the blocking ring is 0.6 mm), it must be replaced. For ease of assembly of the synchronizer, generously lubricate the springs, crackers and balls with grease. Putting the hub on the workbench...

...insert springs into the hub sockets, and crackers into the grooves - in accordance with the previously applied marks. We insert the assembled hub into the coupling, orienting it so that when the ball is subsequently installed...

...it would be located exactly in the middle part of the coupling groove - in its deepest place.

Place balls in the holes of the crackers...

...and, pressing each ball in turn with a screwdriver... ...we push the hub along the splines of the coupling.

When installing the synchronizer on the shaft, the grooves on the coupling and hub must face: – for the 1st–2nd gear synchronizer – towards the 1st gear gear; – for the 3rd–4th gear synchronizer – to the 3rd gear gear; – for the 5th gear synchronizer – to the thrust plate of the shaft bearings.

Grooves on the clutch and synchronizer hub.

REQUIREMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS

The new product, which is installed on the “Norma” and “Lux” versions, is based on the same gearbox that appeared on the VAZ-2108 and, with minor upgrades, has survived to this day. Its weaknesses are well known: difficult activation, large lever strokes, smeared switching pattern, low vibration comfort.

Figuring out what and how we could improve, we agreed on one thing: not to touch the gear part, namely the shafts, gears, and synchronizers. Otherwise, huge financial costs will be required to launch a new gearbox into production - without high-precision equipment, it will not be possible to ensure the proper quality of engagement, operation and synchronization.

So what's new in the box with the VAZ-2181 index?

Advantages and disadvantages of cable gearboxes

Advantages:

• The first advantage of the cable transmission in the Grant is the switching mechanism. Now it is not immersed in oil, so it is easier to use in severe frost.
• The overall reliability of gearbox components has increased, since the gearbox has become more compact.
• Improved grip on the Grant with a cable gearbox. Due to the increased diameter, the torque also increased.
• Overall comfort has increased. The gears fit in more pleasantly, there are much fewer knocks, howls and vibrations.

The main disadvantage of the manual transmission 2181 is its manufacturing technology. The metal on the gears is bad, it gets licked off quickly. The cable drive fails. The good news is that recently the box has been improved and it has become more reliable.

Which transmission is better?

AvtoVAZ has really done a huge amount of work in order to provide motorists with a popular model with various types of transmission. Both mechanics, automatic machines, and robots have their advantages and disadvantages. The manual transmission model has become widespread partly because it is the most affordable. Despite the occasional hum and noise, a car with a 5-speed manual remains a good choice. But for residents of big cities, a car with an automatic transmission is best.

An automatic transmission with a torque converter will ensure comfortable control of the car and will not cause serious trouble. The version of the model with AMT is considered technologically advanced, modern, but at the same time the most problematic. There is a possibility that in the future the manufacturer will abandon the robot, giving preference to a CVT variator, as was done in the Lada Vesta. A sedan with a robot can be bought either new or second-hand on the secondary market. The second option is the most dangerous and unpredictable: often on manual transmissions, even before 100 thousand kilometers, the servomechanisms fail and the clutch wears out. It is extremely expensive to maintain and repair such a unit.

Lada Granta

Lada Granta

Interior of Lada Granta with automatic transmission Jatco JF414E

Interior of Lada Granta with robotic transmission

Design and differences of a cable-driven gearbox

Unlike a conventional gearbox, the cable-driven gearbox has received some improvements and upgrades.

In order to understand how everything works, let’s compare a standard gearbox labeled VAZ-2180 and the new VAZ-2181:

• To reduce the vibration generated by the traction drive gearbox, cables from the manufacturer Atsumitec were installed.
• To reduce the effort for shifting 1st and 2nd gears, the manufacturer installed multi-cone synchronizers.
• The clutch size has increased to 215 mm.
• Due to changes in the transmission design, the starter had to be positioned along the engine rather than the gearbox.
• To facilitate gear shifting, it was necessary to reduce the bevel angle of the synchronizer teeth from 125 degrees to 100.
• To eliminate oil leaks, the designers moved the gear selection mechanism to the top. But this nuance gave impetus to the development of a new switching scheme and design changes.
• The volume of lubricant poured has decreased from 3.3 liters to 2.2 liters.
• A selector plate is installed, which allows you to change gears more clearly.
• The transition from mineral oil to semi-synthetic oil has been completed.
• To prevent accidental reverse gear, a special lock was developed.

The main elements and components that go into the design of the new gearbox can be seen in the figures below:

1. main drive drive gear;
2. secondary shaft;
3. input shaft;
4. fifth gear shift fork;
5. third and fourth gear shift fork;
6. reverse light switch;
7. clutch housing;
8. gear shift mechanism;
9. central lock.

1 – first gear gear; 2 – intermediate rings; 3 – blocking ring; 4 – synchronizer clutch; 5 – synchronizer clutch hub; 6 – clamp; 7 – second gear gear.

1 – gear selector levers; 2 – selector grid pin; 3 – selector grid; 4 – reverse locking mechanism; 5 – central three-dimensional plate.

Thus, the manufacturer decided to improve and modernize the gearbox, which was unreliable and had a lot of problems. Due to the new improved system, vibration in the body and gear knob has been reduced. The gears switched on, started more clearly, and the huge backlashes disappeared.

Catalog numbers and production

As you know, analogues of gearboxes are rarely produced, and even more so for domestic cars.

Therefore, for the Lada Granta cable-driven gearbox there is one catalog number - 21810-1700012-00.

conclusions

It becomes clear that the cable-driven gearbox of the Lada Granta has become better than its younger brother with rigid rods. Modernization of components has improved performance, reduced vibration and improved gear shift quality. At the same time, many car owners still express dissatisfaction with increased wear and frequent breakdowns, although the plant promises to correct this deficiency.

Lada Granta 2016

According to the manager of the car dealership where I bought the car, a new gearbox with a cable drive instead of a rocker was installed with the grant. and it is more reliable and there will be no problems with it! I’ll tell you honestly, it’s complete crap, in fact, it would be better if they left the backstage!

at a mileage of 14,000, when switching to 3rd gear and accelerating to the floor, the gearshift knob began to tremble, and only in 3rd gear! I went to the salon and explained the situation to them, they told me it’s a disease they have, it can be solved without any problems! We took the car to the service center and “started disassembling it.” I’ll tell you why I wrote it in quotation marks. I sat down in front of the TV in the recreation area and began to wait! Exactly 2 hours have passed and a cheerful serviceman comes out and says everything is done. I leave the service first - 40 km, throw it on the second - 70 km, throw the gas to the floor on the third and the same situation - the gearshift knob rattles! and here I have a thought: maybe they didn’t do a damn thing. I drove back and asked for a recording from the service cameras and imagine that the car was driven into the corner of the service from the moment the manager got out of my car, nothing happened to this car, it just stood stupidly at the end of the hall in the corner for exactly 2 hours! cursed out all the service personnel and the director of this car dealership. I wrote a complaint to AvtoVAZ, they didn’t even deign to answer! this is half the trouble, a week later I stopped at a traffic light at idle, I wanted to hear a knocking sound in the gearbox, when the clutch is depressed the sound disappears! When you release the clutch the sound appears! I called another car dealership and signed up for service! set a day and time. I arrived there, they took the car to the service center, they took it apart, dismantled the gearbox and saw a picture, the bearing was crushed, the oil was covered in metal shavings, the gearbox was replaced under warranty. AVTOVAZ what are you doing? How did it happen? After all this, my only opinion about your cars is this: you don’t know how to do anything. You have no engines, no gearboxes either! The paintwork is okay, we checked the car with a device, the front doors on top show 110 microns, on the bottom 170, what's that? You can’t even set up your equipment in such a way that the paint you use on your car is applied evenly. The sills are all peeling off, the hood is all chipped! and all this on a mileage of 14,000. The plastic in the cabin is rattling! for 437,000 the owner of the car gets hemorrhoids! but I just wanted to buy a car and drive without problems for at least 100 thousand!

Step-by-step replacement instructions

Let's assume that we will change the oil in the VAZ 2181 gearbox in an ordinary garage, which does not have a pit or a lift.

1. Using a knife, cut out the side surface of the canister.

   Canister with cut side surface

2. Before starting work, we properly warm up the VAZ 2181 gearbox. That is, you must first warm up the engine, and then drive ten kilometers so that the gears have time to disperse the oil throughout the entire transmission.
3. We raise the right side of the VAZ 2181 car using a jack. We put a stand or some reliable and durable block and then lower the car. Under no circumstances should you work under a car that is supported by only one jack.

   Car raised with a jack

4. If the floor is cold, you can put a sheet of plywood under the car.
5. If crankcase protection is provided, then it must have a cutout under the oil plug. The plug is located on the left flange of the gearbox from the bottom; if it is missing, you will need to remove the engine protection. Clean the cork with a metal brush. Wipe the surface around it with a rag. Using the “17” key, unscrew it, after placing the canister under it. The liquid that drains should be warm, not hot. We wait approximately 10-15 minutes for complete drainage, and then tighten the plug.

   Location of the plug on the gearbox flange

6. Using a knife, cut out the bottom of a plastic bottle.

   Plastic bottle with the bottom cut off

7. The air filter must be removed along with the intake pipe. To do this you need to remove the terminal from the air flow sensor.

   Removing the air flow sensor terminal

8. Unscrew the clamps at the throttle body and pipe and remove the intake unit completely.
9. Remove the oil dipstick from the gearbox. It is located at the top.

   Probe location

10. We place the neck of a 1.5 liter plastic bottle to the hole for the cork. Using the bottle as a funnel, fill it in (a little less than 3 liters). Let's see if oil is leaking from the plug under the car. To do this you need to wait about ten minutes.

    Use of a plastic bottle for filling liquid

11. Having made sure of the tightness, we install the engine protection (if it had to be removed), and lower the car from the stand. Next, you need to top up to the “MAX” level using the dipstick. In total, the box should contain 3.2 liters.

    Unscrewed dipstick

12. We install the inlet pipe with filter.

It is necessary to check the oil in the gearbox of a VAZ 2181 every 15,000 km. The level is checked only when the gearbox has cooled down, with the engine turned off, and the vehicle position must be strictly horizontal.

To make it easier, you may have to remove the engine air filter. In order to find out how much fluid is needed in the VAZ 2181 gearbox:

1. take the dipstick;
2. wipe it with a rag and then insert it into the crankcase hole;
3. Pull out the dipstick again and check the level.

It is imperative that the fluid level in the gearbox must be between o and “MAX”.