DIY electric power steering for Niva 21213 Tricks of Life

The VAZ Niva is an excellent example of how an inexpensive vehicle should behave off-road. However, many are haunted by the lack of ride comfort and the need for greater effort when turning the steering wheel. As a result, an increasing number of car enthusiasts are thinking about installing an electric power steering (EPS) on their Niva.

Niva is an excellent domestic SUV

How to install electric power steering on a Niva

The process of converting the steering control of a VAZ 21214 for electric power steering involves the implementation of the following steps:

• Remove both terminals from the battery.
• Remove the plug on the steering wheel, unscrew the fastening nut, and remove the steering wheel.
• After unscrewing the 4 bolts and a screw, remove the plastic steering wheel trim.
• Remove the dashboard.
• By disconnecting the connectors of the steering column switch, pulling the cables down and unscrewing the mounting bolt, remove the switch.
• Disconnect the ignition switch wires and remove it. You will need to unscrew 2 mounting bolts and turn the key to position “I”. After this, you need to press down on the lock stopper (an awl is suitable for such purposes) and remove the lock from its seat by pulling up the key.
• Remove the steering column: first unscrew the steering shaft bolt at the bottom, then a pair of steering column mounting bolts and nuts; the bolts come with shear heads, in the end it is better to make notches with a chisel and unscrew them with pliers; lower down and remove the steering column from the shaft.
• Unscrew the nuts on the fuse blocks and remove them.
• Remove the protective cover of the relay, which is installed under the dashboard - in front of the left door.

Video tutorial on installing electric power steering

• In the wall between the passenger compartment and the engine compartment, remove the elastic plug and stretch the EUR cables. Make sure that the power cable does not come into contact with the moving parts of the wiper motor.
• Under the dash, to the left of the steering wheel, find the white 8-terminal block. It has 2 gray wires going into one socket. In response, connect the yellow-blue wire coming from the electric power steering to them.
• Next, you need to connect the pink-blue and orange wires from the EUR to the red block of the harness going to the instrument cluster.
• Find a bolt behind the dashboard and screw the ground onto it.
• Screw the EUR bracket under the panel, not forgetting to thread the ignition switch wires into it. To do this, use 2 standard M8 studs, as well as 2 M6 bolts (there are threaded holes for them) and 2 M8 bolts (you will have to drill holes for them).
• Place the short (intermediate) shaft onto the splines of the electric booster. You will need to secure the “mass” to it in advance.
• After this, secure the above shaft to the steering gear shaft and fit the amplifier to the bracket. In this case, the intermediate shaft must not become pinched or strained. The splined fork bolts must be in the grooves of the shafts.

Electric power steering makes driving as comfortable as possible

• The EUR is attached to the plate with 2 bolts and 2 studs. It is strongly recommended that both flat and lock washers be installed under all nuts.
• Connect the power and information blocks of the harness to the EUR.
• In reverse order, now install the ignition switch, 3-lever switch.
• To put the plastic of the steering column back in place, you will have to cut it a little, for example with a hacksaw.
• Next, secure the steering wheel and dashboard.
• To screw the plastic casing of the EUR, it is better to use ordinary self-tapping screws.
• After this, stretch the wires from the amplifier and connect them to the battery. In this case, the diameter of the hole in the plug will have to be increased.
• Don’t forget to immediately check the serviceability of the connections and evaluate the operation of the new equipment.

It is worth noting that when installing the EUR on a VAZ 21213 (Niva) or VAZ 2131, it is important to consider the following points:

• The steering mechanism will need to be replaced with a similar Nivovsky one with a short shaft (cat. number 21213-3400010-10).
• The standard transfer case cover does not fit either. It is necessary to install the cover RK 21214-3802824 with 2 sockets - for the speedometer cable and speed sensor.
• A 6-pulse speed sensor must be installed on the cover. It connects to the amplifier harness: corrugated cables are pulled to the sensor through the central tunnel.
• The pink-blue wire from the amplifier should be connected to the green wire of the switch.
• When upgrading a VAZ 2131, everything is done the same way, with the exception of the first point.

Operating principle of EUR and power steering

Before installing the amplifier in the VAZ 2121 with your own hands, let's look at the operating principle of the systems, starting with the power steering. When the steering wheel is in the central position, it is fixed using centering springs. In this position, the liquid circulates through all elements of the system, provided that the distributor is positioned correctly. In this case, the power steering pump operates in enhanced mode, which is due to the need to pump fluid through the system. Moreover, it always functions, regardless of whether the steering wheel is turning or not.

When the steering wheel is turned, the spool moves, as a result of which the element blocks the drain lines and liquid begins to flow into one of the cylinders. In this case, the piston, as well as the rod, are exposed to oil under pressure, which leads to the rotation of the wheel, as well as the housing, in a certain direction. The spool overtakes the device body when it stops moving, which indicates that the driver has completed the turning maneuver. In this case, the spool returns to its original position, and then the hose opens to drain the liquid.

As for the principle of operation of the electric power steering, the amplifier itself is mounted on the steering shaft of the vehicle. Its component parts are connected to each other using a torsion shaft, with an installed engine speed reading controller. When the driver turns the steering wheel, the torsion shaft twists, which is detected by the torque sensor. In accordance with the information received from the torque, speed and engine speed controller, the control module determines the compensation force, as a result of which it sends a command to the amplifier electric motor.

Installing electric power steering on a classic (photo report)

Many clarifying questions have already been answered in the comments to the article.

Installing electric power steering on classics is becoming an increasingly popular topic. You quickly get used to good things. After driving a car with power steering for just a couple of days and suddenly switching to a classic, you simply don’t understand how you can drive a car with such a heavy steering wheel. It can’t be that this would be the norm, was it really possible that I once turned this heavy steering wheel? Yes, this is just some kind of mockery. And the desire to install an electric steering wheel no longer leaves you.

More recent material with a video clip is here.

Moreover, today the installation of an amplifier costs no more than the average set of ordinary inexpensive “music”. But a classic is a special car, so modifications to such a car are quite serious. But it's worth it.

So, we install electric power steering. Where do we start? Naturally with the selection of components.

Photos of components for installation in this article.

1. Electric amplifier (In this case, we take an amplifier from Priora (Manufacturer in Kaluga), the estimated cost in Tolyatti is 7-9 thousand rubles)

2.Adapter bracket (RUB 600)

3. Intermediate shaft with cardans, length 12 cm. (600)

4. Steering wheel from Priora or Kalina (whichever you like) (1200 - 1500)

5. Ignition switch from VAZ (front-wheel drive) 2109, 2110, 1118, 2170, etc. (500 - 900)

6. Steering column switch (three-lever) from front-wheel drive (400 - 700)

7.Bundle of electric amplifier wires (1200)

8. Adapter bundles from steering column switches, which you will install, have gone on sale and are offered for installation, but we offer a steering column switch from a Chevrolet Niva to an under-panel bundle of wires for a classic - the cost is 300 rubles.

We begin preparing for installation, so far everything is standard, remove the steering column and install the adapter, lay a bundle of wires from the engine compartment to the electric power steering.

But then the work of an electrician, and a qualified one, begins. We are converting the standard wiring of the classic ignition switch to a front-wheel drive ignition switch.

We are looking for a place for the hazard warning switch and we find it here, here it will be “Cozy”, and the owner of the car will be comfortable, especially since the rheostat for instrument lighting is a practically unnecessary and useless thing, rarely does anyone use it...

The feasibility of installing EUR and power steering

Does it make sense to install an electric or hydraulic booster on your car? The only, but most important thing that such an installation can provide is to provide more comfortable driving. But you need to take into account that installing such a system is a rather complicated task that not everyone can cope with. At the same time, its cost is quite high, and if you cannot install the unit yourself, you will also have to pay a substantial amount for installation. Therefore, you need to decide whether it is profitable for you to install an amplifier from an economic point of view (the author of the video is Gennady Martynyuk).

Possible malfunctions of the EUR on the Lada Grante Liftback (Sedan)

Main elements of the system

The design of the VAZ-2123 provides refueling tanks that ensure smooth functioning of the mechanisms.

The main elements of the system include the following filling containers:

• fuel tank;
• transmission housing;
• power steering;
• cooling system;
• engine lubrication system;
• axle and transfer case housings;
• container for hydraulic drive of the brake system;
• tanks for washer fluid;
• containers for refilling the air conditioner.

To improve the performance characteristics of an SUV, working fluids must be poured in quantities recommended by the developers of the Chevrolet Niva.

Review of prices of manufacturers of electric power steering for the Lada Granta

*prices are current as of October 19, 2018.

You can make payment in one of the ways convenient for you:

1. To a SberBank or Alfa-Bank card. The most profitable method for the buyer, as well as the most convenient one, is to use the Sberbank Online service, Alfa-Click, an ATM, or through an operator at the bank. After placing your order, the manager will send you the card details. If you do not have a SberBank or Alfa-Bank card, you can also top up your card using the details at any SberBank or Alfa-Bank branch. Payment is credited within an hour.
2. Yandex money. Customers who have Yandex.Wallet can quickly and easily pay for an order in our online store, the commission will be 0%.
3. Yandex.Checkout is an online payment acceptance service. A convenient option with a large selection of payment methods for your order: plastic cards of any banks, including credit cards, in cash through terminals, ATMs or phone shops, Qiwi Wallet, Yandex.Money, WebMoney, from your phone balance, purchase on credit (payment in installments) . Please carefully check which email address you provided during the ordering process, as you will receive a receipt for payment for your order. Yandex.Checkout commission for transfer will range from 3% to 6% .
4. QIWI wallet. If it is more convenient for the client to use a QIWI wallet or, if it is not available, to pay through the nearest QIWI terminal, the manager will provide you with the wallet number. Commission 0%.
5. Payment at any bank using an invoice or receipt (+3% to the cost). If you do not use electronic wallets and plastic cards, we provide the opportunity to make payments at any bank in Russia. The site manager will send you a pre-filled receipt “Form No. PD-4” by e-mail; please carefully check the e-mail address you provide. The bank commission will be approximately 3% and depends on the bank itself
6. Cash on delivery upon delivery by the Transport Company (payment for purchase upon receipt of the order).
7. Cash on delivery upon delivery by Russian Post (payment for purchase upon receipt of the order). The order arrives at the post office, after which you pay its cost and pick it up, in which case the Russian Post charges a commission.

Types of power steering

If you decide to equip your car with an amplifier, then you have several options - expensive and cheaper:

1. Power steering for the VAZ 2107 is a more expensive option. Such a system consists of a pump, supply lines, a pipe and a reservoir for working fluid. In this case, the working fluid is oil, which is under pressure in the system. The installation procedure is quite complex, like the design of the system itself, and the car owner will also have to periodically maintain the system. As practice and prices on the automotive market show, there is no point in installing such a unit, since its cost is almost half the price of a used 2107.
2. A cheaper and more suitable option for the “seven” is an electric booster. In practice, this unit allows you to cope well with the load placed on it, especially since its installation is simpler. In fact, the electric power steering works on the “seven” almost as efficiently as the hydraulic booster. It should be noted that the main advantage of such a system is the absence of the need for regular maintenance. The EUR on a VAZ is connected to the on-board network, since its operation requires 12-volt voltage.

Technical characteristics of the VAZ 2123 engine

The VAZ 2123 power unit has a working volume of 1690 cubic meters. cm. It is naturally aspirated and runs on gasoline fuel. His weight is 127 kilograms. The electronic fuel injection system increased engine power to 80 hp, and the torque is 127 NxM, which becomes available at around 4000 rpm.

On the highway the car can reach a speed of 140 km/h. A five-speed manual gearbox is responsible for shifting gears. Highway consumption does not exceed 8.5 liters per 100 km. In the city it increases to 14 liters per 100 kilometers. In such an engine, for its stable operation and responsive traction, it is recommended to fill AI-95 gasoline.

A timing belt with a hydraulic chain tensioning system requires increased oil pump performance. To increase productivity without increasing power, engineers reduced the number of teeth on the pump drive gear.

To lubricate the engine, 3.5 liters of oil is required. Both synthetic and semi-synthetic oils are suitable. The only thing that requires attention is the viscosity indicator, which must correspond to the 5W30 index. To preserve the life of the Chevrolet Niva engine for many years, it is recommended to change the oil every 10,000 km.

Motor device

Briefly about how the VAZ 2123 Chevrolet Niva engine works.

Cylinders

They were combined with the upper part of the crankcase. Like most VAZ engines, this power unit has cylinders operating in a 1-3-4-2 pattern. The lower part of the cylinder block is connected on five supports to the crankshaft.

1 — tension roller of the air conditioning compressor drive belt; 2 — air conditioning compressor drive belt; 3 — air conditioning compressor clutch; 4 — thermostat; 5 — throttle assembly; 6 — outlet pipe of the cooling jacket; 7 — coolant pump pulley; 8 - phase sensor; 9 — tension roller for the auxiliary drive belt; 10 — cylinder head; 11 - generator; 12 — power steering pump pulley; 13 — support roller for the auxiliary drive belt; 14 — cylinder block; 15 — auxiliary drive belt; 16 — crankshaft position sensor; 17 — auxiliary drive pulley; 18 — air conditioning compressor drive pulley; 19 — oil pan; power unit support; an exhaust manifold; receiver; cylinder head cover;

Crankshaft

Five-legged. Cast from cast iron. If necessary, the journals can be reground with a diameter reduction of 0.25; 0.50; 0.75 and 1 mm.

Exhaust valves

Welded in two parts. One is an alloy of chromium, nickel and molybdenum, and the other is made of multi-component steel. The operating temperature of the exhaust valves is 700-900 degrees, since during engine operation they are heated by processed gases. In order for them to withstand such temperatures, a special heat-resistant alloy is applied to them.

Intake valves

Their rods are treated with nitrogen and hardened under the influence of high frequency current. This is enough to withstand operating temperatures of 350-500 degrees.

Pistons

The VAZ 2123 engine has pistons cast from an aluminum alloy. A layer of tin is applied to them to make the process of breaking in the car faster. The piston stroke is 80 mm, and it itself has a diameter of 82 mm. The compression ratio is at 9.3 atmospheres.

Camshaft

Cast from cast iron and installed in a removable aluminum housing. Its rotation is carried out by a single-row roller chain.

Chain

It is stretched by a spring-hydraulic tensioner. Its size has increased significantly. Until the engine starts, the tension is carried out by a spring, and during its operation it is provided by oil pressure.

Attached to the block itself with 11 bolts. Centering is performed using the power of two bushings.

Crankcase ventilation system

Closed, and crankcase gases are discharged through the oil separator into the intake pipe. From there they are transferred to cylinders and burned.

Design features of the 2123 8 valve engine

Structurally, this engine is quite archaic and is not far removed from the VAZ 21213 engine, developed back in the eighties. The four-cylinder cast iron engine block is covered by an eight-valve single camshaft head. Distributed injection, liquid cooling system, closed type with forced circulation. Lubrication is carried out by splashing from rotating parts.

But there are also quite relevant design solutions here. The timing chain drive is equipped with a hydraulic tensioner, because of this the chain does not require frequent tightening, and the presence of hydraulic compensators eliminates the need for periodic adjustment of valve clearances. True, the quality of execution of these elements often forces owners to install a mechanical tensioner and get rid of hydraulic compensators in favor of adjusting bolts.

The design of the internal combustion engine is described in detail in this video about its repair.

The hydraulic timing chain tensioner is not reliable enough. Its weak point is the aluminum oil supply tube and check valve. Replacement may be required after 50 thousand km. Usually it starts to rattle a lot and, if you do not pay attention to the problem for a long time, the chain can jump.

Knocks in the engine

Before the 2009 modernization, hydraulic compensators often began to knock already at a mileage of 60 thousand; after restyling, the service life increased to 100 thousand kilometers.

Stalls

The throttle sensor may not last even 10 thousand km. If it fails, the car will begin to stall immediately after starting.

Leaks

A common problem with this engine is constant leaks. Most often, the rear crankshaft oil seal leaks, and sometimes oil oozes from under the valve cover.

Triple

The service life of the ignition module is approximately one hundred thousand km; if it malfunctions, the engine will immediately begin to stall. With the same mileage, the valves may burn out or the oil seals may become stuck, which will immediately affect oil consumption.

Minor problems

Also, the oil pump, idle air control, mass air flow sensor and pump may not reach 100,000 kilometers. It’s good that spare parts for this engine are inexpensive. Often the cylinder head gasket burns out and the exhaust manifold mounting bracket is destroyed.

Security measures

If during operation of your car a pump fails, or a hose is damaged, or any other breakdown associated with the steering mechanism, repair the breakdown immediately. Reduce driving in this condition as much as possible. It is not safe.

The power steering pump periodically needs to be inspected and cleaned. Don't let it become inoperable.

Steering wheel for Niva (VAZ 2121). First, let's tell you why power steering is needed in general. Its main function is to provide sufficient stability in the event of a sudden drop in tire pressure. It is also indispensable in extreme vehicle operating conditions - power steering will increase dynamic cross-country ability. An undoubted and tangible advantage of cars equipped with a hydraulic booster is that it reduces the force requirements on the steering wheel by three times, that is, it becomes much easier to drive the car.