Vesta timing belt: when to change so as not to bend the valve

A timing belt is a rubber part with notches on the inside that connects the crankshaft and camshaft to ensure vehicle movement. The responsible owner of a Lada Vesta, who has driven more than 50 thousand km, had to replace the timing belt at least once - so as not to find out prematurely whether the valves are bending.

Unfortunately, on the VAZ this ailment is transmitted from engine to engine, they cannot work on it in any way and the valves are bent due to the assembly: belt, pump, rollers.

This unit is vulnerable and the valve will bend if one of these parts fails. The situation would have changed, or not, the problem would have gone away completely - install the AvtoVAZ pump separately, but alas, the pump is in one unit on all VAZ engines.

If the hr16de engine had entered the series, then this ailment would also be absent, you would only need to undergo maintenance on time, monitor the chain, and yes, valve adjustment, VAZ engines would again come into use.

After a significant mileage of the car or improper operation, the timing belt often breaks. Oil getting on the surface, untimely replacement of components, use of the car in severe frosts or, conversely, in sultry heat - this can damage the gas distribution mechanism drive.

Damage can be detected during maintenance of the Lada Vesta. Maintenance consists of inspecting the condition of the unit from time to time.

A rather significant problem for owners of Vestas with 16 valve engines in the event of a break is valve bending. This happens after the timing belt breaks or the links are stretched. When the links are stretched, the crankshaft continues to work, but the camshaft abruptly stops its movement. Next, the car engine stops completely. If you start it again, you can cause failure of the pistons, which will cause expensive repairs to the piston group of the cylinder block.

Read the article and your engine will be safe - you will replace the belt and rollers on time, preventing unexpected breakdowns.

What is a timing belt, what parts does it consist of?

The abbreviation GRM is short for “gas distribution mechanism.” This unit is present in all cars, with the exception of vehicles equipped with an electric motor. The timing belt supplies the fuel mixture to the internal combustion engine cylinders, providing the combustion chambers with the required volume of fuel at the right time.

Replacing the timing belt on Vesta. Photo source: https://www.drive2.ru/l/550002105566363649/?m=550012276048921087

The gas distribution mechanism consists of:

• cylinder head (head mounted on the cylinder block);
• valves;
• bushings;
• landing seats;
• camshaft;
• belt;
• tensioners;
• other elements (plates, springs, stoppers).

The timing belt ensures synchronous rotation of the camshaft (one or two) and the crankshaft.

Four Well-Known Facts

The service life of the timing chain always exceeds the service life of the engine. This is the first fact, but a condition must be met: the oil change must be timely. In general, the circuit fails gradually, and this is accompanied by symptoms:

• Audible sounds (chirping) at idle speed;
• When the “problem area” passes, a phase shift may be observed.

The last defect is detected using computer diagnostics.

From the appearance of any symptom to the complete rupture of the chain, a certain time passes. And in general, a “defective circuit” can work for a long time. This was another, fourth fact.

Standard belt with

AvtoVAZ equips the new Vesta with products from Gates or Contitech. The Gates consumable is installed on Lada Vesta with a 1.6-horsepower unit. Vestas with a 1.8 liter engine are equipped with a Contitech timing belt.

The price of both options does not differ much. The quality of the rubber is the same. The products are well packaged to prevent damage during delivery. Gates has protection against counterfeiting: each consumable is assigned an individual code, which is used to check the originality of the spare part on the official website.

Let's sum it up

As can be seen from the contents of the article, independent replacement of the timing belt and related elements is possible. However, in the case of each specific engine, the complexity of the work varies greatly. This should be taken into account. Unskilled actions can damage the engine. Timely maintenance, the use of high-quality spare parts, compliance with factory repair instructions, operating manuals, and of course reasonable ingenuity are the key to their trouble-free operation.

Will the Lada Vesta valves bend if the timing drive element breaks?

If the drive element breaks, the camshaft stops rotating, but the crankshaft continues to operate. The valves freeze and the pistons rotate. As a result, the cylinders hit the valve plates, deforming them and bending the rods.

The likelihood of a cylinder head cover breaking on 8-valve engines is significantly lower. The VAZ 11189 unit is equipped with mechanical protection: the valve plates are located so that the cylinders do not reach them even in the open position.

In addition to the VAZ 11189, the Lada Vesta is equipped with 16-valve engines VAZ 21129, HR16DE-H4M, VAZ 21179. A break in the drive element on such a Lada Vesta will lead to deformation of the valves and rods. Structural protection is not used on them, since as a result the size of the engine is unacceptably increased. Therefore, owners of Lada Vesta with a power of more than 100 hp. treat the unit with the utmost care.

Replacing the timing belt kit and pump on a Vesta. Photo source: https://www.drive2.ru/l/559873520960537283/

The Lada Vesta service book states that drive belts and corresponding rollers are not covered by the manufacturer’s warranty. If the original consumable breaks down before the expiration of the declared service life, the dealership is obliged to repair the engine, since the breakdown is considered a warranty case.

Since mid-July 2022, Vestas with a 1.6 liter engine with grooves on the pistons began to roll off the AvtoVAZ assembly line. Specially shaped darts prevent damage to the valves when the timing belt breaks. Tests of improved piston geometry are also underway on 1.8-liter engines, but so far the exact timing of the implementation of the modernization has not been announced. Owners of Lada Vesta manufactured earlier than 07.18 replace the piston group themselves.

When to change and how much does it cost?

Replacing the belt drive in a timely manner is important. It transmits rotation from the crankshaft to the gas distribution mechanism. The shafts of this device distribute the gases and fuel mixture.

Factory specialists have established the frequency of replacing the drive after 180 thousand km. But in practice, car service workers advise not to wait for this time, but to replace the belt when the mileage is 100 thousand km or less. This is due to the insufficient quality of the part, as there are many counterfeit parts.

If the belt slips, gas mileage will increase and power will decrease. Particularly serious consequences can be caused by its breakage, which will immediately lead to damage to the valves and pistons. This occurs due to them meeting each other and bending the valves. Repairs after such a malfunction will be expensive.

The drive must be replaced in a timely manner. Such work in a car service costs approximately 6,000 rubles and more. Therefore, it makes sense to replace the timing belt with your own hands, following the operating technology. To do this you will need a set of tools.

How to check the timing belt on a Lada Vesta

You can check the drive element on the Vesta by removing the plastic engine screen and the protective cover. The link tension must be controlled. A sagging belt wears out faster, so when a weak tension is detected, the integrity of the rollers (tensioner and bypass) and the pump are monitored. Noise and backlash are not allowed.

Replacing the timing belt kit in the cabin. Photo source: https://www.drive2.ru/l/530858783493064633

Sticking tensioners will damage the rubber. Timing repair kits for Lada Vesta are more often found on sale, including rollers (tensioner and bypass). The unit is also replaced in the absence of external damage, if the service life declared by the manufacturer has come to an end.

Refueling volumes

As mentioned above, three different engines were installed on the Lada Vesta - 11189, 21129 and HR16DE-H4M. It was also equipped with different gearboxes - 2180, 2182 and JHQ. Based on this, some Vesta filling containers have different volumes, while others are the same for everyone.

*A mixture of coolants of different brands should not be allowed.

In the same repair and maintenance manual for Lada West there are also the following volumes of coolant for the engine cooling system:

• for 11189/21129 with pre-heater - 9.3 l., without heating - 8.7 l.;
• for HR16DE-H4M with pre-heater – 7.6 l., without heating – 7.0 l.

Which timing kit is better to install on Vesta?

Preference is given to originals - timing belt repair kits with the AvtoVAZ logo (artikul 21126100604086 - for a 16-valve engine). If it is impossible to purchase them, buy an analogue:

• CONTITECH CT1137K1;
• INA 530053610;
• Gates K015631XS;
• Luzar LWP0128.

The products of all manufacturers show good strength characteristics and are resistant to wear. The main thing is not to run into a fake. Otherwise, the driver will have no guarantee that the replaced unit will last the stated period.

Cost of timing belt repair kit

An original repair kit for a 16-valve Vesta engine costs from 3,000 rubles. The price of analogues takes the value of 2900-3700 rubles. Separately, the original timing belt (article 21126100604000) will cost 1,700 rubles. AvtoVAZ offers a reinforced version for 1900 rubles.

Replacing the clutch. Photo source: https://www.drive2.ru/l/538379992782864466

Along with the parts of the gas distribution mechanism, owners of the 16-valve Vesta often change the water pump. It is recommended to change the pump every 100 thousand kilometers, so installing a new pump is combined with replacing the timing drive element. A pump with the AvtoVAZ logo (artikul 21126130701082) costs 1,100 rubles, Luzar (LWP 01274) - from 950 rubles, Pilenga - 650 rubles.

The above figures are indicative and may vary from store to store.

Where can I buy?

Before starting work, you must purchase all the necessary components:

1. Timing belt;
2. Tension roller;
3. Bypass roller;
4. Water pump.

The table shows original spare parts with prices and articles

Do-it-yourself timing belt replacement

The procedure for installing new elements of the timing system is complex, which is why many car owners come to the service station with a purchased repair kit. You can change it at home if you can hang up the car engine.

Tools

To replace you will need:

• repair kit;
• torque wrench;
• wrench 17;
• set of socket wrenches;
• "Torx" of different sizes;
• hexagon 5 mm;
• a screwdriver or other straight metal object to fix the crankshaft.

For Vesta with engines 21179 and 21129, you will additionally need 2 mandrels: 67.7811-9516 for fixing the camshafts and a crankshaft lock.

Replacing the pump yourself. Photo source: https://www.drive2.ru/l/534644127149588753

The car is driven onto an overpass or inspection hole. On a Vesta with any engine, preliminary work is carried out: disconnect the car’s battery, hang the car on a lift, remove the right engine mount, front wheel, fender liner and mudguard.

"Vesta" with VAZ-11189 engine

Step-by-step instructions for removing the timing belt on an 8-valve engine:

1. Remove the engine cover.
2. Remove the timing gear drive protection by unscrewing the 3 bolts.
3. Turn the crankshaft by the bolt, placing the piston of the 1st cylinder in the uppermost position (rotate clockwise).
4. Block the crankshaft by inserting a screwdriver between the flywheel teeth. It is better to entrust this process to an assistant. You can also fix the crankshaft using the brake pedal, having previously placed the gearbox in 1st gear.
5. Unscrew the generator pulley.
6. Remove the generator pulley.
7. Check that the alignment marks match.
8. Loosen the tensioner.
9. Rotate the roller to loosen the drive element as much as possible.
10. Remove the timing belt.
11. Unscrew the nut and remove the tension roller.

Installation procedure for the repair kit:

1. Install new rollers and generator pulley.
2. Check that the installation marks match.
3. Place new rubber on the crankshaft pulley.
4. Replace the back half of the belt by pulling the rubber over the pump and around the tensioner.
5. Place the belt on the camshaft wheel at the front.
6. Rotate the tensioner until the timing belt is tensioned (rotation is counterclockwise).
7. Tighten the generator pulley fasteners.
8. Turn the crankshaft by the bolt and make 2 full turns (rotation goes clockwise).
9. Make sure that the installation risks match.

The timing belt must be tensioned carefully. If checking point 9 shows a discrepancy, you will have to remove the drive element and reinstall it.

Lada Vesta with VAZ-21129 engine

The procedure for working on a Vesta with a 16-valve engine is slightly different:

1. Remove the engine screen.
2. Remove both halves of the drive guard by unscrewing the 7 screws.
3. Remove the alternator belt.
4. Lock the flywheel with a screwdriver.
5. Remove the pulley (fastened with a bolt) and the support washer.
6. Move the piston of the 1st cylinder to the top point in the same way as step 2 of the previous instructions.
7. Secure the camshafts. For this purpose, equipment is used, consisting of polyurethane bushings and a bolt (art. 67.7811-9516).
8. Turn the tensioner bolt to loosen the drive element as much as possible.
9. Remove the timing belt (after which the crankshaft and camshaft cannot be turned).

Installation of the repair kit occurs in the same way as assembly of a Lada Vesta with engine 11189. Sealant can be applied to the threaded part of the rollers.

"Vesta" with VAZ-21179 engine

A 16-valve engine of this type does not have any marks on the camshafts. Therefore, special equipment is used to fix the camshafts: 67.7811-9516. The cost of the fixator is 600 rubles. It is difficult to install the device, because there is a drive disc on the intake shaft that covers the desired slot on the camshaft.

Timing kit. Photo source: https://www.drive2.ru/l/524187496691533747/

The following are subject to dismantling:

• drive belt;
• generator;
• generator bracket;
• air conditioning compressor;
• fuel rail;
• engine mounts;
• intake manifold;
• timing belt protective cover.

Sometimes you have to remove the exhaust pipe. The pulley on the crankshaft is secured against rotation by a special mandrel through the crankshaft sensor mount.

Otherwise, the procedure for removing and installing the timing belt is similar to that described in the instructions for other engines.

How to replace the Vesta timing belt without special tools

Sometimes stories appear on forums that it is possible to change the timing belt on a Lada Vesta faster and easier. It is enough to cut off with a knife and remove part of the old rubber, and pull a new drive element onto the crankshaft pulleys. Then remove the remaining half and put the new belt on all the way.

Using this method is strictly not recommended. Incorrect installation will result in accelerated tire wear. The risk of a sudden break increases significantly. In addition, a pulled roller knocks down the marks. The time saved is unlikely to pay for the engine repair.

How to adjust the tension roller

For the regulation process, you will need a device for dismantling the retaining rings (tongs), a socket wrench set to “10”. Stretching process:

1. Loosen the hardware securing the roller.
2. Insert the pliers into the recesses of the tensioner.
3. Rotate the roller until the groove in the outer casing aligns with the protrusion of the inner sleeve (turn counterclockwise).
4. Tighten the fastening bolt (tightening torque – 32 Nm).

At the end of the work, be sure to turn the crankshaft a couple of times and see if the installation marks match.

It is advisable to work with a torque wrench, since an overtightened tensioner will jam during operation. To determine if the roller needs to be loosened, look at the behavior of the bushing protrusion while the engine is idling. In normal condition, the tongue should tremble slightly. If the tab does not move, the roller will be overtightened. Video demonstrating how the tensioner works:

How to set timing marks

On a Vesta with a 1.6 liter engine there are 2 marks that must match:

• on the gear wheel and the antenna of the rear timing cover;
• in the slot of the inspection window located on top of the clutch housing.

After setting the marks, it is necessary to make 2 revolutions with the crankshaft to make sure that not only the marks, but also the rotation strokes of the shafts match. Since the crankshaft makes 2 rotations per camshaft revolution, it may turn out that if the marks coincide, the compression stroke is accompanied by an open valve, which destabilizes engine operation.

Installation of timing marks. Photo source: https://www.drive2.ru/l/481513801150103581

On engine 21179, the installation mark is present on the tensioner. The camshaft marks are located on the back of the cylinder head, to find them you need to:

• Remove the rubber plug on the exhaust shaft from the back of the cylinder head;
• on the intake, remove the receiver and valve cover, then pull out the plastic partition and rubber plug covering the end of the camshaft.

Setting in the required beat is ensured by a special tool that you can buy or make yourself.

How long will it take to repair

The time spent directly depends on the qualifications of the auto repairman. The longest work is replacing the drive element on a Vesta with engine 21179, but for a beginner, even repairing an 8-valve unit may seem like a labor-intensive process. Reinstallation cannot be abandoned; if the marks do not match, you will have to remove the drive element and reinstall it until the shafts fit correctly.