Changing the oil in the VAZ gearbox of Lada Granta, Kalina, Priora, Vesta and XRAY

Thanks to the optimal set of consumer qualities, the Russian budget segment small car Lada Kalina has become an enviable success among buyers. This car is quite common, which is facilitated by its low cost and maintainability. The vast majority of owners of a practical “Russian car” service this car independently. Such common maintenance and repair activities as:

• changing the gearbox oil;
• changing filters and spark plugs;
• replacement of other technological fluids and much more,
• Today, almost no one raises questions or difficulties.

Sometimes you may encounter this fact when owners pay little attention to the Lada Kalina transmission unit, neglecting to change the oil in a timely manner. This measure is one of the mandatory procedures of the maintenance regulations and neglect of it creates a threat of premature failure of the specified structurally complex unit.

Today we will look at the features of such a procedure as changing the oil in the gearbox in a Lada Kalina. The procedure itself is not particularly complicated, and any caring owner should be aware of the algorithm for its implementation. We will also answer the questions: what kind of oil should I use? how much oil is in the gearbox?

Characteristics of the Kalina gearbox

For its Lada Kalina model, the manufacturer used a classic mechanical unit. In its arsenal there are five stages, not counting the “reverse” gear. This box’s roots go back to the 80s, when the owners of its “ancestors” were the “nines” that were fashionable at that time.

Then the developers significantly modernized the unit, after which the VAZ-2180 gearbox, equipped with a cable drive, was released. Many components of this transmission have undergone significant changes, but the principle of its lubrication remains almost identical to its progenitor. In the pan of the unit there is a certain amount of lubricant, the process of supplying which to the units of the unit occurs in a natural way. This means that the oil is not supplied by a pump or other forced lubrication mechanism, but is captured by shafts and gears and distributed along the internal perimeter of the unit. By the way, some owners are not familiar with this principle.

In addition to providing a lubrication effect, the working fluid has another and quite important function - it is the removal of heat generated during operation of the box. It is here that if the oil level is insufficient, the unit overheats. Gears are subject to increased wear due to dry operation. Then the chips accumulate in the working fluid and subsequently settle on the magnets, and the oil itself acquires a dark shade with the presence of a characteristic odor. These factors require periodic and timely monitoring of the lubricant level in the transmission. For these purposes, the manufacturer purposefully provided for the presence of a special probe. When the level is below the middle mark of the dipstick, operation of the unit is contraindicated.

Let's sum it up

Taking into account the above information, it becomes clear that selecting and replacing Lada Kalina gearbox oil is not a complicated process. The main thing is to choose the right oil viscosity. It is also better to use more expensive synthetic oils as an analogue for replacement. In this case, in winter, the gearbox will operate more quietly and the gears will shift more clearly and smoothly.

Finally, we note that constant monitoring of the level and quality of the lubricating fluid allows you to promptly identify problems, as well as assess the condition of the gearbox oil in order to decide on the need to replace it.

Source

Resource of transmission lubricant and engine oil

According to the regulations, the frequency of changing transmission lubricant is significantly different from the interval for changing engine oil in Lada Kalina. The manufacturer recommends that owners follow this procedure at least every 75 thousand km. Experienced professionals advise reducing the replacement period to 60 thousand km. The initial oil change in the gearbox in a new car should generally be carried out after 30 thousand km.

New parts during the joint lapping process form small chips, which are subsequently suspended in the lubricant, which is extremely undesirable. Further operation involves inevitable exposure of the oil to various temperature changes. Although after a 30,000-mile run the production intensity decreases significantly, this does not indicate that this phenomenon will completely cease. The quality of factory lubricant leaves much to be desired, so it is recommended to give preference to products from trusted brands during initial and subsequent replacements.

About the types of transmission oils for Kalina

Traditionally, AvtoVAZ recommends products for use. Lubricant produced by the same company is poured into the gearbox of new VAZ cars; it acts as a break-in and flushing lubricant until the first maintenance; after replacing it, you can select a product from another company.

Brand and volume of oil for LADA KALINA gearbox

The manufacturer specifies that the new oil must be synthetic or semi-synthetic and meet viscosity grade SAE 75W-90. This is an all-season liquid that works at ambient temperatures from -40 °C to +35 °C. 75W-80 and 80W-85 oils are also suitable. 80W-90 liquids can be used in regions where winter temperatures do not drop below -10...-12 °C.

In addition to viscosity, the oil must comply with API GL-4 class. This includes transmission fluids that are designed to operate in medium-loaded gears: hypoid, bevel and spiral-bevel, operating at oil temperatures up to +150 °C and contact pressure up to 3000 MPa.

Let's consider which oils are most popular in the LADA KALINA gearbox.

1. LUKOIL TM-4 (GL-4) 75W-90. This is a semi-synthetic transmission fluid used in manual transmissions, differentials and transfer cases of cars and trucks. It is made from highly purified mineral base oil, synthetic components and a multifunctional additive package. The oil has high anti-corrosion, anti-foam, anti-wear and viscosity-temperature properties. It reliably protects transmission elements under high loads, ensures smooth operation of the gearbox at low temperatures and has high oxidative and thermal stability.
2. SHELL SPIRAX S4 G 75W-90 . Semi-synthetic gear oil API GL-4 for manual gearboxes of cars and small trucks. Used in VAG cars as a first fill fluid. The oil does not destroy synchronizers, ensures smooth operation of the gearbox, and protects transmission elements from shock loads, corrosion and wear. It has an extended service life and improves the performance of the gearbox.
3. ZIC GF TOP 75W-90. Synthetic transmission oil for manual transmissions and drive axles. Compatible with synchronized boxes. In Hyuindai and Kia cars it is used as a first fill fluid. Belongs to material class GL-4/5. Meets the requirements of 75W-85 GL-4 oils. The fluid ensures reliable lubrication of all transmission elements at high speeds and heavy loads, cleans the gearbox and axles, increases the service replacement interval, reduces wear, protects against corrosion and has excellent thermal-oxidative characteristics.
4. Castrol Syntrax Universal 75W-90. Synthetic multi-purpose gear oil for gearboxes and manual transmissions. Suitable for use in synchronized manual transmissions of cars and trucks, as well as final drives and differentials of trucks and construction equipment. The fluid has excellent fluidity at low temperatures and effectively protects against wear under high loads. It has an extended service life and is compatible with conventional mineral oils and sealing materials.
5. LIQUI MOLY Hochleistungs-Getriebeoil GL4+ (GL 4/GL 5) 75W-90. Synthetic transmission oil for manual transmissions and drive axles. It is compatible with synchronizers and is resistant to aging. Thanks to a special additive package, the fluid reliably protects transmission elements. The oil prevents wear and corrosion, works well under high loads and maintains its characteristics at high temperatures. Can be used in gearboxes that require GL-4 oils and manual transmissions that are combined with a hypoid transmission.

What to buy as oil for the Kalina engine?

A reasonable question: what kind of oil should I use? The sales network today can offer a wide range of transmission oils recommended for the Lada Kalina box. Experts have put forward a recommendation to use a lubricant with the following temperature and viscosity parameters: from “70-W80” to “80-W85”. Regarding manufacturers, we note the products of the following companies:

• Rosneft and Lukoil (domestic);
• “Shell” (famous imported analogue);
• “Zic” (growing popular Korean oil).

Well, everyone will decide for themselves what kind of oil to pour.

How and where to store transmission fluid

Before use, make sure that the oil has not yet expired. To do this, refer to the label on the container. To keep your gearbox fluid in optimal condition, you will need to follow these instructions:

• Close the cap of the bottle or canister tightly. The product must be stored in airtight packaging.
• Do not leave containers in the sun or direct light. A suitable place for storage would be a cellar, attic, garage, etc.
• Check the expiration date.
• Do not store lubricant containers in a room with temperatures above 24 degrees Celsius. Otherwise, the chemical elements of the oil may change and harm the box.
• Do not allow excess moisture to get inside the liquid container.

Oil change tools and accessories

Changing the gearbox oil, what you will need:

• container;
• key to "17";
• jack;
• rags;
• thin hose and watering can.

Let's start changing the engine oil

1. Before the actual procedure, we warm up the LADA Kalina transmission unit. This requires a trip.
2. Raise the left front side of the car using the designated jack. Don't forget to install safety stands and wheel chocks.
3. We approach the drain plug of the unit and use the key set to “17” to unscrew it (not yet completely).
4. Place a container under the drain hole.
5. We unscrew the plug and drain the waste. You will have to spend about 20 minutes on this process so that almost the entire volume of oil leaves the crankcase.
6. Immediately tighten the plug and use a rag to remove any remaining grease on the unit body.
7. Open the hood and look for the filler hole. It is not included in the Kalina box, so we will fill it through the dipstick hole.
8. We connect the watering can with the hose, remove the dipstick and immerse the newly invented “filling device” into the indicated hole.
9. We slowly fill in the lubricant, after which we immerse the dipstick in its original place.

This completes the gearbox oil change.

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Selection of oil for manual transmission and automatic transmission of Lada Kalina

There are many types of lubricants, including for Lada cars. To choose a quality product, you should follow some recommendations:

1. Take into account the manufacturer's requirements. The operating manual clearly describes the parameters by which transmission oil is selected. Viscosity is usually indicated, and, as in engine oil, it may differ for summer or winter.
2. When purchasing a used car, you should ask the former owner what product was used. If you used mineral oil, you cannot fill it with synthetic oil without first flushing it.
3. The best option is semi-synthetic oil. Similar products are found mainly in Russia and the CIS. Essentially, this is the same mineral lubricant that has undergone hydrocracking. Semi-synthetics can be used after mineral oil.

The choice of gear oil is an individual decision for each car owner. It depends on the mileage, the condition of the gearbox, and the type of gearbox.

Advice for changing the oil in a car

Transmission oil has a high viscosity, and even in a heated state during draining, it leaves the crankcase reluctantly. Some waste inevitably remains on the internal walls of the unit. Here, the owners of LADA Kalina recommend “spilling” some of the lubricant.

The procedure looks like this:

1. Before changing the gearbox oil, you need to make sure that the drain plug should not be installed.
2. We pour about 150 grams of new lubricant into the unit and wait for it to completely drain from the drain hole. First, we observe the release of a blackened liquid, and then a lighter-colored substance.
3. Having completed this manipulation, tighten the plug and perform the replacement procedure discussed above.

This action is also very useful when filling a new product from another manufacturer.

The engine air filter should not interfere

The air filter box in Granta and Kalina-2 cars is secured with three rubber stops. It will not be difficult to dismantle them, but first you will need to disconnect all the connectors attached to the box from the outside. You will also need to remove the adsorber valve. And only then, without fear of damaging anything, the plastic box is taken to the side.

The cylinder to which the corrugation is attached is the mass air flow sensor module. This module has one connector. Disconnect it, and it is better to leave the clamp holding the corrugation in its original form.

The result of all the work done looks like this:

The filter box is simply folded back

The steps mentioned above are listed here in order:

1. Disconnect the negative terminal of the battery;
2. Disconnect the clip “1” that holds the power wire and disconnect the connector “2” of the mass air flow sensor (Fig. 1);
3. Dismantle the canister purge valve. Disconnect the connector with the wires, then use a flat screwdriver to press the spring on the side and remove the module itself from the grooves (Fig. 2);
4. All stops holding the box can be easily removed from the slots (Fig. 3).

The connector that needs to be disconnected in “step 2” will not be available in configurations with motor 21127.

Here you need to disconnect the connector and remove one clip

Use a flathead screwdriver to press on the spring.

Each stop must remain on the metal

We wish you success.

Oils used

If you took the Lada Kalina from the factory and did not change the transmission oil yourself, then Magnum 300 lubricant from TNK was probably filled inside it. This is a standard liquid poured into the box at Kalina production. And in Kalina 2 they already use Kinetic SAE from the Rosneft company. Therefore, make sure what kind of car you have and what was initially filled there if you are just going to add fluid.

is mineral, which can hardly be called high-quality and effective. In terms of characteristics, it is significantly inferior to many competitors. The reason for its use has a lot to do with its cheapness. It is optimal to change it to a semi-synthetic one, which will allow the box to feel comfortable under any operating conditions. According to car recommendations, it is better to use the following oils:

• TM4 produced by Lukoil;
• Kinetic company Rosneft;
• Trans KP from Novoil;
• Translux TM4-12 from Tatneft;
• Trans KP and LZ Super produced by TNK;
• Transaxle from Shell.

Or you can select their analogues in accordance with their physical and chemical characteristics. All of them belong to API group GL4 and have viscosity classes from 75W-80 to 80W-90.