Transmission oil for Niva Chevrolet: which is better and how to replace it?

Chevrolet Niva is the most affordable all-wheel drive SUV on the Russian market. Despite the outdated design, the car is still as relevant as ever. This is facilitated not only by the utilitarian classic design, but by the legendary maintainability. The simple design allows you to service the car in a garage using available tools. It will not be difficult to change the oil in the gearbox, but special attention in this article is paid to the volume of oil in the transmission. However, it is equally important to know other parameters, including the frequency of oil changes, how to choose the right one, and which best brands to choose.

Chevrolet Niva filling volumes

Some people use very thin oils 0 – 40, but they cost much more and won’t make much of a difference.
If the car engine does not have hydraulic compensators, you can use 10 - 40 regardless of the season, and in the case of hydraulic compensators, fill in 5 - 40. The number of these elements in each car may vary. In addition, it is important to have a clear understanding of the location, types, engine and transmission oil used, types of lubricants and fluids.

• After all, Chevrolet Niva filling tanks must be filled taking into account the plant’s recommendations so that all systems can fully operate.
• Video

FILLING CAPACITIES

* For VAZ-2131 cars and its modifications.

*For vehicles with fuel injection system equipped with an exhaust gas converter

• FILLING CAPACITIES, OILS AND LIQUIDS.
• Oils and liquids
• Motor gasoline with octane number 93, 95**
• Engine cooling system
• (including interior heating system)
• Coolant with a freezing point no higher than –40°C
• Latest recommendation from AvtoVAZ
• Sintec Antifreeze Lux G12
• Engine lubrication system
• (including oil filter)
• Motor oils (with API quality level: SG, SH, SJ, SL,SM, SN)
• Gearbox housing
• Gear oils with quality level according to API GL-5 and viscosity 75W-90
• Rear axle housing
• Steering gear housing
• Transfer case housing
• Front axle housing
• Hydraulic clutch system
• DOT-4 brake fluid
• Hydraulic brake system
• Windshield and headlight washer reservoir
• A mixture of water and windshield washer fluid
• Rear window washer reservoir
• Power steering reservoir
• Fluid for refilling the hydraulic steering system Pentosin SHF11S
• * For VAZ-2131 cars and its modifications.
• **For vehicles with fuel injection system equipped with an exhaust gas converter

And also interesting: Increasing the power of the Chevrolet Niva engine.
The recording is more for myself, but maybe it will be useful for someone else. Since after the purchase I only changed the oil in the engine, and it’s not at all clear what and how much in the transmission, I’m thinking about changing the oils in the gearbox, transfer case and axles. It would be good to know what kind of transmission oil to fill in to reduce the howling of the transfer case.

Fuel tank 58.

0 l Engine cooling system 8.0 l Engine lubrication system 3.75 l Gearbox housing 1.6 l Transfer case housing 0.79 l Front axle housing 1.15 l Rear axle housing 1.3 l Brake hydraulic system 0.5 l Clutch release hydraulic system 0.15 Windshield washer reservoir 5.0 l Tailgate washer reservoir 2.0 l Front shock absorber 0.15 l Rear shock absorber 0.215 l Power steering 1.7 l Air conditioning: refrigerant 0.650 kg

Conditioner: oil 0.22 l

1. Places for lubrication, filling, processing
2. Motor oils type SUPER (classification according to SAE; API) Engine lubrication system Viscosity class according to SAE: 5W-30: from –25 to 20 С5W-40: from –25 to 35 С10W-30: from -20 to 30 С10W -40: from -20 to 35 С15W-40: from –15 to 45 С20W-40: from –10 to 45 Level of performance properties: according to API SG, SH, SJ according to ASEA A2
3. according to CCMC G3, G4
4. Transmission oils (classification according to SAE; API) Gearbox, Transfer case Viscosity grade according to SAE: 75 W-90; 80 W-85; 80 W-90; Level of performance properties: according to API: GL-4 or universal: GL-4/ GL-5 Front axle, Rear axle, Steering gear Viscosity grade according to SAE: 80 W-90; 85 W-90; Level of performance properties: according to API: GL-5 or universal: GL-4/ GL-5
5. Power steering: Pentosin Hidraulik Fluid CHF11S VW52137

How to avoid falling asleep while driving on the highway

GreasesFront wheel drive joints CV joints-4M, SPECTROL CV joints MoS2 TU 0254-001-0014882Front suspension ball joints, Steering rod joints ShRB-4 TU 38.

USSR-201-143 Joints for cardan shafts Litin 2 TU 0254-311-00148820 Splined joints for cardan shafts 158 TU 38.

Dowcorning

Pressure regulator DT-1 TU 38-USSR-201-116

Brake and clutch hydraulic drive system Brake fluids type DOT-4 SAE J 1703, FMSS116

In this article we will talk about how to change the oil in the gearbox, transfer case and axles of a Chevrolet Niva. The use of high-quality lubricants for vehicles plays an important role in the operation of any car. The most common process for proper vehicle operation is the oil change process. It is possible to change the oil yourself, without resorting to the help of auto service employees, while significantly saving money.

Choosing engine oil is a responsible task on which the service life of the power plant depends. This procedure is no less important than the oil change process itself. Oil should be selected according to the parameters and tolerances specified in the operating instructions.

You cannot make a mistake in your choice, as this mistake can result in a serious technical breakdown, and incompatible oil can cause a major overhaul of the engine.

In this article, using the example of the popular Chevrolet Niva SUV, we will pay attention to the most important parameters of motor oil, and also consider the best brands of oils and how much oil should be filled.

Lubricants consist of a base (base) and additives. Their chemical and physical properties depend on the composition and origin of these components.

According to the method of manufacturing the base, the transmission is divided into three types:

• Mineral is a product remaining after the distillation of oil in the production of diesel fuel and gasoline. Includes heavy fractions of hydrocarbons and contains large amounts of sulfur. Its properties are determined by naphthenes, aromatics and paraffins. The oil entering oil refineries differs in its composition. This does not allow achieving stable mixture proportions. Therefore, the final parameters are adjusted with additives. Under the influence of temperature, heavy fractions of hydrocarbons disintegrate, and additives oxidize and lose their properties. This oil has to be changed more often. Another disadvantage of “mineral water” is that oxidation products settle on parts.
• The synthetic base is artificially created from the desired hydrocarbons. Thanks to this, it is possible to obtain a product with predictable viscosity values ​​without the use of additives. Additives are used only to improve the lubricating and antioxidant properties of the transmission.
• Semi-synthetic oils are created on the basis of a mixture of mineral and synthetic bases (at least 30% of the latter is used). This approach allows you to reduce the number of additives that change viscosity.

Also interesting: How to remove the rear axle gearbox of a VAZ 2121 Niva 2131

Synthetic gear oil differs from mineral and semi-synthetic oil in that its viscosity changes less with temperature changes. This reduces wear on transmission parts during winter operation of the Chevrolet Niva. But “synthetics”, due to their greater fluidity, seep through worn gearbox seals more easily.

However, the main characteristic of a lubricant is viscosity. This is what is indicated in the operating instructions. The manufacturing company recommends filling in the following types of gear oils (according to SAE):

• Transfer case and gearbox - 75W-90, 80W-85, 80W-90.
• Drive axles (front and rear) - 80W-90, 85W90.

Therefore, API GL4 and GL4/GL5 must be poured into the gearbox (gearbox), and GL4/GL5 and GL5 into the axles and transfer case.

There are dozens of gear oil brands on the market. The most famous imported ones are Castrol, Liqui Moly, Mobile, Shell, and the most famous domestic ones are Lukoil and Rosneft.

Cooling systems.

The cooling system here is liquid, closed type. This includes a radiator, pump, sensor. thermostat, fan, expansion tank, hoses, etc. The capacity is 8 liters.

The expansion tank is located next to the brake booster. Installed markers allow you to quickly determine the fluid level. It is important that everything is completely sealed, so the inlet and outlet valve monitor and regulate the pressure.

The tubular-plate radiator is made of aluminum and has plastic tanks. Coolant Antifreeze A-40 M for this system is poured through the expansion tank.

What is the best gear oil to fill?

Time-tested and widespread brands of lubricating fluids for the Chevrolet Niva gearbox:

1. Gazpromneft. Relatively inexpensive domestic brand, good quality.

2. Eneos. Stably maintains fluidity at temperatures down to -30 degrees.
3. Lukoil.
4. Castrol. Softens transmission operation and reduces noise.

5. TNK. Russian manufacturer of mineral oils. Recommended for use with low mileage and low vehicle use.
6. Shell. It is used in sports cars and performs well in Niva. Usually helps with noise in transmission units. Recommended for use during active off-road use.
7. Mobil. High quality oils, containing modern anti-wear additives. Copes well with heavy loads in the transmission in any speed range.

Of course, there are other brands of lubricant manufacturers, but you should trust the brands presented. The manufacturer recommends changing the lubricant every 45 thousand kilometers. But it all depends on the conditions and activity of exploitation.

The most common engine installed on the VAZ 2121 is 8 valves, 83 l/s, volume 1.7 liters. With such a volume, the engine is more torquey than revvy. In this case, the temperature regime is very important - you should choose which oil to pour into the NIVA engine based on weather conditions. The parameters recommended by the manufacturer are only suitable for an engine that has not passed the warranty mileage. There is a table generated based on the manufacturer's requirements.

Filling with a different lubricant is more expensive for yourself, since you may lose the warranty. Most NIVA owners change the oil themselves after the warranty period, saving money on maintenance. To extend engine life, it is important to choose the correct lubricant viscosity. This parameter directly depends on the weather. The general principle is that the higher the temperature, the higher the viscosity.

The engine is cooled not only by antifreeze, but also by oil. Too thin a lubricant heats up quickly, and heat transfer deteriorates. In addition, it is possible to leak through gaskets and seals. A heated liquid with a low coefficient will not hold the so-called well. grease stain. The other side of the coin is if you fill it with thick oil in winter.

The Lukoil company is the official partner of AvtoVAZ. It is this brand of semi-synthetics that is poured into the transmission during the production of the Chevy Niva.

Recommended intervals

The vehicle service manual clearly defines the service interval for servicing transmission units. Here it is 45,000 kilometers. But there is an important nuance in the segment - the manufacturer implies moderate operation of the machine in low-load mode.

In reality, everything is less trivial. To select the correct time period, you should take into account the aggressiveness of the vehicle, the quality of the lubricant and the condition of the transmission. Experienced car enthusiasts prefer not to delay the maintenance of units and change the lubricant already at 25,000-30,000 km. This helps prevent excessive fluid wear and reduces the risk of block damage. But some people don’t care and ride 200 thousand and everything is fine.

Recommendations for intervals and volumes are for normal use. It is impossible to determine exactly how long you can drive on a particular oil, because each lubricant has its own expiration date. It’s normal to make a replacement at least once every 50 thousand, but if it’s all the same for the car, then once every 200,000 km will do.

Specialization : Graduated from the State Automobile University, worked for 20 years at GAZ-56, now I drive a Zhiguli.

Source

What does the manufacturer recommend?

It is important to remember that it is strictly forbidden to add lubricants of the most common API GL-5 standard to the Chevrolet Niva gearbox. On the one hand, it is better in terms of performance: it performs well at high speeds, high loads and temperatures. On the other hand, it contains sulfur-phosphorus extreme pressure additives, which in high concentrations can disrupt the operation of the Niva manual transmission synchronizers. Most car enthusiasts recommend using transmission fluids of the GL-5 standard for addition to axles and gearboxes.

The transfer case and gearbox should be filled with oil that meets API GL4 or GL4/GL5 quality standards and SAE viscosity 75W-90, 80W-85, 80W-90. Transmission fluid according to API GL5 or GL4/GL5 is intended for gearboxes, front and rear axles. It is better not to use oil with GL4 standard.

Preparing for replacement

The process of changing the lubricant yourself will take a little time - an hour or an hour and a half. But you need to prepare first. A set of tools, devices, and consumables is selected. You will need a 12mm hex key and a 17mm socket head, a container for waste fluid, dry rags, and sealant. For filling, you can use a special filling syringe (pump) or another device (funnel with hose). Copper sealing rings are placed on the crankcase plugs. Therefore, you need to prepare them in advance. Work is carried out with protective gloves.

What is the best gear oil to fill?

We will leave environmental issues to Greenpeace; for NIVA owners, the main thing is reliability. The point is in the base from which the technical fluid is made. Mineral water or semi-synthetic is cheaper to produce, but the resistance to delamination is much lower. On the other hand, replacing transmission fluid on NIVA SUVs occurs quite often; even the most unstable base simply does not have time to lose its factory properties. The waste consumption of synthetics is higher, since the penetrating ability of such a base is better.

Also interesting: Engine tuning | Technical center NIVA777

What kind of oil should I put in the NIVA box?

Since gearbox lubricants are not so expensive, you don’t have to skimp on quality. If you pour frankly cheap fluid of dubious origin, the gear will not engage at the right time. And repairing the gearbox will cost more than the money saved. Just like for the engine, there are temperature tolerances for viscosity.

Parameters in the table. The box is more sensitive to the quality of liquids, since in off-road modes it works with increased loads. Despite the fact that when you buy a NIVA, mineral water is poured into the transmission, at the first replacement it is recommended to flush the gearbox and fill it with synthetics. This does not contradict the warranty, but the box will last longer.

Oil volume in Niva Chevrolet transfer case

The all-wheel drive monster of the Chevrolet Niva works flawlessly, you just need to follow the instructions, carry out timely maintenance of the transfer case, monitor the amount of oil in it, and also change all the technological fluids.

The pride of the domestic automobile industry is the Chevrolet Niva. The manufacturer has produced a truly luxurious car, its characteristics not inferior to its expensive analogues. For off-roading, trips to nature, fishing, hunting - you won’t find a better car.

In order to choose the right lubricant for the transfer case, several factors should be taken into account. One of the most important is compatibility with other liquids used. Before purchasing, be sure to check the viscosity of the lubricant. At the same time, it is not at all necessary to purchase products from one manufacturer.

It is also not recommended to use lubricants with different chemical compositions so that they do not mix. This is very important if you want to truly improve the performance of your car. Therefore, if you fill a Chevrolet Niva with semi-synthetics, then in the case of the transfer case, purchase a semi-synthetic lubricant.

After how many kilometers should it be changed?

The frequency of transmission replacement depends on the operating conditions of the vehicle and the quality of the lubricant. As a rule, you have to change the oil in the Chevrolet Niva gearbox after 50 thousand kilometers.

Untimely replacement leads to accelerated wear of the gears and a reduction in the service life of the unit as a whole. This is especially pronounced under heavy load conditions: when operating the vehicle off-road, on snowy roads or at high speed on the highway.

What to choose for bridges

In most cases, the oil chosen for axles is the same as for the transfer case. Their full compliance guarantees you high functionality of all components of the transmission during active daily use of the car. Most car enthusiasts agree that you should only buy proven lubricants. These include products from the following brands:

• Castrol;
• Lukoil;
• Liqui Moly;
• Mobil;
• Shell;
• Elf;
• ZIC.

This is a list of the most popular and widely used brands. Their products are used by a huge number of car enthusiasts with different experience levels. When purchasing, be sure to check the compatibility of the viscosity and chemical composition with the oil already used in the gearbox.

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Brake fluid and washer reservoirs

The Niva Chevrolet model has two washer tanks (for the front and rear windows) with a capacity of 5 and 2 liters. There are two brake systems: service and parking, with separated circuits. The parking brake operates mechanically, while the main brake system is hydraulically driven.

The main brake system contains a reservoir for brake fluid. Brake fluid and other lubricants recommended for use in the following mechanisms:

• door locks, hood, tank hinges are treated with VTV-1, FIOL-1 lubricants. For tie rod joints - ShRB-4, Esma, Litin 2;
• the air conditioner consists of two reservoirs: for oil (0.22 l), for refrigerant (0.650 kg);
• DOT-4 brake fluid has high-quality characteristics and a boiling point of more than 235 degrees. Suitable for climate zones with low temperature characteristics;
• For the clutch (0.15 l) and hydraulic system, the synthetic product SAEJ1703, FMSS116 is recommended. The lubricant has proven itself to work at high temperatures. Also has the effect of reducing the oxidation process.

The model’s liquid containers are manufactured taking into account the possibility of comfortable replacement of oils and liquids. And the necessary indicators immediately signal the driver about the need for such a replacement.