From the factory, Lada NIva Travel (formerly ChevyNiva), Niva Legend (formerly 4×4, 2121, 2131) are equipped with a hydraulic timing chain tensioner. One of the popular and simple modifications is the replacement of the hydraulic chain tensioner with a mechanical (automatic) one. Let's figure out why this is needed and how to replace it yourself.
Purpose of the chain tensioner shoe
Early models of VAZ engines (2101 and 2103, installed on all VAZ Classic models, as well as 21213 and 21214, installed on Niva cars) use a chain drive of the gas distribution mechanism, which has a number of undeniable advantages over a belt-based drive. In particular, the chain reduces the likelihood of slipping and incorrect engine phases, it is more reliable and durable, allowing for less frequent timing maintenance. However, such a drive works normally only if the chain has constant tension with a certain force. This problem is solved using a system of two main parts - a chain tensioner and a tensioner shoe.
The tensioner and tensioner shoe solve several problems:
– Provide optimal timing chain tension throughout the entire range of crankshaft rotation speeds; – Compensate for weakening of chain tension when it is stretched (in automatic mode or during manual adjustment); – Uniform distribution of the load from the pusher over the chain section, reducing the degree of wear.
The tensioner is installed on the ascending side of the chain between the crankshaft gear and the camshaft gear. Between the tensioner and the chain there is a movable shoe (it has one fulcrum and can swing), which receives the force from the tensioner and distributes it along the chain. The chain tensioner shoe plays an important role in the operation of the timing belt, so let’s look at this part in more detail.
Types and design of tensioner shoes
On VAZ-2101, 2103, 21213/21214 engines of all modifications, sliding tensioner shoes are used - the chain slides along their surface, which has an anti-friction coating. Today you can find two types of shoes, differing in materials of manufacture:
– Old-style shoes are metal with anti-friction coating; – The shoes are a new type - solid plastic.
The old style tensioner shoes have an extremely simple design. The basis of the part is a bent steel plate, at one end of which there is a loop for mounting on the engine. On the outer (convex) side, a layer of plastic is applied to the plate, with which the shoe slides along the chain. On the inside, closer to the end of the shoe, a bracket is attached with the help of two rivets - a stop for the tensioner.
The new style shoe is a one-piece plastic part that has an arched shape with a molded bracket for the tensioner stop and a loop for mounting on the engine. To increase strength and reliability, stiffening ribs are made in the body of the shoe.
According to their applicability, tensioner shoes are divided into several groups:
– Shoe type 2101-1006090 - used on VAZ 1200 and 1300 engines. A distinctive detail of this shoe is a semicircular recess in the upper part of the bracket (pusher stop); – Shoe type 2103-1006090 - used on VAZ 1500 and 1600 engines. A distinctive detail of this type of shoe is a semicircular recess in the lower part of the bracket (from the hinge side); – Shoe type 21213-1006090 - used on the VAZ-21213 (1700) engine. It has no marks and is larger in size; – Shoe type 21214-1006090 is a modern plastic shoe used on VAZ-21214 and some other 1700 engines.
There was also a universal tensioner shoe available in the 1970s, but it is impossible to find today.
The tensioner shoe is installed under the timing cover; it is mounted on the engine using one complexly shaped bolt, which also acts as an axle. Such a bolt ensures reliable installation of the shoe, but at the same time prevents excessive tightening and jamming of the part during operation.
Valve train chain
If during engine operation there is a ringing sound that resembles the operation of a diesel engine, then most likely the Niva Chevrolet timing chain needs to be replaced.
Replacement
If you do not replace it in time, it may break while driving. To replace, do the following:
- Installing the car in the pit
- The motor protection with boot is dismantled
- We raise the handbrake; it is advisable to place special supports under the wheels
- Drain the antifreeze and remove the radiator and fan
- Carefully disconnect the accelerator cable going to the air filter from the valve covers and pipes
- We remove the crankshaft sensor, loosen the bolts that secure the generator
- Move the generator aside and remove the belt.
- We unscrew several bolts that secure the water pump, and then remove it
- We dismantle the tension and bypass roller of the belt
- Remove all interfering pipes
- Cover the cylinder head to prevent debris from getting into it.
- After unscrewing the mounting bolts, remove the camshaft gear
- Remove the oil pipe along with the hydraulic tensioner
- We remove the chain and all gears of the oil pump, crankshaft and camshaft
- We take a new oil seal and install it on the timing cover
Installation
When the Niva Sherole timing chain and all necessary system elements have been removed, you need to correctly install and configure the new parts, for this you need:
- Take the fastening bolt and install it on the shoe
- We check that the shoe is stationary and then tighten the bolt
- We install the new gears in their place so that they coincide with the existing marks
- We install the clamp, if for some reason it does not sit in its place, we file it
Before installing the chain, it must be lubricated with engine oil, after which it can be put in place as follows:
- First on the crankshaft gear
- After that, to the oil pump
- And finally on the camshaft
To ensure better operation and fixation of this mechanism, it contains special Niva Chevrolet timing marks. If they are not taken into account when installing the chain, this can lead to the gas distribution system becoming out of synchronization and increased wear of parts.
Adjustment by marks is carried out in several stages:
- All necessary tools are prepared
- The car is installed on the pit
- The fan is turned off and the radiator mount is unscrewed
- Removing the valve cover
When all the preparatory steps have been completed, the following adjustments are made:
- Rotate the crankshaft until the bearing and camshaft marks match. If the chain is installed correctly, the existing marks on the chain cover and crankshaft will match. If they do not coincide, we adjust the position of the phases
- To make this adjustment, loosen the fastening at the lock washer, then use a 13 key to remove the washer along with the camshaft sprocket
- We set the first gear so that the bolt that secures the crankshaft gear does not turn. Unscrew the fastening bolt and lock washer
- We remove the tensioner.
- Pull the chain towards you and remove it from the sprocket
- To adjust it, move it one tooth
- We begin to turn the crankshaft until the notches coincide
- Install the lock washer. We place the bolt in the place for fastening, but do not tighten it
- Rotate the crankshaft and check if the marks match. If they match, then the work can be considered completed
It is important that the marks match as accurately as possible, since the correctness and stability of the engine will depend on this.
Issues of maintenance and replacement of tensioner shoes for VAZ cars
The tensioner shoe does not require maintenance during operation. However, over time, the shoe lining (or the working surface of the plastic shoe) wears out and loses its characteristics; such a shoe can no longer provide chain tension with the required force and requires replacement. The need to replace the shoe is indicated by the characteristic noise of the chain; in advanced situations, the chain may even skip. The shoe should also be replaced if it is deformed or mechanically damaged (this is only discovered during engine repair or maintenance, when the timing cover is removed).
Replacing the tensioner shoe is not the easiest operation, so it should be approached responsibly. In general, the work is performed in the following order:
- Remove the mudguard from the power unit;
- Remove the generator drive belt;
- Remove the fan assembly with casing and electric motor;
- Remove the crankshaft pulley mounting nut and remove the pulley;
- Loosen the sump fastening on the timing drive side;
- Unscrew the bolts securing the timing drive cover, carefully remove the cover (in this case, use a screwdriver to pry the cover so that its lower edge comes out from under the pan);
- Unscrew the bolt securing the tensioner shoe, remove the shoe;
- Install a new shoe;
- Install all removed parts in reverse order.
After installing a new shoe, adjust the chain tension, which is done using a tensioner.
If the tensioner shoe is replaced in a timely manner, the timing drive of cars of the “classic” VAZ family will work confidently and reliably, ensuring high-quality engine operation in any conditions.
Location and Replacement
This part is located on the passenger side in the engine compartment under the cooling system pipes.
In case of large stretching, it must be replaced with a new one; to do this, you need to carry out the following procedure:
- We take a key for ten and unscrew the tube thanks to which liquid enters the tensioner
- Then use the same key to unscrew a couple of nuts that secure this part to the engine housing
- After this, the device must be pulled out along with the gasket, which must also be replaced with a new one.
The old Niva Chevrolet hydraulic chain tensioner cannot be repaired, so it will have to be replaced with a new one.
Assembly
To perform reassembly we perform the following steps:
- We take a new part and put it in its place
- Take two bolts and screw the device to the engine
- We connect the tube through which the liquid is supplied
Closer to one hundred thousand mileage, even if there is no extraneous noise in the engine area, then in any case the part must be checked for stretching and damage.
Product description
Branded developments:
- Innovative USPK technology was used in the production of oil and petrol resistant rubber:
BNKS-28AMN (synthetic butadiene-nitrile rubber) is used in the recipe.
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