In order for the VAZ “Seven” to be driven not only conveniently, but also safely, the condition of the suspension must be periodically monitored. An important element in its design are shock absorbers, which can be replaced by every owner of this car.
- Purpose
Table: parameters of standard front shock absorbers VAZ 2107
- Shock absorber malfunctions
Oil leakage
- Body rocking
- Body roll
- Suspension noise
- Uneven or increased tire wear
- Plunging when braking
- Broken fastening
- Checking shock absorbers on a stand
Video: diagnostics of car dampers on a stand
- Selection of shock absorbers
Oily
- Video: replacing front end dampers on classic Zhiguli cars
- Bleeding oil shock absorbers
Which shock absorbers are better to install on a VAZ
Shock absorbers are the most important elements of the chassis and safety system of a car.
They ensure a smooth ride and comfortable ride, are responsible for the adhesion of the wheels to the road surface and balancing of the vehicle on the surface. Their serviceability is extremely important. For owners of VAZ cars, the problem of shock absorber wear is especially pressing. Driving on unimproved roads in the harsh Russian winter requires constant close attention to the technical condition of the car. And the problem of serviceability and wear of shock absorbers is one of the main ones here.
We will try to understand the question: what shock absorbers should be installed on VAZ cars, how often they need to be changed, and what to pay attention to during maintenance. We also offer a list of shock absorber models of imported and domestic production, which will be optimal for Russian cars.
What other options are there?
Most drivers leave the standard “original” shock absorbers. Some people install dampers from the Niva - such parts are much stiffer, because the 2121 model was originally designed for poor road conditions.
Gas-oil ones are not particularly popular, but are great for those who drive quite quickly. This is an indispensable part for tuning. Improved comfort. Adjustable shock absorbers are used in sports cars. For ordinary cars, such a solution is impractical.
Replacing front shock absorbers
To replace the unit, we will need a standard set of auto mechanic tools:
- keys;
- stand;
- a jack and a little patience.
Important!
When replacing front shock absorbers (as well as rear ones), remember that the replacement must be done as a whole pair, otherwise you will lose more on increased fuel consumption and a lot of problems associated with handling and road grip, which is not caused by a combination of shock absorbers of different brands.
Now let's get down to business
- The first step is to jack up the front of the car, remove the right front wheel and install spacers.
- Remove the rack fasteners. We dismantle the steering tip.
- We continue dismantling work, disconnect the brake hose.
- In order to remove the stand, you need to unscrew all the nuts.
- We tighten the spring.
- Next, unscrew the central nut and remove parts such as the spring, bump stop and dust protector.
Now all that remains is to study the condition of the shock absorber. If it cannot be repaired, then we ruthlessly replace the unit with a new one and reassemble it in the reverse order.
The same work must be done on the left front wheel so that the front shock absorbers are the same.
Which manufacturer to choose
In fact, all manufacturers of parts for VAZ cars should be the same, but there is still a difference in driving performance.
Oil shock absorbers from different companies do not differ from each other. It will not be possible to find gas-oil parts made by “our” manufacturers - they are simply not produced. Therefore, foreign companies come to the rescue. The most common companies are:
- Kayaba;
- Sachs;
Here are the most common companies that meet the price/quality criterion. In fact, for domestic classics you can find a list of manufacturers that will be several times larger. If you have not found products from the above brands, before choosing another company, read the detailed information in detail. Forums and all kinds of communities will become faithful assistants in this matter.
Choosing racks for a VAZ: top best
10th place: SAAZ
The products of the Skopinsky Automotive Aggregate Plant are installed on LADA cars from the assembly line. The devices perfectly stabilize the car on high-speed turns and withstand harsh operating conditions. The company's product range includes a large selection of oil-type and gas-filled models. The products of the domestic brand fully comply with the requirements of Russian quality standards and ISO 9001. When asked which racks to install on a VAZ 2114 from the budget segment, this option will be the most successful. However, buyers online complain about the short service life. When driving aggressively or on bumpy roads, the struts fail after only 1 year of operation. Advantages:
- moderate cost;
- meets strict standards;
- wide choice of modifications and standard sizes.
- there are a large number of fakes;
- low durability.
9th place: Monroe
The next representative of the list comes from the USA, however, it is produced in Belgium. The company's products are famous for their high-quality cases and high-quality fillings, which, at a moderate cost, ensure good demand among car enthusiasts. The model range consists of 25 varieties of shock absorbers and struts installed on foreign and domestic cars. Thanks to strict quality control, the company eliminates the possibility of defects or hidden defects by 99%. When asking which pillars are softer to install on a modern-generation VAZ, it is recommended to pay attention to the Reflex modification. This is a gas-oil version intended for use on asphalt. The average mileage to failure is 30,000 km, which is quite tolerable. If a user is willing to sacrifice comfort for durability, the Van-Magnum generation is a smart choice. The racks are designed for off-road use and are distinguished by their increased range and durability, which guarantees up to 50,000 kilometers of driving range. The only caveat is the need to carefully select and search for trusted stores - there are a large number of copies of dubious origin on the market. Advantages:
- The optimum ratio of price and quality;
- wide range of models;
- good strength;
- long service life.
- a large number of fakes.
8th place: Fenox
In eighth place is the company whose parts are most common on classic Lada car models. If the buyer is interested in the dilemma of which racks to install on the VAZ 21099 and similar ones, it is recommended to contact this company. You can also find optimal solutions for modifications 2101-07, 2109 here. The brand produces front and rear struts of good quality. Oil-type shock absorbers provide sufficient directional stability and handle small things well in the form of small holes and paving stones. Also, the parts withstand frost tests perfectly and function properly at temperatures down to -25 degrees Celsius. However, the models are not intended for driving on primers - under conditions of critical overload and heating, the seals quickly wear out. So, it will be better for rural residents to pay attention to the next applicant. Advantages:
- moderate cost;
- wide range of classics;
- good quality;
- few fakes;
- perform well in the cold.
- short service life;
- Can't stand dirt roads.
7th place: DELPHI
Stiff, racing shock absorbers presented on the domestic market by a British company. The brand is the main supplier of suspension components for GM conveyors. If the user is going to improve the suspension of the VAZ 2110, which struts to install, the choice is obvious. The company has created a line of shock absorbers of suitable sizes specifically for the Lada. The models use a modern damper system and synthetic oil of optimal viscosity. The combination guarantees excellent directional stability and stable behavior in high-speed corners, which will protect a fast motorist from running into a ditch. It also uses advanced alloys, which minimizes the coefficient of thermal expansion and creates the necessary stability during overheating. The other side of the coin is its inability to cope with bumpy roads and sections of dirt roads. Due to the reduced cross-sections of the bypass valves, the struts wear out quickly. The second negative factor is the complete lack of comfort - the hard suspension makes your teeth “chatter” in some situations. Advantages:
- excellent stability of the car on the road;
- withstands long turns at high speed with minimal roll.
- price;
- lack of comfort while driving;
- wear out quickly on bad roads.
6th place: BOGE
The next representative is quite a bit inferior to the competitor who took fifth place in the ranking. Positive reviews of racks for VAZ and other domestic manufacturers indicate good quality assembly and good driving characteristics of the products. This kit can replace the standard stabilizer struts on a Lada X Rey or Largus. The brand is a supplier of parts to the assembly lines of the Volvo and VAG automakers, which indicates high quality products and modern solutions. Among the general model range, the company has two lines of shock absorbers, produced in Lada sizes.
- Turbo-Gas are rigid and reliable struts designed for racing loads. They are not afraid of primers and can withstand prolonged heating or dynamic loads.
- Automatic – moderately tight and comfortable shock absorbers, designed for normal “every day” use. They stand out among competitors due to their good comfort and good handling.
According to sources, for the maximum effect of the parts, you will need to install a full set of 4 pieces. When steaming, third-party units can reduce the efficiency of the units. Advantages:
- noticeable improvement in control;
- stable operation under temperature changes;
- sufficient choice of modifications;
- great build.
- there are fakes.
5th place: BELMAG
A popular domestic manufacturer that supplies parts to the assembly lines of Lada and GAZ companies. In 60% of cases, such racks on VAZ 2112/2115 or Kalina are stock. The series series of shock absorbers is distinguished by good reliability and good performance. The racks are moderately soft and reliably hold the road. They also perform well on primers. Hydraulic shock absorbers adequately withstand critical frosts and the “impeccable” condition of domestic roads. A wide network of branded stores and partners ensures the necessary distribution throughout the CIS countries. Among the negative aspects, users highlight excessive softness - on the highway at a speed of more than 90 km/h, the car may sway. Advantages:
- good assembly;
- holds the road well;
- moderate cost;
- wide use;
- durable design.
- excessive softness when speed increases;
- there is a marriage.
Bottom line
As a rule, shock absorbers on classic VAZ models are highly reliable, and many do not even think about replacing them prematurely. But it is necessary to have information about what shock absorbers can be installed on the seventh model. Over time, parts will still need to be replaced. A clear sign of damper failure is the car swaying even at low speeds.
It is best to make the replacement yourself if you have previously done similar things and have some experience. Otherwise, it is better to contact a private workshop or car service. The price of repair work for a VAZ is quite affordable and does not require large investments in comparison with foreign cars.
When is it necessary to replace shock absorbers?
Both front and rear shock absorbers on the VAZ 2107 perform the same function. Despite this, these elements differ structurally. The main difference between these elements is the method of fastening, but we will learn more about this when we consider the process of replacing units.
The products in question need replacement in the following cases:
- When the mechanism becomes unusable, that is, it does not have the ability to cushion the car body and smooth out shocks. It is not difficult to detect a malfunction of this mechanism, because in this case it becomes not entirely comfortable in the car interior.
- Presence of oil leaks on the device. You can detect leaks even without removing the product from the car.
If you are convinced that the products in question need replacement, then it’s time to get down to business.
Replacing front shock absorbers on a VAZ 2107
First, let's look at what the process of replacing the front shock absorbers of a VAZ 2107 is. It is important to note that even if only one element has become unusable, it is recommended to replace them in pairs, or even better as a set. The replacement procedure is represented by the following steps:
- We recommend placing the car on a pit or overpass and then applying the brakes to the wheels. If there is access from below, then there is no need to use a jack. Otherwise, you will have to use a jack and wheel stands, which will be more labor-intensive.
- Work begins on removal from the engine compartment, that is, there is no need to jack up the front part yet, as this will complicate access to the upper nut of the product. To do this, you need to open the hood and find the product stem. There is a nut screwed onto it, to unscrew it you need to jam the rod itself with a special key. In the photo below, this wrench is indicated by the number “1”, and the number “2” is a regular wrench at “17”.
- After unscrewing and removing the nut, you need to remove the washer with the rubber cushion.
- Now you can jack up the front of the car, then remove the wheel and install the spacer. Otherwise, we go down into the inspection hole.
- We find two nuts securing the front device. This mount looks like this, shown below. Using a “13” wrench you will need to unscrew both nuts. This must be done carefully, since there are spring washers underneath. We recommend spraying them with WD-40 first, as they usually do not unscrew easily, and there is a chance of stripping the studs, which will require restoration work.
- After unscrewing both nuts, the unit can be dismantled. To do this, pull its bottom bracket, after which it will fall out.
- Using two “17” keys, you need to unscrew the nut that secures the bottom bracket of the device. This bracket must be screwed to the new product in the same way if it does not have it.
- Now you can begin installing the new element. Before installing the front shock absorbers, you must first extend the rod all the way.
- Initially, the device is fixed at the lowest point by attaching two nuts. After this, the cushion and washer are put on the rod, and then the nut is screwed in. If the car is on a jack, you will not be able to tighten the nut. To do this, you need to lower the car or load the suspension. After this, you can screw the nut all the way.
- At the bottom, you must finally secure the device with two nuts.
Design and purpose of shock absorbers
Shock absorbers used in a car's suspension are used to dampen vibrations and shocks transmitted to the car body when driving on a bad road. They provide the wheels with reliable contact with the road surface, ensuring controllability regardless of driving mode and surface quality.
In the first cars, the functions of shock absorbers were performed by springs made of metal plates. In them, vibrations were damped due to friction between the plates. With the increase in vehicle speeds, this design no longer provides adequate safety and comfort. The vibrations began to be damped in a package of friction discs, which rotated relative to each other as the car passed uneven surfaces. But this design overheated greatly, and the disks quickly wore out. Only in the third decade of the 20th century were shock absorbers invented that dampen vibration energy by flowing liquid under pressure between two containers. The principle of operation of the shock absorber has been preserved to this day - the kinetic energy of vibrations is damped due to hydraulic (gas) resistance.
A shock absorber has two main elements: a piston and a cylinder. Inside the latter there are chambers with oil and air or oil and gas. Oil or gas resists the movement of the piston, converting the vibration energy of the body into heat.
Only the fillers have changed, on which the dynamic characteristics of the unit depend.
Shock absorbers for VAZ 2101-2107
Shock absorbers for the VAZ 2101-2107 family (classic VAZ models), like all shock absorbers produced by the SS20 company for other cars, have several versions: “Standard”, “Comfort-Optima”, “Highway” and “Sport”. The presence of different settings options allows you to choose shock absorbers that suit your driving style.
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Applicability
- VAZ 2101
- VAZ 2102
- VAZ 2103
- VAZ 2104
- VAZ 2105
- VAZ 2106
- VAZ 2107
Advantages of SS20 shock absorbers for VAZ 2101-2107 (“classic”)
- the ability to select the characteristics “Standard”, “Comfort”, “Highway” or “Sport”;
- Stable performance under harsh operating conditions (due to larger fluid volumes and improved cooling) without compromising damping characteristics;
- increased resource;
- extended operating temperature range from -50˚С to +100˚С;
- 1 year unlimited mileage warranty;
- stability of characteristics and quiet operation of shock absorbers throughout their entire service life.
Guarantee
- Description
- Buy
Shock absorbers VAZ 2101-2107 (these VAZ models have a more common name - “ classic ”), like all shock absorbers produced by the SS20 company for other cars, have several versions: “Comfort”, “Highway” and “Sport”. The presence of different settings options allows you to choose shock absorbers that suit your driving style.
Front shock absorbers SS20 for VAZ 2101-2107
Rear shock absorbers SS20 for VAZ 2101-2107
The family of VAZ cars with a classic layout has earned a popular reputation as simple and fairly reliable inexpensive cars to operate. At the same time, the level of driving comfort and smooth ride also contributed to the love of our compatriots for the VAZ classics. But over the years that the family remained on the assembly line, both the speed of movement and the requirements for car handling increased. At the moment, we can say with confidence that in modern conditions, when driving both in the city and on the highways, cars of the VAZ 2101-2107 family are forced to reduce speed and do not provide an acceptable level of controllability and stability at speeds of even 90 km/h. Therefore, when developing and testing shock absorbers 2101-2107, the main attention was paid to improving the car’s handling while maintaining maximum comfort, and improving the car’s behavior on country roads.
The shock absorber housing for the “classic” SS20 production was enlarged compared to standard shock absorbers, which made it possible not only to increase the oil volume, but also to use larger diameter pistons, which significantly reduced the specific loads on the elements of the valve system and increased their service life. Pistons with a “skirt” are used, providing excellent sealing and stability of shock absorber characteristics with an extended service life. The lower and upper silent blocks of the front shock absorber have an original design that is superior to the factory shock absorber for the VAZ 2101-2107 family in terms of reliability and damping capacity.
Thus, the shock absorber for the “classics” (VAZ 2101, 2102, 2103, 2104, 2105, 2106, 2107) of the SS20 brand is a reliable design that will allow you to forget about a number of problems that arise when operating a car with standard shock absorbers. In addition, with SS20 products you will protect yourself from counterfeits: all SS20 products have branded packaging, stickers, and dot markings.
The main sign of a malfunction, as with any other suspension element, is a dull knock in one of the parts of the car. It may get worse over time. A knock indicates that the shock absorber has been broken. If it is oily, you will see on the lift that it has leaked. Basically, shock absorbers on the VAZ-2107 last 70-100 thousand kilometers, depending on the condition of the roads and driving style.
To perform this operation we need a set of tools. If these are rear shock absorbers of a VAZ-2107, you will need a 19 mm wrench and a head with a knob of the same size. For the front shock absorbers you will need a more extensive set. These are 6, 13 and 17 millimeter keys. We will also need a jack, stops, a hammer, a wooden block, a metal brush and universal lubricant (VD-40 or “liquid wrench”).
What to choose
Before placing a bet on any type of shock absorbers, you need to take into account your driving style and the conditions of upcoming use. As mentioned, each species has its own set of properties, which determines their behavior. Let's look at the characteristics in more detail:
- Oil shock absorbers are a factory equipped item. People call them “relatives”. The working fluid is oil, and two-pipe versions are installed on classic models to improve reliability. A significant disadvantage of oil shock absorbers is their slow response. At high speeds, the damper simply does not have time to return to its original position to effectively maintain balance. The result is quite a bit of wobble. We advise those people who drive no more than 90 kilometers per hour to choose such shock absorbers.
- The gas-oil damper consists of two types of substances. The main one is oil, and gas is used for stabilization (eliminates excess foam). The result is more efficient shock absorber performance when road conditions change. Installing such a solution on a Zhiguli significantly improves the driving properties of the car. There is virtually no sway. The disadvantages of a gas-oil shock absorber relate to the tendency to miss sharp shocks.
- Gas-oil dampers with variable stiffness are rarely used on Zhiguli cars. First of all, this option itself is expensive. The part has an electromagnetic valve that automatically adjusts to the driving mode, and therefore changes the amount of gas in the main shock absorber tube. The result of this process is a change in rigidity.
