Since 2013, almost all front-wheel drive VAZ cars are equipped with a “cable” gearbox. In Grant sedans, it replaced a less reliable unit designated as “2190”. In addition to the fact that the drive became a cable drive, other changes appeared. The new box is called “VAZ-2181”, and the volume of its crankcase has been reduced from 3.3 to 2.3 liters. Here we discuss how to change the oil in a Lada Granta gearbox with a cable drive.
A rare case: the “2181” gearbox began to howl at 800 km. There is confirmation in the video, and the problem was solved by changing the oil.
Regulations for changing gearbox oil from AvtoVAZ
It is necessary to change the oil in the gearbox-2181 in one case - if the mileage exceeds 200,000 km. In theory, the entire service life of the car is indicated here, and the numbers are taken from the regulations.
It seems like everything is there for adding oil.
The regulations do not yet say how often to check the oil level. Such checks are not necessary, and therefore there is no diagnostic dipstick in the crankcase design. Three details will be important to us:
- Drain plug (key “17”);
- Filling plug and hole for level control;
- Reverse switch.
Be aware that the “Standard” package always includes the “2190” box. The rule is also met for new cars produced after 2013.
What kind of oil was poured into the gearbox from the factory?
From the factory, the oil in the Lada Granta gearbox may be as follows:
- TATNEFT TRANSLUX 75W85;
- ROSNEFT KINETIC SERVICE 75W85.
Each of the materials is classified as GL-4. Let us remember that we were talking about the “2181” box, the crankcase volume of which is 2.3 liters.
The filling volume can be 2.1 or 2.2 liters.
Standards and factors
How much lubricant will be used depends on its quality, viscosity, operating conditions and driving style. On average, according to the manufacturer’s documentation, the consumption per 1000 km for the Grant will be as follows:
- 8 valves, engine capacity 1.6 l, power 87 hp: consumes 50 g;
- 16 valves, motor models of all varieties: consumption 300 g.
Engine oil can be consumed more intensively - a whole list of factors affects:
- Overflow of lubricant;
- Clogged or faulty filter;
- Oil viscosity. The seasonal variety is used up faster than the all-season variety. But the last one is more likely
- loses viscosity;
- Malfunction or high degree of wear of engine components: pistons, cylinders, pumps;
- In a new or overhauled engine, the increased oil consumption is explained by the grinding of the elements. When it ends, consumption should return to normal.
In some cases, the reason for high expenses may be difficult to determine. But eliminating the problem is an urgent and extremely important task. Delaying it usually ends in the need for expensive and major repairs.
Preparing for replacement
First the box needs to be warmed up. Then they place the car on the pit, stop it and try to remove one plug. We are talking about the control plug (key “17”).
View from under the crankcase protection
If nothing happens with the plug, you will have to change the oil without supervision. This is no longer good. Try unscrewing the switch located on the top of the crankcase.
The oil volume in the Lada Granta gearbox is known to everyone - it is 2.3 liters. But it is still better to perform the replacement with control. Filling is done either through the control hole or through the switch hole. Access to the latter is blocked by a filter.
Filter housing operation
First, disconnect the “negative” terminal (key “10”). Then you can use a regular Phillips screwdriver to unscrew the mounting screws.
The first two dismantling steps
The thin clamp that secures the expansion tank hose is also removed (see photo).
Disconnect a couple of connectors: the mass air flow sensor and the adsorber valve connector. The first of them is oval (photo below). And the second one is turned off like this: tighten the tongue, remove the terminal block.
Down with all terminal blocks!
The filter housing can be moved to the side in the final step. There is no need to disconnect it from the corrugation.
Rubber fasteners can be defeated this way: the rubber band is held with pliers, and the body is pulled back (to the left, forward). Start with the right front support.
Reconnaissance in force
We are trying to remove the reverse switch. We look for a plastic connector on the crankcase (see photo) and immediately disconnect it.
View of the gearbox housing from under the hood
Using a 22mm round wrench, try to unscrew the switch housing. Cancel the replacement if nothing can be done - neither unscrew the “top” plug, nor remove the switch.
When the switch is returned to its place, the threads are treated with sealant. The tightening torque should be 28-45 N*m.
Automatic transmission "Grants"
The manufacturer installs a Yatko box on cars. It was possible to create an automatic transmission that is practically immune to difficult operating conditions. The automatic machine is installed mainly on models in the “Lux” configuration. Cheaper models have a “robotic” gearbox. A car with this transmission is capable of accelerating from zero to 100 km/h in 13.3 seconds. Maximum speed – 173 km/h. This is quite enough for the city and traveling on the highway.
Among the features of the automatic transmission, one can highlight the lever. It is made in a classic form, but in the form of a ladder - this made it possible to save the driver from possible problems. The automatic transmission drive is cable. This is an old but reliable scheme. The box has protection against erroneous switching on. If the car is moving in any gear, it will not be possible to change into another. An electronic unit controls the operation of the mechanism.
There is also protection against overheating. If the car is operated at low temperatures, then it is better to warm up the gearbox by holding the car on the brake with the gear engaged. If you do not perform this action, certain problems may arise. Until the automatic transmission warms up, the torque converter will be blocked and it will not be possible to engage the gear.
Detailed algorithm for changing the oil in a CABLE gearbox
The oil from the Lada Granta gearbox is drained through the “bottom” plug. It is unscrewed with a 17 key.
The simplest thing is to drain the oil
You need to unscrew the cap like this: make 1-2 turns with the key, then substitute the container. And then unscrew the plug by hand.
When the liquid flows out, wipe the surface of the crankcase. We tighten the plug back (torque – 29-46 N*m). Getting ready to refuel.
Hose and funnel are ready for use
Let's say refueling goes through the switch hole. Place a hose in the hole and install a funnel. And we begin to fill in new oil.
The oil volume in the Lada Granta gearbox is 2.2 liters (maximum). That's what those who unscrewed the control plug say.
Access to the control plug is blocked by the crankcase protection. If the plug was not unscrewed during preparation, measure exactly 2.2 liters. And if the control is carried out “according to regulations”, let the body be tilted to the right: place a suitable load in the passenger compartment or trunk. Tilt angle – 2-3 degrees (no longer needed).
At the final step, the crankcase is cleaned of any remaining oil. All threaded elements are tightened to the recommended torques: plug - 29-46 N*m, switch - 28-45 N*m.
Fill oil through the inspection hole
The photo shows how everything looks if you follow the regulations. The bottom plug is twisted, the top one is the opposite. And refilling is done using a syringe.
This is what it looks like on an authorized service
Oil enters the Lada Granta gearbox through the hole in the “upper” plug.
Instead of a syringe, you can also use a hose with a funnel.
The crankcase guard is missing in the photo. It had to be removed.
Feedback from grantmakers
By the way: the Lada Grant has various engines. On the most inexpensive trim levels there are eight-type ones, and the drain plugs are unscrewed with a hexagon. In non-budget configurations and a cable box - key 17. This must be kept in mind! Alexander Vasilievich
It’s unlikely that you can change the oil in a quarter of an hour! The dirt and oil must be allowed to drain thoroughly: you remove the filter, then wait for half an hour and let all the dirt go away...
It took quite a long time to choose from oils. At first there was a long digging through a large number of reviews on forums, information on websites for Grant, but I finally settled on Liqui Moly 5W-40. This is one hundred percent synthetic. The company has also been verified by reviews; many have been using it for a long time and recommend it.
Many people do not have the habit of paying attention, when changing engine oil, to the oil filter and also to its manufacturer. in vain! Even when you have the most expensive oil, your car can suffer because of this filter. In non-original ones (as an option: in general, it’s not clear whose production) the reduction valve may get stuck, and there will be a constant oil starvation of the engine. Therefore, carefully buy filters, take proven brands, from a spare parts supplier that has been tested by time and reviews. Basil
Which oil is best to fill according to the regulations?
The standard manual does not say what kind of oil to fill in a Granta box with a cable drive. The answer is in the instructions included with other cars also equipped with the “2181” box. Here is the list:
- G-BOX EXPERT – 80W85, 75W90
- Gazpromneft – 80W90, 80W85
- TNK TRANS KP – 80W85
- TNK TRANS KP SUPER – 75W90
- LUKOIL TM-4 – 75W85, 75W80, 80W85, 75W90, 80W90
- ROSNEFT KINETIC (Angarsk) – 80W85
- ROSNEFT KINETIC (Novokuibyshevsk) – 80W85 (GL-4), 75W90 (GL-4/GL-5)
- TATNEFT TRANSLUX TM-4-12 – 75W85
- SHELL: SPIRAX S5 ATE or TRANSAXLE OIL – 75W90 (GL-4/GL-5)
If the quality class is not specified, the material complies with GL-4 standards.
Quality class “GL-5” has its own characteristics. With material of this class, gears are better preserved rather than synchronizers.
We focus on temperature
When choosing oil for the box, use the table:
- Range “-12 – +50 Gr. C" – 85W90
- «-26 – +45» – 80W90
- «-26 – +35» – 80W85
- «-40 – +35» – 75W80 or 75W85
- «-40 – +45» – 75W90
The viscosity grade is indicated on the right.
If there is no hole
The first step is to find out where the drain hole is located on the gearbox housing.
It is important to remember that changing the oil in the Lada Granta gearbox should always be done hot - the engine is pre-warmed. If you start draining the lubricant without warming it up, the high viscosity will make it difficult to completely drain it from the boat. To warm up the gearbox, you should drive the car a little. A few minutes will be enough for the oil to warm up.
New gearbox "Grants" and "Kalina": traction to the cable
The new product, which is installed on the “Norma” and “Lux” versions, is based on the same gearbox that appeared on the VAZ-2108 and, with minor upgrades, has survived to this day. Its weaknesses are well known: difficult activation, large lever strokes, smeared switching pattern, low vibration comfort.
Figuring out what and how we could improve, we agreed on one thing: not to touch the gear part, namely the shafts, gears, and synchronizers. Otherwise, huge financial costs will be required to launch a new gearbox into production - without high-precision equipment, it will not be possible to ensure the proper quality of engagement, operation and synchronization.
So what's new in the box with the VAZ-2181 index?
Main elements of the VAZ-2181 gearbox:
- 1 - main gear drive gear;
- 2 - secondary shaft;
- 3 - input shaft;
- 4 — fifth gear fork;
- 5 — fork for selecting third and fourth gears;
- 6 — reversing light switch;
- 7 — clutch housing;
- 8 — gear shift mechanism;
- 9 - central lock.
Our information
The volume of oil poured into the VAZ-2181 gearbox has decreased by a third. Moreover, with the launch of the series, they switched from mineral water to semi-synthetic water, which retains its performance properties down to -42 ºС.
Moreover, this applies to both the new box and the old one (it is still installed on cheap “Standard” modifications). The lubricant does not require replacement for the entire service life of the vehicle, that is, for five years or 200 thousand.
