Struts for Kalina: how to choose front shock absorbers for Kalina

Before purchasing and installing shock absorber struts in the Lada Kalina suspension, the owner should decide on the question - what type of these products would he like to see in his car? Which stands are better? There are two options for struts that are suitable for a Russian small car: oil and gas-oil, but which shock absorbers are better?

Original spare parts

Most vehicle owners prefer to install only original parts from the manufacturer that were originally supplied with the car.
Factory spare parts for Lada Kalina Universal are marked with article number 2110-290540203. Their cost varies from 2200 to 2500 rubles. The racks are produced by the Skopinsky Automotive Aggregate Plant, that is, they are domestic. Owners of Lada cars note that it is better to immediately replace the original parts with foreign-made analogues immediately after purchasing the vehicle, as they are of much better quality. However, it all depends on you. Some people, on the contrary, only like racks from SAZ.

Parts are often counterfeited. In order not to stumble upon non-original spare parts, make sure of the quality of the product. Ask for accompanying sales certificates and carefully inspect the packaging.

All barcodes and names must be printed clearly. The presence of extraneous logos is unacceptable. The parts should be free of burrs, chips and cracks of paint, and other external defects. Unless, of course, you purchase used parts.

In general, models of the category “Standard 1118 (1119)”, “Sport 1119” and “Highway 1118”, “Optima 1119” are considered the standard choice. Highway and Sport are narrowly focused struts, so they are not practical for city driving. The most common option is the Optima category racks. Note: they are good both off-road and on high-quality trails.

Original parts are covered by a warranty; the kit must contain a coupon. Therefore, it is advisable to purchase them from an official dealer or trusted reseller.

You can save on consumables by purchasing non-original parts. They may be a little more expensive, but the quality will be much better than the factory ones. The following options for replacing front struts are in greatest demand among experienced drivers:

As you can see from the table, the price range is large. You should not think that similar options will fail faster - the reason for the low price is that they are produced by little-known brands. In general, all offered auto parts have decent, proven quality.

The situation is the same with the rear struts. It is advisable to order front and rear struts from the same manufacturer to minimize risks. It is also strictly forbidden to change only one rack, or use the right and left racks from different companies.

Models most suitable for Lada:

Of course, even parts from little-known companies can be counterfeited by Asian manufacturers. The safety rules when choosing are still the same - carefully examine the packaging and compare it with the original one. Check that the parts are in excellent condition - without visible external defects such as paint chips, cracks, scratches, or various damages.

The best gas-oil struts for VAZ

Due to the pressure inside, the rod comes out on its own, it is squeezed out by the internal gas. Due to their increased rigidity, such shock absorbers hold the body better, successfully tolerate even high loads and protect against strong rolls. Their main drawback is slight shaking during movement.

Kyb Excel-G VAZ 2110-12

These are the best racks on the VAZ 2110 for those who prefer high-speed driving; on them the car can confidently accelerate to 160-180 km/h. Thanks to their average stiffness, the shock absorbers dampen body vibrations well at high speeds and provide a fairly soft ride. Their characteristic feature is the ability to withstand up to 200 thousand kilometers. They are based on a patented valve system and low pressure nitrogen, which together provide increased ride comfort and excellent handling. Innovative technology reduces the tendency of shock-absorbing fluid to foam, which has a positive effect on stability.

Advantages

3-stage valve system;
Durable multi-lip stem seal;
Wear-resistant Teflon coating of piston valve;
Robust, seamless tube design in the working cylinder and mounting area;
Reliable galvanic material covering the shock absorber rod.

Flaws

A little vibration is transmitted to the car when driving over bumps.

If you need universal racks that will make your car look like new, Kyb Excel-G is the right solution. They perform well both in terms of speed and durability when driving on Russian roads.

Replacement of front struts, springs, supports and bearings

In the last article, I talked about choosing front suspension components for my Kalina. And here I will try to describe in more detail the entire procedure for replacing these parts, starting from struts and springs, and ending with supports and their bearings. All this can be done in three hours, if there are no special problems with rusted nuts. To perform this repair you will need the following tools:

Balloon wrench
Hammer and pry bar
Jack
Open-end wrench size 9 and socket wrench size 22 (for unscrewing the top nut of the strut and holding the rod)
Socket wrenches 17, 19 or similar heads with a crank
Pliers
13mm socket head with ratchet or wrench
Penetrating lubricant
Spring ties

How to replace front and rear shock absorbers on Kalina

Before carrying out repair work, it is necessary to properly prepare for this event.

What tool will you need?

To replace shock absorbers on Kalina 1 and 2, you will need the following list of tools:

spring remover;
standard set of tools;
pit or lift;
jack;

Of course, we shouldn’t forget about the new detail. After everything you need appears, you need to set aside a free day and start repairing.

Removal and installation of front shock absorbers on Lada Kalina

It is most convenient to do this work on a lift, but an inspection pit will also work. You need to perform the following list of actions:

Hang the front wheel and remove it.
Unscrew the nut securing the steering end to the strut. Remove the tie rod end (1) using a suitable puller.
Unscrew the three nuts securing the strut to the side member (2).
Remove the shock absorber mountings to the steering knuckle (3).
Remove the shock absorber from the car along with the suspension spring and support bearing.

In order to avoid damage to the brake hose, it is necessary to fix the steering knuckle in the position in which it was standing. This is necessary to prevent it from stretching!

To replace the strut, you need to remove the spring and support bearing (4) from it. To do this, using a puller, the spring is compressed and the nut securing the support bearing is unscrewed. Next, all parts are installed on the new shock absorber, and assembly occurs in the reverse order.

Removal and installation of rear shock absorbers Lada Kalina 1 and 2

The procedure will be the same for hatchback, station wagon and sedan. Necessary:

Fold the rear seat forward and remove the shock absorber nut cap.
You need to tighten the spring in advance to relieve tension from the shock absorber and remove it without problems.
Unscrew the nut securing the strut to the body. To prevent the rod from turning, it can be held using another wrench.
After this, unscrew the lower mount of the strut to the rear beam.
Remove the old strut from the car.

Now all that remains is to rearrange the spring and install a new support bearing and rod boot. There is nothing complicated about this. Reassemble the strut as it should sit on the vehicle with a new support bearing and boot.

Mount the strut to the body and ask your partner to tighten the nut securing the shock absorber rod to the rear “glass”. Further assembly occurs in reverse order.

Characteristics of car struts

Struts are a device that reduces the impact force on a car while driving on difficult sections of the road. The task of shock absorbers is to smooth out road unevenness and shocks that the car receives during extreme driving. If the quality of the racks is low, then the trip turns into a nightmare. This is especially true for the driver. The steering wheel will feel every bump and take impacts that fall first on the wheels, and then on other parts of the car. Good stands should prevent this from happening.

The quality of shock absorbers is what distinguishes expensive foreign cars from domestic cars. But life does not stand still, and our enterprises are fired up with the idea of modernizing the production process and the technical projects they are working on. Thus, VAZ is already planning to improve the Lada Kalina so that its design fully complies with all modern requirements. But this is in the plans, but for now racks for Kalina are offered in three options.

Oily. These are two-pipe mechanisms powered by hydraulic oil. The advantage of such a device is its simplicity of design and installation. The downside is that the rack is poorly cooled, which often causes deformations.
Gas-oil. A similar system, but here the principle of operation is based on gas pressure, which acts on the oil and thereby creates reliable protection for the car from impacts.
Single-pipe. Plus - good heat dissipation, performance, minus - unreliability and excessive sensitivity. This option is not the most suitable for Russian roads.

As a rule, Kalina racks installed at the factory can last a little more than 100,000 km. Afterwards they need to be changed. Shock absorbers supplied in workshops are effective for 80,000 km.

Symptoms of the need to replace struts are poor tire adhesion to the road surface, insufficient controllability, especially when cornering, deterioration of brake performance, increased braking distance, and oil leakage. If you notice one of these signs, you should replace it as soon as possible. The breakdown should not develop into a serious problem.

In what cases is it necessary to replace a strut on a car?

The first thing you need to understand is why a shock absorber strut is needed in a car. So, this design is used as a smoothing element when driving a car over bumps and holes. That is, this element is used as a comfortable “absorber” of shocks, car shakes, etc., creating a more dynamic movement of vehicles on the road.

Being in constant motion, the shock absorber often breaks and has to be replaced. Breakdown occurs as a result of poorly made road surfaces or worn out over the years, due to increased machine loads, or defective parts.

The Kalina car that just came off the production line has oil struts. Sometimes they break down after a mileage of 40,000 km. How to understand this? In fact, everything is very simple. To do this, just inspect the rack. If it starts to “sweat”, then it is leaking oil and needs to be replaced.

If a gas strut was installed at the factory, then you will not notice the problem visually, only while the car is moving on the road.

Regardless of the type of car, all shock absorbers when they malfunction manifest themselves in the following ways:

the car is difficult to drive on the road;
the car began to sway the body;
the car skids when turning;
The car's engine will make a loud, unpleasant sound;
5. It is difficult for the car to stop when the brake is pressed.

Attention! If you need to check the rack yourself for its operation, then to do this, in the place where it is installed, you need to press the body with your hand. If after this the car begins to rock several times, then two struts should be replaced at once.

In addition, you can check the racks using special equipment at a service station.

Lada Kalina - front strut support bearing: choice, price, characteristics

If you do change the support bearing individually by installing it in the old support, then you should buy from trusted manufacturers, a summary table of which and photographs are presented below.

Catalog number (article) – 1118-2902840.

Table of recommended manufacturers

No.	Manufacturer	Manufacturer's code	Price 2022, rub.	Equipment
Peculiarities	Retaining rings	Protective cap
1	VBF Russia Analogue	1118-2902840-01	700	– Clip made of hardened steel; – Manufactured according to GOST; – Increased service life; – High-quality lubricant.	–	–
2	NPP "System Technologies" Russia Analogue	SS10113/11180-2902840-00	900	– Silence; – Vibration damping; – Work at low temperatures; – Protection from dirt and dust.	–	–
3	AvtoVAZ Russia Original	1118-2902840	750	– Original product; – 1 year warranty; – Durability.	–	–

egoST

I drive a Ford Focus ST in Moscow

The engineers did a great job - 15 devices in 1 case.

An entire car on-board computer with FULL HD footage. We are pleased with the clear rear view camera and GPS navigator with 32 satellites.

I've been using it for 6 months and already forgot about the fines

Table of bearing sizes 8112Н and technical characteristics

Characteristic	Unit	Value according to GOST (TU)
Inner diameter of the tight ring, d	mm	60
Outer diameter of the tight ring, d1	mm	85
Free ring inner diameter, D1	mm	62
External diameter of free ring, D	mm	80
Installation height	mm	17
Dynamic load capacity	kH	41,5
Static load capacity	kH	95,0
Nominal speed	rpm	3600
Axial clearance	mm	–
Steel type	–	SHH-15
Hardness of steel and rollers	H.R.C.	61-65
Contact angle	hail	–
Torque	kN*M	220
Ring roughness	Ra	0.32
Number of balls	PC.	24
Ball diameter	mm	8,731
Mounting chamfer radius, r	mm	1,5
Weight	G.	295

Why is a telescopic strut (shock absorber) needed in a car?

The telescopic stand is designed to absorb impacts and impacts from the wheels on the car body. The time comes and these parts fail. Therefore, they will have to be replaced. But what racks should I put on the Lada Kalina? This question interests many owners of this car.

When to change struts (symptoms and regulations)

The stand “sweats”, which means that there is almost no working fluid inside it

If the strut is leaking, get ready to replace it!

This depends mainly on the conditions in which the car will be used and on the driving style. If the strut is out of order, then this can be determined using a special stand or a folk method, namely: the car has become worse on the road and is not so stable when maneuvering. When rocking, the car rocks more than once. If there is at least one of the above signs, then in such cases it is necessary to change the racks.

How to determine if shock absorbers are faulty

Often, traces of oil appear and disappear over time, and then, when the driver notices a loss of controllability, the strut becomes dry again. To determine its serviceability, you need to grab the roof of the car and try to swing it strongly.

Serviceable shock absorbers should stop the body already on the second swing. If the car continues to rock, the struts need to be replaced.

The problem must be diagnosed at the first sign. There are several symptoms that indicate a damaged shock absorber:

Knock when driving or extraneous sounds in the suspension. This problem occurs extremely rarely. As a rule, this implies destruction inside the strut housing and the rod simply begins to hit the housing, making unpleasant knocking noises. This sound will appear when driving over both large and small irregularities and will haunt the car owner no matter how much the car rocks.
Deterioration in controllability. The most dangerous and obvious sign of shock absorber failure. As you know, struts are needed to dampen body vibrations that occur when suspension springs operate. If these vibrations are not suppressed, the car begins to sway strongly at high speed and the wheels may briefly lose traction with the road surface. It is worth noting that this malfunction is quite dangerous.
Leaks on the rack body. Deterioration in controllability occurs due to internal damage to the shock absorber and its depressurization. Traces of leaking oil, which is the main shock-absorbing component of this part, may appear on the rack.

If, after all, the reason for the knocking on Kalina is in the shock absorbers, then you should select the right new spare parts. Don’t even try to restore them; doing so is impractical, labor-intensive and expensive.

When is it necessary to replace shock absorbers?

Which front struts are better to install on a Kalina 1118 station wagon? The fact that it’s time to replace the shock absorbers is indicated by their wear, which is manifested by oil leakage, because due to the lubricant, which reaches high temperatures, the rubber parts of the car suffer;
rocking of the car when driving and noise during operation - a characteristic knock appears, which can also be due to incorrectly installed racks. If the efficiency of shock absorbers is lower than 20%, then this indicates the need for replacement, but numbers in the form of 40% are a good sign. The service life depends on many factors, the main of which are weather conditions and roads, as well as the driver’s driving style. With the help of diagnostics from a specialist at the required stand in the workshop, or at home, you can identify racks that have already become obsolete.

Useful and interesting: Rating of hydraulic jacks for passenger cars

It’s worth taking a closer look, but if you start to notice that your car is quite unstable and doesn’t hold the road well, then this is already a wake-up call. There is another way, try to swing the corner of the car, and look at the result, if the free swing indicator is more than 1-1.5 times, then your rack really needs to be replaced. Often, racks operate stably from 60,000 to 100,000 thousand km. mileage

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WE ARE FINISHING the Lada-Kalina shock absorbers. Highway for enthusiasts

There they served almost without any complaints, but here they fail seemingly for no apparent reason. It seems that the plant significantly underestimated the time allotted for finishing this car. We got excited.

Our “berry” barely ran three thousand kilometers (not the worst roads!) - and now the front shock absorbers began to knock, and the steering mechanism began to speak unequivocally. By the way, with such a defect, technical inspection without a bribe is pure utopia. And recently the rear shock absorbers began to rattle.

Which stand for VAZ is better to buy?

When selecting the best shock absorbers for a VAZ, it is important to set your priorities correctly. For comfortable rides at low and medium speeds, there is nothing better than soft struts; any unevenness on them is practically not felt. If you prioritize the speed characteristics of the car, then it is appropriate to purchase rigid options with which the body does not sway and responds well to steering movements. There are models of medium rigidity that are flawless both at speed and during quiet driving.

Here are the racks that are best suited for which purposes:

To lower the car to a small height without the need for alterations, it is best to take the VAZ 2108-2115 car stock. They take the place of the original shock absorbers and provide a decrease in ground clearance by reducing the length of the rod.
If you need durable struts for traveling at speeds of up to 150 km/h at a reasonable price, then the best choice is Demfi comfort front Kalina 1119. They are quite comfortable, but have better acceleration performance and greater driving stability compared to the original models.
For those who like to drive fast on highways, the Plaza Standart VAZ 2110 stands are well suited. They are quite rigid and slightly lift the car, which creates some inconvenience in urban conditions. But the shock absorbers are fully deployed on high-speed highways.
For universal racks, equally good for urban conditions and country trips, you should take the ElastoMag VAZ 2108. The absence of discomfort at different speeds is the main advantage of the model.
For leisurely trips and frequent travel over rough terrain or off-road, we can recommend the original BelMag VAZ 2108-09. If you drive within the speed limit set by the traffic rules, they fit perfectly.
Drivers with a mixed type of driving, who love fishing, hunting and periodically transport cargo, should purchase the SS20 SS20 VAZ Niva 2121, 21213. Universal racks are suitable for almost all types of surfaces.
If you want to purchase durable shock absorbers for fast driving, it is better to choose Kyb Excel-G (Kayaba) VAZ 2110-12. They prevent the car from swaying at speed and are quite comfortable in urban environments, where they can last up to 200,000 km.

When choosing the best racks for the VAZ 2114, 2108, 2109, 2115, 2121 and other models, it is important to immediately determine their driving characteristics that you need to obtain. Here you should focus on rigidity, road stability and wear resistance of the products. All of the listed shock absorbers have proven themselves positively in a certain area. If you understand the purpose of the car, then choosing suitable products from the rating will not be difficult.

Front struts for Kalina: which ones are better to choose

Let's start with the fact that Kalina's rear shock absorbers often take more care than the front ones. For this reason, it is Kalina front struts or Kalina 2 struts that are more in demand on the market. That being said, there are several solutions available that can be used for replacement. As a result, drivers often find it difficult to answer which struts to take, oil or gas, as well as which manufacturer, etc.

Let us immediately note that at the Kalina factory it is equipped with SAAZ oil struts. The advantages include softness and affordable cost. At the same time, the handling is not the best, and the struts do not have a long service life and knock in winter until the oil warms up in the shock absorber. To improve handling and gain greater reliability, you can replace the standard shock absorbers with Kayaba ones. Moreover, if you need a Kalina strut, many people prefer Japanese Kayaba shock absorbers (KYB).

However, not everything is as smooth as it may seem. On the one hand, the Kalina rear strut or the front struts for the Kalina of this company are distinguished by good characteristics and performance. Handling and stability are noticeably improved, the car holds the road better, rolls less when cornering, the struts themselves last longer, etc.

In fact, especially when it comes to front shock absorbers, drivers note that the Kalina front struts from KYB are not the cheapest, and are very hard, can be noisy, etc.

Please note that such operation of the strut is a price to pay for stability, since the shock absorbers are gas (gas-filled). Compared to standard “oil”, hardness increases noticeably.

We also note that some of the negative reviews are the result of the fact that, given the popularity of the brand, there are a huge number of fakes on the market. When choosing, you need to purchase products only from authorized dealers

Also, when installing racks on a car, it is important to follow all the rules, properly bleed the racks, etc.

If Kayaba is not suitable for one reason or another, you can choose ASOMI or SS racks. These are domestic manufacturers specializing in the production of parts for VAZ, GAZ.

Of course, the quality of the racks is inferior to the original Kayaba, but they often perform better than the stock ones. Moreover, in practice, for Kalina, the SS line is often considered the best solution (for example, SS-20 for Lada Kalina). If this Kalina front strut is considered, the price will definitely be more favorable than the Japanese counterpart.

On these racks, when properly selected, the car becomes medium in rigidity, while comfort is maintained and handling does not suffer much. Another plus is a two-year warranty versus 1 year for ASOMI.

In the SS line, there are struts for Kalina: Highway 1118, Standard 1118. Standard 1119, Sport 1119. You can also purchase the entire set of front and rear suspension “Kalina Sport”, etc. This is convenient, since the presence of other parts besides the struts allows, if necessary, to immediately replace springs, etc.

Note that the “Standard” struts are similar to the factory ones, however, the “Highway” and “Sport” versions differ from both the stock and the “Standard” line. For example, “Sport” is softer than Kayaba when driving on bad roads, but holds the car very well on the highway.

As you can see, the issue of selecting shock absorbers is not as straightforward as it might seem at first glance. In the case of Lada Kalina, well-known imported KYB shock absorbers are not always the optimal solution.

For example, some owners of this car often practice a scheme where the Kalina rear strut remains standard, and SS-20 are installed in front. This allows for improved handling without sacrificing comfort. One way or another, the information above allows you to choose the best option, taking into account individual preferences, goals and objectives.

Analogs of front shock absorbers Lada Kalina 1117, 1118, 1119

Original shock absorbers are in demand when replacing front struts, but increasingly, spare parts from other manufacturers are being supplied to the Russian market, which are not inferior, and in some cases, superior to original products. A list of the most popular shock absorbers is presented in the table.

Manufacturer	vendor code	price, rub.
Front shock absorbers for Lada Kalina (1117, 1118) first modifications
At program	Right AT5002118SA Left AT5003118SA	5000 (set, 2 pcs.)
At program	Right AT5002118SAG Left AT5003118SAG	1800
Pilenga	Right SHP2718O Left SHP2728O	2200
Front shock absorber struts for VAZ 1119 (entire model range) and 1117, 1118 later modifications
Kroner	Right K350319 Left K350419	5000 (set, 2 pcs.)
QML	Right SA1011 Left SA1010	1500
QML	Right SA1013 Left SA1012	1500

Shock absorber VAZ 1118

Shock absorber Pilenga SHP2718O(right)

Choosing shock absorbers for Kalina

Sports pair of shock absorbers

Today, three types of struts are installed on the Lada Kalina car.

SAAZ racks are an option proposed by the plant. The advantage is the inexpensive price and easy installation. But there are more disadvantages: poor handling and poor car dynamics on difficult roads.
Kayaba struts are a part produced using Japanese technology. It has the best quality and durability. By installing “Kayaba”, you will immediately see a positive result: the car will move quieter and softer. But there is one catch: today these racks are produced under license by Chinese companies, but their quality is strikingly different from Japanese ones. It's hard not to get into trouble.
“Acomi” struts are manufactured by a domestic company and are offered for both GAZ cars and VAZ models, including those installed on Kalina. Everything is good here, but you need to take into account that a one-year warranty is given only if the car owner repairs the car at the service stations specified in the contract.

You can buy SS20 racks. The part holds the road perfectly and eliminates noise, knocks and impacts. Movement becomes comfortable, safe, easy.

What to choose for Kalina?

Car owners are very concerned about the question, which racks are better?

Standard shock absorbers (manufactured by SAAZ) are moderately expensive and will not cause much trouble during installation. However, they are not able to confidently hold the car on a bad road surface.
Japanese analogues of "Kayaba". These products are more profitable because they are endowed with enviable reliability. These springs and shock absorbers are manufactured to high quality standards, which allows them to have significant efficiency on various types of road surfaces.

There are many more options for shock absorbers, including products from Acomi or options for the front chassis SS20, which gives the owner the opportunity to make his own choice, taking into account his own preferences and financial component. As for which shock absorbers are better, reviews from car owners vary.

Dimensions Kalina
How to install fog lights on Kalina
Windshield wipers Kalina

Part Description

The racks (they are most often called telescopic) absorb shocks and impacts that are directed at the car body. For example, when you are driving on a rough road or off-road.

ATTENTION! A completely simple way to reduce fuel consumption has been found! Don't believe me? An auto mechanic with 15 years of experience also didn’t believe it until he tried it. And now he saves 35,000 rubles a year on gasoline! Read more". The part includes a shock absorber, a spring and several other parts

Since struts are considered an important element of the entire suspension system, their malfunction leads to accidents on the road

The part includes a shock absorber, spring and several other parts. Since struts are considered an important element of the entire suspension system, their malfunction leads to emergency situations on the road.

Thanks to the stabilizer struts, comfort is maintained, maneuverability and control are ensured, regardless of how fast the vehicle is moving. In addition, they firmly connect the wheel mechanism and the body itself.

The best oil struts for VAZ

Common oil models are distinguished by their simple design, affordable price and high strength. The resource of most options exceeds 60 thousand km. They are also comfortable and easily dampen bumps. Among the disadvantages of these products: to pull the rod, springs are needed and a tendency to heat, which deteriorates performance. If you choose which racks are best to install on a VAZ based on the price-quality ratio, then the analogues. oil ones usually win

ElastoMag VAZ 2108

ElastoMag stands are distinguished by the good quality of all components, as they comply with the international standard ISO9001. They are characterized by high wear resistance even when driving on low-quality road surfaces and can withstand up to 50 thousand km and more. The manufacturer guarantees six months of proper operation, regardless of mileage. The products are quite dense, ride comfort and handling do not suffer much even under load. The softness of the model is average, optimally suitable for both the city and long journeys. The shock absorbers are adapted for installation on VAZ 2108, 2109, 210999, 2113, 2114, 2115.

Advantages

The rod does not knock;
Improving driving quality;
Balanced softness when driving at different speeds;
The car is raised 2 cm;
Reasonable price - 3800 rubles. for a couple.

Flaws

They do not always withstand strong blows, however, like any other stands.

These shock absorbers are often installed as original struts when assembling a VAZ, as they are distinguished by their adaptability to Russian roads and provide comfortable driving.

BelMag VAZ 2108-09

The company's product range includes front and rear hydraulic struts for VAZ and GAZ. They are in high demand due to their good reliability and durability. The shock absorbers are excessively soft and can withstand travel well on uneven roads, dirt roads, potholes, etc., but during acceleration on asphalt this creates a slight swaying motion. The products are suitable for travel at speeds of up to 100 km/h, above which some discomfort occurs, especially during maneuvers.

Advantages

Durability when driving off-road;
Strength with a significant margin;
Smooth ride when driving on uneven surfaces;
Affordable price - about 2000 rubles. per element;
A shock-absorbing fluid with unchanged kinematic properties when changing temperature.

Flaws

Not very confident behavior at high speed.

Due to the swaying of the body when accelerating to 100 km/h, the driving process becomes more difficult, since it is necessary to dampen the vibrations of the steering wheel. Such racks are more suitable for a relaxed driving style or frequent off-road driving.

SS20 SS20 VAZ Niva 2121, 21213

If you choose the best rear pillars for a VAZ Niva, then it is appropriate to prefer the model from SS20. They differ from standard devices in increased rebound resistance, large body and rod sizes. Thanks to the larger oil volume, shock absorbers are resistant to overheating and subsequent weakening of their characteristics, which often occurs when driving on rough roads. According to the settings, they are classified as “Standard”. The Comfort-Optima series has increased strength of the rebound valve, which eliminates its swaying, but does not lead to bouncing of the front or rear of the body.

Advantages

Low load on the valve system and long service life;
Pistons with good sealing and stable damping characteristics;
Successful design of the lower silent block: reliable and better in terms of damping capabilities;
Reduces vehicle sagging under load;
Operating temperatures range from -42˚ to +50˚С;
One year warranty, regardless of mileage;
Silent operation throughout the entire period of use.

Flaws

The price could be lower.

These are balanced racks that are suitable for carrying cargo, traveling at high speeds and traveling off-road. This model is also universal and can withstand low and high temperatures without compromising performance.

Which struts to take: oil or gas?

Since each person’s concept of good is different, each motorist has his own criteria for “good racks.” For example, some install only high-tech gas shock absorbers on a vehicle. Although they cost a little more than oil ones, they also have a longer service life. Some people prefer oil shock absorbers, which are softer. But these elements have one drawback - at low temperatures the racks become rigid. We have already talked in more detail about replacing struts on Lada Kalina here.

SAAZ oil struts were installed on Kalina from the factory. Some people immediately after purchasing a car purchase new racks of imported or domestic production. This could be, for example, ss-20 or Kayaba.

Shock absorber manufacturers

Today, many manufacturers make racks for cars that can also be installed on Kalina

Among the variety of racks and their manufacturers, attention should be paid to the following:

SAAZ. Installed on the car at the factory. They are not reliable and have a long service life. Factory SAAZ rack
Kayaba. Manufacturer – Japan. The racks have good performance. When choosing shock absorbers of this brand, you need to be careful, since most of them are currently produced in China, and therefore they are of worse quality compared to the original Japanese ones. Kayaba stance - rigid but reliable
ASOMI. Domestic manufacturer of racks for VAZ and GAZ cars. The manufacturer makes good racks, but the disadvantage of the product is that the warranty on it is one year, and then only on condition that the racks were installed at a specialized service station. ASOMI racks are a very popular alternative among Kalinovodov
SS. Domestic manufacturer. Makes spare parts for the chassis of domestic cars. Most Lada Kalina owners prefer to install shock absorbers from this particular manufacturer on their cars. With such struts, the car will be moderately rigid, and it will also hold the road well when maneuvering. Warranty – 2 years. You can install the racks yourself. In this case, the warranty also applies to them.

Currently, the following types of racks are sold for Kalina:

Highway 1118.
Standard 1118.
Standard 1119.
Sport 1119. Complete suspension kit for front and rear - KALINA SPORT
Optima 1119.

Standard racks from these categories are practically no different from the factory ones. Highway and Sport are narrowly targeted, and therefore few people choose to install them on their car. The last option is the most common and popular. They are installed on cars that are used under normal conditions. They performed well when driving both on bad roads and on the highway. The driver will also find a warranty card in the package along with the racks.

It is recommended to buy all parts and spare parts for the chassis only from trusted sellers, and preferably from an official dealer of the manufacturer.

Rating of the best racks for VAZ

To include the TOP best racks worthy of attention for installation on a VAZ, the following characteristics were taken into account:

Wear resistance;
No extraneous sounds after a long period of operation;
High-quality rubber seals;
Comfortable movement around the city and beyond;
Ease of transport management;
The ability of the suspension to absorb vibrations.

In addition to the main parameters, owner reviews, expert opinions, and price-quality ratio were of great importance when selecting racks.

The best shock absorbers for cars

Original

Depending on the configuration and year of manufacture of cars in the Grant/Kalina family, various telescopic front suspension struts and rear shock absorbers were used. Below are their article numbers and catalog numbers.

Telescopic front suspension drains assembled (with springs and supports)

21900-2901031-51 left Grant (“SAAZ Komplekt” LLC, Chulkovo)
21900-2901031-55 / 8450101163 left Grant (“SAAZ Komplekt” LLC, Chulkovo)
21900-2901031-61 left Grant (“SAAZ Komplekt” LLC, Chulkovo)
21900-2901031-65 / 8450101164 left Grant (“SAAZ Komplekt” LLC, Chulkovo)
21900-2901031-10 left Grant (“SAAZ Komplekt” LLC, Chulkovo)
21928-2901031-15 / 8450077319 left Granta/Kalina (“SAAZ Komplekt” LLC, Chulkovo)
21928-2901031-55 / 8450077320 left Granta/Kalina (“SAAZ Komplekt” LLC, Chulkovo)
8450109088 left Grant
8450109090 left Grant
21900-2901030-51 right Grant (“SAAZ Komplekt” LLC, Chulkovo)
21900-2901030-55 / 8450101161 right Grant (“SAAZ Komplekt” LLC, Chulkovo)
21900-2901030-61 right Grant (“SAAZ Komplekt” LLC, Chulkovo)
21900-2901030-65 / 8450101162 right Grant (“SAAZ Komplekt” LLC, Chulkovo)
21928-2901030-10 right Grant (“SAAZ Komplekt” LLC, Chulkovo)
21928-2901030-15 / 8450077317 right Granta/Kalina (“SAAZ Komplekt” LLC, Chulkovo)
21928-2901030-55 / 8450077318 right Granta/Kalina (“SAAZ Komplekt” LLC, Chulkovo)
8450109087 right Grant Cross
8450109089 right Grant Cross
21928-2901031-10 left Kalina (“SAAZ Komplekt” LLC, Chulkovo)
21928-2901031-50 left Kalina 2 Cross (“SAAZ Komplekt” LLC, Chulkovo)
21928-2901030-50 right Kalina 2 Cross (“SAAZ Komplekt” LLC, Chulkovo)

Telescopic front suspension struts

21900-2905403-51 / 8450106901 left with Grant/Kalina nut (“SAAZ Komplekt” LLC, Chulkovo)
21928-2905403-00 / 8450106903 left with Grant/Kalina nut (“SAAZ Komplekt” LLC, Chulkovo)
21928-2905403-50 / 8450106905 left with Granta/Kalina Cross nut (“SAAZ Komplekt” LLC, Chulkovo)
21900-2905402-51 / 8450106900 right with Grant/Kalina nut (“SAAZ Komplekt” LLC, Chulkovo)
21928-2905402-00 / 8450106902 right with Grant/Kalina nut (“SAAZ Komplekt” LLC, Chulkovo)
21928-2905402-50 / 8450106904 right with Granta/Kalina Cross nut (“SAAZ Komplekt” LLC, Chulkovo)
8450104706 left Granta Drive Active (“Lada-Sport” LLC, Tolyatti)
8450104703 right Granta Drive Active (“Lada-Sport” LLC, Tolyatti)

Rear suspension shock absorbers assemblies

21900-2915004-51 / 8450004041 Grant (“SAAZ Komplekt” LLC, Chulkovo)
21900-2915402-51 / 8450109209 Grant (“SAAZ Komplekt” LLC, Chulkovo)
21928-2915004-00 / 8450002842 Granta/Kalina (“SAAZ Komplekt” LLC, Chulkovo)
21928-2915402-00 / 8450109210 Granta/Kalina (“SAAZ Komplekt” LLC, Chulkovo)
8450109091 Granta
8450109092 Granta
8450104718 Granta Drive Active (“Lada-Sport” LLC, Tolyatti)
21928-2915004-50 Kalina Cross (“SAAZ Komplekt” LLC, Chulkovo)
21928-2915402-50 Kalina Cross (“SAAZ Komplekt” LLC, Chulkovo)

The original shock absorbers and telescopic struts are guaranteed for 24 months or 40,000 km (whichever comes first).

The best gas struts for VAZ

Their operation is based on high-pressure gas, which ensures optimal rigidity when loading the rods. The peculiarity of such gas struts is their stability on the road, slight sensitivity to ruts and the absence of roll during maneuvers.

Stock car VAZ 2108-2115

A set of front struts from this brand is produced for VAZ 2108, 2109, 21099, 2110, 2111, 2112, 2113, 2114, 2115, it can be purchased immediately assembled. The peculiarity of this model is the possibility of lowering the car by 5 cm. They are based on a two-pipe intake-type scheme. The presence of an original valve system allows the car to better withstand shaking on the road, and Teflon-coated pistons increase the wear resistance of the structure. Thickened chrome rods are resistant to damage and can easily withstand 50 thousand km or more, depending on driving style.

Advantages

The case is of standard length - you don’t have to redo the fasteners to install them;
Reducing the working length of the rod made it possible to lower the car by 50 mm;
The classic cup allows you to install wheels of 15-18 inches;
Reduced sway when turning;
Improved handling.

Flaws

Buyers note that the cost could be a little lower.

Shtok-auto struts, due to the ability to lower the car, help ensure better handling responsiveness and optimal aerodynamic capabilities of the car when driving at high speed.

Demfi comfort front Kalina 1119

This is a telescopic strut for the front suspension, which is installed on cars of the Lada Kalina series. The model belongs to the “comfort” class, which includes gas-filled shock absorbers with maximum durability. Increased rebound force provides a tight, energy-intensive suspension feel. The product is intended for travel both in the city and on highways. A special feature of the model is 10% greater rigidity compared to other serial devices. These front struts are the best for VAZ 1117, 1118, 1119, as they are adapted to domestic roads and provide excellent handling.

Advantages

One year warranty from the manufacturer;
Minimum number of rolls;
Instant response to turning the steering wheel;
Excellent directional stability;
Collapsible design.

Flaws

The model is intended for use in combination with barrel springs;
Slightly increased rigidity.

Most buyers praise these stands for their durability. Where the original models last for six months, Demfi can work for 2, 3 and even 4 years while maintaining performance characteristics.

Plaza Standard VAZ 2110

These are racks assembled with a single-pipe design, which belong to the “standard” line and are characterized by a soft, comfortable and safe ride on roads with any surface quality. To ensure the stability of the car, they are filled with gas under a pressure of 15 atmospheres. Shock absorbers contribute to good vehicle handling even at high speeds. In terms of reliability, owners note that they can “run” for 2-3 years even when transporting goods in a passenger car and rarely fail, mainly due to the mistakes of auto repairmen or the drivers themselves. The main advantage of this model is its low price, which is half that of imported analogues.

Advantages

Smooth ride at high speeds;
Improves car cornering;
Allows you to comfortably accelerate to 160 km/h and above;
Due to the rigidity of the struts, the car rises slightly;
They can walk for a long time without any extraneous sounds or changing earbuds.

Flaws

The oil is susceptible to sub-zero temperatures.

Most of the time the model provides excellent handling, but in winter the oil loses its elasticity, so at first you need to warm it up, moving carefully. The deterioration of the quality of the filler is nothing more than mild discomfort.