How to properly tune and strengthen the suspension of VAZ cars

Comments: no Published: 05/25/2016

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Tags:VAZ 2108/2109/21099VAZ 2110/2111/2112VAZ 2113/2114/2115Classic 2101/2103/2106/2107Suspension tuning

Very often, owners of VAZ cars try to make various kinds of improvements to their design in order to improve their performance characteristics. These are various changes in the design of the engine, brake system, gearbox, bumper, wheels, etc.

Among all these modifications, tuning the VAZ suspension occupies a special place - it is one of the determining factors in handling, driving performance and road safety.

To improve the suspension, you can seek help from car service specialists or do all the work yourself. This will help you reduce financial expenses and do everything as you see fit. Let's look at some improvement opportunities in various VAZ car models.

Tuning the suspension of a VAZ 2109 car

Suspension tuning in VAZ 2101-2107 models

The disadvantage of the front and rear suspension of the VAZ 2107 and in cars of this group is that it is too soft. This creates certain inconveniences, especially when fully loaded. The wheels catch on the arches, which significantly complicates movement.

A good way out is to install springs from the Niva 2121 car on the front suspension - they fit well in size. They will give the necessary rigidity, and the car will stop sagging when fully loaded. Such springs can be suitable not only for the front, but also for the rear suspension. In addition, the rubber bumpers will need to be replaced.

Next, it will be necessary to replace the shock absorbers, which can also improve the driving performance of the car. It is best to choose gas-oil ones - the immobility of the rod will give more elasticity to the front of the machine.

However, it should be taken into account that after replacing springs and shock absorbers, there is a high probability that the roll of your car when cornering will increase. To minimize it, install anti-roll bars with increased rigidity - they solve such problems well.

Double front stabilizer for VAZ 2101 – 2107 cars
Another means of improving the situation with your own hands is triangular levers. They are used for more precise settings. The levers make it possible to install negative camber. In this case, you will not need to replace the lower bolts that secure it to the beam.

In addition, by installing wishbones, you get the opportunity to increase the castor - the longitudinal inclination angle of the wheel turning axis. This helps to significantly improve the handling of your car. However, when installing the arms, you will need to adjust the wheel alignment. In addition, you will need VAZ 2110 stabilizer bones.

To give your car more stability, you can give it a lower seating position. For this, a rear transverse link is used - it will allow you to adjust the axle relative to the body.

Tuning the suspension of the VAZ 2101 car

What can tire wear cause?

The car “pulling” to the side can occur due to a difference in tire pressure or a defect in the rubber parts of one of the struts. This is also possible due to tire wear. Rapid tire wear is directly related to improper operation of the machine. Sharp acceleration and braking, overloads often cause tire wear. But often this situation arises:

• if the wheel alignment angle is violated;
• when the hinge mechanisms are worn;
• when the chassis is unbalanced.

Suspension tuning for VAZ 2108—2109

The "eight" and "nine" have essentially the same improvement methods as in the previous section. We recommend making the following changes yourself:

• install a stabilizer bar from a VAZ 2110 - it will help reduce roll when cornering;
• install Plaza gas shock absorbers at the front;
• make negative wheel camber;
• increase the pitch angle of the wheels at the front of the car.

This will help improve the performance and handling of your car.

Tuning the suspension of the VAZ 2109

Salon

In addition to body design modifications, drivers often make changes inside their cars. Common types of tuning the interior of the “tens”:

1. Buying a new audio system and installing subwoofers in the trunk of a car.
2. Improving car sound insulation.
3. Replacing the factory dashboard with a new one. An updated accessory often includes additional options, such as a temperature sensor.
4. Buying new heated and adjustable seats.
5. Replacing the original steering wheel. A new steering wheel is often adjustable.

Thanks to the favorable price-quality ratio, the VAZ 2110 and its variants have become popular among Russian car enthusiasts. The low price and simplicity of the design allow tuning and making changes to the “top ten” that improve its appearance and technical characteristics.

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Tuning of VAZ 2110—2112 cars

This group of machines can be improved according to the same scheme as described above. Or go the other way - install a more functional suspension with your own hands, for example, from Priora.

This suspension is much stiffer, the steering wheel responds better to the driver, and it feels composed and clear. All the advantages are especially noticeable when passing through holes and depressions while the car is moving. The front end becomes a couple of centimeters higher.

Some, however, on the contrary, put the suspension from the VAZ 2110 on the Priora: for different car enthusiasts there are different preferences. It is impossible to come up with any statement that everyone will agree with 100%.

Suspension tuning on a VAZ 2110 car

Power unit

Refinement of the dozen would be meaningless without engine modernization. Professionals recommend starting with it. First you need to replace all worn parts and components.

You can also take care of increasing the engine displacement from 1500 to 1600 cubic centimeters.

Replacing the crankshaft

The main method of increasing engine power up to 1.6 liters is by optimizing the piston stroke from the factory 71 mm to 74.8 mm. This procedure is performed by replacing the crankshaft and the pistons themselves. There are different options for replacing pistons:

• installation of forged pistons with dimensions of 82.0, 84.0, 82.5 or 82.4 mm - they can be T-shaped or regular;
• installation of standard machined pistons;
• installation of used pistons 21213 with mechanical modification, which involves replacing the connecting rods for a floating piston pin.

In addition to the popular 74.8mm stroke crankshaft, you can purchase the little-used 75.6mm stroke crankshaft, allowing displacement up to 1,862cc. All configurations fit into a standard block, but the torsional resistance of the motor may be reduced. For this reason, it is better to limit the engine volume to no more than 1.6 liters.

Camshaft replacement

Replacing this part allows you to increase engine power, increase overall technical characteristics and acceleration dynamics. In this case, one factor must be taken into account: replacing all camshaft elements with modernized or sports ones must be replaced as a set. That is, replacing one thing will not give any results.

To remove the camshaft, proceed as follows:

• remove the plastic protection of the alternator belt;
• open the cylinder head cover;
• remove the timing belt, holding the camshaft with a mounting rod (to avoid damaging the cylinder head, you need to place a wooden plate under the mount);
• unscrew the camshaft mounting bolt;
• remove the key with the gear wheel.

Experts recommend numbering the main bearing caps to avoid confusion during reassembly. You can also mark the disc tappets if you are replacing them too. The new upgraded camshaft is installed in the reverse order.

After installing a sports camshaft, the engine will no longer “knock your toes” as before.

Replacing the control unit

This work is also usually classified as general tuning of the VAZ 2110. At the factory, the cars are equipped with old Bosch units, which experts recommend replacing with new ECMs from General Motors.

Tuning VAZ 2113—2115 cars

Front-wheel drive cars VAZ 2113, 2114 and 2115 are usually equipped with a sports suspension. It improves stability and controllability while driving:

• To begin with, we are modifying the front struts, turning them from oil-filled to gas-oil-filled. This is done by pumping gas into the working chamber. Thanks to this, the rod will automatically return to its original position after immersion;
• to protect yourself from the spring flying out while moving, we limit the stroke of the rod;
• standard rods can be replaced with “kailovers” - sports racks. They will make it possible to sit the car lower. This will give it stability. In this case, shortened springs are used, which helps to minimize the level of car roll when cornering;
• the above-described wishbones. They will provide improved car handling, precise suspension tuning and increased castor.

This is how we tune the suspension of models of the 2113-2115 group with our own hands, making it sporty. This improves handling, reduces roll, and increases your safety on the road while the car is moving.

Chassis

Having provided the power unit of your car with a new breath, it’s time for the chassis. Suspension, transmission, upper strut mounts - all can be replaced.

Gear box

Refinement of this unit involves replacing the differential main gear and secondary shaft. Instead of a gear ratio of 3.7 or 3.94, 4.13 is created, which makes it possible to significantly increase the acceleration dynamics of the vehicle. Changing the gear ratio to 4.13 provides the following advantages:

• improved acceleration without increasing consumption;
• minimal increase in speed at high speeds (increases by 500 revolutions);
• the ability to start driving from second gear;
• increasing the maximum speed of the VAZ 2110;
• increase in torque.

Instrument cluster

Algorithm of actions:

1. The negative wire should be disconnected from the battery.
2. Taking a screwdriver, unscrew the lower screws and the two upper fasteners that secure the trim.
3. Next, remove the exterior lighting switch.
4. Disconnect the wires for the fog light and heated rear window.
5. Unscrew the screws that secure the instrument cluster.
6. The combination should be carefully removed and the wiring harness terminals disconnected.

Now it is possible to completely change the scales. You can also install LED lighting.

Repair of axial play

There are two repair options:

• Replace the entire pole completely. However, not only is it very expensive, but its quality is not the best.
• You can tighten two washers on the sides so that the bolt cannot dangle.

Note: screwing in these washers may result in the silent blocks not fitting into the lever, so they will need to be shortened slightly using a hacksaw. This can significantly reduce the service life of silent blocks.

CONSUMER ANALYSIS

The automotive community is divided approximately in half - some consider these lights to be the height of design thought, while others do not like them. The main argument of the latter is that the lamps are too round in shape, which does not fit the angular body of the VAZ 2109; in addition, with such lamps at the rear, the car becomes similar to the IZH Oda.

As for the technical data, there is nothing to complain about - the lights shine so brightly that some even think about tinting them. The brake lights are not blinding. But the dimensions are too weak compared to the turn signals and brake lights. It’s not surprising, because Osram flashlights have a 5-watt lamp size. The brightness of the reverse signal is high.

However, the choice of location for the direction indicators of the Osram headlights is alarming - why move them to the center so that they are not seen by cars and pedestrians from the sides?

Rear beam stabilizer bar

The element's purpose is to reduce the lateral roll of the car, improve the interaction of the wheels with the road surface when cornering, as well as distribute the load between the rear shock absorbers when one of the wheels drives over uneven surfaces.

The fact is that when you hit deep potholes, extremely strong suspension occurs, often causing the rear shock absorber strut rod to be pulled out.

When working in compression, the shock absorber, on the contrary, is overly susceptible to breakdown, which seriously affects its durability.

This does not happen with amplification. The resulting force is distributed between both wheels with an approximate ratio of 3 to 2, which has a positive effect on the quality of control and the reliability of the suspension elements.

The stabilization bar is installed directly on the rear beam of front-wheel drive models of domestic VAZ and other cars.

Installing a beam reinforcement should not cause any problems for most drivers. To do this, you need to use a trestle or inspection hole, and then fasten the rod to the beam according to the instructions.

The only difficulty that may arise is the need to drill eight holes in the beam housing.

Reinforced front stabilizer

The front stabilizer of increased rigidity is a means designed to significantly improve the quality of vehicle handling.

Its main difference from the standard part is the harder rubber bushings located at the attachment points.

The nuance of using such an element is that it improves the ride on smooth asphalt areas, but if you have to drive along a bumpy country road, vibrations in the steering wheel will become a real punishment.

Even the slightest impact will be completely transmitted to the steering wheel, which will significantly complicate the driver’s life.

A reinforced stabilizer is quite expensive, and we consider the need for its installation doubtful.

Perhaps only sports car models participating in road competitions need it. The average car enthusiast does not need this modification, especially when tuning the VAZ suspension.

Typical faults

The front suspension is characterized by certain breakdowns, which are determined by two phenomena:

They should be considered separately, since the reasons for their appearance are different.

Knocks

If you start to hear knocking noises coming from the front suspension, this could be caused by several reasons:

If you do not hear a knock, but a noise, then the causes of front suspension problems may be as follows:

Increased tire wear

If you are not a fan of fast acceleration, harsh braking, or do not overload the car, then the reasons for increased wear may be:

DIAGNOSIS

Recognizing the beginning of “tuning phobia” is quite difficult. “The first sign” is discomfort, everything seems to be fine, but something is missing. And then everything depends on “immunity”, one needs only to install the instrument cluster with the original dial illumination, the other will shake up all the components and assemblies of the first car, start working on the second, and so on, progressively.

Demand gives rise to supply, and now all the stores are overflowing with the appropriate accessories, auto repair shops have acquired specialists “for tuning of any complexity,” and the kiosks’ counters are littered with “specialized publications.”

Our articles will not be replete with huge, beautiful pictures; we will focus on information content rather than illustrativeness.

Replacing silent blocks

The general principles for replacing rubber-metal hinges are the same for all elements. First of all, they need to be freed from all fastenings. If it is possible to remove the part with the silent block, then replacing them will be much more convenient.

Then you need to press out the silent itself. This is often quite difficult to do. It is better to press out and install new silent blocks using a special squeezing device. If there is none, then the easiest way is to cut off one of the hinge shoulders and knock out its remains with a drift. It’s time to use the old “old-fashioned” method - burn out the rubber element. The new silent block can be pressed in using a large vice or tightened there using an inserted bolt with a nut and washers.

Before installation, be sure to lubricate the surface of the part with liquid soap or soap solution; you can chamfer one of the collars.

How to make a puller

Puller for silent blocks

A more suitable puller option is a three-jaw puller. To create it you need to have the following materials:

• Sheet metal 10 mm wide.
• Iron round timber with a diameter of 30 mm.
• Screw.

Changing the silent blocks of the front suspension of a VAZ 2110

Making a puller, of course, without much difficulty, if you follow the instructions:

• Make a sketch of the puller's legs. Their length should be approximately 20 cm.
• Apply the pattern to sheet metal.
• Cut out the legs and sand them.
• In the upper part of the legs it is necessary to drill 3.2 holes for bolts.
• Next you need to make a core, for which the prepared iron round timber is required and useful. It is necessary to drill a hole for the thread. Weld two leg holders (6 in total).

Replacing front suspension silent blocks on a VAZ 2110

• The last part is the screw. Holes should be drilled through in the upper part of the screw.
• All that remains is to assemble the puller. For this purpose, the screw must be inserted into the core, and the legs must be attached to it.

Auxiliary powertrain support

The purpose of supplementing the standard motor mounts with another auxiliary module is to minimize the amplitude vibrations of the engine during sudden braking, acceleration and overcoming road hills or potholes.

Its presence eliminates the so-called “pecking” - inertial phenomena that occur during vehicle operation.

The presence of an auxiliary support also prevents spontaneous disengagement of the transmission gears.

This significantly reduces the risk of unpleasant incidents that directly affect safety.

Typically, it is difficult to install this component yourself.

A certain skill is required, which the average car enthusiast does not always have.

Separately, we will say that some engine models require the installation of a fourth support only after moving the ignition unit.

This, on the one hand, is an additional difficulty, but, on the other hand, it significantly improves the operating conditions of the electronic module, moving it away from the road, thereby reducing the amount of dirt that gets on it.

An additional support for the power unit is often installed during tuning of the suspension of VAZ 2109, 2110 cars.