How to correctly change stabilizer struts on a Lada Vesta

During operation of Vesta, after the first thousand kilometers, owners notice a knocking sound in the front suspension. The most common cause of extraneous noise is a worn stabilizer bar link. Let's look at the instructions for replacing it.

You will need : buy a stabilizer bar strut (part number 8450006750). Raise the car on a lift and remove the wheel.

Analogs

: Renault 8200 669 065, SASIC 4005146, SIDEM 5666 or LEMFORDER 28334 01, 26004 01.

Attention! To avoid injury, the struts should only be replaced when the stabilizer bar is in a relaxed state (both front wheels are suspended or evenly loaded with the weight of the vehicle).

Procedure:

1. Use a wire brush to clean the stabilizer strut pin nuts from dirt and rust. If the nut is soured, use VD-40;
2. Unscrew the nut of the upper fastening of the stabilizer link (No. 2) using a “16” spanner, holding the ball joint pin from turning with a “5” hex key;
3. Unscrew the lower mounting nuts using a similar tool.
4. Remove the stabilizer bar by removing the ball joint pin from the front suspension strut (No. 1) and from the stabilizer bar (No. 4);

To check the anti-roll bar link, you need to pull out the top pin of the ball joint, grab it firmly with your hand and wiggle it up and down. The presence of a knock indicates a faulty part. Installation of the stabilizer link is performed in the reverse order. The process is also shown in the video:

It is worth noting that this part is symmetrical and does not have oriented “top” and “bottom” installation marks. The rack mounting nuts are self-locking and cannot be reused, so they must be replaced with new ones during assembly. The tightening torque of the fastening nuts is 44 Nm.

It is believed that the average service life of anti-roll bar struts is about 50 thousand km. How long did they serve on your Vesta? Read other instructions, for example, on self-diagnosis of the suspension or recommendations on eliminating knocks or squeaks in the Vesta suspension.

A knock in the front axle is the first sign of a malfunction in the vehicle's chassis.

To independently replace the stabilizer struts (bones) on a Lada Vesta, you must:

1. Place the vehicle within the perimeter of the repair area and block the rear wheels with wheel chocks.
2. Break off the bolts, jack up the side, remove the wheel.
3. Using a TORX key set to “16”, unscrew the upper fastening of the “bone”.
4. By analogy, unscrew the lower fastening.
5. Gently tap the tips and remove the “bone”. If the nut is difficult to remove, use WD-40.
6. Clean the eyelets from dirt and deposits.
7. Insert a new stabilizer link.

Similarly, we change the stand on the right side.

Replacement resource. Consequences of untimely prevention

Lada Vesta stabilizer struts are replaced under warranty after 50,000 km. In practice, the interval is shorter by 5–10 thousand km. If the machine is actively used on rough terrain, the “update” interval is reduced by a third.

The duration of use largely depends on:

• quality of road surface;
• driving style and manners;
• speed and temperature conditions.

When the first knocks appear in the front-wheel drive area, you need to visit a service station and order diagnostics using digital equipment.

Ignoring the vehicle’s “signals” contributes to a decrease in control efficiency. When cornering, the car rolls on its side, making it difficult to control the vehicle at speeds over 90 km/h. At higher speeds, emergency situations cannot be ruled out.

Review of prices of original manufacturers

*prices are current as of 03/06/2019.

Analogs of stabilizer struts. Dimensions of components

*prices are current as of 03/06/2019.

Preparation of the workplace

• TORX wrench, socket set;
• rags;
• additional lighting;
• new “bones”;
• liquid for removing rust and deposits;
• related consumables that need to be replaced.

Sequencing:

1. We install the machine on a flat platform. We fix the rear row of wheels with wheel chocks.
2. Unscrew the bolts, jack up the left side, and remove the wheel.
3. Raise the car with a jack until the pressure on the bone decreases and it becomes easier to rotate.
4. Using a key set to “16”, unscrew the upper and lower fastenings. Gently tap with a hammer and remove the tips from the seat. We use WD-40 as needed.

1. We clean the eyes, remove dirt, deposits, and rust.
2. We press in the ends of the new stabilizer link.

1. Tighten the nuts with a torque wrench to a force of 5 Nm.

By analogy, we replace the racks on the right side.

Lada Vesta suspension diagnostics

Before starting repairs, be sure to carry out diagnostics. This is necessary to assess the condition of the machine, identify breakdowns, and correctly calculate spare parts and consumables.

The process is not at all complicated, you can do it on your own. If you encounter any difficulties with installation, please read the instructions and watch video tutorials on the Internet.

• We drive the car into the inspection hole, fix the rear row of wheels with boots to avoid any arbitrary rollback;
• Jack up the side and remove the wheel;
• From under the bottom we press on the stabilizer bar, check for play, deformation, cracks;
• Additionally, we inspect the condition of adjacent parts, levers, and mechanisms.

To check the tightness of the fit, we use a metal pry bar. We summarize, analyze the received data, and calculate the number of necessary spare parts.

Finally, we check the brake pads, disc, and cylinder. If the actual thickness of the pads is less than 17.0 mm, they must be replaced with new ones. Subsequent operation of the vehicle is unsafe.

Recommendations for selection

When purchasing consumables, prefer original ones; do not purchase analogues or substitutes, even if they are compatible in size.

Note to the driver. Stabilizer struts from Toyota Rav 4 are compatible with Lada Vesta; many car enthusiasts install them instead of standard ones. However, they are 10 mm longer than the originals. When a wheel falls into a hole at speed, the suspension arm hits the lower mount of the bone. An additional blow occurs.

Before purchasing, consult with service station specialists regarding the compatibility of the part with the make (model) of your car. If you are not sure that you can install spare parts efficiently, use the paid services of workshops.

stabilizer CLT - 50 1PCS

Conclusion

The process of replacing a stabilizer link is within the power of every car enthusiast. You need to be extremely careful not to disrupt the installation technology. Incorrect installation contributes to premature wear of parts and failure of mechanisms.

How to check the condition of the racks on Vesta

You don't have to be a professional mechanic to determine the condition of your struts. Every driver can do this.

The check is carried out according to the following scheme:

1. To make checking easier, you should turn the wheel and reach the rack with your hand.
2. Pinch the upper or lower hinge with your hand.
3. With your other hand, rock the car slightly.

When performing these actions, you can feel the play - it indicates a malfunction. Along with it, a knocking sound may appear - this means that the racks need to be replaced. Each rack should be checked.

If checking is not very convenient, you can remove the wheel, but take into account the additional time costs. Professionals also advise driving the car onto an overpass. If the driver doubts the correctness of his conclusions, it is better to contact specialists.

It happens that the strut knocks a little only while driving, then this method is not suitable for identifying the malfunction.

Failure to promptly replace stabilizer struts may result in the vehicle not being cushioned during impacts. Every bump, every speed bump becomes a real test for the car.

Reviews

Top 5. Fenox LS11117

Rating (2021): 4.26

Powerful protection against counterfeiting The most secure product on the market. The company uses its own code system and also puts a hologram on the boxes, which is too difficult and expensive to fake.

• Characteristics

  Average price: 750 rub.

• Country: Belarus
• Stand length (mm): 285
• OE code: 48820 42020

Fenox is a popular Belarusian brand that has long gone beyond the CIS. It produces spare parts for a huge number of cars, including the Lada Vesta. Here they know how to combine high quality and an acceptable price tag, which has become the reason for the appearance of a huge amount of counterfeit goods on the market. The company is constantly fighting it and inventing new protection systems. It has its own catalog with a system of codes, holograms and barcodes. Despite this, fakes still come across, so when buying struts, shock absorbers or brakes, you should be as careful and attentive as possible.

Advantages and disadvantages

• Large selection of products
• Best compatibility with Lada Vesta cars
• Reliable manufacturer
• Favorable prices

• There are a lot of counterfeits that spoil the brand’s reputation

Video - Replacing the stabilizer link

Three years is a short time for a new car. But today the car is widely known and actively discussed. This is not about its advantages and merits, on the contrary. Drivers complain about problems that arise literally from the first kilometers of operation.

The main problem, so to speak, the stumbling block, was the suspension of the Lada Vesta. Although the management of the automobile plant assured that it was adapted taking into account Russian roads. However, a miracle did not happen and the stabilizer struts on Vesta became consumables, which have to be changed after a run of 5 thousand km.

Today we will look at the principle of operation of racks and find out the role of diagnostics. We will reveal the algorithm of actions when replacing them with our own hands and separately highlight the issue of selecting transverse stability struts. Let's find out which analogues can be used in the repair process.

How long will stabilizer links last?

The stabilizer links are responsible for the stable balance of the machine. During a turn, the car is subject to centrifugal force, as a result of which it can tilt to the side.

The suspension is under heavy load and to prevent this from happening, stabilizers are provided. They perform the function of evenly distributing the load on both sides. As a result, the car remains stable.

When repairing or replacing car parts, drivers think about the service life of the new mechanism. I would like to be able to use the repaired car for as long as possible, but each spare part has its own resource.

The service life of racks depends on several factors:

• driving style;
• manufacturer;
• material;
• vehicle operating conditions.

The manufacturer claims that the service life of factory racks is 100 thousand km. The service life of racks from other manufacturers depends on the same factors as VAZ parts.

Motorists respond differently to the mechanism. For some, parts will last as long as stated by the factory, for others less, and with gentle use of the car, even longer.

If you choose between an original and an analogue, each driver must make his own decision: for some it is important that the part be branded, for others it is important that the system works.

The service life can also be reduced by poor quality of the road surface, installation of unsuitable tires (low profile), or too heavy wheels.

Aggressive driving, sudden braking, damage to boots and wheels, and impacts also have an adverse effect on the condition of the struts. It is worth considering these factors and checking the serviceability of the mechanism from time to time.

Principle of operation

The stabilizer is a metal pipe that connects to the front wheels of the vehicle. Fastening is carried out using cylindrical rubber. This is the stabilizer bushing. Its task is to ensure rotation of the stabilizing unit relative to the machine.

The suspension is a familiar analogue of the French Renault car. It works great on the roads of the post-Soviet space. Therefore, no technical changes have occurred in the design of the suspension system.

The operating principle of the Lada Vesta anti-roll bar struts is similar to its French counterpart.

Diagnostics

The first signal of failure of the element in question can be heard after 5 thousand kilometers. We are talking about a characteristic knocking sound when the wheel hits a small obstacle or falls into a hole. The knocking sound may appear, suddenly disappear and resume again.

The quality of our roads cannot be called ideal, so the anthers are the first to suffer and tear. As a result, dirt and dust seeps inside. They are the cause of premature failure of the elements of the stabilizing system. Further, play forms in the ball joint: this is the cause of the noise.

Having discovered an emerging problem and determined the condition of the Lada Vesta stabilizer struts, a set of diagnostic measures will be required.

Today, service centers are armed with enough modern instruments and devices that can determine the technical condition of a vehicle.

After the verdict is made, you can make a decision:

1. What components to install: original or analogue.
2. Where to carry out the replacement: in a car service or in your garage, on your own.

Why do stabilizer links wear out?

The negative consequences of using worn parts include deterioration in handling and skidding when cornering. Worn racks require prompt replacement. Certain signs may indicate the need for repair or replacement of parts.

A characteristic sign of a system malfunction is an extraneous knock that occurs when driving. Its cause is play in the hinges of the struts or souring of the mechanism, as a result of which the finger does not move well in the strut.

The reasons for the failure of stabilizer struts are:

• defective parts;
• frequent driving on bad, uneven roads;
• mechanical irregularities of the system;
• lack of lubrication;
• missing or damaged anthers.

When you decide to install new racks, remember that they are replaced in pairs: even if one is worn out and the other is not. The same goes for nuts that are not recyclable.

Replacing stabilizer struts on a Lada Vesta with your own hands

If you decide to replace the Lada Vesta stabilizer struts yourself, you need to understand what dimensions the analogs and the original have. Next, prepare the tool and get to work.

We'll talk about analogues and original products (their sizes) a little later, but now let's look at the sequence of actions. Let's find out what tools are needed during the dismantling and installation process, which, by the way, does not take more than 60 minutes.

1. New set of stabilizer links.
2. Jacks 2 pcs.
3. Shoes for wheels or a couple of bricks.
4. We stock up on WD-40.
5. You will need a wheel wrench.
6. Key No. 16: socket.
7. Key No. 14 for a new rack.
8. Key number 15 for a new rack.
9. Torx T-30 for a standard rack.

AvtoVAZ official opinion

To answer thousands of questions from car owners about stabilization problems, AvtoVAZ has the following opinion; These are design features of the model caused by the long working strokes of the struts when driving on uneven roads.

Officially recommended:

1. bushing lubrication;
2. installation of rubber-metal hinges, [under development].

Point one is reminiscent of servicing the Volga GAZ-21 [fifties]. It recommended lubricating ten lubrication points under the car body, after rain and once a week. True, no one suggested doing interesting things like lubrication of bushings. The most incomprehensible thing is how to smear them. Whether it is worth disassembling the stabilization unit or not is still unknown. Although old cars can still be found on the roads and nothing creaks or breaks for years.

Regarding the short operation of the stabilizer struts: They promise to bring them to normal condition. Now the problem is caused by the liner, which creates play inside the ball joint. Replacement of stabilization struts can be done free of charge at the dealer, it does not cause problems, they know about the problem with the stabilization unit and are ready to make repairs. But in this case, it’s much more profitable to learn how to change yourself. The reason for this is quite obvious. Replacing standard spare parts at a dealer does not imply the installation of spare parts or consumables from other brands of cars. How to change the stabilizer struts yourself in 5 simple steps Replacing the stabilization struts on a Lada Vesta car comes down to a simple algorithm, but there is also preparatory work: It is necessary to hang the front wheels of the car. Firstly, this is required by safety measures [the unit must be unloaded when removed from the vehicle]. Secondly, it’s much more convenient to work this way. Let's get started:

Dismantling sequence

The first step is to remove the wheel: unscrew the mounting bolts. If the nut does not budge (soured), VD-40 is used.

Rust is cleaned off and dirt is removed from the fingers of the stabilizing mechanism. The work is carried out using a metal brush.

The upper fastening nut is dismantled. You will need a ring wrench No. 16. To secure the hinge pin from turning, use a wrench No. 5.

Work with the lower fastening is similar in the sequence of removing the upper arm.

Installation of stabilizer struts

Installation of the new kit is carried out in the reverse order.

When tightening, you do not need to exert high physical effort. 44 Nm is enough. If you are installing the original, you need to know the product catalog number: 8450006748.

Sometimes you can only get by by replacing the stabilizer bushings. Stub bushings are suitable in dimensions d/h/w: 40/45/38 mm. hole diameter 22 mm.

Of particular interest are products made from polyurethane in the following dimensions: L/W/H: 39/42/43.5 mm. similar dimensions to Chevrolet Niva.

Also suitable are consumables, which according to the catalog go under No. 2123-2906046. If we talk about KIA, this is the catalog number KSBSJULF-21.5 mm (54813-2K 100). This option uses brackets 54814-G000.

Please note that the installation of other spare parts may change the driving performance of the vehicle. This will affect the stiffness when driving straight and cornering.

For complete clarity, we present the average prices of assembly bushings:

1. The stub will cost 450-700 rubles.
2. Niva costs from 150 to 300 rubles per pair.
3. KIA option 150-600 rubles per unit (piece).

Please note that the part in question is symmetrical. Therefore the installation does not matter. There are no "up" or "down" designations on the stabilizer bushings. This greatly simplifies installation and reduces work time.

In addition, the fastening nuts are disposable. When assembling a new kit, you need to use new fasteners.

Analogs of stabilizer struts Lada Vesta

Now let's look at the issue that worries many Vesta owners. These are original kits and products from related companies. What analogues are suitable and what are their sizes.

The length of the factory stand is 275 mm. Among the analogues we highlight:

1. Racks Toyota Rav 4. Length 285 mm. Article 48820-42020.
2. Russian set, costing 520 rubles.
3. Products of the CTR company. Article CLT Unit price 600 rub. therefore, the cost of the set is 1200 rubles.
4. Instead of the “native” stabilizer bar of the Lada Vesta, you can install an ALFA/FIAT/Lancia analogue
5. Renault
6. SASIC
7. SIDEM
8. Lemforder

Of course, other kits are also suitable. But these are the most common. Plus, they are affordable.

Which stabilizer struts are best to buy on Vesta

When choosing a replacement for the original, you must consider the length of the stand. It is measured between the centers of the ball pins and for a standard (not lowered or lifted) suspension it is 275 mm. The length must be strictly observed, since if the distance between the centers of the fingers does not match, the stabilizer will not work correctly. For example, by installing a strut just 10 mm longer, we will regularly hear the sound of the strut hitting the lever when driving over bumps. In addition, it will fail within a maximum of 15-20 thousand km.

Old original stabilizer link and new one from RAV4, difference 10 mm

If the suspension parameters have been changed, the ground clearance has been lowered or increased, the strut should be selected taking into account the changed ground clearance. It is highly not recommended to buy racks from little-known manufacturers, and judging by the reviews, users are not too fond of Belmag racks. Also, for the reasons mentioned above, you should not install racks from Toyota RAV4 with a length of 285 mm, neither the original Toyota ones ( 48820-42020 ), nor their analogues.

The article number of the original VAZ stub rack is 8450006750 , the price is about $10-11. However, their quality is questioned by many owners. Based on public feedback, racks from the following manufacturers are most often purchased:

• STR CLMZ 19 , tolerable quality, price within the original;
• full analogue of Renault 8200 669 065 ;
• SASIC 4005146 ;
• LEMFORDER 28334 01 ;
• SIDEM , article 19061 , price about $15;
• Trek , part number SL70-198 , $10 each;
• FEBI 12768;
• MONROE L15600.

It is very important to remember that it is highly recommended to replace the racks in pairs, while the nuts also necessarily require replacement, since they are not intended for reuse.