Purpose, malfunctions and replacement of front shock absorbers VAZ 2107

Possible malfunctions and their symptoms

Breakdowns of the vibration damping device affect the comfort and safety of movement, so experts recommend periodically inspecting them for:

• leakage of liquid from the housing;
• insufficient resistance during recoil;
• insufficient resistance during compression;
• extraneous knocks and creaks.

The simplest test for the serviceability of mechanisms is to rock the machine in a vertical direction. If you release at the lowest point and the car continues to rock, then it’s time to change the spare part. Another signal - when driving more than 70 km/h, stability critically decreases, the so-called buildup begins.

The appearance of a knock may indicate loosening of the fastening or wear of the rubber bushings. In this case, it will be enough to change them and tighten the nuts. But if this does not give positive results, then more serious operations will have to be undertaken.

Signs of the need to replace shock absorbers on a VAZ 2107

Oil and gas-oil shock absorbers of the VAZ 2107 do not fail instantly. They gradually lose their properties. This is reflected in a deterioration in vehicle handling and an increase in braking distance.

It is easy to identify faulty shock absorbers: when driving over bumps or holes, the car shakes and sways. You can check the operation of the shock absorbers manually. To do this, just press on the wing of the car from above and release. The spring should straighten. If the body continues to rock, the shock absorber must be replaced.

Also signs of the need to replace the shock absorber are traces of oil leakage from it.

It is better to change shock absorbers in pairs - left and right at the same time.

Shock absorbers VAZ 2107

Despite the fact that the VAZ “Seven” is presented as a luxury version of the VAZ 2105, the design of the front and rear suspensions is no different from other classic models. This also applies to shock absorbers, which not all owners are satisfied with their performance.

Purpose and design

The main function that shock absorbers perform in a car’s suspension is to dampen vibrations and shocks that affect the body when driving over uneven surfaces. This part ensures reliable contact of the wheels with the road surface and maintains vehicle controllability regardless of the condition of the road surface. Structurally, the shock absorber consists of two elements - a piston and a cylinder. Depending on the type of damping device, chambers with oil and air or oil and gas are located inside the cylinder. The gas or oil medium exerts resistance during the movement of the piston, converting vibrations into thermal energy.

What are there

There are several types of shock absorbers:

• oil;
• gas;
• gas-oil with constant hardness;
• gas-oil with variable hardness.

Each option has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Table: dimensions of the rear original dampers of the “seven”

Oily

The working medium in oil damping elements is oil. The advantage of such products comes down to a simple and reliable design. This type of damper can operate without problems for several years without affecting the vehicle's performance. The downside is the slow response. The fact is that when driving at high speeds, the damper simply does not have time to absorb irregularities and return to its original position, as a result of which the car begins to rock. Shock absorbers of this type are recommended for those motorists who drive at speeds no higher than 90 km/h.

Gas

Gas-type products are the toughest. The design, compared to oil damping elements, has two chambers: oil and gas, which uses compressed gas (nitrogen) under a pressure of 12–30 atm. Such shock absorbers are used in racing cars and on some SUVs.

Gas-oil with constant hardness

The design of this type of damper is two-pipe, i.e. there is an inner pipe in the outer pipe. The product has two pistons with valves and contains gas under a pressure of 4–8 atm. and oil. When the shock absorber rod is compressed, part of the oil remains in the inner tube and works like an oil damper, and part goes into the outer tube, causing the gas to be compressed. When compressed, the gas pushes out the oil, returning it to the inner tube. Due to this work, smoothness is ensured, leading to smoothing out shocks. Such shock absorbers are less rigid compared to gas ones, but not as soft as oil ones.

Gas-oil with variable hardness

On Zhiguli cars, dampers with variable stiffness are practically not used, which is due to the high cost of such products. Structurally, such elements have an electromagnetic valve that automatically adapts to the operating mode of the vehicle. During the adjustment process, the amount of gas in the main damper tube changes, resulting in a change in the rigidity of the mechanism.

Video: types of shock absorbers and their differences

Where are they located?

The shock absorbers of the rear suspension of the “seven” are installed near the wheels. The upper part of the damper is attached to the car body with a pin, and the lower part is fixed to the rear axle by means of a bracket.

Types of shock absorbers

According to their design, shock absorbers are divided into two types: single- and double-tube. According to the type of filling, shock absorbers are divided into hydraulic (oil) and gas-oil and gas. The operating principle of all shock absorbers is similar. All of them are designed to reduce the amplitude of body vibrations caused by the operation of springs and the impact of road irregularities.

When deciding which shock absorbers should be installed on a VAZ 2107, you need to know how different types of products differ.

Oil shock absorbers are ideal for a relaxed driving style. They are “softer” than gas-oil ones, therefore they provide greater comfort in the cabin when driving over uneven surfaces and do not transfer excessive load to body elements. Another advantage of hydraulic shock absorbers is the price, which is much lower than that of gas-oil and gas shock absorbers.

Gas-oil shock absorbers are stiffer, but they provide good handling on bad roads and when cornering. But they transfer more load to the body, so when installing them, the body elements of the “seven” should be strengthened and an anti-roll bar should be installed in the rear suspension. Twin-pipe gas-oil shock absorbers are distinguished by a special cylinder geometry, in which the piston moves more easily, and the shock absorber itself operates softly, like oil ones.

Gas shock absorbers (“struts”) on the VAZ 2107 are installed much less frequently. The gas filling them has a high compression resistance. Therefore, gas shock absorbers are very hard, and driving with them on uneven roads is less comfortable. The advantages of shock absorbers of this type are high reliability, long service life and excellent vehicle controllability at high speeds, when other types of shock absorbers do not have time to “work out” irregularities.

What shock absorbers are better to install on a VAZ 2107? Improving the suspension

And many car enthusiasts who are not keen on tuning their cars prefer to replace standard parts.

What shock absorbers are better to install on a VAZ 2107?

To answer this question, you need to determine which shock absorbers can be installed on a classic. There are 3 types most commonly used:

• Oily;
• Gas-oil with constant hardness;
• Gas-oil with variable hardness.

All of the above have their own characteristics. The basic ones are oil ones; they are installed on the car at the factory. They are also recommended by the manufacturer. Contrary to popular belief, double-sided shock absorbers are not installed on classics. Due to the design features, you simply cannot fasten them. The shock absorbers used for the classics are the same, with the exception of the VAZ 2102 and 2104. These models have longer and more powerful shock absorbers at the rear.

Before replacing shock absorbers, you should select the ones that are suitable specifically for your operating conditions. After all, they are all different. And accordingly, depending on the road and driving style, they can behave differently. Let's take a closer look at their characteristics:

• Oil shock absorbers,
  as already mentioned, are installed as standard. They are often called “relatives”. They use oil as a working fluid. Only twin-tube shock absorbers are installed on classics. This makes them quite reliable. The disadvantage of this type of damper is its slow response. When driving at high speeds, the shock absorber does not have time to return to its working state, which ultimately causes the car to swing on the springs. This type of shock absorber is suitable for people who do not exceed 90 km/h when driving;
• Gas-oil engines
  use 2 types of working substance. The oil does the main work. Gas is used to stabilize operation. It eliminates excess foam, which helps the shock absorber respond more effectively to changing road conditions. When installed on a Zhiguli, it significantly improves driving performance. Swaying practically disappears at relatively low speeds. The downside is the tendency to miss sharp blows;
• Gas-oil shock absorbers with variable stiffness. This type is rarely used on VAZ cars. This is due to the high cost of such equipment. This type of part has a special solenoid valve, it adapts to the driving mode and changes the amount of gas in the main tube of the shock absorber, thus changing its stiffness.

An article on the topic “Which shock absorber is better, gas or oil.”

As a rule, most drivers opt for simple oil shock absorbers. Many of them replace standard spare parts with shock absorbers from Niva. They are the same in terms of fastenings, but the Niva ones are initially more rigid, which is due to the use of the car on bad roads.

Gas-oil ones are installed on cars much less frequently. They are usually used by people who prefer to move at high speeds. They are also installed during tuning to provide greater comfort. Adjustable shock absorbers are a sporty option, and there is no point in installing them on cars used in normal modes.

As you know, parts for VAZs are produced by many companies under contract. And although they seem to be the same, there is still a difference in quality and driving characteristics.

You can purchase simple oil shock absorbers from any manufacturer. As a rule, they do not differ much in quality. Gas-oil options are practically not produced by domestic manufacturers, so we have to look for options from foreign manufacturers. Most often you can find the following brands in stores:

• Kayaba
  ;
• Sachs
  ;
• Koni
  .

It should be noted that these are not all manufacturers, but only those more widely represented on the market. If you find a product from other manufacturers, it is advisable to look for detailed information about them.

Conclusion

. The shock absorbers on the classic are quite reliable. Their replacement is required quite rarely, especially when driving on smooth roads. But you still need to know which shock absorbers are best installed on the VAZ 2107. After all, sooner or later there will be a need for replacement. You can notice the malfunction of this structural element by the smooth rocking of the car, even at low speeds.

Choosing racks for a VAZ: top best

10th place: SAAZ

The products of the Skopinsky Automotive Aggregate Plant are installed on LADA cars from the assembly line. The devices perfectly stabilize the car on high-speed turns and withstand harsh operating conditions. The company's product range includes a large selection of oil-type and gas-filled models. The products of the domestic brand fully comply with the requirements of Russian quality standards and ISO 9001. When asked which racks to install on a VAZ 2114 from the budget segment, this option will be the most successful. However, buyers online complain about the short service life. When driving aggressively or on bumpy roads, the struts fail after only 1 year of operation. Advantages:

• moderate cost;
• meets strict standards;
• wide choice of modifications and standard sizes.

• there are a large number of fakes;
• low durability.

9th place: Monroe

The next representative of the list comes from the USA, however, it is produced in Belgium. The company's products are famous for their high-quality cases and high-quality fillings, which, at a moderate cost, ensure good demand among car enthusiasts. The model range consists of 25 varieties of shock absorbers and struts installed on foreign and domestic cars. Thanks to strict quality control, the company eliminates the possibility of defects or hidden defects by 99%. When asking which pillars are softer to install on a modern-generation VAZ, it is recommended to pay attention to the Reflex modification. This is a gas-oil version intended for use on asphalt. The average mileage to failure is 30,000 km, which is quite tolerable. If a user is willing to sacrifice comfort for durability, the Van-Magnum generation is a smart choice. The racks are designed for off-road use and are distinguished by their increased range and durability, which guarantees up to 50,000 kilometers of driving range. The only caveat is the need to carefully select and search for trusted stores - there are a large number of copies of dubious origin on the market. Advantages:

• The optimum ratio of price and quality;
• wide range of models;
• good strength;
• long service life.

• a large number of fakes.

8th place: Fenox

In eighth place is the company whose parts are most common on classic Lada car models. If the buyer is interested in the dilemma of which racks to install on the VAZ 21099 and similar ones, it is recommended to contact this company. You can also find optimal solutions for modifications 2101-07, 2109 here. The brand produces front and rear struts of good quality. Oil-type shock absorbers provide sufficient directional stability and handle small things well in the form of small holes and paving stones. Also, the parts withstand frost tests perfectly and function properly at temperatures down to -25 degrees Celsius. However, the models are not intended for driving on primers - under conditions of critical overload and heating, the seals quickly wear out. So, it will be better for rural residents to pay attention to the next applicant. Advantages:

• moderate cost;
• wide range of classics;
• good quality;
• few fakes;
• perform well in the cold.

• short service life;
• Can't stand dirt roads.

7th place: DELPHI

Stiff, racing shock absorbers presented on the domestic market by a British company. The brand is the main supplier of suspension components for GM conveyors. If the user is going to improve the suspension of the VAZ 2110, which struts to install, the choice is obvious. The company has created a line of shock absorbers of suitable sizes specifically for the Lada. The models use a modern damper system and synthetic oil of optimal viscosity. The combination guarantees excellent directional stability and stable behavior in high-speed corners, which will protect a fast motorist from running into a ditch. It also uses advanced alloys, which minimizes the coefficient of thermal expansion and creates the necessary stability during overheating. The other side of the coin is its inability to cope with bumpy roads and sections of dirt roads. Due to the reduced cross-sections of the bypass valves, the struts wear out quickly. The second negative factor is the complete lack of comfort - the hard suspension makes your teeth “chatter” in some situations. Advantages:

• excellent stability of the car on the road;
• withstands long turns at high speed with minimal roll.

• price;
• lack of comfort while driving;
• wear out quickly on bad roads.

6th place: BOGE

The next representative is quite a bit inferior to the competitor who took fifth place in the ranking. Positive reviews of racks for VAZ and other domestic manufacturers indicate good quality assembly and good driving characteristics of the products. This kit can replace the standard stabilizer struts on a Lada X Rey or Largus. The brand is a supplier of parts to the assembly lines of the Volvo and VAG automakers, which indicates high quality products and modern solutions. Among the general model range, the company has two lines of shock absorbers, produced in Lada sizes.

1. Turbo-Gas are rigid and reliable struts designed for racing loads. They are not afraid of primers and can withstand prolonged heating or dynamic loads.
2. Automatic – moderately tight and comfortable shock absorbers, designed for normal “every day” use. They stand out among competitors due to their good comfort and good handling.

According to sources, for the maximum effect of the parts, you will need to install a full set of 4 pieces. When steaming, third-party units can reduce the efficiency of the units. Advantages:

• noticeable improvement in control;
• stable operation under temperature changes;
• sufficient choice of modifications;
• great build.

• there are fakes.

5th place: BELMAG

A popular domestic manufacturer that supplies parts to the assembly lines of Lada and GAZ companies. In 60% of cases, such racks on VAZ 2112/2115 or Kalina are stock. The series series of shock absorbers is distinguished by good reliability and good performance. The racks are moderately soft and reliably hold the road. They also perform well on primers. Hydraulic shock absorbers adequately withstand critical frosts and the “impeccable” condition of domestic roads. A wide network of branded stores and partners ensures the necessary distribution throughout the CIS countries. Among the negative aspects, users highlight excessive softness - on the highway at a speed of more than 90 km/h, the car may sway. Advantages:

• good assembly;
• holds the road well;
• moderate cost;
• wide use;
• durable design.

• excessive softness when speed increases;
• there is a marriage.

Lada 2106 Fairlady › Logbook › Selection of shock absorbers for classics. Comparison, table

Good day to all! Today I will tell you a little, just a drop, about classic shock absorbers, their interchangeability with Nivovsky ones and other little things. You can often meet people who install Niva shock absorbers on classics, but there are also a lot of Nivas, so I’ll tell you a little about them. As an example, I’ll take factory shock absorbers from SAAZ, models 2101, 2121, 21214 and 2123. As I was able to find out and generally by touch, shock absorbers 2123 and 21214 are almost identical; in any case, for the latter I was not able to get any information on the characteristics, but the sizes are several different.

Visual comparison of the lengths of the front shock absorbers - 2101, 21214, 2123, 2121

Visual comparison of the lengths of the rear shock absorbers - 2101, 2123, 2121, 21214

I'll start with a short course on "concepts". A rebound is when the wheel goes down, for example when going over uneven surfaces, into holes, etc. Compression is when the wheel goes inside the arch, when hitting obstacles or when leaving a hole. In general, this is where expressions like “it breaks through the strut” come from (when it knocks under compression). I found a table on the Internet with the characteristics of the rear shock absorbers, and decided to make my own with the front shock absorbers as well. A larger value of “rebound” relative to “compression” will give the effect of lowering the car at speed and add stability.

Purely in my opinion, if you take a classic, which at least sometimes drives at a speed of more than 100 km/h, then you can’t take your relatives, you need it from the Niva (2121). If shock absorbers 2123 are installed, then they will be installed on the original springs, but the front ones can be from 21214. Reassurances from sellers on the topic that SAAZ gas-oil shock absorbers have greater rigidity will turn out to be a lie, because the characteristics are still the same, it’s just that gas is added there to increase the cavitation limit ( foaming) of oil, that's all. Cavitation occurs during continuous loads on the shock absorber, such as off-road, slalom, etc., and it directly depends on the oil itself; as a rule, the cheapest one is poured, and therefore it loses its characteristics quite quickly.

Thank you all, I hope it was interesting, correct me if I was wrong somewhere!

Tuning the suspension of the VAZ 2106.

Also, to achieve a stiffer suspension, car enthusiasts install shock absorbers from Niva (VAZ 2121). Many people think that they are longer, but this is not so - the shock absorbers from the Chevrolet Niva (2123) are larger in size, and on the regular Niva they are exactly the same as on the “classic”. So why install them? And all because in terms of action they work on both rebound and compression (on the classics, standard shock absorbers work only on rebound). Accordingly, due to this, the suspension becomes stiffer.

For some, such shock absorbers on the “classic” seem quite stiff, but for others it’s just right.

Do you drive laden and the rear of your car sags?

There is a solution to this problem! Just install rear springs from a VAZ 2104/2102 paired with shock absorbers from a Moskvich 412. Why shock absorbers from Moskvich? The fact is that the springs from the four are longer than the standard VAZ 2106 and are designed for a larger vehicle weight. That's why they will raise their butts. And in such conditions, the standard shock absorber will be a little short and will “punch” on the rebound. But the Moskvich shock absorbers are just a little longer than the standard Zhiguli shock absorbers, and the fastenings are exactly the same.

That is, they can be safely installed on the “classic” along with springs from the VAZ 2104/2102. And voila - the problem is solved in no time! But do not forget that Moskvich shock absorbers cannot be paired with springs from a VAZ 2106 - they will break through when compressed.

Which manufacturer to choose

In fact, all manufacturers of parts for VAZ cars should be the same, but there is still a difference in driving performance.

Oil shock absorbers from different companies do not differ from each other. It will not be possible to find gas-oil parts made by “our” manufacturers - they are simply not produced. Therefore, foreign companies come to the rescue. The most common companies are:

Here are the most common companies that meet the price/quality criterion. In fact, for domestic classics you can find a list of manufacturers that will be several times larger. If you have not found products from the above brands, before choosing another company, read the detailed information in detail. Forums and all kinds of communities will become faithful assistants in this matter.

As a rule, shock absorbers on classic VAZ models are highly reliable, and many do not even think about replacing them prematurely. But it is necessary to have information about what shock absorbers can be installed on the seventh model. Over time, parts will still need to be replaced. A clear sign of damper failure is the car swaying even at low speeds.

It is best to make the replacement yourself if you have previously done similar things and have some experience. Otherwise, it is better to contact a private workshop or car service. The price of repair work for a VAZ is quite affordable and does not require large investments in comparison with foreign cars.

There is a special offer on our website. You can get a free consultation with our corporate lawyer by simply submitting your question in the form below.

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.

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. Deterioration in the quality of the filler is nothing more than mild discomfort

Installation and repair

After we have decided on the type of shock absorbers we need, the price and the manufacturer, the question of installation arises. Installation and repair of shock absorbers requires certain skills of the performer and the availability of special tools. Often the rear shock absorbers of the VAZ 2106 need to be replaced due to leakage of shock absorber fluid or deterioration in vibration damping efficiency. Experts recommend installing and repairing faults in specialized auto repair shops and be sure to replace two suspension shock absorbers at the same time, even if the second one is working. The characteristics of a working shock absorber and a new one may differ significantly. Failure of the front shock absorbers of the VAZ 2106 manifests itself similarly to the rear ones. To check the malfunction, you need to sharply press on the hard part of the front wing and release; if the shock absorber is working properly, the suspension will return to its original position without unnecessary oscillatory movements. If body vibrations are repeated several times, then the shock absorber does not work and needs to be replaced.

So, we will devote our article today to shock absorbers, namely to the question of which shock absorbers are best to choose and install on your VAZ. The problem of choosing new shock absorbers does not arise too often, but due to the fact that not only comfort, but also controllability and our safety depend on this choice, the choice is quite serious and should be very conscious. Shock absorbers differ not only in manufacturer, but also in type - oil shock absorbers, gas-oil, adjustable.

We are unlikely to be interested in adjustable shock absorbers - shock absorbers of this kind are used on expensive cars and are controlled electronically, AvtoVAZ is still very far from such innovations, but with regards to the first two types announced - here we can discuss

It is especially important to choose the right quality shock absorbers, because they are usually used constantly, and the car’s handling also largely depends on their condition. After all, shock absorbers primarily dampen body vibrations that occur while the car is moving.

Have you ever driven or at least been a passenger in a car with “crashed” ammo? Yes, I feel like you’re driving on jelly, the car is swinging on the springs like a jack-in-the-box. It's very scary to drive, it's uncontrollable. So, let's return to the choice of shock absorbers.

Gas-oil ones are an ideal solution for those who mainly drive on highways, because, thanks to their increased rigidity, they improve the handling and stability of the car on the highway, in corners, etc. The downside is that when driving on an uneven surface (and most of our roads are just an uneven surface, or worse, a washboard from the Soviet period), the car will shake quite a bit, so it won’t swallow bumps. Well, oil ones are just ideal for comfortable movement over rough terrain. Personally, my choice is the oil shock absorbers that our VAZs are equipped with from the factory. Regarding the manufacturer, it’s better to scour the specialized forums. Some people are 100% satisfied with the factory SAAZ, some are satisfied with the quality of FENOX (although many argue that the quality of spare parts of this brand is a lottery). Personally, my VAZ-2107 had Phenox front calipers, a pump, everything without any complaints. They skated a lot. Many people prefer HOLA, but the one with the most good reviews is, of course, KYB Exel -G. I had BOGE shock absorbers (oil) - in my opinion - ideal. In general, food for thought has been thrown in, the final choice is yours, and we are ready to answer all your questions on our forum or in our VKontakte group! Until next time.

Shock absorber malfunctions

Any car malfunction always manifests itself in the form of extraneous noise, unusual behavior of the vehicle or other signs. Problems with shock absorbers also have certain symptoms, and if they are detected, you should not delay replacing the dampers.

Oil leakage

The most common sign that a shock absorber has become unusable is a fluid leak. Leaks on the body indicate a loss of seal in the oil reservoir. As a result, not only leaks occur, but also air leaks. In this case, the damper rod has free movement, i.e. it moves without any effort, and the part loses its functionality. If signs of smudges have just appeared on the shock absorber, it will serve a little longer, but you should not leave it without attention and it is better to replace it in the near future.

The main malfunction of shock absorbers is leakage of working fluid

Body rocking

Since springs and shock absorbers work together to dampen vibrations that occur when driving over bumps, contact with the road may be lost if the damper fails. In this case, shaking increases, the body sways, and the level of comfort decreases. The car becomes rolly, and when it hits obstacles it sways for some time. The easiest way to check the shock absorbers of your “seven” is to press the wing, try to rock the body, and then release it. If the car continues to swing on the springs for some time, then this is a clear sign of a faulty damper.

To check the shock absorbers, you need to swing the body by the fender or bumper

Body roll

One symptom that indicates problems with the suspension shock absorbers is body roll when cornering. This behavior of the car negatively affects safety, since the quality of braking, as well as vehicle control, suffers. If liquid has leaked from the damper, it will be quite difficult to keep the car turning, which is especially dangerous in winter. When the mileage of the products in question is more than 60 thousand km, which also depends on the quality of the parts themselves and the operating conditions of the vehicle, handling may noticeably deteriorate. But since the process does not occur at one moment, but gradually, the driver practically does not notice this and rolls can be perceived as a normal phenomenon.

Suspension noise

Extraneous sounds in the suspension, uncharacteristic of its operation, indicate the need to check and service this mechanism. When dampers and their bushings wear out, the ability to effectively support the weight of the machine is lost. In addition, so-called shock absorber breakdowns often occur.

Uneven or increased tire wear

If it has been noticed that the tire tread has uneven wear or wears off too quickly, then this is a clear sign of problems with the suspension. With faulty shock absorbers, the wheel moves vertically with a much greater amplitude, which leads to uneven tire wear. When driving, extraneous noise appears on such wheels.

If your tires wear unevenly, one of the likely causes is problems with the shock absorbers.

Plunging when braking

Among car owners there is such a thing as “the car bites.” If the dampers fail, the front of the car will dive during braking, and the rear will sag when accelerating. This is explained by the fact that parts that have become unusable do not cope with their function, that is, they do not support the weight of the machine.

Broken fastening

One of the infrequent breakdowns of the front shock absorbers is the breakage of the lower eye. The reasons for this phenomenon may be different:

• installation of low-quality parts;
• making changes to the standard suspension design.

Sometimes it happens that the fastening of the rod along with the glass breaks off. This phenomenon is accompanied by a knocking sound while driving. It is quite easy to identify a breakdown by opening the hood and looking at the place where the upper part of the shock absorber is attached.

When the upper shock absorber mounting cup breaks, a knocking sound appears in the suspension

The problem is resolved by welding. Some Zhiguli owners reinforce this part of the body with additional metal elements.

Checking shock absorbers on a stand

The most accurate method for diagnosing shock absorbers is to test the car suspension on a vibration stand. Using such equipment, the properties of each damper are checked separately. At the end of the diagnostics, the device will display a diagram based on the results of measurements of axial vibrations. By comparing the diagram with the permissible vibration value of a working damper, you can understand the condition of the parts.

Shock absorbers for VAZ 2101-2107

Shock absorbers for the VAZ 2101-2107 family (classic VAZ models), like all shock absorbers produced by the SS20 company for other cars, have several versions: “Standard”, “Comfort-Optima”, “Highway” and “Sport”. The presence of different settings options allows you to choose shock absorbers that suit your driving style.

Advantages of SS20 shock absorbers for VAZ 2101-2107 (“classic”)

• the ability to select the characteristics “Standard”, “Comfort”, “Highway” or “Sport”;
• Stable performance under harsh operating conditions (due to larger fluid volumes and improved cooling) without compromising damping characteristics;
• increased resource;
• extended operating temperature range from -50˚С to +100˚С;
• 1 year unlimited mileage warranty;
• stability of characteristics and quiet operation of shock absorbers throughout their entire service life.

Guarantee

• Description
• Buy

Shock absorbers VAZ 2101-2107 (these VAZ models have a more common name - “classic”), like all shock absorbers produced by the SS20 company for other cars, have several versions: “Comfort”, “Highway” and “Sport”. The presence of different settings options allows you to choose shock absorbers that suit your driving style.

Front shock absorbers SS20 for VAZ 2101-2107

Rear shock absorbers SS20 for VAZ 2101-2107

The family of VAZ cars with a classic layout has earned a popular reputation as simple and fairly reliable inexpensive cars to operate. At the same time, the level of driving comfort and smooth ride also contributed to the love of our compatriots for the VAZ classics. But over the years that the family remained on the assembly line, both the speed of movement and the requirements for car handling increased. At the moment, we can say with confidence that in modern conditions, when driving both in the city and on the highways, cars of the VAZ 2101-2107 family are forced to reduce speed and do not provide an acceptable level of controllability and stability at speeds of even 90 km/h

Therefore, when developing and testing shock absorbers 2101-2107, the main attention was paid to improving the car’s handling while maintaining maximum comfort, and improving the car’s behavior on country roads

The shock absorber housing for the “classic” SS20 production was enlarged compared to standard shock absorbers, which made it possible not only to increase the oil volume, but also to use larger diameter pistons, which significantly reduced the specific loads on the elements of the valve system and increased their service life. Pistons with a “skirt” are used, providing excellent sealing and stability of shock absorber characteristics with an extended service life. The lower and upper silent blocks of the front shock absorber have an original design that is superior to the factory shock absorber for the VAZ 2101-2107 family in terms of reliability and damping capacity.

Thus, the shock absorber for the “classics” (VAZ 2101, 2102, 2103, 2104, 2105, 2106, 2107) of the SS20 brand is a reliable design that will allow you to forget about a number of problems that arise when operating a car with standard shock absorbers. In addition, with SS20 products you will protect yourself from counterfeits: all SS20 products have branded packaging, stickers, and dot markings.

The main sign of a malfunction, as with any other suspension element, is a dull knock in one of the parts of the car. It may get worse over time. A knock indicates that the shock absorber has been broken. If it is oily, you will see on the lift that it has leaked. Basically, shock absorbers on the VAZ-2107 last 70-100 thousand kilometers, depending on the condition of the roads and driving style.

To perform this operation we need a set of tools. If these are rear shock absorbers of a VAZ-2107, you will need a 19 mm wrench and a head with a knob of the same size. For the front shock absorbers you will need a more extensive set. These are 6, 13 and 17 millimeter keys. We will also need a jack, stops, a hammer, a wooden block, a metal brush and universal lubricant (VD-40 or “liquid wrench”).

Replacing front shock absorbers

To replace the unit, we will need a standard set of auto mechanic tools:

• keys;
• stand;
• a jack and a little patience.

Important!

When replacing front shock absorbers (as well as rear ones), remember that the replacement must be done as a whole pair, otherwise you will lose more on increased fuel consumption and a lot of problems associated with handling and road grip, which is not caused by a combination of shock absorbers of different brands.

Now let's get down to business

1. The first step is to jack up the front of the car, remove the right front wheel and install spacers.
2. Remove the rack fasteners. We dismantle the steering tip.

3. We continue dismantling work, disconnect the brake hose.

4. In order to remove the stand, you need to unscrew all the nuts.
5. We tighten the spring.
6. Next, unscrew the central nut and remove parts such as the spring, bump stop and dust protector.

Now all that remains is to study the condition of the shock absorber. If it cannot be repaired, then we ruthlessly replace the unit with a new one and reassemble it in the reverse order.

The same work must be done on the left front wheel so that the front shock absorbers are the same.

The main options for reducing clearance

The first option, which is considered the most economical, is to shorten the standard springs. You can do this yourself or, if you don’t have the necessary tools and skills, entrust it to a novice specialist. This operation can be performed without removing the spring

It is important to remember that the springs are shortened by a different number of turns (front, for example, by two, and rear by three). This is due to the fact that the weight of the machine must be distributed evenly

The advantage of this method is low costs. As for the disadvantages, these include the risk of breaking both the spring and the shock absorber. Another option is to purchase and install shortened springs. Such springs are often called sports springs. The main costs here are associated with the purchase of finished parts. The advantages of this method include the fact that you can return everything to its place at any time (after all, the standard springs are not shortened). In addition, you can carry out such an operation yourself. The only thing is, upon completion, you need to contact specialists to perform camber/alignment work.

You can also reduce the ground clearance using a coilover. These are the springs that allow you to adjust the ground clearance. This option is the most convenient, because even if you were not able to achieve the expected result the first time, you can always adjust the desired suspension height without having to buy new parts. The advantages of this method include the versatility of coilovers. They are installed with both sports and conventional shock absorbers. They are adjustable according to your wishes. Finally, they are quite easy to install yourself. As for the minuses, there is only one – the price of the issue.

Selection of shock absorbers

When choosing shock absorbers for VAZ cars, you need to take into account the cost of replacing them. Cheaper models have a shorter service life, so they will have to be replaced more often

In this case, saving on a one-time purchase, you will spend more money on their regular replacement. It is also worth saying that for drivers who are sensitive to driving safety, oil-based options are quite suitable. After all, at low speeds they are much softer than gas opponents.

When purchasing shock absorbers, remember how they will behave during braking and acceleration. When braking, the car puts a load on the front part, as if “squatting” forward, and the rear wheels are unloaded at this time. At the same time, the grip of the wheels on the road increases. But during acceleration, a completely opposite picture is observed. The rear wheels receive maximum load, while the front wheels remain “free”, reducing traction.

What types of shock absorbers are there?

It is possible to install one of three types on a classic:

• oil;
• gas-oil with variable hardness;
• gas-oil with constant hardness.

As a rule, each type has its own advantages and disadvantages. Standard shock absorbers are oil shock absorbers that come from the factory. This is the manufacturer's recommendation.

As for double-sided shock absorbers, they cannot be installed on a VAZ, because they cannot be secured in the traditional way. Drastic changes to the fastening system will be required.

Shock absorbers suitable for the VAZ 2107 can also be installed on other models of this manufacturer. The exceptions are 2104 and 2102 - longer and more powerful shock absorbers are installed on these machines.

What to choose

Before placing a bet on any type of shock absorbers, you need to take into account your driving style and the conditions of upcoming use. As mentioned, each species has its own set of properties, which determines their behavior. Let's look at the characteristics in more detail:

1. Oil shock absorbers are a factory equipped item. People call them “relatives”. The working fluid is oil, and two-pipe versions are installed on classic models to improve reliability. A significant disadvantage of oil shock absorbers is their slow response. At high speeds, the damper simply does not have time to return to its original position to effectively maintain balance. The result is quite a bit of wobble. We advise those people who drive no more than 90 kilometers per hour to choose such shock absorbers.
2. The gas-oil damper consists of two types of substances. The main one is oil, and gas is used for stabilization (eliminates excess foam). The result is more efficient shock absorber performance when road conditions change. Installing such a solution on a Zhiguli significantly improves the driving properties of the car. There is virtually no sway. The disadvantages of a gas-oil shock absorber relate to the tendency to miss sharp shocks.
3. Gas-oil dampers with variable stiffness are rarely used on Zhiguli cars. First of all, this option itself is expensive. The part has an electromagnetic valve that automatically adjusts to the driving mode, and therefore changes the amount of gas in the main shock absorber tube. The result of this process is a change in rigidity.