One of the elements of the VAZ 2107 car, which received a number of improvements in this model compared to the previous ones, is the steering column. How is its device different? In the VAZ 2107, the steering column shaft consists of two parts connected by a cross. Thanks to this design, driver safety is significantly increased, since in the event of a collision the shaft simply bends at the hinge joint and does not cause serious harm to the person. Also, the shaft in the VAZ 2107 has bearings, so turning the steering wheel requires much less effort.
The steering column of the VAZ 2107 consists of a shaft with an articulated joint and a gearbox with a worm gear. Column repair is a very rare occurrence. If you ensure timely maintenance of this unit, it may never be needed. Steering column maintenance work includes lubricating the steering shaft joint, tightening the steering wheel nut, changing the oil and adjusting the gearbox. Let's look at possible problems associated with the steering column and methods for eliminating them.
Steering VAZ-2107: description, design and repair
VAZ cars, which are classic models, are distinguished by pleasant reliability.
This also applies to the steering mechanism. It is quite complex, but its design allows you to maneuver and ensure reliable vehicle control even in the most difficult road conditions. The modernization process led to the installation of a composite shaft and a safety column. Due to the size of the steering wheel, the driver makes the necessary maneuvers without any problems. From lock to lock, it takes 3.5 turns to turn the steering wheel completely. The force from the steering column is transmitted to the drive via a composite shaft.
The current steering mechanism on the VAZ 2107, a product of the Volga Automobile Company, is quite informative and does not allow the driver to get tired during long trips. There are certain difficulties when turning in a parking lot, but as soon as the car begins to move, the resistance weakens and turning the steering wheel becomes easier.
There is one more nuance - when the steering mechanism is working properly, there is a slight play. But its limit value complies with the traffic rules. This is due to the fact that there are steering rods on the VAZ 2107 and an impressive number of elements in the gearbox.
In general, the steering of the 7 can be considered reliable.
Steering column repair
Due to constant friction in the steering mechanism, elements wear out, which indicates the need not only for adjustment of the unit, but also for possible repairs.
How to remove the gearbox
To dismantle the steering column on the “seven”, you will need the following tools:
- a set of keys;
- knob;
- heads;
- steering rod puller.
After preparing everything you need, perform the following step-by-step actions:
- The car is placed on a lift or inspection hole.
- Clean the steering rod fingers from dirt.
- The rods are disconnected from the gearbox bipod, for which the cotter pins are removed, the nuts are unscrewed and the pin is squeezed out of the steering gear bipod using a puller.
- The steering column is connected to the steering wheel using an intermediate shaft. Unscrew the fastener of the latter from the gearbox shaft.
- The gearbox is fastened to the body with three bolts. Unscrew the 3 fastening nuts, remove the fasteners and dismantle the steering mechanism from the car. To make it easier to remove the assembly, it is better to turn the bipod all the way into the column body.
Mechanism design
To repair the steering column on a VAZ 2107, you first need to understand its structure, as well as the principle of operation.
The seven is in many ways similar to the “penny”. Therefore, the device and design received minor changes. The structure includes:
- A mechanism that transmits the driver’s force to the executive components;
- A steering drive that turns at an angle specified by the driver.
In turn, the steering mechanism consists of:
- Composite shaft with cardan transmission;
- Steering wheel (steering column together with a steering wheel with a diameter of 520 mm);
- Worm gearbox of the VAZ 2107 steering mechanism.
The control system has the following components:
- Bipod;
- Pendulum arm;
- Swivel arms;
- Steering rods for VAZ 2107 (one middle, two side).
The outer rods include two parts, which allows you to change their size by adjusting the toe angle.
Tie rod/end set for VAZ 2107
The operating principle of the steering mechanism looks like this:
- The driver begins to rotate the steering wheel, the wheel size of which ensures that this task can be performed quite simply;
- By means of a composite shaft, a worm gear is activated, which reduces the speed;
- The steering mechanism is lubricated with special oil (TAD 17) poured into the gearbox;
- The worm gears rotate, which causes the double ridge roller to move;
- This, in turn, causes the secondary shaft to rotate;
- The tray mounted on the secondary shaft makes a turn and pulls the rod system behind it;
- These components influence the levers that synchronously rotate the wheels to the required angle specified by the driver.
Parts of the steering gear housing
1 - housing; 2 - bipod; 3 — lower crankcase cover; 4 — adjusting shims; 5 — outer ring of the worm shaft bearing; 6 — separator with balls; 7 — bipod shaft; 8 - adjusting screw; 9 — adjusting plate; 10 — lock washer; 11 - worm shaft; 12 — upper crankcase cover; 13 - sealing gasket; 14 — bipod shaft sleeve; 15 — worm shaft seal; 16 — bipod shaft seal.
Details
1 — steering gear housing; 2 - shaft seal; 3 - intermediate shaft; 4 - upper shaft; 5 — fixing plate of the front part of the bracket; 6 — bracket for fastening the steering shaft; 7 - upper part of the facing casing; 8 — bearing sleeve; 9 — bearing; 10 — steering wheel; 11 — lower part of the facing casing; 12 — bracket fastening parts
Gearbox oil
To reduce friction of the internal elements of the steering column, GL-4, GL-5 transmission oil with a viscosity grade of SAE75W90, SAE80W90 or SAE85W90 is poured into the mechanism. In the old fashioned way, many car owners use TAD-17 oil for the unit in question. The filling volume of the gearbox on the VAZ 2107 is 0.215 liters.
Checking the oil level
To avoid premature failure of mechanism parts, it is necessary to periodically check the oil level and replace it. It is worth taking into account that the fluid from the gearbox, although slowly, leaks, and the leak occurs regardless of whether the column is new or old. The level check is performed as follows:
- Use a 8 wrench to unscrew the filler plug.
How to change the oil in a gearbox
As for changing the oil in the steering device, this procedure should be carried out every year and a half. If the decision has been made to change the lubricant, you need to know how to perform the procedure. In addition to the new lubricant, you will need two syringes of the largest possible volume (purchased at the pharmacy) and a small piece of washer hose. The procedure is carried out in the following order:
- Use a key to unscrew the filler plug, place a piece of tubing on the syringe, draw in the old oil and pour it into the prepared container.
Malfunctions and replacement of VAZ 2107 steering rods at home
Steering rods are responsible for turning the front wheels, so for safety reasons they should always be kept in working order. The VAZ 2107 is equipped with an outdated rod system with hinges, which is called a trapezoid. It has a small resource, so it has to be changed often. Knowing the device and following the instructions for dismantling and reassembling, you can replace the steering rods with your own hands.
Design and principle of operation of a trapezoid
Steering rods turn the wheels in the direction in which the driver turned the steering wheel. It is located at the level of the bottom of the car under the power unit, attached from below to the side members. Consists of three rods: right, middle and left. The middle link has two hinges, the other two are prefabricated parts from a long and short part.
The trapezoid works according to the following scheme. When the driver turns the steering wheel, the gearbox shank and shaft rotate. Using a worm mechanism, the force is transferred to the bipod. It begins to turn in the right direction along with the rods. Thanks to all three rods, the front wheels turn simultaneously. Ball pins located at the ends of the rods allow the steering rods to move only horizontally.
↑ What spare parts will be needed?
In case of replacing the entire assembly, the only thing that needs to be purchased is the original part (part number 21050-3400010-00). If this is not possible, you can buy units with other designations, but it is still better to use original components.
↑ Tools and accessories for repairing the steering gear
- set of wrenches;
- beard;
- screwdriver;
- hammer;
- vice;
- mandrel (you can take a piece of pipe of the appropriate size);
- rags.
The repair sequence for the VAZ 2107 steering gear can be divided into two main stages.
Adjusting the VAZ steering column
The main part of the car responsible for road safety is the steering column. It is responsible for the desired direction of movement of the car, and your life and the safety of road users largely depend on its operation.
Therefore, you should carefully monitor the good condition of the gearbox, steering tips, and spline connections. In the “classic” models of VAZ cars, a worm gearbox is used. When the steering wheel rotates, a so-called worm rotates in the gearbox and transmits rotation to the roller, which, in turn, turns the lever connected to the steering rods. Over time, the factory adjustments in the engagement of the worm-roller pair are disrupted, and the steering becomes easy.
At the same time, the free play of the steering wheel increases. Free play, or play, is when the steering wheel rotates but does not act on the wheels. This usually results in more steering angle or play being required to turn the wheels. This is especially inconvenient when driving in a straight line, as the car begins to “scour” along the highway. You should not waste time when this malfunction occurs. If you start this “disease”, you will have to change the entire gearbox and no adjustment will help. And the assembled gearbox is a rather expensive part. In addition, adjusting the gap between the worm and the roller is not difficult at all in garage conditions.
To make adjustments, lift the engine compartment hood and remove the protective cap that protects the adjusting parts. Under the cap you will see a locking nut and an adjustment screw. Take a 19 mm wrench, a slotted screwdriver (flat head) and ask someone to help you.
The wheels of the car must be installed straight.
Use a wrench to unscrew the nut half a turn and use a screwdriver to turn the screw.
When tightening the screw, the roller will be pressed against the worm, and the gap will decrease. While you tighten the screw, your assistant will shake the steering wheel and feel how the free play decreases. It should decrease as much as possible, but the steering wheel should turn easily. Once you have achieved the desired result, be sure to tighten the locking nut and check the play again. If the play is normal and the steering wheel rotates easily, then turn the wheels to the extreme right and left positions. There should be no jamming or jamming. You should not reduce the gap excessively, because the steering may jam, especially in extreme positions, which is very dangerous when driving when cornering.
If the adjustment does not help, the entire gearbox should be replaced. Other adjustments or replacement of some parts of the gearbox usually only lead to unnecessary costs.
Below you can watch a video on how to adjust the VAZ steering column with your own hands.
Further repairs will not be a problem.
You only need to follow a few rules:
- the worm pair is changed simultaneously, as a set;
- after assembly/disassembly, adjustments need to be made;
- Do not use old oil, but replace it with new lubricant.
After the repair is completed, the gearbox is assembled and mounted in the reverse order.
The steering gearbox is a rather old mechanical device that is now used mainly on cars of the classic LADA family. Today you will learn what a steering gearbox is - repair, replacement, adjustment with your own hands.
