How to change the ball on a grant?

Video review on replacing ball joints on Grant

For those who are too lazy to understand photo reports, everything can be shown clearly and easily using the example of a video review, which was taken from open sources.

This concludes this repair report.

Before starting work, you need to prepare: a set of keys, a universal puller, a jack, WD-40 fluid, as well as new spare parts.

1. Before starting work, apply a few drops of WD-40 to threaded connections that you think may have problems. They will be different for everyone, it all depends on the condition of the car, the roads on which it drives, and the attitude of the owner towards this car...

2. Unscrew the ball joints. There are two TORX bolts that are attached to the hub; for this we take an E12 head.

5. Using a universal puller, press the ball joint out of the lever. If you don’t have a puller, you can use a crowbar, but in this case there is a high probability of damage to the CV joint boot if the crowbar comes off.

1. We unscrew the steering wheel in the direction opposite to replacing the steering tip.
2. We remove the locking pin and unscrew the nut securing the tip to the stand.
3. Now you need to “release” the tip mounting bolt.
4. Using a puller, press the tip out of the stand. Some people use a hammer and simply knock out the tip.
5. Next we unscrew the tip, this is done clockwise. If the adjusting sleeve starts to rotate, fix it using a wrench.

6

I draw your attention to the number of turns, it must be counted, this will save you from the need to go to a service station and do a wheel alignment

Text belongs to: VAZ DIY repair

In the design of a car, the ball joint plays a very important role, since it bears all the load that the vehicle experiences

Also an important function is the level of inclination of the wheels. On the Lada Kalina, the factory ball joint is not very reliable, so many car enthusiasts replace the standard part with an analogue

Video on replacing a ball joint

The video material talks about replacing the ball joint of the Lada Kalina and the features of the process.

Required tools and materials for replacement

To independently replace the ball joint on a Lada Granta car, you need the tools from the list below.

Read more: Water has leaked into the sump

Table - Tools and materials required to replace the ball joint.

Cover granta var2.indd

We check the chassis and transmission every 15 thousand kilometers.

We carry out the work on an inspection ditch or overpass.

The parts of the chassis (wheels, suspension arms, anti-roll bar, rear suspension beam, shock absorbers and suspension springs) and transmission (front wheel drive shafts) must be free of deformations, cracks and other mechanical damage that affect the shape and strength of the parts.

Hanging the front wheels one by one (while the car must be securely fixed on the support stand), we check the condition of the wheel hub bearings.

Use only factory-made support stands.

The wheel should rotate evenly by hand, without jamming or knocking.

replacing balls on a grant.

Which racks to choose for the Lada Granta - install normal spare parts

Selecting quality parts for car maintenance and repair is an important task for every motorist. In order for the car restoration to be high-quality and durable, it is better to use the most interesting options for parts with a sufficiently high quality. It is worth remembering that the reliability of spare parts determines their service life, as well as the quality of operation. Unfortunately, the cost of parts also greatly depends on this factor. Today we will talk about the racks that are best used on the Lada Grant. Considering the fact that factory suspension elements fail after a maximum of 50,000 kilometers, you have to look for something more interesting and non-standard. You can buy factory solutions again only under warranty, when you will receive a free replacement and will not charge money directly for the racks.

Today you can buy a shock absorber liner from any manufacturer, including some of the most amazing brands from around the world. In this case, it is not necessary to change the rack assembly; you can make a constructor by installing an insert of a specific selected type. This will completely change the behavior of the car. The stock shock absorbers on the Grant are simply amazing - they behave exactly as the Lada 2110 did back in 1998. There have been no significant changes in the suspension. At least regarding the struts and operating comfort of the car. There are different brands and specific recommendations for the types of racks. Let's take a closer look at each aspect of purchasing new suspension parts. This will help you better service your car and obtain the necessary features for operating a vehicle.

Selection of ball joints for Lada Kalina

Its front suspension is not much different from previous VAZ models, for example, Priora, Samara, etc. The chassis of different generations of Kalina itself does not stand out fundamentally. On the first generation and on Lada Kalina cars of 2 different modifications, ball joints with catalog number 21100-2904192-82 are installed, and for supports with a set of fasteners, catalog number 21100-2904192-86.

The modern auto parts market offers customers different types of supports. The first are original (welded from several parts), and the second are stamped and reinforced. Structurally, all these hinges are arranged identically. The only differences are in the manufacturing technology and quality of the steel used, as well as its thickness. This determines the strength of the products, their durability and, of course, cost. In terms of size and principle of operation, they are no different from each other. From this we can conclude that the question of choice is not fundamental and depends on the personal preferences of the car owner.

Experienced car enthusiasts, as well as auto mechanics, recommend using exclusively original components. Only by choosing the original, you can be guaranteed to obtain the declared quality, reliability and long service life. However, as practice shows, original spare parts are sometimes much more expensive than analogues, so most car enthusiasts prefer to use the second option.

When choosing analogues, you need to approach the issue carefully and responsibly. You should not choose very cheap spare parts from an unknown manufacturer, and you should also not take components from markets, unknown points, or simply from your hands. Before purchasing, you should carefully inspect the components. There should be no visible welds on them; the surface should be gray, which indicates heat treatment of the part.

The components must have an emblem and a quality mark. As a rule, fakes do not have this.

Indirectly, quality is indicated by holograms on the case or packaging of components, as well as an additional set of fasteners. The cost of a ball joint for Kalina usually does not exceed 500 rubles. It's inexpensive, but it's worth considering that purchasing units for tuning can be significantly more expensive. For example, those from Pasker are valued tens of times higher.

Photo report on replacing ball joints on Lada Granta

The first thing you need to do is put the car on a lift or jack up the front of it. After this, remove the wheel to gain access to the front suspension elements.

Then unscrew the two bolts securing the support to the steering knuckle, as shown in the photo below:

Then, using a 19mm wrench, we tear off, but do not completely unscrew the lower nut attaching to the front suspension arm of the Grant:

And now you can use a special puller to press the ball joint pin out of the lever, or use a hammer and pry bar for this purpose.

After removing the finger, you can remove the support completely, move the lever to the side:

If it is not possible to move the lever to the side using a pry bar, then you can use a jack and a brick, as is clearly shown in the photo below.

We take a new ball, remove the boot and thoroughly push it inside with lubricant, such as Litol. After which you can install the new ball in its place. Of course, you will have to suffer quite a bit until the support gets into place, but if you have a jack and pry bars, everything can be done without any problems.

We tighten all the bolts and nuts to the required torque and put all the other parts in their places. With this, we can consider this repair of the Lada Granta complete. The price of a new ball joint is no more than 400 rubles for the original product from AvtoVAZ. There are cheaper options, but in this case you can save on both price and quality!

Article number and cost of analogues of original ball joints

The lack of stable quality of original ball joints forces car owners to search for good analogues from third-party manufacturers. At the moment, the market is filled with a lot of alternative spare parts options. The price for non-original supports is comparable to the original. The best brands of balls are presented in the table below.

Read more: Android auto Yandex navigator install

Table - Recommended alternatives to ball joint 11180-2904192-00.

Manufacturer is one of the most difficult questions for the buyer

Buying unusual, expensive shock absorbers is becoming a necessity today. In conditions of very tough competition and the global crisis in the automotive market, cheap companies are starting to produce worse and worse spare parts. Therefore, the products of some corporations have long ceased to be reliable and of high quality. It is worth highlighting the following brands as an ideal solution for Lada Granta when purchasing racks:

• KYB - you can combine separate liners with a stock strut and you will get an almost full-fledged Kayaba, the shock absorbers are very durable and high quality;
• Acomi is a fairly affordable brand, but much better than Chinese solutions, a completely acceptable solution if you choose an expensive series like Comfort PRO;
• SS20 - the company makes special racks for the Granta, so they fit perfectly, quite adequate quality, but there are many fakes and a number of shortcomings in movement;
• Demfi - not so durable, but quite affordable racks, which are also ideal for the Lada Granta, quite high-quality performance, but you need a choice;
• Plaza is one of the cheapest options of more or less decent quality, but only some kits from the manufacturer are pleased with their reliability and durability.

So there are not many chances to choose from brands. Of course, you can try Monroe struts or buy some racing solutions from France and Germany. But this will be too expensive. The same as Kayaba, but this solution is classic, and is simply perfect for the Lada Granta. If you have enough money for a Japanese manufacturer, buy their offers for your car.

Replacing Lada Granta struts and supports - several important features

If the rear suspension is more or less clear, then the front suspension always hides more mysteries. It is the front struts and supports that most often fail. Unless you constantly pull a trailer or tow careless friends. The load on the front of the car is always increased, so you often have to work with the front suspension parts. Changing the front struts on a Grant is not so easy:

• first you need to completely remove the rack and disassemble the lower parts of the chassis for subsequent installation on a new mechanism for damping road irregularities;
• if the rack is installed as a new assembly, then there will be much fewer problems, you just need to install a new one in place of the old mechanism and reassemble it in the reverse order;
• if only the liner is changed, it is worth completely disassembling the strut, removing the spring and taking out the shock absorber, checking the degree of wear of all parts and the need to replace them;
• Next, you should replace the strut liner, carry out technical checks right at the assembly site and reassemble the shock absorber to its original position;
• Next will be the installation of the rack in place, assembly and rough diagnostics of all the components that you repaired, this will give complete confidence in the quality of the work.

You need to acquire tools such as a set of wrenches and sockets, a spring puller, a pry bar, pliers, screwdrivers and other available tools. Otherwise, you will not be able to completely disassemble the part and carry out its normal restoration. Of course, there are certain difficulties in carrying out this process, so it is better to take your Lada Granta for service and complete all the work in just over an hour. We invite you to watch the video of the process of replacing the strut on front-wheel drive VAZ vehicles:

How to check the condition of the front suspension of Lada Granta, Kalina and Priora » Lada.Online

The car suspension is designed to level the movement on any type of road surface and provide comfort for the driver and passengers. The presence of vibration for a long time negatively affects all components and assemblies of the car - bolted and screw connections are weakened. Serious consequences include bent door hinges, sagging doors, and loose closure of the hood and trunk.

The chassis of the Lada Granta has become more modern and modernized. Especially in comparison with previous AvtoVAZ models - two generations of Samara and first generation Kalina. The car has rear and front suspensions, which differ significantly from each other.

The rear suspension of the Grant is the same for the sedan and liftback. In fact, this is the same beam with springs and shock absorbers that is installed on Kalina, Samara and Samara 2. Instead of a stabilizer, a beam is used, which means the structure is dependent.

Front suspension "Lada Grants"

It has an independent suspension with wishbones and a stabilizer bar. Damping of vibrations is carried out by hydraulic shock absorbers. The main structural element is the stand. It includes a swivel bearing, shock absorber and spring. The latter uses coils of variable diameter. The spring itself is made of a metal rod with a circular cross-section. It can have variable and constant hardness.

The front suspension of the Lada Granta is designed so that the lower part of the strut rests on the steering knuckle. When the wheels turn, the spring and shock absorber rotate with it. The stand itself remains motionless. Thus, the engineers achieved an increase in the service life of the elastic element while maintaining the inlet hole in the shock absorber body.

The pillar support has also been improved. Suspension creaking on the Lada Granta appears much less frequently than on Kalinas and Priors. To reduce roll, the design includes a stabilizer bar. It is made of spring steel. The stabilizer is installed with its ends to the lower suspension arms. Its middle part is fixed to the body.

Granta 39 7 new size

The suspension springs must not be damaged. Tearing, cracking and severe deformation of rubber bushings, cushions and compression buffers of shock absorbers are unacceptable.

Liquid leakage from shock absorbers is not allowed. A slight “fogging” of the shock absorber in its upper part, while maintaining the characteristics, is not a malfunction.

If the rubber element of the upper support of the front suspension telescopic strut settles or is destroyed, the support must be replaced.

Rear suspension

Unlike the front, it has undergone virtually no changes. Here, just like on the first Soviet G8s, a semi-independent beam is used. It is attached to the body on hinges (fortunately, there are no “crabs” in the design). A helical spring with constant stiffness is used as an elastic element. To dampen vibrations and prevent swinging, two shock absorbers are used.

The elements come from the factory are oil type. The spring is fixed together with the shock absorber. This greatly simplifies maintenance work, but has a negative impact on handling. Often the rear axle skids when cornering. But despite the archaic design, the owners speak positively about this suspension and highlight a number of advantages:

• High reliability. The design does not have additional levers, which, in addition, can bend when falling into a large hole.
• Energy intensity. The Lada Granta absorbs all bumps perfectly, especially if oil shock absorbers are installed at the rear.
• Cheap maintenance. Due to its simple design, this pendant can be rebuilt even with your own hands. And the cost of new rubber-metal elements is unlikely to empty the pockets of even the most stingy car owner.

The main difference between the “Grant” suspension is the wheel alignment angles.

They have a positive camber of about 0.1°). On Priora, for example, this figure is -1 degree. Next, we will consider the main malfunctions of the chassis on the Lada Grant.

Innovations in the suspension system

Despite the different types of front suspension designs used (differences depend on the configuration), the developers took measures aimed at improving the performance indicators displayed by the front suspension. So the basic version of the Lada Granta served to create a modification with a more comfortable design of both elements - the front suspension and, accordingly, the rear suspension. Modernization includes:

1. Front suspension:

• the presence of a spring with an oversized coil diameter;
• gas-filled shock absorbers;
• reinforced longitudinal brace structures;
• increase in the diameter of the transverse stabilizer bar by a significant 2 mm.

2. Rear suspension:

• reinforced springs;
• gas-filled versions of shock absorbers.

An addition to the factory tuning was improved sound insulation. Due to these upgrades, the car began to confidently hold onto the road at increased speeds - up to 150 km per hour. Now sharp maneuvers in turns and bad surfaces are not a problem for him.

Shock absorber

This element is a damping device. The shock absorber serves to reduce the range of vibrations of the car body. In other words, the element prevents spontaneous rocking. The work of the shock absorber is based on hydraulic resistance. Inside it there is a liquid of a certain viscosity. It moves through a special valve.

Thus, the device absorbs sharp impacts while preserving vulnerable suspension parts. Therefore, the shock absorber is one of the most important components in the chassis. On our roads, this element lasts about 60-80 thousand kilometers. But this period may be shorter, even with careful driving.

It is enough just to damage the protective boot, and all the dirt will accumulate in the rod seal.

The rear shock absorbers suffer the most wear because they have much longer stroke. When driving quickly through potholes, the hydraulic fluid may simply boil. This is one of the reasons why a shock absorber fails. But most often it leaks - the valve loses its tightness due to a strong breakdown or impact.

As a result, the outer side of the cylinder becomes coated with an oily liquid. How to determine that this element has failed? It’s very simple - you will hear a characteristic knock in the suspension of the Lada Granta. Moreover, it is clearly visible in the cabin. From the outside, you can hardly hear a broken shock absorber. This knock is so strong that even good music cannot interrupt it.

You will hear a broken shock absorber immediately.

Also note that the damping element changes in pairs. That is, in the event of a breakdown of the rear left shock absorber, the rear right shock absorber also changes. As for the front struts, they are more durable. Often they are replaced already assembled with a spring, since they fail no earlier than after 150-200 thousand kilometers.

Oil or gas-oil - the first question that needs to be resolved

If you take inexpensive racks that are made in Russia or China, then there are virtually no differences between oil and gas-oil. But when you buy products from a great brand, you can notice a very noticeable difference. In particular, gas-oil will be a very tough sports solution. Oil shock absorbers offer customers a number of specific advantages that will be important in the operation of vehicles:

• quite high ride comfort, which can be called significant progress for the Lada Granta, overcoming most potholes without noticeable effects in the car interior;
• low level of penetration, that is, you will not catch unpleasant sounds when the rack shows its long free stroke, there is no risk of breakage;
• the rod stroke is quite long, it is possible to hang the wheels almost like an SUV, this helps on large bumps and dirt roads;
• your Lada Granta will not only become softer, but will also be able to transmit information about the road more energy-intensively, there is no intrusive data, only the necessary details;
• The cost of oil shock absorbers is often slightly lower than gas-oil shock absorbers, which is why the vast majority of domestic car owners buy them.

Of course, it all depends on the brand. You can buy an excellent Japanese version of the insert and get simply wonderful operating possibilities. There is the option of purchasing a cheap Chinese rack and being completely disappointed in its use. But for now, let's limit ourselves to making a decision on the type of shock absorber. It can be a soft oil or a sports gas-oil type.

Springs and strut supports for Lada Granta - choose the best

It is better to install original springs. No manufacturer offers the same accuracy as VAZ in this case. There is only one reason for this - no one wants a manufacturer of springs specifically for Grants to do it efficiently and cheaply. Therefore, you have to give preference to stock solutions

As for the upper and ball joints of the Lada Granta struts, it is worth paying attention to the following features:

There is an opinion that factory spare parts are always better than analog ones. But in the case of the Lada Granta this is not at all the case. Sometimes you can find quite adequate spare parts that fit Granta from German and Japanese brands. And then you can buy really wonderful additions and parts that last for years. However, any part has its own service life, and this also needs to be remembered.

Ball joint device

The device is quite simple. There are several design elements:

• A metal rod or "finger" with a ball-shaped end on one side and a thread on the other.
• Anther. A rubber elastic element that makes the rod work airtight.
• Metal cylindrical body, with a narrow opening on one side and a wide one on the other
• A polymer liner, usually consisting of two parts - the bottom (cup) and the top (stop).
• Pressure washer. Secures the polymer liner.
• Rolling the washer clamp. Essentially, this is the bottom of the ball joint.

This is such a simple device. A polymer liner is installed in the body, after which the finger is immersed in it, the spherical stop remains in the polymer. Next, we cover the metal ball with the second part of the polymer - it turns out to be pressed on both sides. Then close with a pressure washer and seal the bottom. It needs to be very tightly closed in plastic (polymer) cases, so tightly that there is not even the slightest play (it is absent as a class). A boot on top is also required; it significantly extends the service life of the support.

Diagnostics of the ball joint condition

The car owner can learn about the need for diagnostics by the following symptoms of a ball joint malfunction:

• driving over small humps and pits is accompanied by extraneous sounds emanating from the front suspension;
• There is a knocking sound in the wheel arches when entering a turn at speeds over 35 km/h;
• it becomes more difficult to turn the steering wheel and a creaking and grinding noise appears;
• decreased level of control over the car when cornering;
• partial loss of vehicle control while driving on uneven road surfaces.

To indirectly check the condition of the ball joint, you must use the method below.

• Hang the wheel on the side where the ball joint is expected to fail.
• Firmly grasp the tire with one hand from below and the other from above.
• Shake the wheel rim. If this is successful, then more accurate diagnostics of the suspension is required. Play can indicate not only a malfunction of the ball joint, but is also often a consequence of excessive wear of the stabilizer struts or steering tips.

You can more accurately identify a faulty ball joint if you gain access to the car from the bottom. To do this, you need to use an overpass, inspection hole or lift.

• Insert the mounting bracket between the lever and the ball.
• Shake the mount.
• The presence of noticeable play is unacceptable, as it is a sign of the need to replace the support.

Having gained access from below the machine, you should visually inspect the boot. It should not show any mechanical damage, such as cracks or tears.

Leaking grease is also a reason to pay attention to the ball joint

The most accurate diagnosis of the ball can be carried out by dismantling it. The support must be clamped in a vice and the axial and radial movement of the pin must be checked. It should not move due to hand effort. The presence of any play indicates that the ball joint must be replaced.

A torn boot, in most cases, signals the need to purchase a new support. Still, if you want to save money, you can conduct a more detailed diagnosis of the condition of the lubricant and, based on the test results, decide on the advisability of replacement. If it is noticeable that dirt is present inside the ball, then applying new grease on top does not make sense and you will need to buy a new spare part.

If you do not want to troubleshoot or have doubts about the failure of the ball, it is recommended to contact a service station.

Checking the car on special equipment, for example, a vibration stand, will show the true breakdown quickly and with high accuracy.

Characteristics of the ball joint on the Lada Kalina

This unit holds the wheel in a certain position, while at the same time allowing the hub to rotate and maintain horizontal stability.
The ball joint is called because of the ball-shaped tip. Structurally, it is a cone-shaped unit. The Lada Kalina uses a modern collapsible element, although the first VAZ models had stamped assemblies from several parts, and then cast structures. The ball joint installed on a Lada Kalina car, regardless of modification and generation, has a standard device that includes several main components:

• frame;
• a part in the form of a cone (another name is “finger”);
• rubber protective boot (prevents dirt and dust from entering).

The main elements are made of high quality steel. This is due to the fact that during operation the working parts are constantly exposed to load, friction and, as a result, high temperatures. The only exception is the hollow part of the body, which is covered with polymer materials. Plastic is mainly used for these purposes.

The main advantage of the Kalina ball joint is the extreme simplicity and efficiency of the design, which allows the contacting parts to move freely at equal angles.

Looking at the structure of the ball in more detail, it can be noted that it is actually a steel finger, which on one side ends with a tip in the form of a small ball. The tip rests on a plastic (or polyurethane) gasket. The bushing and ball end are located in the body and are rolled to prevent flyout. The body is additionally galvanized against corrosion. It is fixed to the upper or lower control arm and the threaded part is secured with a knuckle nut. Thanks to this, the fist is not fixed too tightly, which allows it to rotate along with the wheel hub, and the vertical position is maintained when the vehicle’s suspension is operating.

The ball joint is a fairly reliable and durable unit if you follow the operating rules. The long service life of the ball joint is possible thanks to the lubricant located in the part of the housing where it comes into contact with the working part. Insufficient lubrication, its leakage and moisture entering the internal cavity can cause premature failure of the entire assembly. To protect the working parts, a special boot made of rubber that is resistant to aggressive environments is used.

In order for the ball joint to last as long as possible, every car enthusiast should check the condition of the suspension from time to time, paying special attention to the rubber boots. There should be no cracks or other visible damage on their surface

If there are defects, it is recommended to check the condition of the entire assembly for wear.

Let's sum it up

There are a number of features of operating the Lada Granta on Russian roads. For some reason, a domestic car is not very suitable for our roads; it crashes and fails instantly. Sometimes you come across a well-built car that doesn’t show any character after 100,000 kilometers. But in most cases, the Garnet justifies the title of the cheapest car in the Lada line. And when it comes to racks, the manufacturer saves a lot on these elements. The installation of low-quality suspension elements leads to the fact that more and more people, after purchasing Grants, repair it under warranty.

However, sometimes it is better to cancel the warranty and install normal racks, supports and other parts. In this case, you will ensure the normal service of your car’s suspension and will be able to establish normal operation of each unit. This will take a certain budget, but can provide you with comfortable movement without any particular difficulties or problems. Of course, even the best quality rack will eventually fail. But it can travel far beyond 100 thousand kilometers. What brands of spare parts do you choose to repair the suspension of your Lada Granta?