A car subframe is a structural element that complements the strength part of the body. It is necessary when the car has a fairly light load-bearing body, which is at risk of deformation under the influence of the large weight of the units included in the car’s design. The VAZ 2108 subframe is no exception in this sense. Equipping the VAZ 2108 with this element will be a guarantee for owners that the dynamic characteristics and controllability of the vehicle will increase, and the integrity of the vehicle will be guaranteed.
General information
Despite the fact that the “nines” and “eights” were designed by Porsche engineers, today these cars are significantly inferior to even the cheapest Korean models. The suspension is standard for front-wheel drive cars, such as McPherson, but it is quite unreliable. Its indicators are low, and so is its power structure.
To improve the quality of the entire suspension, and at the same time increase the rigidity of the body, you can install a subframe. You can make it with your own hands in a few hours, having the necessary tools at hand. There are a lot of subframe designs on sale, but their cost is over 3,000 rubles.
A little about firmware
If you still decide to upgrade the ECU yourself, use only high-quality firmware. According to reviews from car enthusiasts, Paulus firmware is a good option, as they “correctly” change the settings of the electronic unit. Moreover, they should be downloaded from official sites, and not from third parties. Because you can run into a fake and spoil the characteristics of the car.
Therefore, be extremely careful when choosing new software, since the cost of an error is very high and there is a risk of damaging your car with low-quality software.
When do you need to upgrade your suspension?
There is no need to assume that such tuning is needed only by owners of domestic cars. Foreign cars also need improvements. Even abroad, motorists install subframes on their cars. This element has a beneficial effect not only on the car itself, but also on the driver and passengers. Ride comfort increases, and significantly.
Subframes are made of high-strength metals. Moreover, the design is thought out very competently, because you need to take into account that this element should not interfere with engine or gearbox repairs.
The driver must have easy access to all parts of the vehicle. The car body will become much stronger when using such devices. The service life of all elements included in the suspension design increases significantly.
At their core, front-wheel drive cars, even without subframes, have very good stability. And the use of this element significantly improves all positive characteristics. The maneuverability of the vehicle also increases significantly.
Specifications
“Samara-2” is the first generation of cars in the VAZ line, which was equipped exclusively with injected engines. So, initially this car was equipped with a one and a half liter unit with distributed injection producing 77 horsepower. Among the advantages of this engine, reviews note the reliability of the gas distribution mechanism. If the belt broke, the pistons did not meet the valves. But this engine also has disadvantages. They concern low power. This is the weakest engine that has ever been installed on the “fourteenth”.
A little later (it was 2007), the VAZ-2114 acquired a 1.6-liter engine with 82 horsepower. But it still used an eight-valve head. Therefore, there was no need to think about significant dynamics. However, the consumption was pleasing - for 100 kilometers the car consumed 7.6 liters of gasoline in the combined cycle.
Advantages of using stretchers
The body becomes much stronger, so there will be significantly less roll when cornering. Consequently, the degree of safety is improved. Individual body elements will move relative to each other much less. This increases the rigidity of the entire body.
The load is distributed evenly between all parts of the VAZ-2109. This leads to the conclusion that the service life of all body parts, as well as the car as a whole, increases significantly. All vibrations that occur when the car is moving will be dampened using a subframe. As a result, passengers and the driver will hardly feel them.
Rear body reinforcement
The G8 body can be strengthened in various ways. So, you can make it tougher by adjusting the three-dimensional sports body or installing a stretcher. A good option is to mount a special amplifier or spacer.
Note. Whatever enhancement option the car owner chooses, he needs to gain at least basic knowledge about the benefits of this type of tuning. Thanks to modernization of this kind, the degree of rigidity of the metal frame of the car increases by no less than a third, and the performance of the chassis of the car significantly increases.
Advantages
The main advantage of using a spacer is that this option is always supported by the necessary certificates and a patent. It is approved for installation by AVTOVAZ, which makes it possible to maintain the warranty and not run into problems with the law.
The amplifier is created using modern technologies. When designing it, complex mathematical modeling formulas were used, which made it possible to eliminate the “wobbling” effect while the vehicle was moving. Thanks to this enhancement, coordination, the car’s balance indicator and other important characteristics increase.
When driving on bad roads, the booster prevents a decrease in the stability of the car, even if the “eight” is traveling at high speed. In the process of passing uneven surfaces, excellent alignment of the movement is noticeable.
It will be useful to know that when designing “Samarov” models, much attention is paid to the rigidity of the metal frame. The degree of torsional rigidity especially needs to be controlled, and in terms of safety it is much more relevant. And an additional amplifier, supplied by yourself, just makes it possible to increase torsional rigidity.
In addition, thanks to this modernization, the following indicators are improved:
- The doors of the VAZ 2108 will no longer jam after the jacking procedure or other severe use of the car;
- Squeaks and noises from the plastic of the dashboard and trunk will be significantly reduced;
- The reliability indicator of the car body will increase, which is explained by a decrease in the overall degree of structural effort;
- The comfort of driving a car will improve. This is achieved by separating the natural frequencies of the internal combustion engine, suspension and body elements.
The performance of the car also improves when driving in a straight line:
- The degree of balance increases, mainly at high speeds;
- The car behaves much better when passing through potholes, road bulges and bumps.
When driving on curves:
- The car's reaction to maneuver becomes better. This gives the driver a kind of guarantee, which allows him to move faster;
- The car driving system is simplified even when performing sharp, unexpected maneuvers - entering a sharp turn, and so on;
- The behavior of the car is already clearly well predicted, and this allows the pilot to look for the best driving options;
- The smooth running of the car remains high.
Installation
It is reasonable to install the element on the rear of the V8. It is he who is the weak link of the machine. Only when installing it, we must remember that everything must be done in a balanced manner. Today you can find 3 variants of amplifiers on sale.
- From "Technomaster". Designed specifically for the G8, VAZ 2111 and 2112. Price - 2.7 thousand rubles.
- Amplifier from "Avtoproduct". It costs about 2 thousand rubles.
- Autoproduct also offers another element called stretching. Placed on the rear pillars.
The amplifier from “Tehnomaster” is a frame, nicknamed “TV”. Its upper connection rod is removable, which allows you to conveniently use the luggage compartment without completely dismantling the amplifier.
As for the amplifier from Avtoprodukt, it is capable of minimizing the shift of the suspension fasteners and the areas where the beam is attached to the body at the rear by 20 percent. In addition, the overall torsional rigidity of the body increases and excess stress in the body components is reduced.
The disadvantage of this amplifier is that it needs to be fixed only to the power elements of the frame, and not to the intermediate ones.
But, despite the more complex installation, such an amplifier has great advantages:
- It consists of rods connected to each other rigidly and reliably. This completely eliminates any movement of parts among themselves;
- The spacer can be easily dismantled if you need to load the trunk with large, bulky items.
Both amplifiers are recommended by the manufacturer.
The installation of an amplifier on a VAZ 2108 must be carried out strictly according to the rules. In particular, you cannot install a strut on a car if only the rear stabilizer is engaged and the front one is not.
Installing an amplifier from Tekhnomaster will not cause any difficulties. As for installing the spacer from Avtoprodukt, there are the following nuances:
- You will have to make large holes in the strut brackets in the place where the lower rod is fixed to the body. This can be done with a file;
- After installing the lower rod, the remaining parts of the amplifier are assembled onto it. Two diagonal rods are placed crosswise, then the top one is installed.
Here's what it will look like graphically:
Here's how the spacer is assembled in practice:
Independent option
It makes sense to make such an amplifier with your own hands. The fact is that the price of spacers does not suit all car owners. And why spend extra money if the process is not too complicated and won’t take much time. You just need to find suitable pipes: the diameter should be in the range of 25-27 mm, length - 960 mm.
It is also recommended to find a sheet of iron 1.5-2 mm thick.
Now, regarding equipment and tools:
- The Bulgarian was initially “booked” for this work. It will be necessary to cut, grind, but nothing better than this tool has yet been invented in such situations;
- The welding machine is not necessarily the most powerful. Anyone will do, as long as it’s convenient to work with;
- A good drill with a high number of revolutions (after all, we work with iron);
- Round file;
- Square profile 30 cm long.
- We cut the pipe to size. We mark in advance the places that will need to be bent.
Advice. It is rarely possible to bend a pipe correctly at home. It is possible that a dent may appear. If this happens, it’s okay - you can strengthen the weak point of the pipe by welding and a grinder. Boil first, level the second.
- From the sheet we make fastenings for the top and bottom. We cut it into pieces and make holes with a drill;
- We weld the pipe to the body.
Advice. To strengthen the attachment of the pipe to the body, it is recommended to use profiles. They are cut to size, placed on top of the pipe and welded longitudinally to the body.
- The upper rod should be removable. To do this, it will be necessary to make it using the “pipe-in-pipe” technology. A threaded connection will help, as in the photo below.
Savings of 2-2.5 thousand rubles are obvious. And the effect from a homemade amplifier is the same as from a factory one. It is recommended that the product be thoroughly sanded and painted in a pleasant color that matches the overall design.
Whether to install a spacer or not is a personal matter for everyone. The main thing is to ensure that the body is balanced. As for the positive effect, it will appear immediately: significant changes in control, disappearance of squeaks, and so on.
Selection of subframes
For VAZ-2109 cars, it is necessary to install a subframe made of aluminum or steel. The design feature of the element, as well as the characteristics of the material used, provide the best ratio between weight and rigidity.
Aluminum structures have a very small mass, but the rigidity is quite decent. Subframes can be installed together with engine protection made of aluminum or steel. Also included with the subframe are suspension arms. Element design:
- Longitudinal spars in the amount of 2 pieces.
- Cross member (pipe).
- Fastening is done using rubber silent blocks.
- The structural elements are usually arranged crosswise.
To maximize the rigidity of the car body, you can install spacers between the rear pillars on the VAZ-2109.
Product delivery options
Note! Below are the shipping methods available specifically for this product. Payment options may vary depending on the shipping method. Detailed information can be found on the “Delivery and Payment” page.
Transport companies
Available payment methods:
- Using cards Sberbank, VTB, Post Bank, Tinkoff
- Yandex money
- QIWI
- ROBOKASSA
Delivery is possible to any locality where there is a representative office of the transport company. Delivery time is from 2 to 10 days. Sending large parcels is approximately 50% more profitable than by Russian Post.
Pickup from our warehouse
Available payment methods:
- Cash upon receipt
- Credit, installments
- Using cards Sberbank, VTB, Post Bank, Tinkoff
- Yandex money
- QIWI
- ROBOKASSA
Pickup times must coincide with store opening hours.
Features of operation
Most designs that are commercially available are patented. If you care about your safety, then it will be much better to purchase products in a store rather than making them yourself. Saving on your life and health is not recommended. But even if you buy a factory subframe, which was made by professionals with many years of experience and excellent education, you will need to install it yourself.
You can contact the service center, but it will cost a pretty penny. Before purchasing, be sure to carefully inspect the device; if there are any defects, it cannot be installed. During operation, the following symptoms may appear:
- When overcoming small obstacles and when driving on uneven surfaces, squeaks may appear. Often the reason for this is the failure of silent blocks.
- When starting and stopping the engine, shocks are felt. Again, this may be the reason for the failure of rubber-to-metal products.
- Metallic knocks can be heard from the side of the structure. The reason for their appearance can be either poor welding quality or damage to power elements.
All faults must be corrected as quickly as possible. It is better to drive a VAZ-2109 without a subframe than with a broken structure.
What is the salon equipped with?
The interior is simple, but corresponds to the era of the early 2000s. The seats can hardly be called comfortable, so many people install an adapter or change the driver's seat. Although there is a Europanel, there is no glove compartment there. The only options available are power windows and an illuminated dashboard.
Gearbox synchronizers wear out quickly. To avoid buying a car with such a breakdown, move the shift lever during the inspection. If you hear extraneous sounds, there is something wrong with the synchronizers.
And the saddest thing about the car is the lack of passive (not to mention active) safety features. There are no airbags or seat belt pretensioners in the cabin. If the car collides with an obstacle, passengers may receive injuries of varying severity: from bruised shins to fractures of the chest and cervical vertebrae.
How to install a subframe?
The sequence of work on installing a subframe on a VAZ-2109:
- Place the car on a level surface.
- The front wheels should be set as level as possible. Turn the ignition on to prevent the steering wheel from locking.
- Disconnect and remove the battery.
- Now you need to install the entire structure on the car.
- The simplest version of the element involves 4 fastenings - two in front and the same number in the back.
- Remove the bolts that secure the transverse link. The front subframe brackets on the VAZ-2109 are installed in this place.
- The rear part of the structure is secured to the body with bolts.
Replacing the ignition switch of a VAZ 2108
- In this work, special bolts with tear-off heads should be used, and not twenty-millimeter M6 (the latter option will make the task easier for car thieves).
- Use a chisel to unscrew or simply knock off the bolts.
- Before replacing the lock, you must set the key to the “I” position. And the locking latch that locks the steering shaft mechanism must fit into the lock body.
- Then we install the new ignition switch on the steering column, secure it with a bracket, then you need to tighten the structure with the mounting bolts.
- Make sure that the steering shaft locking mechanism is working properly. If there are any problems, you need to make a full turn of the steering wheel and adjust the position of the steering column ignition switch.
- Tighten the bolts until the heads come off. This can be done with a socket wrench set to “10”.
Start the engine. If no problems arise, we can conclude that the independent replacement of the VAZ 2108 ignition switch was successful.
Installation of suspension arms
If the kit includes suspension arms, they need to be installed. To do this you will need to partially disassemble the front suspension:
- Remove the front wheels.
- Remove the two bolts that secure the ball joint to the lower control arm.
- After this, you can remove the old lever and install a new one in its place, which will be connected to the subframe using silent blocks.
Before starting work, be sure to treat all threaded connections with penetrating lubricant. If you cannot unscrew the nuts even after treatment, you need to heat them with a gas can. But only after such dismantling, be sure to clean all metal surfaces.
Subframe, Triangular Arms, 22mm Stabilizer - Pros Cons and why is it needed at all
Let's start right away without any introduction or a long story of how I came to this. The day came, I collected all these spare parts, I had to buy them in different stores. Total: 1. ClubTurbo subframe - 3600 rubles 2. ClubTurbo wishbones - 4500 rubles 3. 22mm AutoProduct stabilizer - 1800 rubles 4. SS20 stabilizer struts - 950 rubles 5. Stabilizer pads - 600 rubles 6. Tehnomaster steering rack mounting amplifier - 970 rubles 7. Ball new TRACK supports TRS - 1170 rubles Plus a set of new bolts and nuts in case something happens to the old ones during the process of remaking P.S. with wishbones you will need longer bolts to attach the stabilizer links
Pros of a subframe and levers
-The rigidity of the body increases -The ability to fine-tune the castor angle -The handling improves -The stability of the car on the road improves -Car control becomes more informative
Cons (especially applies to the subframe)
- in the event of an accident, the body will suffer much more seriously - removal and installation of the engine and gearbox is made difficult by the need to remove the subframe - ground clearance is reduced - if the car has already been in an accident or has been used a lot on rough roads, installation difficulties may be difficult - standard protection does not fit under the subframe (or do yourself under the subframe or order specifically for this subframe)
In terms of time, I spent almost a whole day installing this, due to the fact that two bolts soured in the silent blocks of the levers, I had to cut them out with a grinder and in the places where the crabs were attached I had to slightly refresh the threads with a sword, it was too rusty and the bolts were extremely difficult to screw in
In the future, when I have money, I’ll also install springs and shock absorbers SS20
Source
Tools for making your own subframe
To make a stretcher with your own hands, you will need:
- Angle grinder, better known as an angle grinder.
- Electric welding.
- Tape measure, marker, corner and other marking tools.
- Flat area for installation of the structure.
Of course, a large amount of metal will be required. For the manufacture of subframes, you can use profile pipes. It is desirable that they have a rectangular or square cross-section.
The main thing in manufacturing is to achieve maximum structural rigidity. But you need to see how much a subframe for a VAZ-2109 costs in stores. The cheapest design can be purchased for literally 3000-4000 rubles. The material costs about the same, the savings are insignificant. And if you are not confident in your abilities, then it is best to buy ready-made products.
Placing an order
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Your cart page will list all the items you have selected.
In the Quantity field you can change the quantity of the product to purchase. After changing the quantity of an item, you must click the Update button to recalculate the total order amount.
You can also enter a discount code in the appropriate field.
How is production done?
First you need to install the transverse pipes on a flat area. This is the basis of the entire structure; you will build on it when installing the remaining elements. Brackets must be welded to the front profile pipe; they will be attached to the transverse rod pendulums. The rear brackets are welded in the same way.
The main thing is to maintain all distances down to the millimeter, otherwise the structure cannot be installed on the car. You cannot change the car body, so you need to adjust the position of the elements on the subframe structure. The subframe diagram for VAZ 2108, 2109 and 21099 cars (the dimensions of the front part of the bodies of these cars are completely the same) can be seen in the article.
Next you need to connect the front and rear cross members. A profile pipe is used for this. Carefully ensure that all angles and distances are respected. It is advisable to first fix the pipes with clamps, check their relative position, and only then start welding. First you need to fix the position of all pipes relative to each other by welding.
It is advisable to weld the pipes crosswise between the two crossbars. This will increase the rigidity of the car's subframe. Try not only to check all the dimensions indicated on the drawing, but also to try on the design directly on the car. If there is the slightest inaccuracy, correct the position of the elements relative to each other.
What kind of breakdowns will a novice driver encounter?
There were no engine knocks at idle, but the gearbox hummed and the lever vibrated. In winter, antifreeze was quickly used up. I was also surprised by the considerable gas consumption (a tank lasts 250-300 km). There were minor breakdowns: the generator belt broke, the lights needed to be replaced and minor electrical repairs were required.
Now almost 12 thousand copies are available on the secondary market at an average price of 142 thousand rubles. For the earliest ones they ask for an average of 60 thousand rubles. For 55 thousand, I found a copy with a mileage of 125 thousand km:
Young people, as a rule, get the most out of their cars, which is why there are a lot of damaged cars on the secondary market. Here is a live example, you don’t even need to look closely:
In all three cases, the impact fell on the same part of the body:
The car was issued a copy of the title, there are restrictions on registration with the traffic police.
The mileage in the ad is 150 thousand km, in the report it is 146,343 km:
But in fact, the car has driven more than 200 thousand km:
