Replacing rear shock absorbers Niva 21213

The Niva 2121’s primary habitat is off-road, and the inconsistent quality of components imposes a number of worries on the owner, for example, replacing shock absorbers. The average mileage of these components is 50 thousand km.

Signs of trouble:

prolonged swing;
jamming in extreme positions;
knocking, crunching and other sounds;
the appearance of “breakdowns”;
increase in braking distance.

The above inevitably affects traffic safety and must be corrected in the near future.

How to Change the Rear Shock Absorber on Niva ~ SIS26.RU

Front and rear springs of Niva Chevrolet

The movement of the car is determined by the appearance of body vibrations, which are caused by road irregularities. To smooth out and eliminate as much as possible the oscillatory movements of the body, devices such as springs were invented. To a greater extent, they are installed on the rear and front suspension and function to smooth out body vibrations. A car like the Chevrolet Niva also has springs that perform a similar function, and they are installed on both the rear and front wheels. Thus, the springs of the Niva Chevrolet jeep must certainly have the highest structural strength and wear resistance

In fact, now we will pay attention to the shock absorbers of the Chevrolet Niva jeep

Shock absorber design

Springs for cars are:

Hydraulic;
Hydraulic with gas;
Gas.

So, any shock absorber consists of main parts: a piston and a cylinder. It is these two elements that have a fundamental purpose - smoothing out body vibrations while the car is moving. Shock absorber for the field shock absorbers for the field, what wears out quickly and how to change it? Thus, the product softens all shocks, vibrations, deformations and makes the movement of the car softer and more balanced. The cylinder must necessarily have a working medium, through which shocks are absorbed. Such an environment can be:

Oil with air;
Oil and gas;
Gas.

Structurally, the shock absorber is attached on one side using a rod to the body of a Chevrolet Niva car, and on the other - to the suspension. Special supports act as fastening parts. Rear light on a Mitsubishi Lancer 9. As in the rear block, the headlight must be removed. To protect the internal parts of the device, on its upper part there are: a boot and a protective casing. Before removing the bolt, use a 19mm spanner to unscrew the rear shock absorber. The slightest particles of dust, moisture or dirt will lead to rapid failure of this product, so it is necessary to monitor their condition.

To prevent the filling in the form of oil from splashing out during operation of the shock absorber, its design has a special cuff with a bushing located in the upper part of the product.

Malfunctions: how to determine?

During operation, all car parts tend to wear out, so it is important in this case to determine the moment when it is necessary to replace today's devices on a Chevrolet Niva SUV. So, a malfunction of the device has quite dangerous consequences, especially for SUVs.

First of all, the malfunction leads to an increase in braking distance, body beating on the suspension, a decrease in safe cornering speed, increased tire wear, etc. In this case, the driver may also notice that the car’s controllability is impaired, so it is necessary to find the cause and eliminate it. To determine the malfunction of the shock absorbers, it is necessary to diagnose them. To do this, use the following methods:

Visual inspection is the easiest way to detect a problem. To do this, you need to look under the bottom and if there are oil leaks on the device, then you need to replace it. How to change the rear shock absorber on Niva 21214. It is also necessary to check the condition of the boot; if there are cracks or deformations, it will need to be replaced. Visually, the wear of the rear shock absorbers can also be determined by the condition of the tires.
"Wiggle." To do this, you need to rock the car in any corner and release it. How to remove the rear bumper on a Renault Logan: video. If the body continues to oscillate, this indicates a malfunction of the product.
Controllability. A faulty shock absorber will certainly give itself away. To do this, you need to drive off-road and determine where the car is swaying strongly.
Diagnostics on stands. The most difficult way to determine a malfunction, but at the same time effective.

Failure detection

Chevrolet Niva shock absorbers clearly require replacement if the following deviations are observed:

a long period of excessive tire wear began abruptly and continues;
when driving, you feel vibration and shaking that is unusual for your car;
increased sensitivity of wheels when hitting potholes and pits;
noticeable sagging of the body during braking and acceleration;
low stability and skidding when cornering;
the overall controllability of the vehicle has decreased;
the body often sways for no apparent reason.

IMPORTANT! After diagnostics, if obvious wear of one shock absorber is detected, it is necessary to change the second one. These mechanisms always operate in pairs. If you decide to replace the racks, you should also purchase upper supports for them. The period of operation of the mechanisms will be extended, since the entire chain of perception of road irregularities will be updated.

When to change?

Let me refer to quotes from the forums: look at how your lower control arm is relative to the ground, measure the distance from the edge of the wheel to the arch, and the like. Of course, there is some truth in all this, BUT these are all consequences. We need to look at the reason, that is, at the spring itself. The next legitimate question is: where to look? The photo shows springs from the same car, one side before replacing the springs, the other after.

For some reason I remembered the magazine “Murzilka” with pictures on the topic, find 10 differences)). Red circles indicate where to look. Why do springs in this condition need to be changed and why is this criminal? Different alloys have different physical characteristics. In particular, spring steels do not withstand shock loads at all. When the coils of the springs close to full contact, an impact occurs. Stress tends to accumulate, and at some point the spring bursts. If this happens at low speed, the face of the car will simply fall down. The fuse will be the shock absorber, which will bend, and if the swing was stronger, then the body will lie on the wheel. It is much worse if this happens at speed or somewhere on the descent from a hill. I saw a short video from the Ladoga Trophy, when a short Niva drives down a hill, bounces a little and turns over. What can be seen in the slow motion replay: when flying up, the suspension dissolves. Then, the face of the car goes down, the spring bursts, the body falls on the wheel... and the car does a somersault through this wheel, since the kinetic energy has not gone away.

Manufacturers

Most of the offers on the market are domestic producers. But at the same time, there is a fairly large number of parts produced by large global factories. This allows you to make the most accurate and correct choice. Before choosing a specific brand, it is recommended to study reviews about these spare parts, which will allow you to avoid making mistakes when purchasing. It is also worth considering that some companies specialize in specific types of shock absorbers.

KAYABA. This is one of the most famous manufacturers to domestic car enthusiasts. This brand produces suspension parts for a wide variety of car models. Naturally, they couldn't miss the Chevrolet NIVA. A full range of shock absorbers is offered for this model, which allows you to choose the most suitable option. The disadvantage is the fairly high cost. In stores, shock absorbers from this manufacturer are sold in the range of 1800-2500 rubles;
MONROE. Another fairly popular brand. Here you can buy oil or gas-oil shock absorbers. Moreover, there is a choice among several options, which allows you to select components most effectively. It is worth noting the low price, combined with decent quality. You can purchase such parts for 1200-1500 rubles;
FENOX. This manufacturer specializes in high-quality gas shock absorbers. If you decide to buy reliable and inexpensive shock-absorbing elements with a gas operating medium, then Fenox will be the best option. There are components for all modifications of Chevrolet NIVA. Prices range from 800 to 1200 rubles per piece, which is an inexpensive option for current market conditions;
BILSTEIN. Under this brand you can find a large number of high-quality shock absorbers. Gas as well as gas-oil options are available. In this case, you can choose the type of part that is most suitable for your conditions. The price ranges from 1700-2300 rubles;
PILENGA. This is a relatively new player on the market. As a rule, all the parts that he offers turn out to be of very high quality, and this despite the low cost. If we consider shock absorbers, here you will find only gas-filled varieties. Therefore, when you decide to install such parts, products under this brand are ideal. Cost 700-900 rubles;
LADA These are original parts. Can be marked LADA or SaAZ. The car manufacturer recommends installing these components. But drivers note the low service life of these shock absorbers, so spare parts under this brand are not particularly popular. The cost of parts is low: 800-1200 rubles;
FINWHALE. This manufacturer is distinguished by the presence in the catalog of shock absorbers for asphalt and off-road. They differ in their fastening features. Also, the off-road version is more resistant to impacts, reliably protecting the suspension. Only oil shock absorbers can be found under the brand. Price 800-1000 rubles;
HOLA. This is not the most famous manufacturer in our country, but at the same time they supply high-quality and reliable parts to the market. If we take shock absorbers, then they have a wide selection of these parts. All types of these components can be found in the catalog. Therefore, you can pay your attention to this brand. Moreover, the cost of the parts is very reasonable, there are no items more expensive than 1000 rubles;
SENSEN. This brand is known to fans of SUVs. They produce parts for almost any off-road vehicle. Accordingly, there are also offers for Chevrolet NIVA. All shock absorbers that are offered are characterized by increased strength. Prices 1000-1500 rubles;
SS20. Well-known domestic manufacturer of sports components for cars. Despite the high cost (3800-4500 rubles), parts produced under this brand ultimately turn out to be very profitable. Shock absorbers were developed taking into account the increased loads that are observed in sports. With normal use, the service life of components produced by SS20 exceeds stock options by 2-3 times;
PATRON. A little-known manufacturer of oil shock absorbers. The products of this company are supplied to the market in limited quantities. At the same time, it is always high quality and reliable. The cost is about 1500 rubles.

How to replace the rear suspension shock absorber of a VAZ-21213

You can verify the performance of the shock absorber without special equipment by vigorously shaking the car body down.

The body should return to its original position without oscillating

The fastening of shock absorbers should not have any play, and no leaks of working fluid are allowed on their bodies.

Rubber bushings for mounting shock absorbers must be free of damage and local bulging.

A more accurate characteristic of the performance of shock absorbers can be viewed on a dynamometer.

Removing the shock absorber

We carry out the work on an inspection ditch or a lift.

Using a 19mm spanner, unscrew the nut of the shock absorber lower mounting bolt, holding the bolt from turning with a wrench of the same size.

Before removing the bolt with the rear axle beam suspended (when working on a lift), it is necessary to place a support under the part of the beam where we remove the shock absorber so that the suspension spring is compressed.

Remove the spacer sleeve.

Remove the bolt and spacer washer.

Using a 19mm spanner, unscrew the pin nut of the upper shock absorber mounting

After removing the upper eye from the pin, remove the shock absorber.

The lower eye of the shock absorber has two rubber bushings and a metal spacer bushing.

There are two rubber bushings in the upper eyelet

Install the shock absorber in reverse order.

We finally tighten the shock absorber mounting nuts in the “car on wheels” position.

The tightening torque of the shock absorber mounting bolt nut is 38.2 – 61.7 Nm (3.9 – 6.3 kgf m).

Leveling up

There is no need for bleeding with single-tube gas shock absorbers: in them, the gas is reliably separated from the oil with the participation of a piston. All other types of units require pumping.

It’s not difficult to pump units even if you don’t have much experience:

Turn the part over so that the rod is at the bottom, then squeeze it tightly.
Wait a few seconds.
Turn the shock absorber back so that the rod is on top.
Hold the part in the desired position for a few more seconds.
Slowly pull the rod until it stops, and then turn it 120°.
Repeat the steps described above at least 2 times.
The final step will be a mandatory check: the rod must slide smoothly across the chamber. Under no circumstances should there be jerks or failures.

Which shock absorbers are better to install on Niva 2121, 21213 and 21214

From the variety presented on the spare parts market, it can be very difficult to choose the most suitable copy. The above parts are practically the same in terms of technical parameters, but the quality can vary significantly. Original spare parts, unfortunately, are not examples of reliability, so many motorists prefer foreign-made analogues.

Choice of type: gas, gas-oil, oil

First of all, when choosing new products, you should decide on the type of shock absorber struts. The significant difference between the models of such parts lies in the substance with which the inner chamber is filled. There are three main types of shock absorbers: gas, gas-oil and oil.

Gas struts are ideal for a sporty driving style, but are more expensive and cannot be repaired. Oil products are cheaper and softer, which makes the ride more comfortable at relatively low speeds. An alternative option is gas-oil struts, which are essentially gas vibration damping devices. Products of this type also contain a container with oil, but to give the product greater rigidity, the device also has a chamber filled with atmospheric air. Which shock absorbers are best installed on the Niva 2121, 21213 and 21214 depends, first of all, on the driving style of the car.

Best manufacturers: Sax, Kayaba, Trialli, SS-20

When installing new shock absorbers, in addition to the type of product, you must pay attention to the manufacturer of spare parts. The following companies are most popular among VAZ 2121 car owners:

Kayaba are relatively inexpensive shock absorber struts for the VAZ 2123. You can purchase both gas and oil products. All dimensions and characteristics of such suspension elements fully correspond to factory parameters.
Sachs are high quality German shock absorbers that are cheaper than original products. If desired, you can choose gas-oil or oil products for installation on a Niva 2121 car of any model.
Trialli is the most popular manufacturer of shock absorber struts installed on Niva cars instead of original products.
SS-20 - shock absorbers are ideal for use in Russian off-road conditions. The racks from this manufacturer can withstand low temperatures well in the winter.

The products of the listed manufacturers enjoy the well-deserved trust of domestic car enthusiasts.

Is it possible to install shock absorbers from a Chevrolet Niva?

Many owners of domestic Niva 2121 cars try to install racks from the VAZ 2131 on them. It is strictly not recommended to carry out such a replacement. On Chevrolet Niva, shock absorbers have a larger stroke. While it is quite possible to physically install the product in its standard place, during operation the fastening may break due to a breakdown of the suspension.

Device

The design of the units depends on the type of working environment. Separates mono-tube and twin-tube shock absorbers. The first type is more expensive. It is typical for gas-filled units.

A monotube shock absorber consists of a single cylinder, at the bottom of which there is a gas chamber separated from the oil by a floating piston. It compensates for changes in fluid volume and prevents the formation of oil foam at high frequency compression-extension cycles.

A piston mounted on a rod moves inside the chamber. The valve, which allows oil to pass through itself, provides rapid compression of the shock absorber, while slowing down the return of the rod to its original position.

Two-pipe oil devices have a lower price. They have lower requirements for the quality of the seal and housing material. Such shock absorbers consist of a pair of cylinders of different diameters placed inside each other. The rod piston moves through the internal (working) chamber, which is connected to the external one. When compressed and stretched, oil flows between the chambers through the bypass valve.

What are the best shock absorbers to install?

Since native hydraulic (oil) ones are not comfortable - they are prone to swinging, breakdowns, rolls - Niva 21214 owners try to purchase products from foreign manufacturers: 1) Koni Special (gas) - unlike the original, they have a 10 mm longer maximum length in front and on the 70 mm - rear. They also have adjustable stiffness depending on the preferred driving style. They are characterized by increased rigidity and reduce the vehicle’s reaction time to steering movements. 2) Bilstein Sport (gas) - suitable for those who are not used to feeling sorry for their car. Extremely resistant to breakdown, forgives serious piloting errors. 3) Sachs Superturing (oil) – provide a balance between comfort and controllability, which allows you to feel the car well on the asphalt and not get tired when overcoming a grader. 4) KYB Excel-G (gas) – popular among lovers of comfortable driving on all types of surfaces. Resistant to frost and heat, reduces acoustic load. 5) BOGE Turbo24 (gas) - eliminate longitudinal rocking, allows you to receive 100% information about the road and just as accurately set the direction of movement. 6) Monroe Adventure (gas) – similar in characteristics to Sachs, but allow above average rolls, while willingly “swallowing” large potholes. It is worth considering that opinions about which rear and front shock absorbers are better are in most cases subjective. You can make an approximate conclusion by driving a car with the corresponding model of struts.

Reviews

KAYABA. Gas-filled Japanese shock absorbers provide an excellent balance of comfort and handling. The best thing you can put on a Niva for fast driving on rough roads and dirt roads. However, after the “native” suspension from SAAZ, the car seems too stiff.

SAAZ. Soft, comfortable and inexpensive shock absorbers. Quite reliable - if you don’t drive over potholes and potholes, they don’t leak even after 80 thousand miles.

SS20. Driving characteristics of KAYABA at a price comparable to SAAZ. Over 30 thousand mileage no problems were noticed. I don’t think it makes sense to spend money on Japanese shock absorbers, which cost twice as much.

Replacing rear shock absorbers Niva 21213

This simple operation takes about half an hour on one side. The photographs were taken when replacing springs on a VAZ-2131. The jack eyes on this example were used for attaching the hinged thresholds, which made the process somewhat more complicated. Usually a standard jack is sufficient for replacement.

Secure the car by placing stops at the front and rear under the front wheel on the side where the spring is being changed, and the other rear wheel:

Clean the nut of the lower shock absorber mounting bolt with a steel brush and pour it with “liquid wrench”:

Push out the bolt (you can use a hammer through a soft metal spacer), remove the spacer sleeve and spacer washer (shown by arrows in the right photo):

Jack up the car, place it on a stand and remove the wheel:

Usually the rear axle sags so much that the spring simply comes off. Remove the spring from the bottom cup, then lower it to remove it from the top support:

For the right wheel, it is convenient to remove the spring forward as the car moves (photo on the left), for the left wheel - backwards (right photo):

If the spring does not release, you need to press the brake drum with your body weight.

Use a screwdriver to stir up the dried dirt in the bottom cup and sweep it away with a brush:

Use a screwdriver to pry and remove the upper rubber gasket of the spring:

Insert the upper rubber gasket into the new spring, aligning the step in the gasket with the beginning of the first turn of the spring. Lubricate the inner surface of the gasket and its seat with engine oil:

Place the upper end of the spring onto the seat, then insert the lower end into the lower cup:

Turn the spring together with the upper gasket (it is more convenient to do this counterclockwise) so that the lower end falls into the recess under the lower coil in the cup:

Jack up the side of the axle so that the lower end of the shock absorber is against the eye (if you are using a standard jack, you can place a wooden block under the brake drum and lower the car):

Lubricate the bolt with graphite grease along its entire length and insert it into the shock absorber ear:

The surfaces of the spacer washer are different - flat (left) and convex (right):

Place the spacer washer on the bolt so that the convex side is directed towards the shock absorber ear, and the flat side is directed towards the bridge eye:

Insert the spacer into the bridge eye, insert the bolt all the way, screw on the nut and tighten it:

Jack up the car and put the wheel in place:

Alex835 warns: “When “hanging” the axle with the shock absorber removed, you must constantly monitor the flexible hose of the brake system running from the body to the axle. If you work carelessly, it can easily be torn.”

Update dated September 14, 2006, by Ivgeniy:

When I was changing the rear springs, I noticed the fact that when the axle was suspended on the left, the sorcerer's rod was bent. Therefore, before jacking up the car, I recommend first unscrewing the brake force regulator rod from the axle so as not to bend it

Where to buy?

An important point is the right place of purchase; this is no less important than the answer to which shock absorbers are best for the Chevrolet NIVA. Buy components only from large auto stores; there are practically no counterfeit products there. Also be sure to inquire about the availability of accompanying documentation and certificates.

Two types of shock absorbers can be installed on the Chevrolet Niva: oil or gas-oil. According to most experts, for an ordinary, unprepared car, only oil-based ones are strictly recommended. Gas-oil ones have their advantages, but it should be borne in mind that due to different kinematics and dynamics, they tear off the upper and lower fastenings, and at the rear they tear off the transverse spar from the body.

Purpose:

The remote control is designed for remote control of locking and unlocking of car doors, turning on and off super-locking doors, turning on and off the alarm system, raising the windows, controlling the locking of the tailgate (trunk lid), and also as a coded electronic key for the APS-6 immobilizer

The remote control is mounted on the blade of the ignition switch key type 1118-3704010 and is designed to operate:

1)via radio channel:

with electrical package control unit 1118-6512010
with driver's door module 1118-3763080, 2170-3763080-00/10

with immobilizer control unit APS-6 2123-3840010-ХХ;
with immobilizer control unit APS-6.1 1118-3840010-ХХ;
with electrical package controller-2170-3763040.

For the remote control to work as part of a car, it must be activated (trained) using the training (red) code key from the immobilizer. After training, the remote control is also a working code key for the immobilizer and is used to remove the engine start ban. The system can be trained and operated simultaneously with two remote controls.

Replacement of Niva 4x4 shock absorbers and their mounting brackets

It is recommended to carry out work on replacing Niva 4x4 Urban shock absorbers strictly in a certain sequence.

Front suspension instructions

The work of replacing the front shock absorber is performed in the following sequence:

Loosen the wheel nuts.
Raise the car on a jack.
Remove the wheel.
Unscrew the strut nut from the engine compartment side, while holding the rod from turning with a 6 mm wrench.
Remove the washer and damper.
Unscrew the lower rack mounting.
Remove the shock absorber from its seat.

Install the new strut assembly in the reverse order of removal.

Oil or gas?

I really sincerely believe that the best choice for NIVA is if you want to install high-quality oil shock absorbers. I have already explained why oil ones. Until you strengthen the body, side members or shock absorber mounting points in the field, I do not recommend gas-oil shock absorbers. In the front suspension, both the upper and lower mounts come off, and in the rear it is possible to tear off the transverse spar from the body. Why is everything so bad? Because the shock absorbers in the catalog for the Niva and the classics are the same, but the suspension strokes and sprung masses differ very much. Let me remind you that the standard tires for the penny are R13, and the Niva’s are R16. Cracks in the front side members above the springs are also a fairly common occurrence. It’s not just that we had to invent front side member amplifiers .

Preparation for repair

Regardless of who will carry out the repairs, the car’s suspension elements must be thoroughly washed and freed from pieces of adhering dirt. Especially if the SUV has seen more than just asphalt.

If you decide to make the replacement yourself, you need to prepare all the tools necessary for this:

Jack. Hydraulic is best. Even better - two jacks. But, if there is no second one, you can get by with one, albeit with a little more fiddling.
A block of wood, a stump or a tripod - something that can be placed under a raised car. This releases the jack, and for safety reasons it is necessary for the car to stand on something stable.
Keys - two each for 17 and 13. For convenience, it is good if there is a ratchet, wrenches, and socket heads.
Hammer and pry bar.
Clamps (spring ties). It is quite possible that they will not be needed at all. However, it is better to let them be.
Rye Corrosive Liquid WD-40

You can work both in a box and in the open air.

Replacing the front springs of a Niva does not require special lifting mechanisms; all suspension elements can be approached from the outside of the car.

By the way, you can at the same time change the lower ball joints, shock absorber silent blocks and stabilizer rubber bands - all these elements will be dismantled during operation.

Video

On old fields, the bottom bracket is usually overcooked, and welding it does not last long because it tears in another place:

Therefore, it was decided to break off the old bracket and weld a new one.

This required: – a piece of corner 50x50x4 (dimensions were made according to the location); – a piece of strip 40x4; – spacer sleeve (for example, from an old shock absorber silent block); – extended bolts (which secure the spring pad to the lever) 2 pcs.; – welding, grinder, drill.

We take a piece of corner and strip and refine it. We drill holes for the shock absorber and 2 holes for mounting to the lower arm:

We insert the spacer sleeve and weld the strip and corner on both sides.

How to replace rear shock absorbers on a VAZ 2101-VAZ 2107?

Note! The rear shock absorbers on the right and left sides are replaced in the same way, so the entire replacement process will be shown on only one shock absorber!

Removal: 1) Before you start, be sure to read the “Important!” section. at the very bottom of the article, maybe it will be useful to you. 2) After reading, proceed to replacement

First, drive the car into the inspection hole or lift it using a lift

2) After reading, we move on to replacement. First, drive the car into the inspection hole or lift it using a lift.

Note! If you will be doing work on a lift, then it is recommended to install some kind of support under the rear axle beam, and then lower the car slightly so that it rests on it. And all this is done so that the rear suspension is slightly loaded, otherwise removing the shock absorber will be very problematic!

3) Next, holding the bolt with one wrench, use the second to unscrew the nut that secures the lower hinge bolt.

4) Then slightly remove the bolt from the hinge and thereby remove the spacer sleeve from it, which is indicated by the arrow.

5) Next, holding the lower part of the shock absorber with your hand, slightly move it away from the bracket and, as a result, remove the spacer sleeve from the bolt.

Note! After these operations, completely remove the bolt from the lower hinge together with the washer!

6) Now get to the top of the shock absorber, and then unscrew the nut that secures the upper hinge.

7) After unscrewing, remove the washer and the outer rubber bushing of the hinge, which is indicated by the red arrow, from the stud.

Note! If the outer sleeve is very difficult to remove, then you can not touch it at all and move on to replacement!

Next, pull the shock absorber with your hand, thereby removing its upper hinge from the stud and the outer bushing will be removed along with it.

9) Then remove the inner joint bushing from the stud.

10) Then, holding the shock absorber in your hands, remove the spacer sleeve indicated by the arrow from the lower hinge.

11) When the bushing is removed, remove in addition two rubber bushings that sit in the hinge eyes.

Note! Replace all deformed and heavily worn bushings with new ones!

Installation: 1) Install the new shock absorber in the reverse order of removal.

Note! Tighten both nuts that secure the upper and lower shock absorber joints only at the moment when the suspension is loaded with the entire weight of the car!

Important! Shock absorbers, as a rule, can be repaired, but if you do not have sufficient experience and tools, then it is best to repair shock absorbers in specialized auto repair shops - so to speak, give it to those people who have been doing this for a long time!

There is also a small nuance in replacing rear shock absorbers, and it lies in the fact that they need to be changed in pairs, that is, two at once. Why do this you ask? The thing is that the characteristics of one new shock absorber may differ significantly from the second, even if the second shock absorber is fully operational!

Additional video: To help you understand in more detail the entire process of replacing rear shock absorbers, watch the video below:

Fault Definitions

Sooner or later, it may be necessary to replace one or another component, so it is very important to notice in time the moment when this problem occurs, otherwise more serious malfunctions may occur, which in turn will lead to increased tire wear, an increase in braking distance, and also a deterioration in the ability to maneuver.

The main diagnostic methods that help identify a malfunction are:

Visually inspect the condition of all key elements of the system. We inspect to ensure that there are no oil drips, that the anthers are in good condition so that there are no cracks on them. Worn tires on one side indicate that there are problems.
Rock the car. We start rocking the car, then abruptly release it; if the rocking does not stop, then there is a problem.
While driving, the car begins to drift, this also indicates problems
You can take the car to a specialized car service center where they will carry out a full diagnosis.

Expensive and cheap options

An exact answer to the question: “Which shock absorbers are better to install?” - does not exist, since each Niva owner has his own driving style and conditions, and the selection of these parts is not always large in Russian stores. The best products are considered to be from KONI, which in Germany have a lifetime warranty for one car under one owner. They need to be tuned frequently (30-40 thousand km). Red part numbers significantly improve ride quality without any loss in handling. The cost of one shock absorber can exceed a hundred dollars.

Options

Characteristics based on the example of factory-installed products from SAAZ: 1) Front pillar size:

initial length (compressed) – 220 mm;
total length (when hanging) – 303.5 mm;
rod – 11 mm;
casing – 50 mm.

2) Rear shock absorber size:

initial length (compressed) – 310.5 mm;
total length (when hanging) – 429 mm;
The diameters of the rod and casing are similar to the front ones.

You can clearly see the location of the racks in the drawings presented below.

Replacing rear shock absorbers yourself

Usually the rear shock absorbers on a Niva last quite a long time. Based on the example of many of my friends, up to 100,000 km is considered a completely normal service life. Of course, everything largely depends on the quality of the roads where you operate your car and on your driving style. Removing and installing at home is not difficult, and to perform this repair you will need the following list of devices:

Two 19mm wrenches, one of which is required - a head with a long powerful wrench
Ratchet handle for easier dismantling
Hammer and wooden block

The procedure for performing work when replacing shock absorbers on a Niva VAZ 2121

The first step is to drive the car into the garage onto a pit or overpass, if any. If this is not possible, then you can do everything without it, just crawl under the car. When performing this work, you should not lift the car with a jack, as it may then become difficult to remove the shock absorber.

Before starting work, be sure to spray the mounting bolts with WD-40 type lubricant, as in most cases they rust very badly.
After that, take two 19mm wrenches and try to unscrew the lower fastening nut. This is roughly what it should look like as shown in the photo below:

Next, you can use a ratchet when the threads have already loosened. Since it will be much more convenient to work with it than turning it with a regular wrench or spanner.

When the nut is unscrewed, you can try to push the bolt in the opposite direction with your hands from that side. If it doesn’t work, then through a wooden block with weak blows of a hammer. In the photo below I showed without a wooden spacer:

The result of the work done can be seen in the photo below; when the rod is completely knocked out, the rear shock absorber of the Niva becomes free and there is nothing holding it from below:

Next, you can begin to free the upper part, for which you will again need a 19mm head with a knob, and then with a ratchet:

After you have dealt with this, you can try to remove the shock absorber. You need to grab it with your hand and slightly shake it to the side, pressing in the direction of removal, as is clearly shown below:

In my case, everything came off without any problems. Replace the second Niva rear shock absorber in exactly the same way as the first. And this is what everything looks like after dismantling:

Installation is carried out in the reverse order of removal and will not take much time if you have the right tools.

Safety precautions during work

If there is no inspection hole, a safe method should be used to lift the vehicle and secure it in that position. It is very dangerous to crawl under a car that is standing on jacks alone.

It’s not uncommon for car enthusiasts to use special racks, ramps or wooden stands. Before crawling under the car, be sure to make sure it is securely secured. In addition, be sure to use wheel chocks when lifting the vehicle.

Shock absorbers for VAZ 2121/2131 Niva and LADA 4×4

The SS20 company offers front and rear reinforced shock absorbers for the classic NIVU 2121, 2131 and their modifications, NIVU 21214M, LADA 4×4 (3 and 5 doors) and Urban versions.

Advantages of using SS20 shock absorbers in cars of the NIVA and LADA 4×4 family

the problem of body swaying is eliminated and “bouncing” is significantly reduced when the car bounces on uneven roads, driving becomes more comfortable;
“breakdowns” of the suspension are prevented when driving at high speed on a road with large irregularities;
there is a choice of characteristics: “Standard”, “Comfort-Optima”, “Highway” or “Sport”;
stability of operation in difficult conditions (due to larger fluid volume and improved cooling) without reducing damping characteristics;
increased resource;
extended operating temperature range from -42 ˚С to +50 ˚С;
unlimited mileage warranty;
silent operation and stability of shock absorber characteristics throughout the entire service life.

Guarantee

Description
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The Niva car (VAZ 2121) has been produced since 1977 and during this time has undergone several modifications. Now the name of the car is Lada 4x4, but its essence, as the most affordable of SUVs, has not changed. Over the years of production, the Niva car (VAZ 2121) has proven itself from the best side, and according to plans, it will live on the assembly line for several more years. However, it has a number of disadvantages. For example, insufficient stability of movement at high speed, bouncing and swaying of the body. These shortcomings are partly explained by the short wheelbase, but the main reason is the standard shock absorbers.

Front suspension shock absorbers for VAZ 2121, LADA 4×4

Rear suspension shock absorbers for VAZ 2121, LADA 4×4

The use of reinforced SS20 shock absorbers on the Niva with the “Standard”, “Comfort-Optima”, “Highway” or “Sport” settings will allow you to make your car suitable specifically for your operating conditions, and at the same time improve reliability.

The SS20 company offers front and rear reinforced shock absorbers for the Niva, which, unlike the standard shock absorbers of the VAZ 2121, have increased resistance during the rebound stroke, an increased diameter of the body and rod. The increased oil volume in the SS20 shock absorbers for the Niva allows you to move for a long time on rough roads without overheating the shock absorbers and without reducing their performance.

Standard - shock absorbers with the softest settings, an excellent solution for those who prefer a soft suspension, a smooth ride, and quiet movement. This shock absorber setting is suitable for everyday use, mainly in city conditions.

The “Comfort-Optima” modification has increased rebound valve settings, which solves the problem of body sway and significantly reduces “bumping” when the car bounces on uneven roads. SS20 shock absorbers for Niva and LADA 4x4 with “Comfort-Optima” settings are suitable primarily for urban use.

Shock absorbers “Highway” have an even greater rebound force compared to the “Comfort-Optima” series, and in addition, they have increased compression forces, which prevents suspension breakdowns when driving at speed on large bumps. Such settings are suitable primarily for suburban use on roads and moderate off-road conditions.

The highest rebound and compression forces and, accordingly, energy intensity are found in shock absorbers with “Sport” settings. These shock absorbers are suitable for fans of off-road racing, for the most severe operating conditions.

SS20 shock absorbers for Niva VAZ 2121 and LADA 4×4 have no internal knocks. Also, one of the features of SS20 shock absorbers is their high stability of parameters at low and high temperatures. The body of the SS20 shock absorbers is enlarged compared to standard shock absorbers, which not only allows for an increase in oil volume, but also the use of larger diameter pistons. This significantly reduces the specific loads on the elements of the valve system and increases their service life. The skirted pistons used in SS20 shock absorbers provide excellent sealing and stability of shock absorber performance with extended service life. The lower silent block of the front shock absorber has an original design that surpasses the factory one in reliability and damping capacity.

A drop of economics

My site on fields has existed for many years and I could make a number of “Yunnat” observations. The contingent that buys cornfields and shnivy is completely different. Let's put it very mildly, farmers are frugal people. But it seems to me that there is no need to reach the point of insanity in this matter. I'll try to explain in understandable language. SAAZ shock absorbers were installed from the assembly line onto simple fields. Skopinsky Automotive Assembly Plant. Let's take his products as a basis. Let’s not talk about product quality now, just arithmetic calculations. I called the nearest auto store and asked about the availability and price of these shock absorbers. I was told that one shock absorber costs 570 rubles. But I still need to buy a set of rubber bands for the rear shock absorbers for 60 rubles, because they come “naked”. Let's make calculations that are accessible to elementary school students. The turnkey kit will cost the driver 2,350 rubles. Today I offer kayaba shock absorbers for the Niva - 3,000 rubles for 4 pieces. Complete set, with all nuts and high-quality branded rubber bands. We are talking about December 2022. Guys, when the price of a bourgeois part differs significantly from the price of our part, the savings are clear to me. But when we are talking about 20-30%, and the gap in quality and resource differs significantly, this is beyond my understanding. And if we are talking about Chinese “branded” products (Dukes, Fin whales, Hofers), then their retail price is the same as for a branded Kayaba.

KYB oil shock absorbers for Niva