Do-it-yourself differential locking on a VAZ 2109 will help the motorist increase the vehicle’s off-road capability. Any driver at least sometimes has to drive on roads that are not characterized by a flat surface. Most of them not only do not realize that special locks are installed on their car, but also do not know why they are needed. The indisputable advantage of the device is its simplicity. Its design includes:
- body parts - 2 pcs.;
- semi-axial gears - 2 pcs.;
- satellite gears - 10 pcs. (when purchasing, keep in mind that they all must be cylindrical);
- separator.
When the vehicle is driven on level ground, the differential lock operates like a normal differential. The process is that the side gears begin to rotate at the same speed. With the help of satellites, the working force of torque is simply transmitted with equal force to both wheels at once, and the entire structure rotates along with the body.
Differential - what is it? What is it needed for? How is it arranged?
A car differential is a mechanism that serves to transfer power from the gearbox to the drive wheels and belongs to the chassis of the car. It redistributes the torque that goes to the wheel, based on the load on it. Simply put, when a car turns, the wheel that moves along a small radius receives less power and, accordingly, the wheel that moves along a large radius receives more power.
The redistribution of torque by the differential in some cases, on the contrary, interferes. Let's consider an example: when one of the drive wheels falls into a hole or on a slippery surface, the differential will transmit more torque to this wheel, but the differential will not transmit torque to the other wheel, which is on a hard surface, and it will simply stand there. place. Of course, this option is completely ineffective.
To solve the problem of effective redistribution of engine power, VAZ, GAZ, UAZ cars began to install a self-locking differential (self-locking), where the differential locks independently. The operating principle of this mechanism is quite simple. Let's look at the same example, when one wheel fell into a hole, and the second one stood on a hard surface. In this case, the wheel that is on a hard surface will receive more torque, thereby helping the car get out of a difficult situation and continue moving.
DIY differential installation
Knowing certain subtleties, you can easily install the differential yourself. The sequence of actions should be like this:
- First you need to remove one of the side gears that are located in the differential housing. To do this, you need to turn the satellite axes 90 degrees and pull the gear out of the housing.
- Then the retaining ring is removed from that place, after which the pinion axis is removed from the differential housing.
- Next, you need to unscrew the gear mounting bolts and press them.
- In order to perform the previous step, you need to remove the differential bearings using a puller. Please note that bearings may be damaged when performing this operation. It is important to remember that at the factory these parts are selected in pairs. Thus, all gears match in all respects.
That is why it is necessary to work with the drive gear of the secondary shaft when replacing a gear. The undoubted advantage of hard locking is that installation is quite simple, which will be beneficial for the car owner in the future.
It is important to know that the locking system is not installed on the front axle of the machine. If you do this, the car will lose good handling.
The advantages of self-blocking are indisputable
- Increased maneuverability on difficult or slippery surfaces (snow, ice, sand, mud).
- Handling becomes much better (in corners or when the car skids, it’s easy to get out of the skid).
Purchasing a lock for a VAZ, GAZ, UAZ or a foreign car and then installing it is not the most difficult task. To install this mechanism on a VAZ, GAZ, UAZ or foreign car, the car must be driven into an inspection hole or overpass. On VAZ or foreign cars with front-wheel drive, the lock is installed in the gearbox instead of the standard “differential”. On VAZ models with rear-wheel drive, it is integrated into the rear axle gearbox. And on a car with all-wheel drive, the Lada Niva 4x4 and Chevrolet Niva can be installed in both the front and rear axles, and if you add tires with a large tread to this, your SUV will turn into an all-terrain vehicle.
How to do
The easiest way is to permanently lock the differential completely. But such a homemade blocking is acceptable for cars driving only off-road. For example, for rally-raid cars. To implement the idea, you need to remove the unit equipped with the differential and disassemble it. Then weld the satellites to the axles. Fixing the gears will allow the mechanism to divide the rotation speed between the axle shafts only in a proportion of 50 to 50.
Making a limited slip differential with your own hands is a little more difficult than simply fixing the satellites. But such a modernization will not only improve the vehicle’s maneuverability in mud and snow, but will also not change the operation of the unit on hard surfaces. One version of such a device can be assembled from two brass or bronze bushings and a spring. Their sizes will depend on which vehicle transmission you are upgrading. Therefore, work begins with removing the assembly and disassembling the planetary gear. After this, you can take measurements, order the production of bushings and select a spring of suitable dimensions.
You will find out whether it is stiff enough after assembly by testing your homemade product. The spring is designed to press the pinion gears against the differential housing. Because of this, under the influence of friction, the satellites will rotate more slowly around their axis. The greater the friction force, the more evenly the speed of rotation of the driveshaft will be divided between the axle shafts. Metal bushings are needed to prevent contact of the satellites with the spring.
Of course, installing a factory-made differential lock is easier and the result of such an upgrade is better. However, it is expensive and practically eliminates creativity from the process. The cost of “self-blocks” for cars of the VAZ family is slightly less than 12 thousand rubles. But their installation requires only care and accuracy. There is no need for a special tool.
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If you want to improve the cross-country ability of a single-wheel drive car, then a self-locking differential (at least with a slight interference fit) is not the best solution.
The marginal improvement in all-terrain performance is not worth the investment. If you want to improve the cross-country ability of a single-wheel drive car, then a self-locking differential (at least with a slight interference fit) is not the best solution. The marginal improvement in all-terrain performance is not worth the investment. Let’s supplement the subjective sensations with those experienced on light off-road conditions. The site was chosen to be ideal: as you move forward, the surface under the wheels gets worse. We passed a place where a car with a loose differential had recently gotten stuck. However, with the blocking, she moved only a little further. Toothy tires and especially snow chains would have given no less confidence.
Features of different types of blocking. What to choose
Permanent differential locking is only necessary for SUVs, which, like tractors, never drive onto asphalt surfaces.
After installing the disc lock, you will need to constantly adjust it. You will also have to buy special, expensive gear oil. In this type of locking, there is a small constant friction moment, which impairs the vehicle's handling and causes increased fuel consumption and tire wear. When the clutches operate, they wear out intensively, therefore, with frequent driving on a bad road, when the car slips, the unit will quickly wear out. Therefore, the VAZ 2107 differential is usually not blocked in this way.
The viscous coupling has a large response inertia, often overheats or turns on at the wrong time, with a delay. Not suitable for off-road use, but good in urban environments. Due to its complexity and high cost, it is not used for modernizing the “classic” VAZ.
Screw and planetary locks are most suitable for installation on the VAZ 2107. They not only work well in a snowy city, but are also suitable for car enthusiasts traveling along country roads. But such a lock is not suitable for serious off-road use.
Types of blocking
There are three types of blocking:
- Partial – protects against slipping, but is not very intense. It is an automatic system that does not require driver control. Moderately loads the transmission and protects it from premature wear.
- Automatic – works constantly and automatically adapts to driving. Does not require activation by the driver, easy to install, but requires more effort when turning. Due to the constant operation of the automatic system, there is a strong noise from the tires when cornering, and clicks are heard when the system gears enter the clutch.
- Manual - activated by the driver using a switch. Then the limiting unit is activated, which blocks the distribution of torque. The driver himself determines the need to use the system; it is durable and effective. The driver is forced to be distracted by turning on the system, which often happens in very difficult conditions. It is also important to remember that the system must be turned off on level roads, otherwise the differential may fail. When installing the system, it is necessary to install a limiter and its activation system.
For many car owners, a manual lock activation system is the best option.
Automatic or manual
Only the car owner must decide which lock to choose: full or partial.
Full differential locking can be manual or automatic.
Partial differential limitation operates only in automatic mode.
Full blocking
With this type of mechanism limitation, the difference in the rotation speed of the axle shafts is not provided for, which leads to increased wear of transmission elements and tires on hard road surfaces, and to slipping off-road. To control the locking device, you will need to install a manual drive.
Manual lock
With manual limitation, the existing speed difference will be replaced - you just need to press a special button to activate the external source.
The selective blocking system is a complex mechanism with certain variations. To make changes to the operation of the differential, the movement must be stopped. When the limitation is disabled, the axle behaves normally and does not affect driving in any way. Such blocking will not be cheap, since it will require installing a separate system to activate the mechanism.
Automatic blocking
Automatic locking will always work when the driver's foot is on the gas pedal. This makes it possible to constantly keep your hands on the steering wheel and concentrate on driving. This limitation must be adjusted to the driving style of a particular person.
Partial blocking
For non-extreme drivers, partial blocking in the car is quite enough. This mechanism works independently; it only partially eliminates wheel slip and puts less load on the transmission than a complete lock.
Such a limitation can be using friction discs or helical gears.
Operating principle of a self-locking differential
The traditional operation of the differential on the VAZ 2107 is based on a gearbox, which allows each of the wheels to work independently of each other. This is done to ensure that there is no slipping when performing any of the maneuvers.
Naturally, the lack of blocking in the VAZ Classic led to the fact that at the time of towing the vehicle’s cross-country ability is radically reduced. The differential lock on the VAZ allows you to eliminate this drawback. A reasonable question arises: is there any negative factor associated with installing a blocker? No, because it is controlled manually. It turns on only at the right moment. By the way, the UAZ (Bobik) uses just such a system to increase cross-country ability.
Only there it works simultaneously on several bridges. That is, forced blocking forces each of the bridges to rotate at the same speed. Although this creates additional stress on the engine, it really makes it possible to overcome any barrier.
But it should be noted that differential locking in the VAZ 2107 can be performed using several methods and gears. The most popular among them is the worm (also known as screw), but the disk also has its advantages. Its only drawback is the need for additional lubrication and the use of additives. Without them, the disc lock switches with a characteristic grinding noise and, as you might guess, wears out the gears.
But the worm system is considered the “golden mean”. Yes, it is less reliable; when switching, you feel a harsh pull, but it is inexpensive and is quite easy to install. It received this name due to the freely moving “worms” (screws), with the help of which the blocking is performed.
Advantages and disadvantages of a disk lock
The disc differential lock of the VAZ 2108, as on other VAZ models, including the Niva, is considered smoother and more sensitive. This is especially true in cases where automation is used. That is, if the gearbox turns on and off automatically when slipping is detected at low speed. What's wrong with a disc type limited slip differential? Next:
- need for maintenance;
- susceptibility to mechanical damage;
- lower service life;
- the need to regulate the downforce (to do this, simply place a sheet of metal).
However, it is this type of gearbox that is recommended to be installed in the VAZ 2114 and other models that have front-wheel drive (not all-wheel drive). It is better to install a traditional worm gear on 2107 and in the same Niva. By the way, it already has the ability to install a differential on the front axle. Previously, this possibility was not provided.
So, is it necessary to install a limited slip differential on your car? Only if it is planned to be used in low-traffic conditions or on ice. It will really be useful there. In all other cases it is unnecessary. And it should be remembered that turning on the lock increases fuel consumption, the load on the engine and the gearbox.
Which is better to install a self-locking differential on the Niva?
A domestic SUV can be equipped with an electronic, combined, mechanical or pneumatic self-block. The first type model has a significant advantage over other versions. To activate it, you just need to press a button. The mechanism operates automatically, but only if the car is moving at a speed that is less than the threshold. The system shuts down when it reaches a mode higher than the nominal parameter.
The pneumatic version is a device mounted on both axles. The advantages of the mechanism include its compact size; the operating principle is based on the use of a pneumatic system. Self-block mechanical type is the cheapest and simplest in design. Reliability and operational efficiency depend on two semi-axial and a pair of spacer couplings, as well as pins and springs.
