Which suspension struts and shock absorbers are best to choose for Lada Granta, Kalina

Shock absorbers in a car provide controllability and comfortable movement, smoothing out the impact of the suspension on uneven roads. There are a lot of products on the market from a variety of manufacturers of racks that can be installed on domestic VAZ models.

The huge assortment is divided into naturally formed categories based on price and product quality, and for the convenience of the reader, our review repeats this gradation. The rating of models is based not only on the manufacturer’s characteristics, but also on practical operating experience, which owners kindly share in their reviews.

The best gas-oil struts for VAZ

Due to the pressure inside, the rod comes out on its own, it is squeezed out by the internal gas. Due to their increased rigidity, such shock absorbers hold the body better, successfully tolerate even high loads and protect against strong rolls. Their main drawback is slight shaking during movement.

Kyb Excel-G VAZ 2110-12

These are the best racks on the VAZ 2110 for those who prefer high-speed driving; on them the car can confidently accelerate to 160-180 km/h. Thanks to their average stiffness, the shock absorbers dampen body vibrations well at high speeds and provide a fairly soft ride. Their characteristic feature is the ability to withstand up to 200 thousand kilometers. They are based on a patented valve system and low pressure nitrogen, which together provide increased ride comfort and excellent handling. Innovative technology reduces the tendency of shock-absorbing fluid to foam, which has a positive effect on stability.

Advantages

• 3-stage valve system;
• Durable multi-lip stem seal;
• Wear-resistant Teflon coating of piston valve;
• Robust, seamless tube design in the working cylinder and mounting area;
• Reliable galvanic material covering the shock absorber rod.

Flaws

• A little vibration is transmitted to the car when driving over bumps.

If you need universal racks that will make your car look like new, Kyb Excel-G is the right solution. They perform well both in terms of speed and durability when driving on Russian roads.

The best gas struts for VAZ

Their operation is based on high-pressure gas, which ensures optimal rigidity when loading the rods. The peculiarity of such gas struts is their stability on the road, slight sensitivity to ruts and the absence of roll during maneuvers.

Stock car VAZ 2108-2115

A set of front struts from this brand is produced for VAZ 2108, 2109, 21099, 2110, 2111, 2112, 2113, 2114, 2115, it can be purchased immediately assembled. The peculiarity of this model is the possibility of lowering the car by 5 cm. They are based on a two-pipe intake-type scheme. The presence of an original valve system allows the car to better withstand shaking on the road, and Teflon-coated pistons increase the wear resistance of the structure. Thickened chrome rods are resistant to damage and can easily withstand 50 thousand km or more, depending on driving style.

Advantages

• The case is of standard length - you don’t have to redo the fasteners to install them;
• Reducing the working length of the rod made it possible to lower the car by 50 mm;
• The classic cup allows you to install wheels of 15-18 inches;
• Reduced sway when turning;
• Improved handling.

Flaws

• Buyers note that the cost could be a little lower.

Shtok-auto struts, due to the ability to lower the car, help ensure better handling responsiveness and optimal aerodynamic capabilities of the car when driving at high speed.

Demfi comfort front Kalina 1119

This is a telescopic strut for the front suspension, which is installed on cars of the Lada Kalina series. The model belongs to the “comfort” class, which includes gas-filled shock absorbers with maximum durability. Increased rebound force provides a tight, energy-intensive suspension feel. The product is intended for travel both in the city and on highways. A special feature of the model is 10% greater rigidity compared to other serial devices. These front struts are the best for VAZ 1117, 1118, 1119, as they are adapted to domestic roads and provide excellent handling.

Advantages

• One year warranty from the manufacturer;
• Minimum number of rolls;
• Instant response to turning the steering wheel;
• Excellent directional stability;
• Collapsible design.

Flaws

• The model is intended for use in combination with barrel springs;
• Slightly increased rigidity.

Most buyers praise these stands for their durability. Where the original models last for six months, Demfi can work for 2, 3 and even 4 years while maintaining performance characteristics.

Plaza Standard VAZ 2110

These are racks assembled with a single-pipe design, which belong to the “standard” line and are characterized by a soft, comfortable and safe ride on roads with any surface quality. To ensure the stability of the car, they are filled with gas under a pressure of 15 atmospheres. Shock absorbers contribute to good vehicle handling even at high speeds. In terms of reliability, owners note that they can “run” for 2-3 years even when transporting goods in a passenger car and rarely fail, mainly due to the mistakes of auto repairmen or the drivers themselves. The main advantage of this model is its low price, which is half that of imported analogues.

Advantages

• Smooth ride at high speeds;
• Improves car cornering;
• Allows you to comfortably accelerate to 160 km/h and above;
• Due to the rigidity of the struts, the car rises slightly;
• They can walk for a long time without any extraneous sounds or changing earbuds.

Flaws

• The oil is susceptible to sub-zero temperatures.

Most of the time the model provides excellent handling, but in winter the oil loses its elasticity, so at first you need to warm it up, moving carefully. The deterioration of the quality of the filler is nothing more than mild discomfort.

SS-20

Another oil variety presented on the Russian spare parts market is SS-20. These racks are nothing more than modified SAAZ (Skopinsky Automotive Aggregate Plant). Based on user reviews, it is impossible to form a clear opinion about this product. Some are very pleased with the purchase, while others lost their SS-20 almost immediately. This is probably due to both the different quality of workmanship and the different driving styles of car owners. Moreover, these racks are produced in several versions. Let's say, “Comfort” is offered for normal driving on daily errands.

But the “Sport” option is for those who love driving. Moreover, for driving on smooth city streets and country highways. When turning onto a country road, the “Sport” instantly loses all its main functions, and the car’s driving characteristics begin to resemble a horse-drawn cart on a wooden track. The cost of SS-20 products is quite expensive compared to standard Samara racks (rear - from 1.5, and front - from 2.5 thousand rubles.)

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:

Which stand for VAZ is better to buy?

When selecting the best shock absorbers for a VAZ, it is important to set your priorities correctly. For comfortable rides at low and medium speeds, there is nothing better than soft struts; any unevenness on them is practically not felt. If you prioritize the speed characteristics of the car, then it is appropriate to purchase rigid options with which the body does not sway and responds well to steering movements. There are models of medium rigidity that are flawless both at speed and during quiet driving.

Here are the racks that are best suited for which purposes:

• To lower the car to a small height without the need for alterations, it is best to take the VAZ 2108-2115 car stock. They take the place of the original shock absorbers and provide a decrease in ground clearance by reducing the length of the rod.
• If you need durable struts for traveling at speeds of up to 150 km/h at a reasonable price, then the best choice is Demfi comfort front Kalina 1119. They are quite comfortable, but have better acceleration performance and greater driving stability compared to the original models.
• For those who like to drive fast on highways, the Plaza Standart VAZ 2110 stands are well suited. They are quite rigid and slightly lift the car, which creates some inconvenience in urban conditions. But the shock absorbers are fully deployed on high-speed highways.
• For universal racks, equally good for urban conditions and country trips, you should take the ElastoMag VAZ 2108. The absence of discomfort at different speeds is the main advantage of the model.
• For leisurely trips and frequent travel over rough terrain or off-road, we can recommend the original BelMag VAZ 2108-09. If you drive within the speed limit set by the traffic rules, they fit perfectly.
• Drivers with a mixed type of driving, who love fishing, hunting and periodically transport cargo, should purchase the SS20 SS20 VAZ Niva 2121, 21213. Universal racks are suitable for almost all types of surfaces.
• If you want to purchase durable shock absorbers for fast driving, it is better to choose Kyb Excel-G (Kayaba) VAZ 2110-12. They prevent the car from swaying at speed and are quite comfortable in urban environments, where they can last up to 200,000 km.

When choosing the best racks for the VAZ 2114, 2108, 2109, 2115, 2121 and other models, it is important to immediately determine their driving characteristics that you need to obtain. Here you should focus on rigidity, road stability and wear resistance of the products. All of the listed shock absorbers have proven themselves positively in a certain area. If you understand the purpose of the car, then choosing suitable products from the rating will not be difficult.

The best oil struts for VAZ

Common oil models are distinguished by their simple design, affordable price and high strength. The resource of most options exceeds 60 thousand km. They are also comfortable and easily dampen bumps. Among the disadvantages of these products: to pull the rod, springs are needed and a tendency to heat, which deteriorates performance. If you choose which racks are best to install on a VAZ based on the price-quality ratio, then the analogues. oil ones usually win

ElastoMag VAZ 2108

ElastoMag stands are distinguished by the good quality of all components, as they comply with the international standard ISO9001. They are characterized by high wear resistance even when driving on low-quality road surfaces and can withstand up to 50 thousand km and more. The manufacturer guarantees six months of proper operation, regardless of mileage. The products are quite dense, ride comfort and handling do not suffer much even under load. The softness of the model is average, optimally suitable for both the city and long journeys. The shock absorbers are adapted for installation on VAZ 2108, 2109, 210999, 2113, 2114, 2115.

Advantages

• The rod does not knock;
• Improving driving quality;
• Balanced softness when driving at different speeds;
• The car is raised 2 cm;
• Reasonable price - 3800 rubles. for a couple.

Flaws

• They do not always withstand strong blows, however, like any other stands.

These shock absorbers are often installed as original struts when assembling a VAZ, as they are distinguished by their adaptability to Russian roads and provide comfortable driving.

BelMag VAZ 2108-09

The company's product range includes front and rear hydraulic struts for VAZ and GAZ. They are in high demand due to their good reliability and durability. The shock absorbers are excessively soft and can withstand travel well on uneven roads, dirt roads, potholes, etc., but during acceleration on asphalt this creates a slight swaying motion. The products are suitable for travel at speeds of up to 100 km/h, above which some discomfort occurs, especially during maneuvers.

Advantages

• Durability when driving off-road;
• Strength with a significant margin;
• Smooth ride when driving on uneven surfaces;
• Affordable price - about 2000 rubles. per element;
• A shock-absorbing fluid with unchanged kinematic properties when changing temperature.

Flaws

• Not very confident behavior at high speed.

Due to the swaying of the body when accelerating to 100 km/h, the driving process becomes more difficult, since it is necessary to dampen the vibrations of the steering wheel. Such racks are more suitable for a relaxed driving style or frequent off-road driving.

SS20 SS20 VAZ Niva 2121, 21213

If you choose the best rear pillars for a VAZ Niva, then it is appropriate to prefer the model from SS20. They differ from standard devices in increased rebound resistance, large body and rod sizes. Thanks to the larger oil volume, shock absorbers are resistant to overheating and subsequent weakening of their characteristics, which often occurs when driving on rough roads. According to the settings, they are classified as “Standard”. The Comfort-Optima series has increased strength of the rebound valve, which eliminates its swaying, but does not lead to bouncing of the front or rear of the body.

Advantages

• Low load on the valve system and long service life;
• Pistons with good sealing and stable damping characteristics;
• Successful design of the lower silent block: reliable and better in terms of damping capabilities;
• Reduces vehicle sagging under load;
• Operating temperatures range from -42˚ to +50˚С;
• One year warranty, regardless of mileage;
• Silent operation throughout the entire period of use.

Flaws

• The price could be lower.

These are balanced racks that are suitable for carrying cargo, traveling at high speeds and traveling off-road. This model is also universal and can withstand low and high temperatures without compromising performance.