Since 2013, almost all front-wheel drive VAZ cars are equipped with a “cable” gearbox. In Grant sedans, it replaced a less reliable unit designated as “2190”. In addition to the fact that the drive became a cable drive, other changes appeared. The new box is called “VAZ-2181”, and the volume of its crankcase has been reduced from 3.3 to 2.3 liters. Here we discuss how to change the oil in a Lada Granta gearbox with a cable drive.
A rare case: the “2181” gearbox began to howl at 800 km. There is confirmation in the video, and the problem was solved by changing the oil.
Regulations for changing gearbox oil from AvtoVAZ
It is necessary to change the oil in the gearbox-2181 in one case - if the mileage exceeds 200,000 km. In theory, the entire service life of the car is indicated here, and the numbers are taken from the regulations.
It seems like everything is there for adding oil.
The regulations do not yet say how often to check the oil level. Such checks are not necessary, and therefore there is no diagnostic dipstick in the crankcase design. Three details will be important to us:
- Drain plug (key “17”);
- Filling plug and hole for level control;
- Reverse switch.
Be aware that the “Standard” package always includes the “2190” box. The rule is also met for new cars produced after 2013.
What kind of oil was poured into the gearbox from the factory?
From the factory, the oil in the Lada Granta gearbox may be as follows:
- TATNEFT TRANSLUX 75W85;
- ROSNEFT KINETIC SERVICE 75W85.
Each of the materials is classified as GL-4. Let us remember that we were talking about the “2181” box, the crankcase volume of which is 2.3 liters.
The filling volume can be 2.1 or 2.2 liters.
Features of the gearbox device
So, if you don’t want to deal with a scheduled transmission oil change, then you should purchase the Granta “Lux” package and get a Jatco automatic transmission made in Japan. It has its own resource - only 5 years, but during this period the manufacturer guarantees that work on the box will only be necessary in the event of a breakdown. The automatic transmission is already filled with a special fluid, and it will not need to be replaced during the entire period of use. Adding oil is also not necessary.
A cable manual transmission requires more attention in terms of maintenance, but it can last much longer. As such, it does not have a service life - you can, if necessary, update its parts and change the lubricant, thereby increasing the duration of its uninterrupted operation.
This gearbox is based on the model first installed on the VAZ-2108. It has been slightly changed and modernized. Weaknesses in the previous version:
- large lever stroke;
- fuzzy switching scheme;
- high vibration;
- Difficulty shifting gears.
The manufacturer has tried to correct this situation. And on the Lada Granta, the cable drive made it possible to make gear shifting clearer. In addition, the shift mechanism in the new gearbox has changed, which is no longer bathed in transmission oil, but is installed last as a separate module. It is easier to repair and assemble during production. It also embodies German technology, and a three-dimensional plate has appeared in the gearbox, which sets the force when shifting gears.
The cable drive has replaced the old rods, which are no longer used by any manufacturer when assembling boxes. The rationality of its use was also, like all innovations, calculated using a computer program.
Preparing for replacement
First the box needs to be warmed up. Then they place the car on the pit, stop it and try to remove one plug. We are talking about the control plug (key “17”).
View from under the crankcase protection
If nothing happens with the plug, you will have to change the oil without supervision. This is no longer good. Try unscrewing the switch located on the top of the crankcase.
The oil volume in the Lada Granta gearbox is known to everyone - it is 2.3 liters. But it is still better to perform the replacement with control. Filling is done either through the control hole or through the switch hole. Access to the latter is blocked by a filter.
Filter housing operation
First, disconnect the “negative” terminal (key “10”). Then you can use a regular Phillips screwdriver to unscrew the mounting screws.
The first two dismantling steps
The thin clamp that secures the expansion tank hose is also removed (see photo).
Disconnect a couple of connectors: the mass air flow sensor and the adsorber valve connector. The first of them is oval (photo below). And the second one is turned off like this: tighten the tongue, remove the terminal block.
Down with all terminal blocks!
The filter housing can be moved to the side in the final step. There is no need to disconnect it from the corrugation.
Rubber fasteners can be defeated this way: the rubber band is held with pliers, and the body is pulled back (to the left, forward). Start with the right front support.
Reconnaissance in force
We are trying to remove the reverse switch. We look for a plastic connector on the crankcase (see photo) and immediately disconnect it.
View of the gearbox housing from under the hood
Using a 22mm round wrench, try to unscrew the switch housing. Cancel the replacement if nothing can be done - neither unscrew the “top” plug, nor remove the switch.
When the switch is returned to its place, the threads are treated with sealant. The tightening torque should be 28-45 N*m.
Feedback from grantmakers
By the way: the Lada Grant has various engines. On the most inexpensive trim levels there are eight-type ones, and the drain plugs are unscrewed with a hexagon. In non-budget configurations and a cable box - key 17. This must be kept in mind! Alexander Vasilievich
It’s unlikely that you can change the oil in a quarter of an hour! The dirt and oil must be allowed to drain thoroughly: you remove the filter, then wait for half an hour and let all the dirt go away...
It took quite a long time to choose from oils. At first there was a long digging through a large number of reviews on forums, information on websites for Grant, but I finally settled on Liqui Moly 5W-40. This is one hundred percent synthetic. The company has also been verified by reviews; many have been using it for a long time and recommend it.
Many people do not have the habit of paying attention, when changing engine oil, to the oil filter and also to its manufacturer. in vain! Even when you have the most expensive oil, your car can suffer because of this filter. In non-original ones (as an option: in general, it’s not clear whose production) the reduction valve may get stuck, and there will be a constant oil starvation of the engine. Therefore, carefully buy filters, take proven brands, from a spare parts supplier that has been tested by time and reviews. Basil
Detailed algorithm for changing the oil in a CABLE gearbox
The oil from the Lada Granta gearbox is drained through the “bottom” plug. It is unscrewed with a 17 key.
The simplest thing is to drain the oil
You need to unscrew the cap like this: make 1-2 turns with the key, then substitute the container. And then unscrew the plug by hand.
When the liquid flows out, wipe the surface of the crankcase. We tighten the plug back (torque – 29-46 N*m). Getting ready to refuel.
Hose and funnel are ready for use
Let's say refueling goes through the switch hole. Place a hose in the hole and install a funnel. And we begin to fill in new oil.
The oil volume in the Lada Granta gearbox is 2.2 liters (maximum). That's what those who unscrewed the control plug say.
Access to the control plug is blocked by the crankcase protection. If the plug was not unscrewed during preparation, measure exactly 2.2 liters. And if the control is carried out “according to regulations”, let the body be tilted to the right: place a suitable load in the passenger compartment or trunk. Tilt angle – 2-3 degrees (no longer needed).
At the final step, the crankcase is cleaned of any remaining oil. All threaded elements are tightened to the recommended torques: plug - 29-46 N*m, switch - 28-45 N*m.
Fill oil through the inspection hole
The photo shows how everything looks if you follow the regulations. The bottom plug is twisted, the top one is the opposite. And refilling is done using a syringe.
This is what it looks like on an authorized service
Oil enters the Lada Granta gearbox through the hole in the “upper” plug.
Instead of a syringe, you can also use a hose with a funnel.
The crankcase guard is missing in the photo. It had to be removed.
If there is no hole
The first step is to find out where the drain hole is located on the gearbox housing.
It is important to remember that changing the oil in the Lada Granta gearbox should always be done hot - the engine is pre-warmed. If you start draining the lubricant without warming it up, the high viscosity will make it difficult to completely drain it from the boat. To warm up the gearbox, you should drive the car a little. A few minutes will be enough for the oil to warm up.
Which oil is best to fill according to the regulations?
The standard manual does not say what kind of oil to fill in a Granta box with a cable drive. The answer is in the instructions included with other cars also equipped with the “2181” box. Here is the list:
- G-BOX EXPERT – 80W85, 75W90
- Gazpromneft – 80W90, 80W85
- TNK TRANS KP – 80W85
- TNK TRANS KP SUPER – 75W90
- LUKOIL TM-4 – 75W85, 75W80, 80W85, 75W90, 80W90
- ROSNEFT KINETIC (Angarsk) – 80W85
- ROSNEFT KINETIC (Novokuibyshevsk) – 80W85 (GL-4), 75W90 (GL-4/GL-5)
- TATNEFT TRANSLUX TM-4-12 – 75W85
- SHELL: SPIRAX S5 ATE or TRANSAXLE OIL – 75W90 (GL-4/GL-5)
If the quality class is not specified, the material complies with GL-4 standards.
Quality class “GL-5” has its own characteristics. With material of this class, gears are better preserved rather than synchronizers.
We focus on temperature
When choosing oil for the box, use the table:
- Range “-12 – +50 Gr. C" – 85W90
- «-26 – +45» – 80W90
- «-26 – +35» – 80W85
- «-40 – +35» – 75W80 or 75W85
- «-40 – +45» – 75W90
The viscosity grade is indicated on the right.
Lada Granta: transmission oil for manual, automatic and manual transmissions
Under the influence of temperature, mechanical and time factors, special additives contained in working fluids gradually lose their properties and cease to meet the technical requirements provided by the manufacturer.
As a result, the transmission is subject to increased wear and early failure. for LADA Granta are designed taking into account the characteristics of each box (technical, operational). The manufacturer recommends a certain type of working fluid that meets the necessary standards and requirements for the operation of the transmission.
Working fluid poured into the Lada Granta gearbox:
- oils used for mechanical and robotic gearboxes - semi-synthetic oil LUKOIL TM 4 75W-90 GL-4 (depending on the climatic conditions in which the car will be operated, the viscosity class may change: 75W-80, 75W-85, 75W-90, 80W-85, 80W-90);
- oils used for automatic transmissions - Genuine EJ-1 ATF.
If we consider the Lada Granta and manual transmission oil, the manufacturer does not provide for mandatory replacement of the working fluids of the Lada Granta manual transmission, since transmission fluids are designed for the entire service life of the vehicle. But in reality this is not entirely true. In order for a manual transmission to last for a long time, it must be done every 60,000 km.
List of some oils used in the Lada Granta manual transmission and recommended by the manufacturer:
- Kinetic mineral oil from Russian with viscosity classes: 80W-85 GL-4 or 75W-90 GL-4/5;
- Translux TM 4-12 oil from Russia with viscosity class 75W-85 GL-4, developed on a synthetic and semi-synthetic basis with a multifunctional additive package;
- all-season mineral oil TRANS KP from Russia with viscosity class 80W-85 GL-4;
- all-season semi-synthetic oil TRANS KP SUPER from Russia with viscosity class 75W-90 GL-4;
- synthetic oil Shell Spirax S5 ATE from European with viscosity class 75W-90 GL-4/5.
Please note that the working fluid level poured into the Lada Granta manual transmission is 3.2 liters. At the same time, less space can be placed during replacement, since some of the oil cannot be drained from hard-to-reach areas.
If you need transmission oil Grenade automatic transmission, recommendations for the selection and timing of replacement are somewhat different from the “mechanics”. The Lada Granta with automatic transmission is a new product on the Russian market, since automatic transmissions were not so popular in VAZs, or rather, they were not installed en masse at all.
In the case of the Lada Granta, the manufacturer took the right path and did not develop a new automatic transmission for its car. Instead, the plant decided to use the already proven JF414E gearbox from. Since Jatco's reputation in the global arena of transmission manufacturers is beyond doubt, management decided to equip the Lada Granta model with the JF414E automatic transmission.
According to the recommendations of the manufacturer, there are no regulations for replacing transmission fluid in the automatic transmission of a Lada Granta car, since the fluid is filled for the entire service life of the car. In fact, transmission fluid, subjected to constant temperature and mechanical stress, ages and loses its properties.
Adjusted for many years of automatic transmission servicing practice, experts recommend carrying out a maximum of 50 thousand kilometers, and in used cars, reducing this interval by 30 or even 50%.
The VAZ manufacturer recommends Genuine GM EJ-1 ATF transmission fluid or an analogue of NISSAN ATF Matic-S for use in the Jatco automatic transmission on the Lada Granta. The chemical composition of the liquids is compatible and they can be mixed. There are also other less expensive analogues of gear oils, such as Aisin ATF AFW from a Japanese manufacturer.
The working fluid level poured into the Lada Granta automatic transmission, which is recommended by the manufacturer, is 5.1 liters. However, in reality it is possible to fill less, since it is impossible to completely drain all the waste from the unit without disassembling it.
Transmission oil Grenade manual transmission is practically an analogue of lubricant for manual transmission. In other words, with a robotic gearbox installed on the Lada Granta, everything is much simpler than with an automatic transmission. The fact is that the operating principle of a robotic gearbox is very similar to the operating principle of a manual gearbox, in which the oil is not subjected to excessive overheating and pressure.
For this reason, the manufacturer decided to use in robotic transmissions the fluids used in the Lada Granta manual transmissions discussed above. This was done in order to optimize the company’s costs for the production and maintenance of manufactured cars.
And a little about the author’s secrets
My life is not only connected with cars, but with repairs and maintenance. But I also have hobbies like all men. My hobby is fishing.
I started a personal blog in which I share my experience. I try a lot of things, different methods and methods to increase my catch. If interested, you can read it. Nothing extra, just my personal experience.
Attention, TODAY only!
The service life of any type of transmission box, first of all, depends on its proper operation.
The quality of its lubrication, the transmission fluid, which helps maintain high performance properties of the gearbox, is also important.
Since 2013, VAZ vehicles, for the most part, have been produced using the so-called cable gearbox. In addition to the cable drive, some other changes appeared in the car. The new transmission box was named “VAZ-2181”, and the volume of the gearbox housing was reduced to 2.35 liters. The manufacturer recommends filling in fluid no more than the specified volume, however, if the car has a gearbox with a traction drive, then the volume of oil poured will still increase - up to 3 liters.
Often, service centers advise replacing the transmission fluid immediately after the first 15,000 km, especially if the car is used intensively under rather difficult conditions.
