Lada Kalina cross. gearbox maintenance

Lada Kalina Cross. GEARBOX MAINTENANCE

Manual Transmission

Check the oil level in a manual gearbox when the gearbox is cool. The oil level should be at the lower edge of inspection hole 1 (Fig. 50). Add oil in small portions through inspection hole 1.

Drain the used oil through the hole closed with plug 2.

Automatic transmission

The working fluid in the automatic transmission is filled by the manufacturer and does not require replacement during vehicle operation. An exception is replacing the working fluid when repairing an automatic transmission.

It is recommended to check the level and replace the working fluid (if necessary) at a LADA dealer,

ATTENTION!

Use only genuine Genuine EJ-1ATF automatic transmission fluid (supplied by JX Nippon Oil and Energy Corporation). The use of other types of fluids will lead to disruption of the automatic transmission, a decrease in its service life and may lead to malfunctions, the elimination of which is not covered by the manufacturer’s warranty.

Do not fill the oil above the permissible maximum level, this may lead to oil splashes through the breather, which can subsequently lead to ignition of the oil if it comes into contact with hot engine parts.

Rice. 50. Checking the oil level in a manual transmission

Lada Kalina Cross. AUTOMATED TRANSMISSION

When the car is equipped with an automated transmission, movement occurs by pressing only the accelerator and brake pedals. First gear is in all cases the standard driving gear.

After starting the engine, moving the selector to positions R, A or M and moving your foot from the brake pedal to the accelerator pedal, turning off the handbrake (if it was on) and actuating the accelerator pedal, the car starts. Gear shifting in A mode is fully automatic.

The driver can use the gear lever (Fig. 40c) to end the automatic mode at any time, and perform manual intervention in the automatic drive program. The driver can maintain the actual gear or shift the transmission to a lower or higher gear manually. If upshifting or downshifting causes the engine to rev too high, improper gear shifting may be blocked.

The computer displays the following information in the instrument cluster regarding the operation of the robotic gearbox:

Gear engaged;

Automatic or manual modes (AUTO or MANUAL);

Working condition of the brake pedal.

All residents of the country know the iconic car from AvtoVAZ - the Lada Kalina, which began mass production in November back in 2004. The car, without a doubt, can be included in the top ten best and most popular vehicles in the Russian Federation. However, time passed, technology developed, and at the beginning of 2013, the first generation of Kalina, produced in various body styles, was replaced by the new Lada Kalina-2 model. The new product was produced in hatchback and station wagon bodies and quite successfully, the new generation acquired many fans. However, a year later, an interesting modification appeared, called “Kalina Cross”. It was designed on the basis of a second-generation station wagon, but still the two vehicles had quite a lot of differences. Below is a detailed review of the Lada Kalina Cross.

Topping up and changing gearbox oil

Any oil in the Kalina gearbox consists of a base and various additives. As work progresses, the original properties are gradually lost, additives are produced, and transmission parts are left without protection. In a working gearbox, the temperature can be more than 100 degrees; old lubricant with used additives loses its lubricating properties and foams.

Used oil is not capable of creating a protective film on rubbing parts; overheating causes carbon deposits to form, which begins to interfere with normal gear engagement. You can determine that it’s time to change the lubricant by the characteristic hum from the box - over time, it will develop into destruction of the gear teeth, and the gearbox will fail. Kalina has a cable-driven gearbox, so it makes less noise. The same effect will occur if there is not enough oil. The gears are difficult to engage, and the main drive and gears begin to scuff. The car simply will not be able to move.

You need to think about replacement if there are signs of moisture and metal particles getting into the transmission from damaged gear teeth. With such symptoms, the correct operation of the gearbox is disrupted. This will be indicated by a series of different sounds. If you hear a grinding, howling, humming, or crackling noise while shifting gears or while driving the car, this indicates the need to change the oil and eliminate existing faults. The lubricant should be changed after inspecting the oil level dipstick - if the working fluid in the gearbox is black and there is a burning smell.

The manufacturer of the Lada Kalina recommends changing the lubricant when a certain mileage is reached. The gearbox is a fairly durable unit, the optimal mileage from one replacement to another is 60,000 km, although AvtoVAZ recommends changing the oil at intervals of 70,000 km.

Only a special transmission product with the correct viscosity and markings for manual or automatic transmissions should be filled.

Methods that are not recommended

Liquid can be poured into the crankcase of box 2181 through a separate hole, which is closed by the reverse switch. The part in question will be clearly visible if you open the hood and remove the filter box:

The connector is usually colored blue or red

Dismantling this part is not easy. First, disconnect the connector, and to loosen the fastening, you will need a special socket wrench with a high head. The key size is 22mm hex.

You can gain access to the internal volume of the gearbox in another way, which is not discussed here. Together with engines 21126 and 21127, a speed sensor is used, mounted on the top of the box casing. It will be easy to dismantle this unit, but after reinstallation the tightness is broken.

The oil level in the gearbox is controlled as follows: the standard filler plug must be unscrewed, and as soon as the liquid begins to leak out onto the casing, topping up is stopped. It is advisable that the car be installed on a level surface. And it’s even better if the body is tilted to the right - excess transmission fluid has never hurt anyone.

Selection of oil for manual transmission and automatic transmission of Lada Kalina

There are many types of lubricants, including for Lada cars. To choose a quality product, you should follow some recommendations:

1. Take into account the manufacturer's requirements. The operating manual clearly describes the parameters by which transmission oil is selected. Viscosity is usually indicated, and, as in engine oil, it may differ for summer or winter.
2. When purchasing a used car, you should ask the former owner what product was used. If you used mineral oil, you cannot fill it with synthetic oil without first flushing it.
3. The best option is semi-synthetic oil. Similar products are found mainly in Russia and the CIS. Essentially, this is the same mineral lubricant that has undergone hydrocracking. Semi-synthetics can be used after mineral oil.

The choice of gear oil is an individual decision for each car owner. It depends on the mileage, the condition of the gearbox, and the type of gearbox.

ASPHALT

Already on the highway, the Cross can pleasantly surprise those who have driven front-wheel drive Ladas. The source of joy is the pendant! Dense, energy-intensive, but not shaking. And most importantly, there is no traditional rattling noise when driving over small irregularities and other characteristic sounds of a front-wheel drive VAZ chassis. Gas-filled struts with upgraded rebound buffers, reduced internal friction and original valve settings do their job.

The upholstery doesn't bother you with squeaking either. Of course, the noise hasn’t gone away completely: the winter tires itch, the engine grumbles, the gearbox whines. The transmission noise is not very annoying, but now stands out clearly against the general quiet background.

The regular station wagon is the complete opposite. Transmission noise is minimal, largely thanks to the Jatco automatic transmission. But the suspension is talkative, like in the good old days of all front-wheel drive VAZs. It is also quite dense, but still softer than Cross. On uneven surfaces, a slight sway of the body from bow to stern is noticeable, which we did not notice in the Cross. And the interior was upset by an inexplicable clattering sound in the rear door area, although the car is brand new. Inconsistent build quality?

We imitated typical roads of the Russian outback at the Dmitrovsky driving range - there was plenty of compacted snow and bare ice there. The eight-valve Kalina Cross in the “Norma” configuration and with a manual gearbox is addressed to those who do not need electronic assistants. The only such benefit is the anti-lock braking system.

The engine, which is not the most structurally advanced in modern times, allows you to drive under pressure without slipping. Let's say, on a slippery six percent climb, you can start the car, immediately tuck into second gear and crawl up almost at idle speed. The main thing is not to press on the gas, so as not to cause the wheels to slip.

But just Kalina with a 16-valve engine and an automatic transmission has in this case an electronic stabilization system combined with traction control - this is the prerogative of cars in the maximum “Lux” configuration (on more modestly equipped versions there is only ABS). No delicate throttling is required here. Switch to Drive and step on the gas pedal. The electronics will do everything itself, and the car will crawl up the hill without slipping. But it won’t allow you to frolic in sliding at high speeds. You can turn off ESP, but at a speed of 50 km/h it will automatically turn on again. Therefore, during intense acceleration with ESP turned off, do not forget that the electronics waking up at 50 km/h can sharply cut off traction on the wheels.

Country paths and virgin snow, as expected, put “Cross” in the lead. It is taller and better protected from below. In these conditions, a manual gearbox, a 3.9 main pair and an engine with acceptable traction at low speeds are what you need. You can move through loose snow with even throttle, almost under pressure. Where there is more snow, you accelerate a little and scratch further with a slight slip - the Cross confidently crawls forward.

Types of gear oil

There are three main types of lubricant:

1. Mineral. It is characterized by unstable fluidity, is produced faster and is characterized by mediocre parameters.
2. Synthetic. Stable under thermal and chemical stress. It has the longest service life, but the main disadvantage is the high price and increased consumption.
3. Semi-synthetic. Something between mineral and synthetic in price and characteristics. Optimal for used cars.

For Lada Kalina, it is recommended to purchase an original lubricant product or its equivalent. High-quality material cannot be cheap. Some car owners do not trust original oils from the manufacturer, but this does not mean that they are of poor quality. Their cost is not as high as that of foreign analogues. For Lada Kalina, semi-synthetic oil from Lukoil has proven itself to be excellent. Judging by the reviews, the car can travel up to 300,000 km without the need for major repairs or transmission replacement.

If you need to reduce box noise, it is recommended to use a THK Magnum transmission. It can also be used in low temperature conditions; the gears will shift smoothly and quickly. Do not pay attention to additives; they should not be taken into account for either engine or transmission oil. Modern lubricants have all the properties to increase the service life of components and assemblies; additives are no longer of fundamental importance. The Lada Kalina is equipped with not only a manual transmission, but also an automatic Jatco from Nissan. It is recommended to use only two types of oils for this gearbox:

• Nissan ATF Matic-S;
• Genuine EJ-1 ATF.

When replacing, it must be taken into account that at least three liters of fluid will be required. When measuring the volume of the drained product, allowance should be made for the temperature - when heated, the liquid expands.

Oil is poured into a heated gearbox, only clean equipment and tools are used, the machine is extremely sensitive to dust.

Is the Kalina Cross significantly different from the second generation Kalina station wagon?

Despite the fact that the Lada Kalina Cross was created on the basis of the second generation Station Wagon, the new car received significant differences. Many people mistakenly attribute the presence of all-wheel drive to these, which is not true. Cross is a raised Kalina, with reinforced suspension, increased cross-country ability and improved technical parts, while having front-wheel drive.

Differences between the Kalina Cross modification and the second generation station wagon:

• extended door moldings;
• reinforced anti-roll bars;
• different transmission ratio (main pair);
• increased ground clearance;
• upgraded shock absorbers;
• redesigned, reinforced suspension;
• minor design changes.

Attention! In general, the two cars are quite different, which allows us to talk about their individuality, even taking into account their external similarity.

Checking the oil level and adding oil

To check the oil level in the gearbox, you can use two options, each of which is effective:

1. Take out the dipstick that is used to control the level. The simplest and easiest way is that normally the level should be at the maximum level or between the minimum and maximum.
2. The second way is to drain the oil from the gearbox housing and measure its volume, then fill it back.

Both are equally accurate, but car owners prefer to use a dipstick - the second method is suitable if the lubricant is being replaced. To begin, place the car on a level surface and wait 10-15 minutes until the oil drains into the crankcase. It must be warmed up. Then follow the algorithm:

1. Move the air filter housing to the side so that it does not interfere with operation.
2. Near the battery, at the bottom left of the engine compartment, you can see the dipstick ring.
3. Pull out the dipstick and wipe it with a rag.
4. Insert it all the way back in and take it out again.
5. Look at the level. If it is less than o, you should add oil and look for the cause of the leak. If the level is between the minimum and maximum o, everything is fine.

Configurations of Kalina Cross

Depending on the set of functional equipment, Kalina Cross is divided into two configurations:

• Norma - basic configuration;
• Luxe - top-end.

The Norma package includes a number of options:

• steering airbag;
• 15-inch wheels (cast);
• roof rails;
• electric drive of front door windows;
• immobilizer, alarm system;
• climate control function;
• MP3 multimedia system consisting of a radio and four speakers;
• braking systems: ABS, EBD and EBA;
• heated front seats and exterior mirrors;
• athermal tinting on windows;
• “renewable” spare tire, represented by a 14-inch wheel;
• non-adjustable steering wheel for reach, but adjustable for height.

The “Luxe” package is supplemented with such options as:

• there are rain, light and parking sensors;
• added heated windshield system;
• All doors are equipped with an electric drive;
• side mirrors are also electrically adjustable;
• There are two airbags: for the driver and front passenger.

The cost of the new Kalina Cross in the basic configuration (manual transmission 5, 87 hp fuel-injected engine, standard set of options, etc.) starts at 482,000 rubles, the standard configuration with a 106-horsepower internal combustion engine is available for 508,000 rubles. The top-end configuration, equipped with a robotic gearbox, a 106-horsepower engine and a maximum range of options, costs 546,000 rubles.

Prices between car configurations do not differ much, but whether it is worth overpaying 20-30,000 rubles for minor additions is up to each individual to decide. On top of that, the color of the car, wheels and some other “amenities” can be purchased in advance to order with an additional payment of 10,000 rubles.

Changing the oil in the Lada Kalina gearbox

Owners of Lada cars rarely use the services of car services to replace consumables. It is not difficult and can be done with your own hands. For replacement work, you need to prepare the following tools:

• 17 mm wrench or socket wrench;
• a funnel with a tube (at least 500 mm in length);
• canister of oil;
• container for waste liquid;
• flushing oil;
• jack (required when washing).

Changing the oil in the Kalina gearbox will require an overpass, a lift or an inspection hole. If you don’t have any of this, use a jack - hang it in front of the car and fix it in this position. Before draining the oil, be sure to check its level. This must be done to determine if there is a leak. After this, you can drain the mining:

• after installing the car in the desired position, it should be secured with wheel chocks;
• remove the engine protection;
• find the drain nut on the gearbox housing and place a suitable container under it;
• Unscrew the drain nut with a 17 mm wrench;
• wait 15-20 minutes until as much oil as possible has drained;
• tighten the drain nut.

Before adding fresh product, pay attention to the waste liquid. If it is black, it contains metal particles, dirt, dust, stains, in this case it is recommended to fill the gearbox with flushing oil. It is poured into the box, then the front wheel is hung out, and the engine is started. Next, first gear is engaged, after 5-10 minutes you can turn off the engine and drain the flush, now you can fill in new lubricant without fear. The oil filling procedure is simple. A funnel tube is inserted into the dipstick hole, about three liters of lubricant are poured into the box, after which you need to wait a few minutes, then check the level and top up if necessary.

For better operation of the fifth gear, it is recommended to fill the working fluid to the maximum level. This is explained by the fact that the fifth gear is higher than all the others and lacks lubricant.

Work principles

Old box with modernization

The new design is the old gearbox with significant upgrades. The previous design is known to us for its shortcomings: large lever strokes, difficult activation and low vibration comfort.

The cable driven gearbox is not a new type. The device can be safely called an updated version of the previous design, which has been made more convenient by improving it. It follows from this that the driver, accustomed to the previous version of the box, will not need to relearn. For cable gearboxes, the diameter of the clutch has been changed, increased from 200 to 215 mm. The starter was moved, installing it along the engine.

Two cables, when interacting with the box, will dampen the transmitted vibrations. This will make the shifting smoother and also reduce the travel of the gearshift knob. The cable design allows shifts to be crisp rather than harsh. In addition, the travel of the shift lever has been significantly reduced. Cable drive is superior to other design solutions in terms of seasonal changes in weather. As a result of replacing the traction drive with a cable drive, the amount of oil poured decreased by 30% due to the transfer of the gear selection mechanism to the top from the bottom.

Changing the automatic transmission lubricant

To work on replacing the lubricant on the automated gearbox of the Lada Kalina, you will need a set of tools:

• 8 mm and 10 mm wrenches;
• 17 mm and 19 mm spanners;
• figured screwdriver;
• container for draining waste liquid;
• hose for filling lubricant;
• funnel for hose;
• transmission oil.

As in the case of mechanics, the car must be placed on a level surface and raised on a lift. To do this, you can use an overpass or inspection hole. The gearbox must be warmed up:

1. Remove the dirt boot and cover.
2. Unscrew the drain nut on the pan with a 19 mm wrench.
3. Place a suitable container under the drain.
4. There will be an overflow plug under the drain plug; you need to remove it and drain the liquid from the box.
5. To change the lubricant efficiently, it is recommended to dismantle the entire pan and clean it. To do this, unscrew the fastening bolts with a 10 mm wrench; the tray is thoroughly cleaned along with the magnets installed on it.
6. Reinstall the pan.

Filling of new lubricant is carried out through the hole for the level dipstick. The dipstick itself is located under the air filter housing near the cylinder block. For convenience, you can dismantle the air filter housing, remove the bellows by unscrewing the 4 screws securing the cover and unscrewing the clamps. Remove the dipstick, insert the funnel hose in its place, then fill in the same amount of lubricant as was drained.

In order for the fluid to be evenly distributed in the gearbox, you need to start the engine and move the gear selector lever to all positions, holding each of them for several seconds. Now you can again measure the fluid level in the box using a dipstick and add it if necessary, then assemble the air filter and attach the corrugation to it. Reinstall the engine protection and boots.

Manual and automatic transmissions of Lada Kalina are quite reliable units; they rarely cause inconvenience to the owner. But for this it is necessary to follow the operating rules and timely service the units. It is important to monitor the oil level in time, add or completely change the lubricant.

Timely replacement of transmission fluid in a car's gearbox will extend the life of your vehicle, improve performance and avoid a number of serious problems that can lead to serious damage or complete failure of the unit.

Over time, the oil in the box loses its original chemical and physical properties. Liquid used for a long time is not able to adequately cool the gears that heat up during friction, which leads to their rapid wear. In addition, driving the Kalina becomes less comfortable.

In this article we will tell you how to change the oil in a Kalina gearbox, how much fluid to fill, how to check the level, and also give useful tips and instructions.

NOT EXPENSIVE AT ALL

At the end of January, when we conducted this test, the station wagon closest to it in terms of equipment with a manual transmission and the same engine cost 427,800 rubles. And for the Cross, dealers asked 451,000 rubles. The difference is about 23 thousand. Great offer! After all, “Cross” means large light alloy wheels, an off-road body kit, increased ground clearance, a modified suspension, a short main gear in the transmission and a more pleasant interior. It is promised that the Cross will soon appear with a 16-valve engine, more powerful, and another 10 thousand more expensive. It's also tempting.

Against this background, the price of the test "Kalina" station wagon seems inadequate - 523,800 rubles. But it’s “automatic”! And the “Lux” package comes with a stabilization system. Look through the price lists: foreign cars of this class with automatic transmission, climate control and other benefits are significantly more expensive.

When to change the gearbox oil for Lada Kalina

The documentation from the factory does not contain clear regulations for updating or completely replacing the transmission fluid. In this regard, many car owners believe that the volume filled at the factory will be enough to last the entire time the car is used. The result of this attitude is a quick visit to the service station for major repairs.

Experts disagree on how often the oil should be changed in the Lada Kalina gearbox, no matter the 2nd cable model or the old model. Some give as guidelines a mileage of 70-75 thousand km or 5 years of operation, others insist that the fluid will be enough for 120-150 thousand km.

Of course, the distance your car has traveled and how long ago it was purchased are not all the parameters that should be taken into account. If you are forced to often stand in traffic jams or drive at low speeds, the transmission fluid may become unusable even after a mileage of 40-50 thousand km.

Carry out diagnostics immediately if you begin to notice deviations in the operation of the gearbox (noise, hard shifting).

Lada Kalina Cross 2017-2018 owner reviews

All the disadvantages of Lada Kalina Cross 2017-2018

➖ Quality of finishing materials ➖ Sound insulation ➖ Music

pros

➕ Spacious trunk ➕ Visibility ➕ Cross-country ability ➕ Cost-effective

The advantages and disadvantages of the Lada Kalina Cross 2017-2018 in the new body were identified based on reviews from real owners. More detailed pros and cons of the Lada Kalina Cross with mechanics and robot can be found in the stories below:

Owner reviews

The first 200 km is a highway. The speed is about 110 km/h (according to the tachometer this is about 2,600 rpm). The engine and gearbox are practically inaudible; they are drowned out by the general noise from the road and wind. The cabin is quite quiet, you can calmly talk in a low voice.

On the highway, the gearbox does not stand on ceremony with switching: it easily throws the needle towards the “prohibited” speeds. Then I adapted: I switched it to manual mode before overtaking and clicked when it reached 3,000 - 3,500 rpm. The car picks up 120-130 km/h very easily. Noticeably faster than it was on the Accent (even during the run-in).

City. On Friday I got stuck in traffic a little (no more than half an hour). If you smoothly press the gas, you get the feeling of a regular automatic, with the only difference being that the classic automatic starts driving after you release the brake pedal, and the robot waits for you to press the gas pedal. In a smooth flow, the robot works slower (in the sense of changing gears). That's noticeable.

The car is very warm: the climate very accurately maintains the temperature and distributes the flow well. We tried the heated seats: it warms both the back and the butt well, it warms up in about a minute.

The owner drives a Lada Kalina Cross 1.6 (106 hp) with a robot, produced in 2015.

I had to go on a long journey. I drove 1,500 km, and I liked the impressions, namely, my back doesn’t hurt or get tired, the air conditioner does the job, the engine doesn’t get hot. I confidently give this a 5.

True, somewhere around 5,000 km the glove compartment fell off. It took it and fell off, but they replaced it under warranty, although I waited a couple of weeks. Fogging of oil from under the valve cover and along the gas outlet pipe - it seems they also tried to correct it.

Then, already at 25,000 km, the smell of gasoline appeared. Fuel pipes are frayed. They changed it in a day. Closer to 30,000 mileage, an oil smell appeared - the camshaft seal was leaking, they changed it at the service station during maintenance and advised to use semi-synthetics, although previous times they had suggested and poured synthetics. They say that oil fogging is also due to synthetics. I'm a little upset, of course, by the breakdowns that occurred. All these are known problems, but for some reason AvtoVAZ is in no hurry to fix them.

Review of Lada Kalina Cross 1.6 (87 hp) with manual transmission 2016

How and where to store transmission fluid

Before use, make sure that the oil has not yet expired. To do this, refer to the label on the container. To keep your gearbox fluid in optimal condition, you will need to follow these instructions:

• Close the cap of the bottle or canister tightly. The product must be stored in airtight packaging.
• Do not leave containers in the sun or direct light. A suitable place for storage would be a cellar, attic, garage, etc.
• Check the expiration date.
• Do not store lubricant containers in a room with temperatures above 24 degrees Celsius. Otherwise, the chemical elements of the oil may change and harm the box.
• Do not allow excess moisture to get inside the liquid container.

We will tell you what kind of oil to fill into the Kalina gearbox later, and now we’ll look at where to store the canister of lubricant.

The ideal storage location is a heated basement, garage or shed with low humidity levels. In it you will protect the container from sunlight, sudden climate changes and other harmful factors.

Another useful tip - we do not recommend pouring the composition from the canister into other containers. The original packaging consists of durable plastic, which allows you to protect the liquid from poor storage conditions.

Do not use oil that is more than 12 months old. It will negatively affect the operation of the box. In the best case, you will need to replace it again; in the worst case, you will need to completely repair the gearbox or replace the unit. As you can see, it’s easier to check once than to overpay later.

In our store you will always find fresh transmission compounds from the Hessol brand. German lubricant is distinguished by its versatility, quality and cost. At Chirol you can purchase the composition at the lowest prices. If you need advice on selection, please contact us by phone or come to our office. Our manager will answer all your questions in detail.

How is such a checkpoint arranged?

What is good about this system and how is it convenient for the driver?

A cable-driven gearbox is a design that allows you to change gears using a special cable. This simplification eliminates some of the complications and problems. For example, you no longer need to make any effort to change gears. Eliminating vibrations that are transmitted by the engine to the body is the main task of the cable drive.

The fact is that the cable is designed to dampen vibrations propagating along the traction connection of the mechanical box. In addition, the drive is able to eliminate many small vibrations in the seats or clutch pedals. Thanks to this effect, you can feel noticeable comfort.

Box lever with cable drive

What does the design include?

The cable gear shift system includes a shift mechanism and a device for controlling the drive, as well as cables, a translator and a reaction rod. In the support sockets, which are attached to the gearbox housing, the sheaths of the ends of the cables are installed. The cable sheaths are secured with double clamps along their length. On the one hand, the ends of the cables are pivotally connected to the control lever, and on the opposite side they have hinges connecting to the switching mechanism.

Thanks to the supports, which consist of brackets with mounting sockets for the cable, it is now possible to change the angle of direction of the cables. The brackets, the walls of which are located perpendicular to the surface of the interface between the brackets and the tail plates, are fixed on the support plates in one of a number of design positions. In this position, the wall with the socket is oriented in the same direction as the cable.

In previous designs, in order to engage the gear, the driver resorted to using a rocker-lever, through which vibration is transmitted from the engine to the lever. The updated version of the gearbox uses multi-cone synchronizers, which contribute to improved gear shift clarity. Circuit solutions increase the operational reliability of the design.

Gearbox device

What oil is better to fill in the Lada Kalina box?

AvtoVAZ equips vehicles with different gearboxes. The first generation Kalina is available with a manual transmission 1118 or 1119, the second generation - with a manual transmission 2180 or 2181. In addition, some Kalina 2 models have an automatic transmission; as a rule, manufacturers use automatic transmissions manufactured by Nissan.

How much oil to pour into the Kalina gearbox? The boxes differ in volume: the smallest will be in the manual transmission 2181 - 2.2 liters; the largest - up to 3.5 in manual transmissions 1118 and 1119.

At the factory, gearboxes of all types are filled with the same fluid: TNK TRANS KP mineral oil, produced by the Ryazan Oil Refinery. At the same time, the manufacturer does not insist on using this brand exclusively.

The most important factor is that the liquid performs the required functions:

• protection of surfaces exposed to friction from wear and wedge;
• reduction of shock load;
• reduction of energy losses due to friction;
• reduction of hum and vibration of gears.

To ensure the correct functioning of the Lada Kalina gearbox, the lubricating fluid must have the following parameters:

• anti-corrosion and anti-wear properties;
• increased oxidation stability;
• excellent viscosity-temperature criteria;
• compatibility with rubber gearbox parts;
• low foaming;
• stability of the chemical composition.

An indicator of the quality of the product will be its compliance with API standards (it must have a class of GL-4 or GL-4/5), as well as the viscosity standard SAE J 306. The latter regulates the optimal option for various temperature conditions.

Which oil is best for the Kalina gearbox? The Lada owner must independently choose a lubricant in accordance with the climatic characteristics of his region:

• SAE 75W-80 and 75W-85 (from -40°C to +35°C).
• SAE 75W-90 (-40°C to +45°C).
• SAE 80W-85 (-26°C to +35°C).
• SAE 80W-90 (-26°C to +45°C).
• SAE 85W-90 (from -12°C to +45°C and above).

Exterior and interior of Kalina Cross

Considering Kalina Cross in relation to external and internal design is quite problematic, because everyone has individual tastes. However, it would be useful to present the general state of affairs.

The exterior of the car immediately makes it clear to the potential owner that this is an unusual vehicle. Many elements of the body structure show the off-road character of the car, for example:

• side door moldings;
• roof rails;
• door sills and arches made of strong black plastic.

Combined with the high ground clearance, this concept of the Lada Kalina Cross looks quite beautiful, solid and aggressive.

The car is quite spacious inside, but it cannot please car enthusiasts with its new interior. The five-seater saloon remained with the same design as its predecessors, the Kalin. The luggage compartment has a volume of 355 liters, which increases to 670 liters with the three rear seats folded down. The cars are brightly colored and are equipped with bright inserts in the same color as the body on the seats, steering wheel and doors.

Attention! Otherwise, the interior of the Cross is the same as that of other Kalinas, in which the use of “oak” plastic and fabric seat upholstery predominates.

Useful tips

The first and most important recommendation is not to use mineral compounds when operating the car in low temperatures. This type of oil tends to thicken, as a result of which the gearbox gears do not receive proper lubrication and lock up. This is due to the fact that the viscosity of the frozen composition does not allow them to work correctly. It is advisable to use such a liquid only in areas with a constantly warm climate.

Periodically check the oil level in the box. It won't take too much time, but at the same time you will be sure that one of the most important components of your vehicle is working correctly. If you notice that the lubricant is leaving or leaking, immediately contact the service for diagnostics.

There are a large number of gearbox fluids on the market that meet the listed requirements. When choosing a specific oil, the owner of a Kalina car will be faced with the question: is the use of an expensive imported product justified or for a domestic vehicle the best option would be a cheaper Russian-made fluid.

The answer from experts is clear: foreign-made oil is much more effective. By using the Hessol product, made in Germany, you will receive:

• Noticeable noise reduction.
• High precision and softness of the box operation.
• Significant increase in gearbox life.

You can often come across the opinion that the factory fluid should be replaced with an imported one immediately after purchasing a Lada car. This is due to the unsatisfactory performance of the manual transmission, which was noted by the owners of the Kalina, released in 2013. Having received a large number of complaints, AvtoVAZ sent the gearbox for modification and, starting in the summer of 2014, a number of gearbox deficiencies were eliminated.

Is Lada Kalina Cross a second generation car?

The well-known Lada Kalina brand is a passenger car produced by AvtoVAZ, produced since November 2004.

The model is one of the ten most popular cars in Russia; it is produced not only in Togliatti, but also at the automobile plant in Ust-Kamenogorsk (Kazakhstan).

Assembly of the first generation Kalina was carried out until the spring of 2013; the car was produced in hatchback, sedan and station wagon bodies.

In May of the same 2013, a new project Lada Kalina 2 was launched into series, but this model was already produced in only two body styles - station wagon and hatchback.

The Kalina Cross modification appeared in 2014, and although it is built on the Universal base, it has a number of significant differences.

There are ongoing debates whether the new Kalina is a second-generation car; some fans of VAZ cars believe that this is simply a deep restyling of its predecessor.

But the Lada Cross has quite a lot of updates, and what the car represents is something we have to figure out.

Video “How to engage a cable-driven gearbox”

In the video you can see how a cable-driven transmission works.

The 5-speed manual transmission VAZ 2181 has been assembled since October 2012 in two different modifications: 21810 and 21816, which offhand differ from each other only in the design of the counterweight. This cable-driven transmission is designed for a torque of 140 Nm.

The modern family also includes 5-speed manual transmissions: 2180, 21807 and 21809.

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Disadvantages, breakdowns and problems of the VAZ 2181

The multi-cone synchronizers, praised at the presentation, wear out very quickly, and then a crunch characteristic of the Lada occurs when moving from first to second speed.

Some transmissions, and especially the second one, may suddenly disappear at some point. This is due to wear on the gears or another defect during manufacturing.

Oil leaks did not go away with changes in the crankcase design. Owners who struggle with the howling of the manual transmission by increasing the pressure of the transmission fluid add to the problems.

Lever rattling in third gear appears due to wear on the control cable. And vibrations during intense acceleration are a signature drawback of this gearbox.

The low quality of manufacturing of a number of parts often led to the failure of the entire unit even at low mileage, and official dealers simply replaced the entire box under warranty. However, in defense of the popular domestic manufacturer, we can responsibly state that the quality of VAZ products is gradually increasing and there are fewer and fewer complaints.