Main parameters of suspension springs for Russian passenger cars (manufacturers’ data)

December 23, 2015 Lada.Online 177 557 8

When using the car for a long time, you may notice that the body has sagged a few centimeters. This is a characteristic feature of wear on the suspension springs. Controllability and comfort depend on their rigidity. And if they are selected or installed incorrectly, then this is already a security threat.

Purpose

Chevrolet Niva comes from the factory with springs, both front and rear. The main purpose of these devices is to absorb all the shocks of the suspension that occur when the wheels hit potholes and bumps. They are located in the gap between the wheel and the frame of the car, due to which shocks from the road are smoothed out.

For their manufacture, special high-strength steel is used. The number of turns of the device affects not only the quality of shock absorption, but also the distance of the body from the suspension.

Many Chevrolet Niva owners upgrade the rear springs by installing spacers or reinforced parts.

How to lift a Niva yourself

If you want to do the Niva lift yourself, then take this procedure very seriously, since despite the simplicity of the work, the slightest mistake will result in irreversible consequences in the future. Therefore, no matter what the car becomes unusable for use, you must strictly follow all the rules, and if there are any doubts, then it is better to turn to a professional.

In order to carry out all the work, it is enough to buy a ready-made lift kit, but there are car owners who upgrade the parts themselves, if you are one of them, then you need to stock up on the following parts:

1. Set of springs
2. Rubber spacers for springs with steel cups
3. Shock absorber kit
4. Special spacers for ball joints, the thickness of which should be approximately 30 millimeters

5. Make a special mount for the rear shock absorbers
6. There are twelve spacer washers under the cup with the following dimensions:
7. For cups and long ball bolts
8. Two jacks and a spring tie

You also need to additionally make special spacers for the rear shock absorbers. They can be made from corners, and bushings whose thickness should be approximately 32 millimeters are welded to them.

Classification

The suspension elements under consideration are divided into two types according to their rigidity:

1. Standard hard ones are designated by the letter “A”. They have high stability and load capacity.
2. Soft “B” is their main advantage in providing increased comfort, but at the same time they quickly become unusable - they “sag”.

Reference! From the factory, Shniva is equipped with class “A” parts, that is, rigid ones.

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.

when to change springs?

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.

Types of springs for Chevy Niva

The time comes when the springs on a Chevrolet Niva need to be replaced. First you need to figure out which suspension elements are best to install so that they provide the expected properties.

Front

You can replace the front suspension elements with devices from manufacturers such as Izh-Techno, Kilen, Lesjofors, Reid or Techno Ressor.

It is necessary to mark only devices of the Reid brand, the cost of which is 4,000 rubles per set. This price is due to the high quality of the kit.

Rear

Unlike the front end, it is recommended to install reinforced elements on the rear part. This is necessary so that the SUV can be loaded, and at the same time the car still absorbs shock from the road well.

Spacers

During operation, the elastic elements of a car's suspension sags and require replacement, however, there is a more budget-friendly option that many car enthusiasts use - installing spacers.
In this case, one main condition must be met - the absence of signs of deformation . Spacers help restore the functionality of the shock-absorbing elements of the suspension, thereby the owner can save money.

Springs Kilen-Lesjofors, coating

I cannot help but note the issue of spring coating. The most important difference from other manufacturers is not the paint. Primary coating is made with zinc phosphate, secondary with epoxy powder. Let me note an important thing. Spring coating isn't just about "beauty" - it's about long-lasting performance. Metal whose structure has been penetrated by rust is, in most cases, scrap metal. In St. Petersburg conditions, the coating lasted more than 7 years before the first chips appeared on the springs.

Compatibility of springs from Niva and Shniva

The springs on the Chevrolet Niva from the regular Niva VAZ-2123 are not suitable. The reason for this is the differences in length. Let's consider the main technical parameters of these elements.

Technical data of factory (standard) springs for Niva Niva (Chevrolet):

Size of factory springs for Niva Chevrolet without load.

Factory front spring size:

• length 315 mm
• outer diameter 120 mm
• rod thickness 15.8 mm
• internal diameter 88.4 mm
• load - up to 640 kg (with blue mark)
• greater than or equal to 640 kg (with brown mark)

Factory rear spring size:

• length 430 mm
• diameter 130 mm
• rod diameter 13.9 mm
• Inner diameter 102.2

DIY replacement

Replacement of rear and front springs is carried out not only when they sag, but also when chips, cracks, and other defects are detected. At the initial stage of work, the necessary tools and materials are prepared.

Tools and materials

To carry out the replacement work, you will need the following tools and materials:

1. Set of wrenches.
2. Jacks and stops.
3. New set of springs.

Important! It is recommended to replace them as a set or in pairs for the front and rear wheels. You cannot install parts from different manufacturers or different stiffness classes on the machine.

Work progress

Replacement of the front elements should be carried out in this order:

1. Jack up the SUV and remove the wheel. Set the stop. 2. Unscrew the nut securing the lower arm axle using an open-end wrench. 3. Unscrew the shock absorber mounting bolt, having first unscrewed the nut.

4. The stabilizer cushion bracket is dismantled after unscrewing the two fastening nuts. 5. Place the jack under the suspension and lift until the compression limiter moves freely. 6. Unscrew the three nuts securing the ball joint. The bolts securing the support are removed. 7. Slowly unloading the suspension, remove the springs. 8. The spacers are also dismantled, and then new parts are installed in the reverse order of removal.

The process for replacing rear springs is as follows:

1. You need to disconnect the lower shock absorber hinge from the rear axle and move it to the side. 2. Raise the car to unload the spring.

3. Remove the springs with spacers.

4. Install new springs in reverse order.

The entire replacement process takes no more than an hour for one wheel.

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What are suspension springs used for?

The operation of springs without shock absorbers is impossible. Shock absorbers + springs together ensure smooth movement of the car body even on very bad roads and help maintain controllability. It is the spring and shock absorber strut that take on the entire weight of the car while overcoming bumps, unloading the suspension.

What function does a spring perform?

The spring has a spiral shape and consists of several turns. The main characteristics of springs are:

• Hardness (indicated kgf/cm),
• Free length (mm)
• Loaded length (mm)
• Bar diameter (mm)

sometimes the spring is additionally marked with color or notches indicating its stiffness

When the car moves over uneven surfaces, the wheel may lose contact with the road, and the spring, compressing or straightening, returns it to work. During the collision of the wheel and the road surface, the entire mass of the body goes down, and the spring softens the consequences of this contact.

Dimensions and characteristics of suspension springs for VAZ, NIVA, Moskvich, OKA, UAZ

Catalog number

Rod diameter, mm

Free length mm

Load length X, mm

Front spring 2101,2102,2103,2104,2105,2106,2107

Suspension springs have a direct impact on the smoothness of the car and driving safety. Being in constant operation, these suspension elements wear out, and therefore they should be regularly inspected for mechanical damage. It is also necessary to constantly “listen” to the behavior of the car when hitting bumps.

The main signs that it is time to change the front springs on a Chevrolet Niva are:

• Reduced ride smoothness, suspension breakdowns;
• Creaking, grinding and a characteristic metallic knock when hitting an uneven surface;
• Distortion of the front of the car;
• Noticeable “sag” of the front suspension;
• Body sway when driving, etc.

In addition to the above, the front springs must be replaced if there are obvious signs of excessive wear, metal fatigue, or mechanical damage (chips, cracks). It is also worth noting that springs are replaced in pairs, and only springs identical to each other in technical and operational characteristics are allowed for installation.

Classification of springs for Chevrolet Niva suspension

Springs are usually divided into classes:

• A. These are standard springs, hard. Provide increased stability of the car, as well as increased load capacity.
• B. Soft springs. They are less durable than class A springs, but they provide increased smoothness of the car’s suspension.

Video

We recommend watching detailed video instructions, this can save you time and effort when carrying out repairs on your own

• Height: from 20 cm to 33 cm.
• Year of manufacture: from 1977 to present
• Diameter: 8.5 cm to 14.5 cm.
• For models: VAZ - 2121, Urban.
• Installation axis: rear, front
• Drive: Full (4wd)
• Nipple location: Lateral.
• Article: 101004

Applies to models

VAZ – 2121, Urban.

Produced from 1977 to the present day.

Article 101004

Main advantages:

• Variable ground clearance
• Increased ride comfort
• Significantly increases suspension life
• Increased load capacity
• Eliminates lateral rolls
• Eliminates rocking when driving with a trailer
• Does not affect the factory warranty

A set of additional air cylinders for the Niva is installed in standard springs. Makes it possible to increase cross-country ability. Each air spring can withstand pressure in excess of a ton.

With minimal pressure in the system, riding comfort is significantly increased. By increasing the pressure, you can achieve high load capacity and suspension rigidity. The springs on the Niva can be strengthened by redistributing the load.

Front shock absorbers for VAZ 2121 and 21214 (Niva)

The shock absorbers on the front wheels of both Nivas are not divided into right/left, and have the same article number. The length of the shock absorbers of both generations is almost the same, only on the Niva produced after 1994 the rod stroke is slightly longer. Otherwise, they are identical, have the same design and fastenings, and are interchangeable.

Many drivers note slight improvements (reduced sway) in the shock-absorbing qualities of the front wheels of the VAZ 2121 when installing front shock absorbers from the newer Niva (21214). But during dynamic driving, these advantages disappear.

As for the reviews about the original front shock absorbers for Niva 2121 and 21214, they are different. The spare part has most of the “sores” that plague most oil shock absorbers from SAAZ - poor off-road stability, as well as unpleasant vibrations and sounds even on roads with relatively minor irregularities.

Sometimes Niva owners install gas-oil shock absorbers on the front wheels under article number 21214290500402. Their manufacturer is also SAAZ, but these are not installed from the factory. There is a slight increase in ride comfort.

Analogs of front shock absorbers for Niv 2121 and 21214

Replacement front shock absorber struts are more popular than the originals. The reason for this is the poor performance of factory spare parts on off-road and rough roads. And for the Niva this is important, since it is an SUV.

Although for both generations of the Niva under consideration, the analogues of the front shock absorbers are slightly different (except for the manufacturer SS20) due to slight differences in the original shock absorbers, but they are all interchangeable and fit without any problems on both the VAZ-2121 and VAZ-21214.

Cars for sale

Lada 4x4 2121 Niva, 2013

Lada 4×4 2121 Niva, 2010

Lada 4×4 2121 Niva, 2015

Lada 4×4 2121 Niva, 2020

Comments 21

There are springs on the kayaba niva, height 309 turns 7, shnivy 320 and more turns, from m-ki 285 and the same 7 turns, Izh techno +1 height 295 it seems, decide for yourself, I’m happy with kayaba, elevator plus comfort

I’ll also add that the 214 springs installed on the Niva with the old-style suspension (until 2009) add +15 mm of clearance. If this is not enough, you can put spacers above the springs + shock absorber extensions or longer shock absorbers, respectively.

They cost from 214, the flight is normal

214 springs and hard shock absorbers for them. The shnivo springs are very stiff and they are not completely compressed under the weight of the Niva, i.e. The suspension doesn't go all the way down. And controllability is more influenced not by springs, but by shock absorbers. If you install Shnivo springs, you won’t be able to install hard shock absorbers, otherwise it will be like a cart.

I disagree here. I installed shnivy springs on the M-ku just for the lift for 31 wheels. On SS20 shock absorbers, the suspension was completely compressed to the point of beating. The solution was to install plaza sport he shnivy and then the suspension began to work as I wanted

The kit includes:

• Reinforced pneumatic cylinders - 4 pcs.
• Rubber bumpers - 4 pcs.

The price of air cylinders for Niva is indicated without taking into account the cost of extending the inflation or control system from the passenger compartment. The basic kit is controlled by pumping through a nipple.

If you need to change the pressure from the cabin, you can purchase a pneumatic cylinder control system.

We can also offer a system for extending lines to bring the pumping nipples to a place convenient for you.

The size of the factory rear spring for Niva 2121, in the free state, is:

• The rod size is 12.7 mm.
• Spring diameter - 128 mm
• Spring height - 434 mm
• Inner diameter - 102.5 mm
• Hardness - 2.25 mm

The size of the factory front spring for Niva 2121 in the free state is:

• Rod size - 15.2 mm
• Spring diameter - 120 mm
• Spring height - 278 mm
• Inner diameter 89.6 mm

How to determine spring stiffness

The manufacturer applies markings to the suspension springs that correspond to four stiffness groups:

There is also a color coding for springs:

Technical characteristics of air cylinders in springs:

• Height from 20 to 33 cm
• Diameter from 8.5 to 14.5 cm
• Air bag wall from 5 mm to 1 cm
• Thickness at the top and bottom up to 1.5 cm
• Working pressure from 0.1 to 1.5 atm
• Use temperature from -50 to + 80 degrees
• Working pressure from 0.1 to 1.5 atmospheres
• Minimum system pressure 0.1 atmosphere

You can order goods in any region of Russia by placing an order on our website.

In what cases is Niva lifting done?

Increasing clearance is a labor-intensive procedure. It requires special skills and tools. Therefore, lifting is usually performed at a service station. However, if you have the skills, you can install the elevator kit yourself. In this case, it is necessary to pay attention to the following points:

• Lifting requires an integrated approach. Simultaneously with the increase in ground clearance, it is necessary to change the shock absorbers and thrust rods. Otherwise, the suspension lift will make the car unusable.
• On the right side of the rear of the body there is a gas tank with ventilation pipes. This must be taken into account if, in addition to lifting, you decide to enlarge the wheel arches.
• If there is a significant change in ground clearance, you should install an extended brake hose and adjust the bump stops. You will also have to reconfigure the pressure regulator in the rear brake circuit.

For tuning at home, it is better to use ready-made factory-made lift kits.

Installation of wheels with a large outer radius. In this case, the craftsmen are faced with a limitation - tires that are too large do not fit into the wheel arches. You have to widen them or move the wheel outside the car, installing extended hubs.

Also interesting: Lada 4×4 Taiga (photos and differences) » Lada.Online

Installation of spacers. This method allows you to slightly raise the body and does not require much labor.

Installation of larger springs. This method is more expensive, but allows you to achieve a greater lifting height of the body.

Installation of wheel reducers on the rear axle. These parts allow the hubs to be lowered and increase the distance from the axle to the ground.

Downward displacement of the front beam. To do this, you will have to weld special fasteners onto the side members and install extended arms.

Installation of extended springs and spacers under ball joints. A simple and inexpensive way to greatly increase ground clearance.

We will divide all the work into two parts. At the first stage we will modernize the front suspension, at the second - the rear. So, let's get to work. First, remove the wheels and release the silent blocks. Next, install a jack under the ball joint, place a board under the latter and raise the car until the spring is compressed.

After this, we install the ties on the spring, tighten it and unscrew the shock absorber mount. Next, remove the lower and upper ball joints and remove the stabilizer. Release the lever and remove the spring. How is the suspension lift done? The Niva remains stationary for now, and at this time we turn the wheel hub to the side and place it on a stand. It is important not to damage the brake hoses.

The Niva lift can be carried out either independently or in a car repair shop. In special stores you can purchase a kit for Niva, which was produced at the factory. However, it is worth remembering that this is still an intervention in the car. Therefore, you need to carry out this process yourself only if you have knowledge and experience. If you are in doubt, it is best to turn to professionals.

Take a ready-made lift kit, other springs, or we’ll make do with spacers

What else is left to tell about Niva springs?! We mentioned earlier that in modern conditions it is not necessary to bother with car repairs. Even such inventive guys as fishermen and hunters. There are ready-made solutions, for example, lift kits, which can easily make your car a little more reliable off-road.

One of these kits immediately increases the car’s ground clearance by 4 centimeters; it includes, among other things, 2 spacers for the spring and modified lower cups:

—

There is also a more solid kit - it will immediately make the Niva 5 cm taller due to enlarged springs. It is suitable for any car of the family from VAZ 2121 to VAZ 21214. This set includes 2 reinforced front and rear springs made in Russia:

—

However, those who wish can purchase larger rear springs separately and inexpensively:

—

Choice depending on manufacturer

Often, when parts break down, drivers try to buy original factory parts as replacements, not wanting to experiment. However, there is a decent choice from other manufacturers, whose products are sometimes no worse than the original ones.

Sirius

There is a large assortment for different brands of cars, and parts are also manufactured in any configuration according to customer drawings.

Phobos

The quality is satisfactory, but, according to some car enthusiasts, after 2 years they begin to sag, losing rigidity. In total, about 500 types of springs are manufactured under this brand for any brand of car; there are standard, reinforced and lowered springs. Clearance kits with increased ground clearance are also available.

Technospring

Good quality for little money. They lose rigidity over time, but do not sag. Quite good as a budget option.

Very durable, no sagging. They have a stiffness adjustment directly on the car, done with a special thumb under the hood.

Eibach

High-quality, very durable, practically do not “age” - do not sag, do not lose rigidity. There is no roll when turning. But they cost one and a half times more than Koni.

Products of the SS20 brand undergo mandatory testing at test benches, after which they are selected in pairs with similar characteristics. This check ensures, according to the manufacturer, 100 percent product quality. A large assortment allows you to choose the right characteristics depending on your driving style and operating conditions. There are 3 options available:

• hot coiling of standard height with linear compression characteristic;
• cold coiling of standard height with linear and progressive compression characteristics;
• cold coils are lowered, with a progressive compression characteristic.

Kilen

Alternative original springs from Kilen are of the highest quality. The service life, as the manufacturers claim, is twice as long as the original VAZ products.

Asomi

Excellent springs made from special alloys, coated with epoxy coating to increase service life.

Different positions of the front and rear of the body

One of the unconcealed signs of a collapsed spring or a pair of “front” or “rear” at once will be purely aesthetic rejection. The car will either have the trunk pulled up or the engine compartment pulled up. Or even the body will be completely askew if you accidentally “run out” of one spring in the front and back, and even on different sides of the car.

In general, the ideal option is to replace the springs each time along with the shock absorbers. Especially if the car is used in what is called “both the tail and the mane.” But an appropriate and safe compromise is to change the springs once every two shock absorber changes or at a mileage of just over 100 thousand kilometers. That is, the struts were changed for the first time at about 50 thousand mileage, drove the same amount and with a clear conscience immediately prepared the shock absorber supports along with the springs.

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What are springs

The shape of the spring is a twisted steel rod that resembles an ordinary spiral or torsion bar.
The latter definition has French roots, directly reflecting the purpose of the part - literally translated as “twisting” or “twisting”. Typically the cross-section of this rod is round or rectangular. The spring itself can be cone-shaped, barrel-shaped or ordinary cylindrical. The purpose of a spring in a car suspension is to keep the car in the same comfortable position along with the passenger and cargo, regardless of the characteristics of the road on which the vehicle is moving. This unit replaced the spring suspension and, since about the middle of the last century, remains the most suitable for use.

Together with shock absorbers, springs not only ensure the comfort of people and the safety of fragile cargo inside the car, but also significantly influence the behavior of the car on the road and the safety of movement in general.