How to choose and install a trunk on a Lada Kalina station wagon

What are the features of the trunk for Kalina? You can’t accelerate very fast in a car like the Lada, but you can pick up your family and go out of town. However, this car is not very roomy, so for many, the issue of arranging an additional trunk for the Kalina becomes relevant. In this case, you will need to take into account all factors: the car body, what type of cargo will be transported, what kind of design the owner of the car wants to see.

Installing a trunk with your own hands on a Kalina sedan

The trunk of a Kalina sedan is necessary for transporting goods; it is installed on the roof of the car. In automotive stores you will find ready-made designs. Those motorists who want to save money can install a homemade trunk.

It is very important to choose the right design. The Kalina roof rack consists of the following elements:

• support post;
• crossbar;
• set of fastenings.

In addition, the kit contains devices for transporting things.

When choosing parts, keep in mind that after installing the trunk on a Kalina 2 station wagon or other car, the following changes occur:

1. Dimensions change. The height of the vehicle increases.
2. When driving at high speed, noise may occur.
3. You need to be careful when driving under tree branches. The trunk can easily snag them.

Do not forget about the advantages of the design. The main advantage is that after installation, the space for transporting things increases.

Some Lada Kalina Cross owners choose rear racks in stores. These are compact designs. When driving fast they produce less noise. Keep in mind that these types of racks can overload the rear of the car. In addition, they extend the overhang and can block the headlights.

Selecting a product model

The trunk is an extremely simple system, which includes a support rack with crossbars and crossbars. To install it, special clamps, fasteners and boxes are used, allowing for the transportation of goods. First of all, you need to decide on the most suitable type of product that allows you to transport luggage. You can use a standard 4-claw metal rack.

When choosing such a product, you should take a close look at the devices specifically for the family of cars in question. The luggage racks created for the Lada Kalina station wagon are distinguished by ergonomic design shapes. Their features include high aesthetic characteristics.

To choose the right trunk for the Lada Kalina station wagon, you should decide where it can be placed: on the roof or at the back. A common option is when the product is installed on the roof of a car. Many people prefer platform racks mounted on a towbar or fixed to a special place.

When using the device on the roof, the height of the Lada Kalina station wagon increases, and the noise increases at high speed. Thanks to the second trunk, the car is able to transport a larger load. Devices are also available for sale for the rear door of the Lada Kalina station wagon. Attempts to rework the product may result in a violation of the geometry, which can lead to an emergency situation.

The following main types of roof rack can be installed on the roof of a Lada Kalina station wagon: Atlant, Amos and Lux. All models comply with European safety standards.

Pros and cons of a roof rack

Our compatriots among motorists have always been practical people. A personal car is always considered not only as a means of transporting passengers, but also as a vehicle for transporting all kinds of goods. Although the Lada Kalina has a station wagon body in its lineup, it cannot boast of a truly spacious trunk. And if you plan to travel out of town with the whole family, and you need to take bicycles or skis with you, then this will not fit in the luggage compartment. This is because a station wagon was created on the basis of a sedan, and the Lada Kalina itself is of modest size. The standard luggage compartment is designed for transporting small and not too heavy items, since the suspension is also not designed for heavy loads.

In order to somehow compensate for this shortcoming, AvtoVAZ provided the possibility of transporting a not too heavy load on the roof - and equipped the car with roof rails. Such guides, used for mounting the trunk, have both opponents and supporters.

A modern trunk has a number of undeniable advantages:

• aerodynamic characteristics are not impaired, since the roof rails are streamlined;
• high strength and light weight;
• transportation of large items (boats, bicycles, etc.);
• the ability to quickly install and remove if necessary;
• theft protection;
• quick replacement of various devices for transporting goods (car box, special fastenings, etc.).

However, when driving with luggage on top, problems arise. Rarely does anyone think about the shortcomings, but for many they can be significant.

Firstly, large objects on the roof significantly reduce aerodynamic characteristics; movement speed slows down due to increased resistance to oncoming air flow, which directly affects increased fuel consumption.

Secondly, in the presence of a strong side wind with a load on the roof, Kalina loses good controllability. In addition, large objects can touch tree branches or get caught in arches, or you can absent-mindedly forget about the load on the roof and drive into the garage, and, accordingly, demolish everything that was on top.

Thirdly, the load increases driving noise and creates vibrations that are transmitted to the body. It is necessary to promptly and regularly check the reliability of fastenings and tighten them from time to time.

But it should be borne in mind that all these problems can only arise when transporting large items on the roof of a car. The installed roof rails will not affect the aerodynamic characteristics and average fuel consumption. Therefore, motorists prefer to always travel with them, because then they can install luggage equipment at any time.

Safety when using the trunk

Those who frequently transport various items on their roof should be aware of some general rules. Any load secured on top creates some danger on the road, and the transportation of too heavy or long objects is strictly punished by law with a large fine.

On the roof of the Kalina, you can transport a load weighing no more than 50 kg, and its length should not exceed 1.64 m. Long, large-sized cargo must be securely secured to the crossbars installed on the roof rails. If a small load is being transported, its center of gravity should be closer to the middle of the roof, the load will be distributed on the roof rails.

It is not recommended to exceed the speed limit with a load on top. In addition, maneuvers are limited. It is not safe to ignore these rules.

Trunk installation steps

You can do the installation of a trunk on a Kalina hatchback or a car of another model yourself. Most car owners prefer to install the structure on roof rails. First they are mounted on the roof, then the crossbars are secured. There is another method, it is based on fastening the structural supports behind the door opening.

It is best to use a railing system. You can easily adjust the distance between the crossbars and install as many of them as you need to transport goods. Buy trunks whose elements are tightened with a key. Such products are difficult to remove and are protected from theft.

Decide whether you will use hanging structures. This is an important point; the choice of fasteners depends on it. For example, if you choose installation under the door, then you need to put flooring on the crossbars. It is impossible to transport large cargo without it.

The installation consists of several stages. Open the car doors and remove the rubber seal. When performing work, move from the rear door of the car to the front. Open the mounting holes.

Try on the roof rails on a sedan or hatchback and mark their installation locations with a marker. Don't forget to make markings for the fairings. Degrease the marking areas, then treat them with an adhesion activator. If you notice that the fasteners do not fit well to the body, use double-sided tape. Carefully glue these places with it.

Cover with electrical tape those holes for fasteners that remain free. The plastic fairings are covered with double-sided tape. Remove the protective covering from it and bend it outward. Install the roof rails, do not overtighten the bolts. Install fairings.

Grasp the edges of the tape and remove the protective layer. Tighten the mounting bolts, secure the fairings and press the edges. Replace the seal and erase the markings that you applied to the car body.

How to attach roof rails to Kalina 2 station wagon

Installation of roof rails on the Kalina 2 roof is quite simple and can be done using adhesive double-sided mounting film or self-tapping screws. The most popular is the first method, which does not require drilling holes in the body.

To work you will need:

• double-sided adhesive mounting tape (double-sided tape);
• alcohol;
• set of hexagons;
• colored marker.

The installation process may differ depending on the type of roof rails, as indicated in the instructions for them. Thanks to the standard holes provided by the manufacturer in the body of the Lada Kalina station wagon, no difficulties will arise during operation.

Trunk mount

In any case, the sequence of actions consists of several basic steps:

1. 1. Along one of the sides of the car, it is necessary to remove the side sealing rubber and the protective film under it, after opening the doors. In this case, you should start from the back door to the front. This will open the standard mounting holes.
2. 2. Attach the plastic fairing parts to the body and mark the installation locations with a marker.
3. 3. Degrease the working area with alcohol and apply double-sided tape to the attachment point to ensure a tight fit of the roof rails.
4. 4. Install the rails and secure them using fastening screws and hexagons. The front screws are tightened first, then the rear ones.
5. 5. Install the side seals in reverse order.

Having finished fastening the roof rails, you should make sure that the installation is secure. To do this, you need to try to move the device from the roof of the Kalina station wagon. Even with a slight shift, you need to secure everything in a new way, and then check the quality of the fasteners again. Such monitoring must be carried out regularly, since during operation the screws may loosen, and a slight oscillation of the rails will appear at speed.

If you encounter any difficulties when installing roof rails on the Lada Kalina, you must seek help from an experienced specialist. You should also study in detail the attached instructions and the experience of installing such devices on the network.

Making a trunk with your own hands

If you want to make the trunk of a Lada Kalina yourself, then first determine its dimensions. Remember that the trunk must match the dimensions of the roof. You can choose the height based on your own needs for transporting goods. This is not a very important parameter.

To make a roof rack for the Lada Kalina station wagon, it is better to use pipes. Cut them into pieces; car owners usually make a design with 2 or 4 crossbars. To ensure that the roof of the car does not sag and the load is distributed evenly, the trunk must have at least 8 points of support.

It is best to assemble the roof rack of Kalina from the lower base. To work you will need a welding machine. The seams are easy, so you don't need to be a professional welder to get the job done.

Place the pipes on a flat surface and weld the elements. Make sure there are no burns at the joints. Sand the weld seams thoroughly. After this, you can proceed to making the upper base.

Be sure to take into account the dimensions of the lower part of the structure, because even small discrepancies with the upper part can cause deformation of the Lada Kalina roof rack.

Connect both parts of the structure - this is easy to do using jumpers. You can weld both parts or make the top base removable. In this case, you can use the lower part of the trunk as a platform for transporting items.

Sand the joints and paint the elements of the Lada Kalina roof rack. Before painting, you need to clean the crossbars from rust. The surface should be thoroughly degreased. Since structural elements rub when driving, coat them with primer. Apply several layers, only after that should you start applying paint.

If you are going to use the trunk quite often, install parking lights on it. You can also install a brake light and reverse lights. The equipment will require installation of holes for wiring, take care of this in advance.

How does a trunk gas shock absorber work and why does it fail?

The principle of operation of the trunk lid stop in a car is similar to any other gas shock absorber. In its sealed cavity there are two chambers, separated by a partition with a small hole, filled with compressed gas. It is this that prevents the rapid movement of the rod inside a confined space, slowly passing through the hole.

Gas shock absorbers are quite durable, reliable and less demanding on operating conditions than previously used oil shock absorbers, but even they can fail sooner or later. In the case of trunk stops, this occurs mainly when the seal is destroyed with a subsequent decrease in gas pressure. External damage in the form of deformation of the rod or body is much less common - this usually only occurs as a result of an accident.

Installation of the structure on the car

Installing the trunk on the car is the last step. A nut with two bolts can be used as fasteners. It is best to place rubber gaskets at the mounting points; they will protect the trunk from abrasions. To install the structure on a sedan or hatchback, you do not need an assistant, you will do everything yourself.

You can make a Lada Kalina trunk in 3 days. High qualifications are not required, just basic skills are enough. You don't have to buy special equipment; you can do all the work using a set of standard tools.

How to determine if shock absorbers are faulty

Often, traces of oil appear and disappear over time, and then, when the driver notices a loss of controllability, the strut becomes dry again. To determine its serviceability, you need to grab the roof of the car and try to swing it strongly.

Serviceable shock absorbers should stop the body already on the second swing. If the car continues to rock, the struts need to be replaced.

The problem must be diagnosed at the first sign. There are several symptoms that indicate a damaged shock absorber:

• Knock when driving or extraneous sounds in the suspension. This problem occurs extremely rarely. As a rule, this implies destruction inside the strut housing and the rod simply begins to hit the housing, making unpleasant knocking noises. This sound will appear when driving over both large and small irregularities and will haunt the car owner no matter how much the car rocks.
• Deterioration in controllability. The most dangerous and obvious sign of shock absorber failure. As you know, struts are needed to dampen body vibrations that occur when suspension springs operate. If these vibrations are not suppressed, the car begins to sway strongly at high speed and the wheels may briefly lose traction with the road surface. It is worth noting that this malfunction is quite dangerous.
• Leaks on the rack body. Deterioration in controllability occurs due to internal damage to the shock absorber and its depressurization. Traces of leaking oil, which is the main shock-absorbing component of this part, may appear on the rack.

If, after all, the reason for the knocking on Kalina is in the shock absorbers, then you should select the right new spare parts. Don’t even try to restore them; doing so is impractical, labor-intensive and expensive.

As a rule, shock absorbers are not replaced individually, only in pairs.

Buying a car roof rack

All brands of cars differ from each other, for example, the design of Kalina, which is one of the most popular models among Russian cars, is such that quite a lot of large items can be placed in its trunk. The same cannot be said about some other car brands. However, even if your car has a very small trunk, you can still transport large loads - to do this, you just need to get another trunk that is installed on the roof of the car.

When deciding to purchase such a rack, it is important to first determine what exactly you need to transport, because there are several types of additional racks. So, there are country trunks, sports trunks and closed trunks, which are also called car boxes.

If you need to transport cargo over a short distance, then you can purchase a country trunk - the aerodynamics of the car are not important for it, and you can leave it completely empty, and it will not cause inconvenience.

Autoboxes are a great option. In such a trunk you can transport up to 70 kilograms of cargo, while they are very reliable. As a rule, the autobox is installed on cars with a hatchback body type.

There are also so-called bike racks - they are designed for transporting bicycles. Some models of bike racks are mounted on the roof, and some are mounted on the back of the car. With the help of a bike rack you can transport three or four bicycles, and such a rack can be attached to almost any car. They are quite simple and very reliable; usually bike racks can withstand a load of about fifty kilograms.

You should also consider how exactly the trunk will be attached to the car. Car owners often purchase roof racks with roof rails - they are attached to the roof of the body using special holes on the body. It is worth noting that these holes are almost invisible, and you will have to try very hard to see them. If your car does not have such holes, then you will need a universal version of the trunk, which is attached to the roof on the sides.

Many car enthusiasts perceive roof rails mainly as a design element, so they consider roof racks on roof rails not the best solution to the problem.

They are usually made from light but durable metal alloys. In addition, manufacturers often coat their luggage racks with a special coating to protect them from corrosion. To prevent scratches from appearing on the roof, special rubberized gaskets are installed in those places where the body comes into contact with the trunk.

Finally, when choosing a roof rack for a car, you must also take into account the external design of the product, because they come in different shapes. It is best to purchase a trunk that will best match the design of your car.

Basic rules for using roof rails

There are no special rules for securing cargo to the roof rails, therefore, when installing a trunk on a Kalina hatchback, drivers need to follow traffic rules and take into account the load on the roof rails, as well as the maximum permissible load capacity of the car. For Kalina, the maximum length of luggage on the roof should not exceed 1645 mm, weight - 50 kg. You should also pay attention to the following recommendations:

1. 1. Long loads must be well attached to the crossbars to avoid swinging in the flow of oncoming air;
2. 2. Small cargo and other heavy loads should be placed as close to the rails as possible;
3. 3. Placement of cargo must be done according to the principle of load distribution from the lightest in the middle to the heaviest on the sides of the trunk;
4. 4. Attach each individual luggage to the crossbars, securing it securely;

When transporting cargo on the roof, you should maintain a reduced speed without performing sudden maneuvers.

Choosing a trunk for the Lada Kalina

Most often, Lada Kalina car owners choose additional trunks with roof rails, in which modern-looking crossbars are placed in standard places. Due to the fact that the roof rails are made from new materials, they are quite light and durable - as a rule, they can withstand loads of up to 70 kilograms. However, as manufacturers advise, it is best not to load the trunk so much.

If you decide to supplement the Kalina device with a trunk, then first you should evenly distribute the load that will be placed on the racks - this is done so that distortions do not appear on the body. Often such distortions are simply not noticeable to the human eye, but cracks can form due to them.

For the Lada Kalina car, they produce special roof racks that are mounted on the roof, and a four-legged metal rack is also perfect for this car.

Kalina's device includes so-called standard places - these are small holes with the help of which the trunk is attached to the roof of the car. They are hidden under the rubber of the car, which is why when installing the trunk, you should open all four doors of the car and remove the seal to gain access to the standard places.

Typically, racks for Kalina consist of two or more crossbars and supports, while the crossbars include rubber gaskets, and they themselves, as a rule, are covered with plastic. Often, instructions for its installation are also included with the trunk, making this process even simpler and more understandable.

It’s also a good idea to organize the space of the standard trunk included in the Kalina device, for which it is best to purchase a special mesh - small items are stored in such a mesh. The trunk net can be either floor-mounted or vertical.

Since the floor mesh tightly presses the transported items to the floor, they do not move around the trunk, so there is no clutter in the luggage space. In addition, the noise that occurs when the car is moving is significantly reduced - this is especially important for owners of Volzhsky Automobile Plant products, because, as you know, the design of Kalina and other AvtoVAZ brands cannot boast of having good sound insulation.

It is best to place items such as gloves, brushes, fire extinguisher, etc. in vertical grids. Almost all cars have such things, but often owners have difficulty finding them themselves.

It is important to remember that the trunk net is designed to transport fairly light objects; it may simply not be able to withstand heavier ones, especially when driving at high speed.

As you can see, you can transport cargo easily, without any inconvenience - you just need to properly organize the space in the trunk and, if necessary, select and install an additional rack on the roof of your “iron horse”.

Characteristics of car racks for Kalina

Aluminum and composite materials are used to manufacture devices. Their surface is coated with a polymer that is resistant to road chemicals and also provides effective protection against rust. These devices are inexpensive and at the same time reliable and of high quality. They are perfect for the Lada Kalina station wagon, adapted for Russian conditions, and can be used at air temperatures from -50 to +50 °C.

Lux type trunk

These systems have increased strength, which allows Russian motorists to use Lux racks even in off-road conditions. The design of the product includes two aerodynamic arches, which are also cross members. They are fixed to the roof of the car using racks. The device can be mounted on a roof rail or a smooth roof of a car.

In the manufacture of arcs, aluminum alloy subjected to heat treatment is used. Additional strength of the alloy is provided due to the temperature effect on it. The device assumes the presence of partitions inside, serving as stiffeners. Every detail of the product is processed by anodizing. This is necessary for the device to withstand an aggressive environment.

A product from the Lux company for transporting goods on a Kalina station wagon has versatility, achieved through the use of an adapter when installing the device on the roof of a car. The steel from which it is made has a special elastic coating - vinyl acetate. It is created using plastic and helps to preserve the paint layer of the car in the places where the product is attached to the body.

This type of coating has high adhesion to metal parts of the trunk. The shape of the adapters is maintained even under conditions of intensive and prolonged use and does not become rusty. The kit includes special rubber gaskets. Thanks to their presence, the device fits tightly to the body. They do not deform even under heavy loads.

Adapters with elasticity have a design that can firmly hold the supports of the product. Installing the Lux roof rack on the roof of a Lada Kalina station wagon is quick and easy thanks to the adapter, the configuration of which follows the shape of the body.

Amos type rack

Amos racks, mounted on the roof of the Lada Kalina station wagon, are a system of beams with fasteners. They can be installed in a specific regular place. The trunk bar is made of aluminum alloy, which is subjected to special heat treatment, which gives the part increased strength characteristics.

The trunk arches are reliably protected from UV radiation and aggressive environments. Thanks to the special design of the diameter, the reliability of the device is increased and the characteristic noise that occurs when the car is moving at high speed is reduced. What is important is the special design shape of the Amos device, which makes it possible to install additional accessories.

Atlant type luggage rack

Manufacturers identify ten main reasons that confirm the need to install the Atlant car rack on the roof of a Lada Kalina station wagon.

1. Safe operation. Luggage racks are tested and tested for compliance with European standards.
2. Application of modern materials used in the production process.
3. Easy installation of the Atlant car rack. The rubber seals used are able to securely fix the powerful bracket.
4. The product has a modular design that allows for quick assembly and installation of the device.
5. The models are delivered fully assembled, so their installation takes a few minutes.
6. The Atlant luggage rack is suitable for transporting all kinds of cargo.
7. Aerodynamic properties ensure minimal noise level while the machine is moving.
8. The design of the Atlant trunk follows automotive trends, so the trunk and the car will look like one.
9. The product has increased dirt and dust resistance.
10. Rear rack models are characterized by the least noise. You can drive off-road with them. However, the rear of the vehicle may be overloaded. If the standard lights are covered by the rear trunk, additional lighting fixtures are installed.

Advice: when choosing a roof rack, remember that this must be done carefully, taking into account all the parameters of the car. Do not transport very heavy loads. Even if the car has enough power, Kalina’s roof may not be able to withstand it. The maximum permissible load is specified in the vehicle passport. Oversized cargo can significantly disrupt the aerodynamics of the vehicle. It is important to carefully monitor the permissible speed limits and not exceed them.

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How to Install a Roof Rack on a Lada Kalina

What are the features of the Kalina trunk? You can’t accelerate in a car like Lada, but, of course, you can abandon your family and go into nature. But this car is not spacious enough; for many it becomes an urgent problem to equip an additional trunk in Kalina. It will be necessary to take into account the reasons why our client needs to do this: the surface of the body, the type of cargo being carried, the design that the owner of the car would like to build.

Lada Kalina hatchback

The body version of the Lada Kalina hatchback was launched into production in 2006 and was produced without modernizing the power unit or changing the interior for 7 years. In 2013, production of the second generation hatchback was launched. Speaking about capacity and total carrying capacity, let's consider the dimensions:

• length 3850 mm;
• width 1700 mm;
• height 1500 mm;
• ground clearance 160 mm.

With such dimensions, the hatchback has a relatively good trunk - its volume in liters is 240. If you fold the rear seats, the capacity can be increased to 550 liters.

Main dimensions: 94.7x64.4x49.2 cm.

With such modest dimensions, Kalina has a fairly impressive carrying capacity of approximately 500 kg (this takes into account the presence of 4 adult passengers in the car). The car meets the requirements for family cars: cross-country ability, safety, passenger comfort, acceleration dynamics, etc.

In addition to the classic hatchback VAZ-1119 Kalina, an off-road, sports version of the Lada Kalina Cross was also produced, as well as 2nd generation hatchbacks (VAZ-2192). Let's take a look at their cargo compartments:

1. The trunk volume of Kalina Cross is 355 liters.
2. Trunk Kalina 2 - 240 l.

What happens if you ignore a shock absorber malfunction?

The clearance of the Lada Kalina is adapted to bad Russian roads. Consequently, the car should ride softer, but has a greater chance of losing control. If the shock absorbers are not replaced in time, the driver will have to drive at a lower speed to save his life.

Faulty shock absorbers will rock the suspension on any hole. And when a wheel hits a hole at high speed, the body begins to sway violently, causing a short-term loss of traction between the wheels and the road surface.

Because of this, the axle skids or drifts, which can cause an accident. Also, untimely replacement damages other mechanisms - for example, suspension silent blocks or support bearings.