What support bearings are best for Kalina? Stop overpaying

Support bearing design

The front strut support bearing itself is enclosed in a rubber separator of a specific diameter. The inner race is directly connected to the shock absorber rod. The working element of the product is metal balls arranged in one row around the circumference. The part is protected on the top and bottom sides by thick rubber gaskets.

Replacement

• jack;
• wheel wrench;
• open-end wrench 19;
• open-end wrench 17;
• socket wrench 13;
• pliers;
• ring wrench 22 and open-end wrench 9;
• special puller for tie rod ends;
• 2 special spring ties.

Execution order

1. We park the car on a level surface and put it in gear.
2. We jack up its front part on the desired side and remove the wheel.
3. Using pliers, unscrew the nut securing the steering tip to the strut and unscrew it with a 19 mm wrench.
4. Using a tip remover, remove the tip pin from the shock absorber strut. As a last resort, the finger can be knocked out by prying it up with a small pry bar and carefully tapping it from below.
5. Using a 19mm wrench, unscrew the 2 nuts securing the strut to the steering knuckle. If necessary, hold the bolt heads with a 17 wrench.
6. Using a 13 mm socket wrench, unscrew the 3 nuts securing the support to the body.

7. We remove the entire shock absorber.
8. We install two ties on the shock absorber spring and compress it until the upper part of the shock absorber is released.
9. Using wrenches 22 and 9, unscrew the upper support nut on the upper side of the shock absorber.
10. We remove the support, disassemble it, and remove the worn support bearing.
11. We install a new one in its place.
12. We install the shock absorber in the reverse order.

Support bearing faults

The main sign indicating that a bearing has become unusable is a characteristic knocking sound. It is expressed in the form of dull knocks coming from under the hood of the LADA Kalina, or more precisely, from the location of the pillars.

This soundtrack “tells” the driver about:

• presence of damage (rupture) or deformation (wrinkling) of the rubber gasket;
• failure of the working element of the support (bearing).

The reasons for bearing failure are as follows:

• complete resource exhaustion;
• penetration of dirt or moisture into the working area;
• exposure to extreme loads;
• mechanical destructive effects from a faulty shock absorber.

Malfunctions

The main sign of a failed support bearing is a knocking sound (dull knocks) in the area of ​​the shock absorber strut. It may indicate that:

• the rubber gasket is damaged or deformed;
• The bearing itself is damaged.

Failure of the support bearing may occur due to:

• resource spent;
• penetration of dirt and moisture;
• exceeding permissible loads;
• mechanical damage due to shock absorber malfunctions.

How to identify a malfunction

To diagnose a support bearing failure, open the hood and remove the “cup” cover. Place your palm on the shock absorber housing and rock the front of the car. If you hear a knock and feel the corresponding vibration with your hand, the bearing is clearly faulty.

When to change

The service life of the “supports” is on average 50-100 thousand km, depending on the conditions in which the car is operated. After this resource has expired, it is recommended to change them. Replacement is also necessary if any malfunctions are detected.

Late diagnosis, as well as ignoring bearing failure, threatens to destroy the shock absorber structure and other suspension elements.

Prices for support bearings for Lada Kalina start from 300 rubles. The shock absorber support assembly costs from 1200 to 3000 rubles. When choosing a support bearing or the entire support, give preference to either the original part or such proven brands as FENOX, TRACK, ASOMI or SS-20.

For the work of replacing one bearing at a service station, you will be asked for an average of 500 rubles. You will have to pay the same amount for adjusting the wheel alignment angle (wheel alignment).

When to change bearings in Kalina?

On average, the service life of supports (bearings) in a Lada Kalina is 50-100 thousand km, if you know which is better when purchasing them. Its value greatly depends on the operating conditions of the car. Based on this mileage, the owner is recommended to replace the supports (on both sides) without waiting for signs of malfunction to appear.

You cannot neglect replacing worn supports or bearings, as this is guaranteed to cause damage to shock absorbers or other components of the LADA Kalina chassis. How is replacement done without removing the rack?

Price of support bearings

The cost of a bearing “starts” from 300 rubles. The assembled support is more expensive: from 1.2 to 3.0 thousand rubles. Saving is not recommended: you should choose either original products or imported analogues from famous brands (FENOX, TRACK, ASOMI, SS-20). Which is better, everyone determines for himself.

The replacement is not difficult, but if the owner is inclined to service his Lada Kalina purely at the station, then the technician will ask about 500 rubles for the service. Approximately this amount will have to be “sacrificed” for subsequent adjustment of the wheel angles.

Replacing support bearings on Lada Kalina

• jack and wheel wrench;
• pliers and open-end wrenches (“9”; “13”, “17”, “19” and “22”).
• a puller that allows you to disconnect the steering tips;
• a set of spring ties (2 pcs.).

Bearing replacement procedure

1. We install the Lada Kalina on a level area and brake it with the handbrake and the engaged gear in the box.
2. We loosen the wheel tightening torque and jack up the body.
3. We remove the wheel.
4. Unscrew the nut of the steering unit tip.
5. Unscrew it (key to “19”).
6. Using a puller, remove the ball pin from the socket in the swing arm of the strut. If there is no puller, the finger can be knocked out.
7. Disconnect the stand from the steering axle. Use a key set to “19” to turn 2 nuts. If the bolt heads need to be supported, then use the key set to “17”.
8. Using a “13” wrench (preferably a socket), unscrew the fasteners (3 nuts) of the support to the body cup.
9. We remove the support together with the shock-absorbing strut.
10. We compress the spring with zip ties until the upper part is released.
11. Unscrew the central nut of the support using a “22” wrench. Use the key set to “9” to hold the rod.
12. After removing the support, we resort to disassembling it. We remove the front strut support bearing and change it.
13. We put the unit back together and proceed to a similar procedure on the other side of the car.

Selecting a rack model

Having decided on the manufacturer, you can begin to study the catalog of its products. The following stands for Kalina deserve closer attention: * VAZ 1118/1119 Standard; * VAZ 1118 Highway; * VAZ 1118 Sport; * VAZ 1119 Comfort-Optima; The standard modification of the racks is made, one might say, according to the patterns of the SAAZ parts used in the factory configuration, maintaining the same technical characteristics. Due to this circumstance, they are not a serious alternative to replacement racks. The “Highway” and “Sport” model ranges refer to specialized parts, the use of which is related to the specifics of driving, which is not always convenient in practice. As for the Comfort-Optima modification, they are ideal for mixed driving styles and road surfaces of varying quality. This set of Comfort-Optima characteristics is truly the best option for the average driver, thereby removing the question of which front struts to buy for Lada Kalina to replace the standard ones. A set of shock absorbers, according to reviews, will make the driving process more comfortable, even on a track with poor road surfaces. They are moderately rigid and perform well during difficult maneuvering. The packaging of shock absorbers looks like this.

And these are the components themselves. Also included in the delivery package is a warranty service coupon, which details the conditions for service repairs. It is worth noting that by contacting an official SS20 car dealer, you can count on some discount.

Let's sum it up

Having completed the repair procedure, we go to the service station to adjust the wheel alignment. We “listen” to new supports (bearings) on the road, initially choosing those that best suit your car, making sure that there are no extraneous sounds.

12. Telescopic stand GRANT (or equivalent).

The sleeve directly under the nut.

When attaching the support to the body, it is necessary to correctly orient it relative to the direction of movement of the car, guided by the arrows on the rubber element.

The support bearing is installed on the car strut and serves to provide a movable connection between the shock absorber and the car body. The support bearing is located at the point where the shock absorber strut is attached to the body. During movement, the support is subjected to heavy loads, and its service life depends on operating conditions.

Front struts SS20

One of the main advantages of the SS20 front struts is that there is no need to install parts at a service station to maintain the warranty. In addition, they show good indicators of quality, reliability and service life.

SS20 are quite expensive stands, but what can you do - you have to pay for quality.

Other advantages of SS20 racks include:

• Stable operation in the temperature range from -42 to +50°C.
• Quiet operation when passing through uneven areas.
• Original markings that reduce the number of counterfeits.
• 2 year warranty , regardless of mileage.
• The presence of reinforced fastening of the lower silent block.

The disadvantages of the SS20 front struts are 10-15% defective parts (according to reviews). After a run of 1,000 km . they begin to “flow”, they begin to “ break through ” - this is if it’s a marriage!

Front struts 1119 and 1118 - what's the difference

Some owners are confused by the question: what is the difference between racks marked 1118 and 1119? Today the answer is obvious:

1. Hatchbacks most often have barrel springs .
2. For sedans - cone-shaped .

Our hatchback has a cone-shaped spring.

The only difference is the spring cups welded to the strut. The parts are interchangeable and can be installed on cars of any body type. Barrel-shaped ones hold lateral loads better.

What is the service life of support bearings on Kalina and how to check them

Depending on the operating conditions, the service life of the support bearings varies. On average, their service life ranges from 50 to 100 thousand kilometers. As a rule, a bearing malfunction can be recognized by characteristic suspension knocks and squeaks, especially on small irregularities.

How to check a support bearing

The easiest way to check the performance of a support bearing is with the help of an assistant. You need to remove the plastic cover from the strut cup, there you will see the bearing mounting nut. You need to put your hand on the support and ask an assistant to rock the car. As soon as the car starts to rock, you will immediately feel the bearing working.

If you hear a knocking or squeaking sound in the support, it is most likely faulty and needs to be replaced.

Replacing protective spacers

Even those racks for Kalina, the price of which should seemingly guarantee long-term operation, do not always save you from collateral damage. In particular, we are talking about deformations of the glasses related to the front suspension. To protect yourself from this phenomenon, we recommend installing protective spacers between the support and the body - a simple but effective means of counteracting deformations.

What supports to put on Kalina

The choice depends on you and your budget. Today, manufacturers offer us a large selection of support bearings from 300 rubles to 3000 rubles. Which ones to install is up to you to decide. You can purchase factory supports, or you can choose an option from another manufacturer. The most popular supports are:

• Rack support FENOX price from 500 rub.
• Rack support Balakovo price from 350 rub.
• Rack support TRACK price from 800 rub.
• Rack support BZAK price from 600 rub.
• ASOMI supports, Tolyatti price from 3000 set
• Supports SS-20 Togliatti price from 3500 rubles set

Some car enthusiasts, for the so-called suspension tuning, install ASOMI or SS20 supports.

How to replace support brackets on Kalina yourself

To replace the bearing, in addition to a standard set of keys, you will need special pullers to remove the support and spring tensioner.

Unscrew the support and remove the stand

So, in order to unscrew the support we need a special key. With its help, we can easily unscrew the fastening nut as shown in the photo below.

We put a special wrench on the support nut; for ease of unscrewing, we will need a larger lever (a regular one with a diameter will do). We begin to unscrew the support as shown in the photo.

If you don’t have a special wrench at hand, then take a regular 22mm socket wrench and put it on the nut, use a 9mm wrench to hold the rod from turning and unscrew the fastening nut. After we have unscrewed the nut, we proceed to remove the shock absorber strut.

Disconnect the brake hoses that are attached to the strut. Next, unscrew the two bolts securing the strut to the steering knuckle. To easily unscrew them, we recommend spraying them with penetrating lubricant or WD40 and letting them sit for a couple of minutes. After this, you can easily unscrew the bolts without fear of stripping the threads.

Next, unscrew the nut securing the steering end to the strut. This can be done either using a special puller as shown in the photo, or knocking the tip out of the rack with a hammer. Now all that remains is to unscrew the 3 upper bolts securing the strut with the support to the body and pull out the strut.

Removing the old and installing a new support bearing

After we have removed the strut, we take two spring ties, put them on the spring and begin to tighten them until we can unscrew the nut. After unscrewing the top fastening nut, you can easily remove the support along with the bearing, cup and rubber band. If the anther is intact, you can leave it alone.

We take a new support bearing, put it on the stand and assemble the stand in the reverse order. Instead of factory rubber bands, you can install sound insulators from SS20, which are said to prevent squeaking. After we have assembled the rack with the new support, we remove the spring ties and install the rack in place.

Source

Guide to assembling new parts into a suspension element

At the very beginning, you need to put a bump stop on the suspension rod, which comes with the boot.

If you are going to install new springs, then initially they need to be tightened in the same way as the old ones. After the springs are tightened, we put them in place. In this case, you need to make sure that the spring falls into a special recess.

Having installed the spring, you need to prepare the support with the bearing. To do this, insert a bearing into the support.

A special flange is installed on top of the bearing and a rubber seal is installed on top of the flange.

We mount the assembled element onto the suspension rod and tighten the fixing nut.

When tightening the nut, you should control the rod so that it does not turn. It should turn out that the upper coil of the springs fits completely onto the sealing rubber. Thus, the front suspension of the Lada Kalina is assembled.

After completing the assembly, the tie elements should be removed from the spring. It is important to find the marking arrows on the spacer that indicate the direction of movement of the machine. Now we insert the entire stand assembly into the glass. After three bolts fall into the holes, screw the nuts on top. Next comes the most painstaking process of getting the strut into the steering knuckle. After that, we twist everything and tighten it to the end. Replacing Kalina front struts is not a very difficult process if you do everything correctly and in the right sequence. When you take on the suspension bulkhead from the second side, everything will work out much faster. And finally, after completion of work with the replacement of front suspension elements, it is necessary to carry out a procedure to regulate the alignment. This procedure will be carried out very quickly and efficiently in a car service center. Doing this yourself without skills is quite difficult and can only make things worse. It is best to go to a car service immediately after completing work on replacing the suspension elements. If you delay this, you will most likely have to change the tires as well. Tire wear is not the worst thing, but since all corners are broken when reinstalling the suspension strut, you can get into an accident when turning.