How to select and replace shock absorbers on Lada Kalina

Lada Kalina is a fairly common and popular domestic car. This budget model at the most affordable price has a reliable engine and has a good combination of driving characteristics.

However, taking into account the not the best condition of roads in the CIS, quite often individual elements of the chassis tend to fail. As for the suspension, the first to suffer are naturally the shock absorbers (struts), stabilizer links, silent blocks, etc.

In this article we will look at how to choose shock absorbers for this model, which Kalina front strut is better, what to look for when choosing Kalina rear struts, etc.

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.

Purpose and design features of racks

What racks are better to put on a Priora?

The front struts are designed to reduce the impact of the road surface on the car while driving. If the road is full of uneven surfaces, then the operation of the struts in this driving mode is especially important. The front struts, as well as the rear ones, of the Lada Kalina allow you to smooth out the vibrations that occur in the body under the influence of inertia when driving on an uneven road surface. Even if the road has a smooth surface, the shock absorbers are still endowed with the function of holding the car steadily on a given trajectory.

Over time, the front struts become unusable, and then the owner, while driving, notices the appearance of difficulties in driving the car. He also begins to feel the smallest irregularities in the road surface, during which the body tends to sway and move from the set course. Efficient shock absorbers are designed to prevent this development of events.

Before starting repair procedures, you need to familiarize yourself in detail with the design aspects of these elements of the Lada Kalina chassis.

1. The front oil struts have a two-pipe mechanism, the functioning of which is possible due to the internal movement of liquid, that is, oil. This design of the shock absorber is quite simple, but in operation a tendency to overheating has been revealed, which provokes the supports to deform. Selecting and replacing these product options is also easy.
2. The front gas-oil struts operate under the influence of gas pressure. They are very effective and allow the Lada Kalina car to gain reliable protection from shock and rocking influences.
3. Single-pipe structures. In most models, manufacturers use such versions of products in the stern suspension. Shock absorbers can please you with good heat transfer and fairly high efficiency. Disadvantages include low reliability and high sensitivity to shock loads.

The choice of product option is significantly influenced by the operating features. Primary replacement of struts in Lada Kalina is recommended after 100,000 mileage. Subsequent replacements must be carried out after approximately 80 thousand km, but we must not forget about the influence of the operational factor.

How to choose shock absorbers for Lada Kalina

It’s worth mentioning right away that the Lada Kalina racks 1 and 2 are absolutely identical and interchangeable. Therefore, there is no need to look for a shock absorber for a specific model. After all, the bodies are the same. The difference can only be in the catalog numbers, and it is most likely explained by the stiffness of the shock absorbers.

But the selection consists of choosing a company and the appropriate settings. The latter will determine the product catalog number:

• rear shock absorber, Kalina 1 – 11180-2915004-20;
• rear shock absorber, Kalina 2 – 21928-2915004-00;
• front shock absorber, Kalina 1 – 11180-2905002-00;
• front shock absorber, Kalina 2 – 21928-2901031-55.

In fact, there are a lot of catalog numbers and their variations are combinations of rigidity, applicability for the right and left sides, as well as use in a certain modification and the possibility of use in conjunction with other suspension elements. These items are provided as an example.

As for companies, you should pay attention to the following:

• Kayaba;
• Monroe;
• Lada(original);
• Bilstein.

Shock absorbers from these manufacturers are considered the best in the world. Shock absorbers for Lada Kalina from KYB (kayaba) are considered to be the most expensive. Kayaba offers a wide selection of shock absorbers and struts for Lada Kalina I and II cars with a wide variety of rigidity parameters.

There is also a budget option - SAAZ. It is stock and often ends up on the assembly line as an original. But the analogs are better than the factory ones, and the durability of the factory racks is nothing more than a legend! It’s up to you to decide whether it’s worth saving, because the cost differs insignificantly.

When selecting shock absorbers, stiffness plays an important role. Here you need to find the right balance. The stiffer the shock absorber, the better it keeps the springs from oscillating, which means the car’s handling increases significantly.

On the other hand, the stiffer the pillars, the worse the comfort in the cabin. The driver and passengers will constantly shake from the slightest irregularities on the road. Therefore, for a more comfortable ride (at the expense of handling), it is better to install softer struts that set the appropriate suspension travel.

Rating list of racks for Kalina 1118

KONI

They are the most expensive of all, but their qualities completely justify the price. They give the driver the opportunity to adjust the properties of the shock absorber to suit himself. Therefore, with them you can drive on any road without unnecessary worries, since the racks have passed all kinds of tests and are winners among all competitors.

Bilstein Monotube Shock Absorber

Which front struts are best to install on a Kalina 1118 station wagon?

Gas struts of this brand are very well assembled, and thanks to this they are able to maintain excellent balance on any road. It can be added that a special piston is used here, which regulates the stability of the car, which depends on weather conditions and roads.

MILLION PARTS Complete Strut Shock Absorber Assembly

Shock absorbers of this brand are known for their ease of installation, because you do not need any complicated actions, just screws and a couple of wrenches. Easy installation does not mean at all that they are worse than previous options, because they have all the necessary functionality, and most importantly, they improve the ride quality and stability of the car.

This list contains popular and well-known brands that have an appropriate price and fully justify it.

The most popular stands among drivers

Kayaba

Kayaba struts are the brainchild of Japanese technology. They are able to serve you for a very long time, performing their duties perfectly. After installation, you will immediately notice how your car will become quieter and smoother in its movements. Users note that, having received a license, the Chinese manufacturer began to create the same racks, but their quality leaves much to be desired, so be careful.

SAAZ

Which front struts are best to install on a Kalina 1118 station wagon?

The plant itself offers you this option; people like their fairly low price, availability and ease of installation. Reviews are very different, some find the functionality sufficient, others complain about unstable operation. But it is worth adding that such racks are not designed for difficult road and weather conditions, and will not be able to add stability to the car. Therefore, here, before purchasing, you should think very carefully.

Asomi

Those who use such struts respond very positively, because they give moderate rigidity to the car, which ensures a comfortable and safe ride. For their low price, they perform their functions perfectly.

SS20

Which front struts are best to install on a Kalina 1118 station wagon?

Highly praised racks that do everything they can for their money to improve your ride and the condition of your vehicle. They do not create unnecessary knocking or noise, but they provide comfort and safety.

Pricing policy of racks for KALINA 1118

To begin with, as already written above, you should decide which shock absorbers you prefer - oil or gas, you need to weigh the pros and cons. Next, you need to calculate your financial capabilities, determine how much you are willing to pay for safety and convenience. Each driver himself answers the question of which racks are best to install on a viburnum, we just recommend.

It is worth passing by the products of Chinese companies, because there are many imported options that are of higher quality and more reliable. The cheapest racks will cost you approximately 3,000 to 5,000 rubles, but it will be better if you opt for those that are more expensive. Those that fully satisfy all the needs of your car and will last a very long time will cost from 4,000 to 7,000 rubles. In this case, the front struts will cost more than the rear ones, the difference in price is about 1000 rubles. There are also certain inaccuracies in prices; a lot depends on the region where the purchase is made.

The main question is what kind of driver are you - a calm or more aggressive one, and what road conditions prevail in your regular driving?

After all, it is important to take into account absolutely all the nuances when purchasing in order to remain satisfied and completely safe, since malfunction of car parts often leads to accidents on the roads

How to replace front and rear shock absorbers on Kalina

Before carrying out repair work, it is necessary to properly prepare for this event.

What tool will you need?

To replace shock absorbers on Kalina 1 and 2, you will need the following list of tools:

• spring remover;
• standard set of tools;
• pit or lift;
• jack;

Of course, we shouldn’t forget about the new detail. After everything you need appears, you need to set aside a free day and start repairing.

Removal and installation of front shock absorbers on Lada Kalina

It is most convenient to do this work on a lift, but an inspection pit will also work. You need to perform the following list of actions:

1. Hang the front wheel and remove it.
2. Unscrew the nut securing the steering end to the strut. Remove the tie rod end (1) using a suitable puller.
3. Unscrew the three nuts securing the strut to the side member (2).
4. Remove the shock absorber mountings to the steering knuckle (3).
5. Remove the shock absorber from the car along with the suspension spring and support bearing.

In order to avoid damage to the brake hose, it is necessary to fix the steering knuckle in the position in which it was standing. This is necessary to prevent it from stretching!

To replace the strut, you need to remove the spring and support bearing (4) from it. To do this, using a puller, the spring is compressed and the nut securing the support bearing is unscrewed. Next, all parts are installed on the new shock absorber, and assembly occurs in the reverse order.

Removal and installation of rear shock absorbers Lada Kalina 1 and 2

The procedure will be the same for hatchback, station wagon and sedan. Necessary:

1. Fold the rear seat forward and remove the shock absorber nut cap.
2. You need to tighten the spring in advance to relieve tension from the shock absorber and remove it without problems.
3. Unscrew the nut securing the strut to the body. To prevent the rod from turning, it can be held using another wrench.
4. After this, unscrew the lower mount of the strut to the rear beam.
5. Remove the old strut from the car.

Now all that remains is to rearrange the spring and install a new support bearing and rod boot. There is nothing complicated about this. Reassemble the strut as it should sit on the vehicle with a new support bearing and boot.

Mount the strut to the body and ask your partner to tighten the nut securing the shock absorber rod to the rear “glass”. Further assembly occurs in reverse order.

Manufacturers

In addition to original parts produced by AvtoVAZ, you can also find racks from other manufacturers on sale. They are identical to the originals, there will be no problems during installation. At the same time, they are much more reliable. This is an important factor. The performance of the suspension greatly affects the overall handling of the car. This has a particularly strong effect on cornering. Below we will look at several manufacturers of such spare parts.

This is a domestic manufacturer specializing in suspension parts for the domestic automotive industry. The main direction is sports, but there are also quite ordinary details

Therefore, it makes sense for anyone who wants to have a high-quality and comfortable suspension in their Priora or Kalina to pay attention to this brand. The consumer is offered 4 options for racks:

• Standard
  . These racks are not too different in driving characteristics from the originals. But, at the same time, they have an additional resource of 50%;
• Comfort
  . These are the softest shock absorbers in the line. They are recommended for use on cars that rarely travel outside the city. The main characteristics are high comfort and long service life;
• Highway
  . These struts are quite rigid, which helps in excellent cornering at high speeds. The suspension with such shock absorbers turns out to be quite stiff, but this is compensated by ease of control;
• Sports
  . This is the toughest option. In terms of characteristics, this suspension almost entirely corresponds to sports models.

Important note for proper installation

Before installing a new shock absorber on the Lada Kalina, it is necessary to bleed it. The fact is that there is oil inside the rack, which moves through the cavities during operation. Normal operation of the shock absorber is ensured only in a vertical position.

If you place the rack horizontally (as it is transported), then air will get inside, which will have a detrimental effect on the operation of the rack. Installing such a part is strictly prohibited, as it will not last long.

To remove air, before installing shock absorbers, you must perform the following steps:

1. Extend the compressed stand from the packaging to ¾ of the length and place the stem down. Wait 5 seconds and squeeze gently.
2. Turn the shock absorber over and wait 5 seconds.
3. Extend the rod and wait 2 seconds, then flip the post over again and compress.
4. Repeat the above 3-4 times.

Practice shows that 70% of people who change stands themselves forget about this important procedure.

After these manipulations, the shock absorber should last as long as the manufacturer guarantees.

000–108

Since Sistema Technologies produces suspension components, we decided to try something out on our Kalina. We installed stabilizer bars, original upper mounts and camber plates on the rear axle, increasing the angle to two and a half degrees. There was a mistake with the spacers that widened the track - they did not fit tightly to the hub, and we settled on Proma spacers. This set of measures changed the behavior of the car at the level of nuances and allowed us to remove a couple more tenths of a second from the lap, but again there was no breakthrough.

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.

Extra options

The Lada front suspension is best diagnosed on an overpass or inspection hole. First, using your hands, you should swing the upper part of the front wheels transversely, one at a time. If the result shows even a barely noticeable play, then you need to check the hub bearing and its attachment to the strut.

To more accurately assess the condition of the shock absorbers, they should be checked after a trip; in this case, the fluid in them has not yet cooled down and is in working condition. To do this, the front part of the car swings vertically quite vigorously, and if, after stopping, inertial movement occurs, for example, even 2-3 times, then this is a signal that one or even both parts are faulty and more thorough diagnostics are required. And to do this, similar testing is carried out on each side of the car in turn.

It is important for the car owner to know that diagnosing the Kalina front suspension in this way is just a way to detect a shock absorber malfunction, and its ability to effectively dampen vibrations is determined only on a stand.

Shock absorbers should also be checked for leaks: leakage of liquid from them is unacceptable. If one of the parts is found to be faulty, both will have to be replaced. Shock absorbers are always replaced in pairs.

Next, the struts, stabilizer bar, cushions, hinges of levers, braces, covers covering ball joints are visually inspected for cracks, tears and other visible defects. After this, it’s time to examine how well all the fastening nuts are tightened and, if necessary, adjust them.

"ASOMI"

This manufacturer offers two lines of parts. They are more versatile than the SS20 described above. This allows you to use spare parts without worrying about operating features:

• Gas-oil struts “Comfort PRO” can be used on roads with any surface. At the same time, shock absorbers have an excellent resource;
• Comfort CLASSIC, these are classic oil struts. Due to their high rigidity, they show good behavior at high speeds.

This manufacturer attracts attention with a combination of relatively low price and high quality.

Station wagon

. Quite high demands are usually placed on the suspension of station wagon cars. This is due to their greater carrying capacity. Structurally, the suspension on Kalina and Priora station wagons is practically no different from other body types. But for such modifications it is recommended to use stiffer shock absorbers. This will reduce the subsidence of the machine when loading it. Otherwise, it all depends on the tastes and wishes of the car enthusiast himself.

Conclusion

. Now the market offers a large variety of different shock absorbers for domestic cars. When choosing which struts are best to install on Priora and Kalina (+ Station wagon), you need to start from the characteristics of your driving. For fans of high-speed driving, hard shock absorber models are suitable. If the car is used as a family car, then softer racks should be selected.

AST SUSPENSION

The Dutch company AST Suspension has been designing and producing suspension components and kits for 35 years; The range has different lines - for ordinary roads and for sports. In Russia, the sale of its products is carried out by the company, which is headed by former rally driver Alexey Kovalchuk. It’s nice that the Dutch are upgrading their kits taking into account operating experience in our conditions.

It was possible to choose the extreme 5200 model - with remote reservoirs and various adjustments, but, firstly, such a design is not allowed by the RHHCC regulations, and secondly, the price of such a kit is a third of the cost of Kalina. Non-professional athletes have no use for this.