Timing chain drive VAZ 2101: malfunctions, repair, adjustment

Although the timing chain drive on the VAZ "classic" is considered reliable, it also needs to be repaired and replaced as the car is used. The characteristic signs indicate the need for repair, and the work can be done by hand without visiting a car service.

Timing chain drive on the VAZ 2101

On the "penny", like all other models of the "classics", there is a timing chain drive. The mechanism consists of a two-row metal chain and additional elements that ensure its tension and prevent vibrations. The smooth operation of the motor directly depends on the integrity and serviceability of each part of the mechanism. The chain drive connects the crankshaft and camshaft and ensures their synchronous operation. When the shafts rotate, the pistons in the engine cylinders are set in motion, and the valves in the cylinder head (cylinder head) open and close in a timely manner.

The main elements of the VAZ 2101 timing drive are the chain, damper, shoe, tensioner and sprockets

Soothing

The damper performs the function of damping the vibrations of the circuit. Without it, the chain may jump or fly off the timing gear sprockets. If the damper breaks down, the drive may simply break off. Such a nuisance is possible at high engine speeds. When the chain breaks, pistons and valves are damaged, requiring expensive repairs. Therefore, the state of the damper must be monitored and replaced in a timely manner. The part is a solid metal plate, on which there are special holes for fasteners.

The chain damper dampens chain vibrations when the motor is running.

Opposite the damper is a shoe, which is also responsible for calming and tensioning the chain. It is made of a special polymer material, which gives the part high wear resistance.

The tensioner shoe is responsible for chain tension and vibration damping along with the damper

Tensioner

The penny chain tensioner prevents the chain from loosening when the motor is running. The element is of several types:

• auto;
• mechanical;
• hydraulic.

Automatic tensioners have recently begun to be produced, but with regard to this part, the pros and cons can already be noted. The main positive point is that there is no need to make periodic adjustments, i.e. the drive is constantly in tension. Of the minuses, they note a rather quick failure and the high cost of the part. In addition, based on the reviews of motorists, the auto-tensioner does not tension the chain very well.

The operation of hydraulic devices is based on the supply of oil under pressure from the engine lubrication system. With this design, the driver does not need to worry about periodically tightening the chain. However, over time, the part may fail, which manifest itself in the form of a wedging of the mechanism.

On the VAZ "classic" a mechanical type tensioner is used. The part has a significant drawback: over time, it becomes clogged with small particles, the plunger wedges and the device loses its ability to stretch.

The chain tensioner is designed to keep the chain taut at all times.

Chain

One of the key elements of the timing chain drive is the chain itself, made of metal and having a certain number of links: there are 2101 of them on the VAZ 114. Compared to a belt drive, the chain is more reliable and has a longer service life.

The chain is considered a more reliable element compared to the belt.

Depending on the quality of the chain and the operating conditions of the car, it is replaced every 60–100 thousand km. There are times when a part even takes care of 200 thousand km, but it is hardly worth the risk, because a chain breakdown will result in a much more expensive repair than its timely replacement.

The chain is tightened every 10 thousand km, even in the absence of signs indicating sagging.

Determination of a malfunction of the chain mechanism

The timing drive, equipped with a chain, is structurally located inside the engine. To determine the condition of the parts of this mechanism, it is necessary to partially disassemble the motor. The characteristic signs indicate that there are problems with the chain or drive elements.

The chain is making noise

A circuit can have different types of noise:

• noise under load
• knocking on a warm engine;
• extraneous sounds to the cold;
• constant noise with a metallic character.

If the motor begins to make sounds that are uncharacteristic of its normal operation, it is necessary to find out as soon as possible what problems have arisen with the chain drive and eliminate them. If this is not done, the wear of the gas distribution drive elements will increase, which can lead to costly repairs.

Video: chain knock in the VAZ "classic" engine

Signs of a Timing Chain Knock and How to Tension a Stretched Chain

Timing drive components can fail prematurely for the following reasons:

• the use of oil that is not provided for by the car factory, or its untimely replacement;
• the use of low-quality parts;
• low lubrication pressure in the motor;
• non-compliance with the regulations for engine maintenance;
• low quality repair.

Often the chain makes noise due to stretching or a problem with the tensioner. Attempts to tighten it are useless, and the engine sounds like a diesel engine. The sound most often appears on a cold engine when idling.

The timing chain stretches over time, so it needs to be periodically tightened and on time or replaced

Jumped the chain

With high vehicle mileage, the timing chain stretches. As a result, it can simply jump to other teeth of the camshaft or crankshaft gears. This problem may occur if the timing drive parts are damaged. When the chain jumps by at least one tooth, the ignition shifts greatly and the engine becomes unstable (sneezes, shoots, etc.). To fix the problem, you will need to check the integrity of the parts, and if damage is detected, make repairs.

Timing chain repair VAZ 2101

On the "Zhiguli" of the first model, the timing chain drive consists of several elements, the operation of the entire mechanism as a whole depends on the state of which. If any of these parts fail, repairs must be carried out immediately. Let's consider step-by-step actions for replacing the components of the timing drive on a "penny".

Replacing the damper

Before proceeding with the repair, you need to take care of the preparation of the appropriate tools and materials. You will need:

• screwdriver;
• a set of keys;
• new chain guide;
• wire hook.

After preparing everything necessary, we proceed to the repair in this order:

1. After unscrewing the fasteners, remove the air filter box.
   

   Having unscrewed the fastening of the cover and the air filter housing, remove the part from the car
2. We unscrew the screws and dismantle the carburetor air damper control cable.
   

   To remove the suction cable, you need to unscrew the screws securing the shell and the cable itself.
3. We remove the lever with traction from the cylinder head cover.
   

   We remove the lever with traction located on the valve cover by dismantling the stopper
4. To dismantle the cover, unscrew the nuts with a 10 mm head.
   

   The valve cover to the cylinder head is fastened with 10 mm nuts, unscrew them
5. With a 13 mm wrench, release the tensioner lock.
   

   To loosen the chain, you need to release the tensioner latch
6. We release the chain, for which we squeeze the shoe with a long screwdriver, pressing on it.
   

   To hold the shoe in a position in which the chain will be loosened, use a screwdriver
7. While holding the shoe, we twist the tensioner lock.
8. We grab the chain guide with a hook by the eye.
   

   So that the damper does not fall after unscrewing the fasteners, we grab it with a wire hook
9. We unscrew the fixing bolts of the damper.
   

   The chain guide is attached with two bolts, unscrew them
10. With a 17 mm key, we scroll the camshaft star clockwise, loosen the chain and remove the damper.
    

    Turning the camshaft, loosen the chain and remove the damper
11. We mount the new product in the reverse order.

Replacing the tensioner

The chain tensioner on the "classic" is located in the cylinder head below the cooling system pipe above the pump. To replace the part, use the same tools as for repair work with a damper, but you will additionally need a key to turn the crankshaft. Actions boil down to the following steps:

1. With a 10 mm wrench, we unscrew the fasteners of the tensioner to the cylinder head.
   

   The tensioner is attached to the cylinder head with two nuts, unscrew them
2. We take out the device together with the gasket.
   

   We remove the tensioner from the head of the block along with the gasket
3. We clamp the part in a vice, unscrew the latch with a 13 mm key.
   

   To unscrew the latch, clamp the tensioner in a vise
4. Check the condition of the collet. If the clamp legs are damaged, change the tensioner to a new one.
   

   We inspect the tensioner and, if any malfunctions are detected, we replace it with a new product
5. To reinstall the product, we sink the plunger all the way and tighten the nut, and then install the tensioner in the cylinder head.
   

   To install the tensioner in place, it is necessary to drown the plunger until it stops and tighten the nut

Replacing the shoe

The shoe is changed with the same tools as when working with a damper. Repair is carried out as follows:

1. Remove the protective plate of the motor tray.
   

   To remove the protection of the pallet, unscrew the corresponding fasteners
2. Loosen the alternator belt tension nut and tighten the belt.
   

   Loosen the nut to loosen the alternator belt.
3. We dismantle the radiator fan by unscrewing the corresponding fasteners.
4. Break off the crankshaft pulley nut and unscrew it.
   

   To unscrew the crankshaft pulley nut, use a special or gas wrench
5. We tighten the pulley with both hands.
6. We release fastening of the bottom cover of the engine (1) and we turn out three bolts (2).
   

   In front of the pallet, loosen and unscrew the corresponding fasteners
7. We unscrew the bolts (1) and nuts (2) fixing the timing cover.
   

   The timing cover is held by six bolts and three nuts that need to be unscrewed.
8. Remove the timing cover from the engine.
   

   Prying off the timing cover with a screwdriver, remove it
9. Unscrew the shoe fixing bolt (2) and remove the shoe.
   

   To remove the shoe, unscrew the corresponding bolt
10. We install a new product in the reverse order, after which we adjust the chain tension.

Replacing the chain

The chain on the "penny" is changed by such tools:

• a hammer;
• screwdriver;
• spanners;
• mounting blade;
• a piece of wire;
• key for turning the crankshaft.

After preparation, we proceed to disassembly:

1. We repeat the steps to replace the damper up to item 6 and the shoe up to item 8 inclusive.
2. We rotate the crankshaft until the mark on the camshaft star aligns with the protrusion on its body. The risk applied on the crankshaft should be set opposite the mark on the timing cover.
   

   When replacing the chain, it is necessary to combine the marks on the crankshaft pulley and the timing cover, as well as the marks on the camshaft sprocket with the ebb on the bearing housing
3. We bend the edges of the locking element on the camshaft star.
   

   The camshaft gear bolt is fixed with a washer, we unbend it
4. We turn on the fourth gear, tighten the parking brake.
5. Slightly unscrew the bolt holding the camshaft sprocket.
   

   We loosen the bolt with a 17 mm key
6. We dismantle the damper and timing shoe.
7. We bend the locking plate located on the accessory sprocket.
   

   A lock washer is installed on the accessory sprocket, which also needs to be unbent
8. We unscrew the fasteners of the asterisk of the auxiliary devices.
   

   To remove the accessory gear, unscrew the bolt
9. Let's take the gear off.
10. Open the restrictor.
11. We unscrew the fastening of the camshaft star.
12. Raise the chain and remove the sprocket.
    

    Lifting the chain, remove the gear
13. Lower the chain and remove it from the engine.
14. We check the alignment of the crankshaft sprocket marks with the risk on the engine block.
    

    The mark on the crankshaft sprocket must match the mark on the engine block.

The chain drive is mounted in the following order:

1. We put the chain on the crankshaft star and on the gear of auxiliary devices.
   

   The chain is put on the crankshaft star and on the gear of auxiliary devices
2. We mount the gear in its seat and slightly screw the bolt.
   

   Fix the gear with a bolt
3. From above we lower a hook from a wire.
   

   We lower the hook from the wire to the place where the chain is located
4. We hook the chain and bring it up.
   

   Having hooked the chain with a hook, we bring it up
5. We put the chain on the cylinder head shaft gear, after which we mount the sprocket on the shaft itself.
6. We check the coincidence of the marks with each other and the tension of the chain along its entire length.
7. We bait the bolt holding the camshaft gear.
8. We mount the damper and shoe in place.
9. Installing the limit pin.
   

   Install the limiting pin in place and tighten with a wrench.
10. We remove the car from the gear, set the gearshift lever to neutral and scroll the crankshaft in the direction of its rotation by 3 turns.
11. We check the correspondence of the marks on the gears.
12. Tighten the tensioner nut.
13. We turn on the speed and tighten the fasteners of all gears.
14. We mount the remaining parts in the reverse order.

Video: how to change the chain on the "classic"

Replacing the chain and sprocket on the VAZ 2106

Installing the chain by marks

The need to install labels for the gas distribution mechanism may arise during the repair process or when the chain is strongly stretched. If the marks do not match, the stable operation of the motor is disrupted due to phase shift. In this case, an adjustment is required. The work is carried out with the following tools:

• Screwdriver Set;
• key to rotate the crankshaft;
• keys set.

To install the chain by marks, you will need a standard garage tool kit.

The procedure is performed according to the following instructions:

1. We dismantle the air filter box and the valve cover with a seal by unscrewing the fasteners.
2. We loosen the tensioner lock, rest it with a screwdriver on the shoe and tighten the nut.
3. Turn the crankshaft with a 38 mm wrench or a crank until the marks on its pulley and the timing cover match, while the mark on the camshaft sprocket should be opposite the protrusion cast on the body.
4. If any of the marks do not match, turn on the fourth speed and unbend the lock washer on the camshaft sprocket.
5. We unscrew the bolt, dismantle the gear.
6. We remove the chain from the sprocket and set the desired position (p. 3). After setting the labels, we reassemble.
   

   You can turn the crankshaft with a 38 mm spanner

Video: how to set timing marks on classic Zhiguli

How to mark the VAZ timing chain. Do it yourself!

Chain tension adjustment

The need to tighten the chain may be needed in different situations:

• motor repair;
• replacement of the chain drive;
• chain stretch.

To work, you need the following tools:

• keys for 13 and 38 mm;
• flat screwdriver;
• pliers.

Chain tension consists of several steps:

1. We set the car on a flat surface, turn on the neutral, substituting stops under the wheels.
2. Loosen the chain tensioner and you will hear a clicking sound.
3. With a 38 mm key, we rotate the crankshaft, making several turns.
4. We stop rotation at maximum effort and tighten the tensioner nut.

If the valve cover is removed, you can determine the chain tension by resting it with a screwdriver. If the chain is properly tensioned, it will be stiff.

The chain tension with the valve cover removed can be checked with a screwdriver.

Video: timing chain tension on a VAZ 2101

How to tension the camshaft drive chain VAZ-2101-2107.

If there are problems with the gas distribution drive on the VAZ 2101, it is not worth delaying the search and elimination of the cause. This is the only way to prevent more serious problems. To repair the timing chain drive, it is not necessary to be an experienced auto mechanic. It is enough to prepare the necessary tools and materials, and then follow the step-by-step instructions.