How the timing chain drive of a VAZ 2106 car works: overview and replacement
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How the timing chain drive of a VAZ 2106 car works: overview and replacement

The popular car VAZ 2106, whose production began during the Soviet era, was equipped with three types of engines - a working volume of 1300, 1500 and 1600 cm100. The design of the listed motors is the same, the difference lies only in the dimensions of the cylinder-piston group, crankshaft and connecting rods. On all power units, the gears of the gas distribution mechanism (timing) are driven by a two-row chain. The latter is gradually stretched and needs periodic tightening, the minimum resource of the part is XNUMX thousand kilometers. When tension fails, the chain drive changes entirely - along with the gears.

Purpose and design of the drive

The gas distribution mechanism is responsible for supplying the fuel mixture to the cylinders and exhaust gases. To open the intake and exhaust valves in time, the camshaft must rotate in sync with the crankshaft. In Zhiguli, this function is assigned to a chain drive installed in front of the engine.

Replacing the timing chain and gears cannot be attributed to complex operations, but the procedure is rather time-consuming. To do the work with your own hands, you need to understand the principle of operation and the device of the drive, consisting of the following elements:

  • a small diameter drive gear is installed at the front end of the crankshaft;
  • above it is an intermediate large asterisk, which is responsible for the rotation of the oil pump drive and distributor;
  • a third driven gear of large diameter is attached to the end of the camshaft;
  • 3 the above stars are connected by a two-row chain;
  • on the one hand, the chain is pulled by a curved shoe, which presses the plunger device;
  • to exclude the beating of a weakened chain, on the other hand, a second shoe is provided - the so-called damper;
  • a limiting pin is installed near the drive sprocket, which prevents the chain from slipping off the teeth.
How the timing chain drive of a VAZ 2106 car works: overview and replacement
The main role in the mechanism is played by a two-row chain connecting the leading lower gear with the driven ones.

The gear ratio is approximately 1:2. That is, while the crankshaft drive sprocket makes 2 revolutions, the camshaft gear turns 1 time.

The required tension of the VAZ 2106 timing drive is provided by a plunger device supporting a semicircular shoe. Older cars were equipped with a purely mechanical plunger - a retractable rod with a powerful spring, which had to be tightened manually. Later models received a hydraulic chain tensioner that works automatically.

More about the timing belt drive device: https://bumper.guru/klassicheskie-modeli-vaz/grm/grm-2107/metki-grm-vaz-2107-inzhektor.html

Out of ignorance, I once got into a stupid situation. A friend on the “six” had a chain stretched out and began to make a lot of noise, I advised her to tighten it. It turned out on the spot that the plunger fixing bolt was missing, the advice turned out to be useless. Later it turned out that the car has an automatic tensioner that works under oil pressure. The stretched chain had to be replaced.

The timing drive is lubricated by engine oil coming from the camshaft. To prevent the lubricant from splashing, the mechanism is hidden behind a sealed aluminum cover screwed to the end of the cylinder block with 9 M6 bolts. 3 more screws connect the protective cover to the oil sump.

So, the chain drive performs 3 functions:

  • turns the camshaft, which alternately presses the cams on the valve stems;
  • through a helical gear (in the jargon of drivers - “pig”) transmits torque to the oil pump;
  • rotates the roller of the main distributor of ignition.

How to choose a chain by length

When buying a new spare part, one parameter must be taken into account - the length, determined by the number of links. The specified value depends on the type of engine installed on a particular car. For engines with a working volume of 1,5 and 1,6 liters (modifications VAZ 21061 and 2106), the piston stroke is 80 mm, and in power units of 1,3 liters (VAZ 21063), this figure is 66 mm. Accordingly, engine blocks of 1,5 and 1,6 liters are higher, and the chain is longer:

  • versions VAZ 21061 and 2106 - 116 sections;
  • VAZ 21063 - 114 links.
How the timing chain drive of a VAZ 2106 car works: overview and replacement
Conscientious manufacturers prescribe the number of chain links on the package

The number of sections of a new spare part can be found out without exhausting recalculation. Lay the chain on a flat surface so that adjacent links touch. If the end sections look the same, there are 116 links in the chain. A 114-part piece produces one last link, rotated at an angle.

When replacing the drive chain, it is strongly recommended to install new sprockets - leading, driven and intermediate. Otherwise, the mechanism will not last long - the links will stretch again. Gears are sold in sets of 3.

Video: choosing a new chain for the Zhiguli

OVERVIEW OF VAZ TIMING CHAINS

Replacing the chain drive - step by step instructions

Part of the repair work is carried out from the inspection ditch. You will have to loosen the generator axis, dismantle the protection and unscrew the ratchet nut - the listed operations are performed from below the car. To completely replace the drive, it is better to purchase a ready-made timing repair kit for the VAZ 2106, consisting of the following spare parts:

Of the consumables, you will need high-temperature silicone sealant, rags and fabric gloves. Before disassembling, pay attention to the appearance of the front of the motor - it happens that the front crankshaft oil seal leaks lubricant, the engine is covered with a layer of oily dirt. Since the oil seal is installed inside the timing cover, it is not difficult to change it during repairs.

Learn more about timing chain replacement: https://bumper.guru/klassicheskie-modeli-vaz/grm/zamena-tsepi-vaz-2106.html

Toolkit preparation

To successfully disassemble and change the chain along with the sprockets, prepare a working tool:

To unscrew the large ratchet nut, find a special 36 mm box wrench with a long handle. It is also used when aligning the marks by manually turning the crankshaft. As a last resort, take a ring wrench with a handle bent at 90 ° according to the model of a wheel "balloon".

Pre-disassembly stage

It is impossible to get to the timing unit right away - the generator drive belt, the crankshaft pulley and the electric fan interfere. In older VAZ 2106 models, the impeller is attached to the pump shaft, so it is not necessary to remove it. To dismantle the chain drive, perform a series of operations:

  1. Drive the car into the pit, brake and wait 20–60 minutes for the engine to cool to a comfortable temperature of 40–50 °C. Otherwise, you will burn your hands during disassembly.
  2. Get under the car and remove the grate protecting the power unit oil pan. Using a 10 mm wrench, unscrew the 3 screws securing the timing case to the sump cover, then loosen the 19 mm nut on the generator axle.
    How the timing chain drive of a VAZ 2106 car works: overview and replacement
    To get to the bottom of the generator mounting nut, you need to remove the side protective cover
  3. Using wrenches 8 and 10 mm, dismantle the air filter housing.
    How the timing chain drive of a VAZ 2106 car works: overview and replacement
    The air filter housing is bolted to the carburetor with four M5 nuts.
  4. Disconnect the vacuum sampling tubes for the distributor and ventilation of crankcase gases. Then remove the "suction" cable and gas pedal levers.
    How the timing chain drive of a VAZ 2106 car works: overview and replacement
    The rod is mounted on the valve cover bracket, so it must be disconnected so as not to interfere
  5. Using a 10 mm socket, unscrew the 8 nuts holding the valve cover. Remove the shaped washers and remove the cover.
    How the timing chain drive of a VAZ 2106 car works: overview and replacement
    The valve cover must be removed carefully - engine oil may drip from it
  6. Disconnect the electric fan power supply and dismantle the unit by unscrewing 3 10 mm wrench bolts.
    How the timing chain drive of a VAZ 2106 car works: overview and replacement
    The cooling fan is attached to the radiator at 3 points
  7. Using a socket head with an extension, loosen the alternator tension nut (located on top of the mounting bracket). Use a pry bar to move the body of the unit towards the motor and drop the belt.
    How the timing chain drive of a VAZ 2106 car works: overview and replacement
    The drive belt is tensioned by moving the generator housing and is fixed with a nut

During disassembly, check the condition of the valve cover gasket - it may be swollen and leaking oil. Then buy and install a new seal.

Before removing the aluminum cover behind which the timing assembly is hidden, it is recommended to remove all dirt from the front end of the engine. When you remove the cover, a small gap will open between the block and the oil pan. Foreign particles must not be allowed to enter there, especially after a recent oil change.

On a car equipped with an electronic fuel injection system (injector), disassembly is carried out in the same order. Only here the adsorber hose is disconnected, and the air filter box is removed along with the corrugation connected to the throttle body.

Video: how to remove a VAZ 2106 fan

Marking and mounting the timing chain

Before further disassembly, align the mark on the crankshaft pulley with the first long mark on the casing. With this combination, the piston of the first or fourth cylinder is at top dead center, all valves are closed. Please note: in this position, the round mark on the upper timing sprocket will coincide with the tide made on the camshaft bed.

The two remaining marks on the cover (near the pulley) are provided for setting the ignition timing to 5 and 10 degrees, respectively.

Pre-marking facilitates further work - turning the crankshaft by the ratchet is much easier than grabbing it with a key when the pulley is removed. Then proceed according to the instructions:

  1. Lock the pulley with any suitable tool and loosen the ratchet with a 36 wrench.
    How the timing chain drive of a VAZ 2106 car works: overview and replacement
    It is more convenient to loosen the pulley nut from the inspection hole
  2. Using a pry bar, pry and remove the pulley from the crankshaft.
    How the timing chain drive of a VAZ 2106 car works: overview and replacement
    The pulley sits tightly at the end of the crankshaft, to remove it, you need to pry the element with a mounting spatula
  3. Remove the remaining 9 bolts holding the casing to the cylinder block. Remove the cover by prying with a flathead screwdriver.
    How the timing chain drive of a VAZ 2106 car works: overview and replacement
    The casing of the timing unit is pressed against the cylinder block with nine bolts, 3 more connect the cover to the oil pan
  4. Using a 13 mm wrench, loosen the plunger bolt, push the pry bar against the shoe and tighten the bolt again. The operation will loosen the chain and easily remove the sprockets.
    How the timing chain drive of a VAZ 2106 car works: overview and replacement
    The plunger bolt is located under the cooling system pipe, on the right side of the cylinder head (when viewed in the direction of travel)
  5. Once again checking the position of the mark, remove the upper gear. To do this, unlock the lock washer and unscrew the bolt with a 17 mm ring wrench. If necessary, fix the camshaft with a screwdriver.
    How the timing chain drive of a VAZ 2106 car works: overview and replacement
    The head of the bolt on the upper gear is fixed with a lock washer, which must be straightened
  6. Similarly, dismantle the middle sprocket, the lower one, together with the chain, can be easily removed by hand. Be careful not to lose the key.
    How the timing chain drive of a VAZ 2106 car works: overview and replacement
    The intermediate gear has no marks, it can be removed and placed in any position
  7. It remains to dismantle the old damper and tensioner by unscrewing the mounting bolts with a 10 mm head.
    How the timing chain drive of a VAZ 2106 car works: overview and replacement
    When unscrewing the damper, hold the plate with your hand so that it does not fall inside the crankcase

My friend, when disassembling the timing assembly, accidentally dropped the key into the crankcase. Local "specialists" advised to leave it in the pallet, they say, it will sink to the bottom of the pallet and remain there, it's okay. The comrade did not listen to these recommendations, drained the oil and unscrewed the pan to pull out the key. To avoid such troubles, after dismantling the front cover, plug the crankcase opening with rags.

After disassembly, thoroughly wipe the internal cavities of the block, the cover and the gland. How to properly install new drive parts:

  1. Install a new damper, plunger mechanism and tensioner shoe.
  2. Lower the chain from above through the slot in the cylinder head (where the camshaft gear is). To prevent it from falling, stick any long tool inside.
    How the timing chain drive of a VAZ 2106 car works: overview and replacement
    The new chain is pulled into the opening from above and securely fixed
  3. Put the key back into the groove of the crankshaft, thanks to the marks it will be on top. Fit the small gear and make sure that the mark on the tooth matches the mark on the surface of the block.
    How the timing chain drive of a VAZ 2106 car works: overview and replacement
    If the marks are initially set correctly, the key will be on top of the shaft
  4. Put on the chain, setting all the stars according to the marks. Then assemble the knot in reverse order.

After assembly, the chain must be tightened. To do this, it is enough to loosen the plunger bolt - a powerful spring will push out the rod, which will press on the shoe. Turn the crankshaft 2 turns by hand and re-tighten the tensioner bolt. After rotation, make sure that the marks are not lost. Then check the motor in operation - start and listen to the noise of the chain drive.

Read about replacing the tensioner shoe: https://bumper.guru/klassicheskie-modeli-vaz/grm/natyazhitel-tsepi-vaz-2106.html

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

The worn-out timing drive on the Zhiguli gives itself out with a certain sound - knocking and rattling in front of the engine. The second sign is the inability to tighten the chain. Having found these symptoms, look under the valve cover, check the condition of the mechanism. Do not hesitate with the replacement - a chain that is too stretched will jump by 1 tooth, the timing will start to function incorrectly, and the engine will stall and “shoot” into the carburetor or exhaust pipe.

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