Design, malfunctions and repair of the steering gear VAZ 2107

The car must always clearly respond to the rotation of the steering wheel. If this does not happen, then there can be no question of any security. This applies to all cars, including the VAZ 2107. The main steering unit is the gearbox, which has its own malfunctions, which can be identified and eliminated without visiting a car service.

Steering gear VAZ 2107

The steering mechanism of the "Zhiguli" of the seventh model allows you to confidently drive a car in different traffic situations. One of the main problems of the steering gear is play and lubricant leakage. However, with the right approach to operation, the life of this mechanism can be extended. Being the owner of the "seven" you need not only to have an idea about the design of the node, but also to know about its possible breakdowns and how to eliminate them.

Steering column

The gearbox is made as a separate assembly with shafts, bearings and other structural elements enclosed inside.

Steering column device VAZ 2107

Despite the similarity between the steering columns of the “sevens” and another “classic”, the design of the first car is more modern. One of the differences between the VAZ 2107 gearbox is the slightly longer worm shaft, which is due to the installation of a cardan instead of a straight shaft. That is why the column of the car in question is safer. If an accident occurs with a head-on collision, then the cardan-type steering shaft simply folds on hinges and does not reach the driver.

The steering gearbox VAZ 2107 differs from a similar mechanism of another "classic"

A worm gear is installed on the "seven". This type of transmission is characterized by gaps and is subject to wear. Therefore, an adjusting screw is installed in the mechanism housing, which allows you to adjust the gap as the internal elements are developed. By means of a screw, the bipod shaft is pressed, preventing the wheels from beating. The structural elements of the gearbox are located in an oil bath, which significantly reduces their wear. The device in question is fixed to the left side member by means of three bolts. The steering column is a complex mechanism consisting of several structural elements:

• steering wheel;
• cardan transmission;
• reducer.

Steering design: 1 - steering gear housing; 2 - shaft seal; 3 - intermediate shaft; 4 - upper shaft; 5 - fixing plate of the front part of the bracket; 6 - steering shaft mounting bracket; 7 - the upper part of the facing casing; 8 - bearing sleeve; 9 - bearing; 10 - steering wheel; 11 - the lower part of the facing casing; 12 - bracket fastening details

Steering wheel

Through the steering wheel, the muscular action is transmitted to the gearbox shaft for the subsequent change in the position of the steered wheels. Thus, it is possible to react in a timely manner to the traffic situation. In addition, the "seven" steering wheel has a diameter of 40 cm, which allows you to maneuver without any difficulties. The steering wheel has a good information content, which is especially noticeable when overcoming long distances. When the car is stationary, there is some difficulty when turning the steering wheel, but while driving, the steering wheel becomes softer and handling improves.

Steering shaft

The steering column shaft transmits force to the gearbox and consists of two shafts - upper and intermediate, as well as a bracket. With the help of the latter, the entire structure is secured to the vehicle body. Promval is mounted on the splines of the column shaft.

The steering shaft consists of a bracket, intermediate and upper shaft

Reducer

The purpose of the steering column is to convert the rotation of the steering wheel into the movement of the steering trapezoid. The reducer works like this:

1. The driver, being in the cabin, rotates the steering wheel.
2. Through the upper and intermediate shaft, the worm shaft begins to rotate.
3. The worm acts on a two-ridged roller located on the secondary shaft.
4. The bipod shaft rotates and pulls the linkage system through the bipod.
5. The trapezoid controls the steering knuckles, turning the wheels to the desired angle in the desired direction.

Malfunctions of the steering gear "seven"

For trouble-free operation of the steering, its condition must be constantly monitored. If any signs of problems are found, corrective action should be taken immediately. Since malfunctions can be of a different nature, we will dwell on them in more detail.

Leaking grease

The appearance of oil on the surface of the gearbox indicates leakage from the housing. This can be caused by the following:

• wear or damage to the lip seals of the worm shaft or bipod. In this case, it will be necessary to replace the sealing elements of the shafts;
  

  When an oil leak occurs, the most common cause is a damaged oil seal.
• the fasteners of the steering gear covers are loose. You will need to check the tightness of the bolted connections and tighten the mount, if necessary;
• seal damage. The gasket needs to be replaced.

Large play in the steering wheel

If the steering wheel has increased free play, then the front wheels will react to the actions of the steering wheel with some delay. In this case, not only driving worsens, but safety is also reduced. Excessive play may occur as a result of the following reasons:

• a large gap between the roller and the worm. Gearbox adjustment required.
• the ball pins on the steering rods have loosened. It is necessary to check the nuts and, if necessary, tighten them;
• working out in the pendulum mechanism. The pendulum bushings, and possibly the entire mechanism, need to be replaced;
  

  The development of the pendulum on the bushings leads to the appearance of play
• excessive play in the wheel bearings of the front axle wheels. With such a malfunction, it is necessary to check and preload the bearings.

Tight steering

If, when turning the steering wheel, you have to make efforts that are somewhat greater than usual, then the malfunction may be as follows:

• wear or breakage of gearbox ball bearings. Requires disassembly of the mechanism and replacement of defective parts;
• lack of lubrication in the column crankcase. It is necessary to check the level of lubrication and bring it to normal. You should also inspect the assembly for leaks and, if necessary, replace the seals;
• incorrect gap between the roller and the worm. The column needs to be adjusted;
• The front wheels are at the wrong angle. To fix this problem, checking and correct installation of angles is required;
• the nut on the beacon axle is over-tightened. It is necessary to adjust the degree of tightening of the nut.

The problem of tight steering can also be observed with low pressure in the front wheels.

Knocks in the steering column

Symptoms of the appearance of extraneous sounds can be associated not only with the gearbox, but also with the steering mechanism of the VAZ "seven" in general:

• Loose steering column cardan. Fixing elements need to be checked and tightened;
• the gearbox or pendulum mounting bolts have loosened. Fasteners must be checked and tightened;
• large play of wheel bearings. Bearings need adjustment;
  

  The hub nut adjusts the play of the wheel bearings
• excessive play in the steering rod joints. The rods should be checked for play, the tips should be replaced, and possibly the entire steering linkage;
• the pendulum axle nut loosened. The axle nut needs to be adjusted.
  

  If there is a knock in the steering mechanism, it may be necessary to tighten the pendulum axle nut

Additional malfunctions of the gearbox include biting the steering wheel when rotating from side to side, i.e. when the steering wheel turns jerkily. This can be observed both in case of problems with the column itself, and with the pendulum. In both cases, the nodes need to be diagnosed, sorted or replaced.

Steering column repair

The steering mechanism is subjected to constant friction of the elements located inside, which eventually leads to their wear. As a result, repair work or a complete replacement of the unit is required.

How to remove a column

Removing and repairing the gearbox is a difficult procedure, but it can be done on your own, with at least a little experience in car repair. To carry out the operation, you will need the following list of tools:

• keys for 17 (cap and open-end);
• socket heads for 17;
• ratchet handle;
• mount;
• a hammer;
• steering rod puller;
• crank.

We dismantle the mechanism in this order:

1. Remove the negative wire from the battery.
2. We unscrew the mount and dismantle the steering wheel.
   

   We unscrew the nut with a wrench with a head and dismantle the part
3. We unscrew the fasteners and remove the decorative casing.
   

   Using a Phillips screwdriver, unscrew the fastening of the decorative casing and remove it
4. We pull the connector from the ignition switch.
5. After unscrewing the fasteners, remove the lock.
   

   We unscrew the fastening of the ignition lock, and then remove the device
6. We dismantle the steering column switches from the shaft.
7. We unscrew the fastening of the shaft bracket and remove it from the car.
   

   The shaft bracket is fixed to the body with bolts, unscrew them
8. We unpin the ball pins of the rods, unscrew the fasteners and squeeze out the pins with a puller.
   

   Having unscrewed the nuts, disconnect the steering rods from the bipod of the steering gear
9. Using a knob with a head, we unscrew the fastening of the column to the body, fixing the bolts on the other side from scrolling with a key.
   

   With a collar or keys, unscrew the mount of the gearbox to the body
10. We dismantle the device.
    

    Unscrew the mount, remove the gearbox from the car

Video: how to replace the steering gear on the "classic"

Replacing the steering column VAZ 2106

How to disassemble a column

You can start disassembling the gearbox immediately after removing it from the car.

Details of the crankcase of the steering mechanism: 1 - crankcase; 2 - bipod; 3 - lower crankcase cover; 4 - shims; 5 - the outer ring of the worm shaft bearing; 6 - separator with balls; 7 - bipod shaft; 8 - adjusting screw; 9 - adjusting plate;

To do this, we need a certain list of tools:

• standard set of keys;
• head 30;
• crank;
• bipod puller;
• vise.

To disassemble the steering column, follow these steps:

1. We unscrew the bipod nut with a wrench and a head.
   

   Using a wrench or a wrench with a head, unscrew the bipod nut
2. We fix the gearbox in a vice and compress the thrust with a puller.
   

   Having unscrewed the nut, the puller compresses the thrust
3. We unscrew the oil filler plug, locknut, remove the locking element and drain the oil from the housing.
4. We unscrew the fastening of the upper cover of the column.
   

   To remove the top cover, unscrew 4 bolts
5. We remove the adjustment screw from engagement with the output shaft and remove the cover.
   

   To remove the cover, you will need to disengage the bipod shaft from the adjustment screw
6. We take out the secondary shaft from the housing.
   

   From the gearbox housing we remove the bipod shaft with a roller
7. The crankcase on the side of the worm shaft is also closed with a cover. We unscrew the mount and remove it together with metal seals.
   

   To remove the worm shaft cover, unscrew the corresponding fasteners and remove the part along with the gaskets
8. We apply a light blow with a hammer on the worm shaft to remove the part from the crankcase along with the bearing.
   

   The worm shaft is pressed out with a hammer, after which the part is removed from the housing along with the bearing
9. We hook with a screwdriver and take out the worm gland.
   

   The gearbox seal is removed by prying it with a screwdriver.
10. In the same way, we dismantle the lip seal from the output shaft.
11. With a suitable tip, we knock out the outer part of the second bearing.
    

    To remove the outer race of the bearing, you will need a suitable tool.

Video: repair of the steering column of the classic Zhiguli

Dismantling the steering gear assembly of VAZ.

Gearbox diagnostics

When the assembly is disassembled, it is necessary to visually assess the condition of all elements for damage. To do this, the parts are cleaned and washed with kerosene, gasoline or diesel fuel, after which they inspect each of them, trying to identify a possible defect (seizures, wear marks, etc.). The surfaces of the roller and worm are constantly interacting with each other, so they should be given special attention. The bearings of the mechanism should rotate without a hint of jamming. Any damage to the outer rings of the bearings is considered unacceptable. The gearbox housing must also be in a fully functional condition, without cracks. All parts showing wear must be replaced.

Column assembly

Before proceeding with the assembly of the device, we apply transmission grease to all parts installed inside the assembly. Lip seals must be replaced during any repair with the gearbox. The procedure for assembling the node is as follows:

1. We hit the mandrel with a hammer and drive the inner race of the bearing into the housing.
2. We put its internal elements in the bearing cage and insert the worm shaft. We put on it the parts of the outer bearing, press in the outer ring and fasten the cover with gaskets.
   

   After installing the worm shaft and the outer bearing, the outer race is pressed in
3. We apply Litol-24 cuffs to the working surfaces and mount them in the body.
   

   We press in new oil seals with a suitable tool
4. We place the worm shaft in the crankcase of the column. We select gaskets to set the moment of turning the shaft 2–5 kgf * cm.
5. We place the secondary shaft in the housing and set the gap in engagement at the moment of turning the shaft. The value should be within 7–9 kgf * cm when the worm shaft rotates, after which it should decrease to 5 kgf * cm when rotated until it stops.
6. We finally assemble the device and fill in the oil.
7. We combine the marks on the worm shaft and the crankcase, after which we put the bipod in the middle position and mount the assembly on the car.
   

   After assembling the gearbox, we combine the marks on the worm shaft and on the crankcase

During the installation of the mechanism in place before the final tightening of the fasteners, it is recommended to sharply turn the steering wheel left and right several times so that the crankcase self-adjusts.

Gearbox oil

The lubricant in the steering column of the "seven" is changed, although infrequently, but it is still worth doing this procedure every 60 thousand km. run. The mechanism in question uses GL-4, GL-5 oil. The manufacturer recommends using oil of the following viscosity classes:

• SAE75W90;
• SAE80W90;
• SAE85W90.

To lubricate the steering gear, use oil with a viscosity of 75W90 to 85W90

To replace, you need only 0,215 liters of the substance. Checking the level and changing the lubricant is carried out as follows:

1. Unscrew the oil filler plug.
   

   The filler plug is unscrewed with a key for 8
2. Check the oil level in the crankcase with a screwdriver. It should not be lower than the threaded part of the hole.
   

   A screwdriver or other tool is suitable for checking the oil level in the gearbox
3. If the level does not correspond to the norm, we bring its volume to the desired level by filling it with a medical syringe.
   

   If the level is below normal, we draw fresh oil into the syringe and pour it into the gearbox
4. If the lubricant in the device needs to be replaced, pump it out of the mechanism with a syringe with a flexible tube. Then we pump in new oil with another syringe.
5. We twist the cork and wipe the surface of the column with a rag.

Video: how to change the oil in the steering column

Changing the oil in the steering gear VAZ 2106

Adjusting the steering gear VAZ 2107

It is possible to determine that the node in question needs to be adjusted by the spontaneous deviation of the machine from the intended trajectory of movement when hitting pits, hillocks and other obstacles.

To adjust the steering, you need to know which element is responsible for what

To carry out adjustment work, you will need a flat screwdriver and a key for 19. The operation is carried out as follows:

1. We put the vehicle on a flat area and align the wheels, putting them in a position that corresponds to rectilinear movement.
2. We clean the cover of the mechanism from contamination.
3. Remove the protective cap from the adjustment screw.
   

   Remove the plastic plug before adjusting the gearbox.
4. Slightly unscrew the nut that fixes the screw.
   

   To prevent the adjusting screw from loosening spontaneously, a special nut is used
5. Gradually tighten the screw with a screwdriver, reducing the play of the steering gear.
   

   The gap is adjusted by turning the adjusting screw with a screwdriver.
6. Tighten the nut while holding the adjusting screw from turning.
7. At the end of the procedure, we check how easily the steering wheel turns. With tight rotation of the steering wheel or a feeling of play, repeat the adjustment.

Video: how to reduce play in the steering gear "classics"

How to adjust the steering column VAZ.

The steering gear of the VAZ "seven" is a critical unit, without which it would be impossible to control the front wheels and the car as a whole. Despite the imperfection of the mechanism and various problems that arise with it, it is quite within the power of the owner of this model to repair or replace the mechanism. This does not require special tools and skills. It is enough to prepare a standard garage set of wrenches, a hammer with a screwdriver and pliers, and follow the step-by-step recommendations.