Front suspension VAZ 2107: device, malfunctions and modernization
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Front suspension VAZ 2107: device, malfunctions and modernization

The most loaded element of the VAZ 2107 car is the front suspension. Indeed, it takes on almost all the mechanical loads that occur during movement. For this reason, it is important to pay careful attention to this unit, carry out repairs in a timely manner and refine it, as far as possible by installing more durable and functional elements.

Purpose and arrangement of the front suspension

Suspension is usually called a system of mechanisms that provide an elastic connection between the chassis and the wheels of the car. The main purpose of the node is to reduce the intensity of vibrations, shocks and shocks that occur during movement. The machine constantly experiences dynamic loads, especially when driving on poor quality roads and when transporting goods, i.e. in extreme conditions.

It is in the front that the suspension most often takes on shocks and shocks. By right, it is the most loaded part of the entire car. On the "seven" the front suspension is made better and more reliable than the rear - the manufacturer, of course, took into account the high workload of the node, but this is not the only reason. On rear-wheel drive vehicles, the front suspension has fewer parts than the rear, so its installation is less expensive.

The scheme of the front suspension on the VAZ 2107 includes important details, without which the smooth movement of the car would be impossible.

  1. Stabilizer bar or roll bar.
    Front suspension VAZ 2107: device, malfunctions and modernization
    The anti-roll bar redistributes the load on the wheels and keeps the car parallel to the road when cornering.
  2. A double wishbone suspension is the main suspension unit in the front, consisting of an upper and lower independent arm. One of them is fixed with a long bolt through the mudguard rack, the other is bolted to the suspension cross member.
    Front suspension VAZ 2107: device, malfunctions and modernization
    The upper arm (pos. 1) is attached to the mudguard post, and the lower arm is attached to the suspension cross member
  3. Ball bearings - are connected to the wheel hubs through the steering knuckle system with the trunnion.
  4. Wheel hubs.
  5. Silent blocks or bushings - designed for free travel of levers. They have an elastic polyurethane (rubber) liner, which significantly softens the shocks of the suspension.
    Front suspension VAZ 2107: device, malfunctions and modernization
    The silent block serves to mitigate the impacts transmitted by the front suspension elements.
  6. Depreciation system - includes springs, cups, hydraulic shock absorbers. Racks are used on VAZ 2107 models of the latest years of production and on tuned "sevens".

Read about front spring repair: https://bumper.guru/klassicheskie-modeli-vaz/hodovaya-chast/kakie-pruzhiny-luchshe-postavit-na-vaz-2107.html

front beam

The task of the front beam is to stabilize the car passing turns. As you know, when maneuvering, centrifugal force arises, which can cause the car to roll over. To prevent this from happening, the designers came up with an anti-roll bar.

The main purpose of the part is to twist the opposite wheels of the VAZ 2107 using a torsion elastic element. The stabilizer is attached with clamps and rotating rubber bushings directly to the body. The rod is connected to the suspension elements through double levers and shock absorber struts or, as they are also called, bones.

Levers

The front levers are the guiding components of the chassis of the VAZ 2107. They provide a flexible connection and transmission of vibrations to the body.

The levers are directly connected to the wheels and the car body. It is customary to distinguish between both suspension arms of the "seven", since their replacement and repair are carried out in different ways:

  • the upper levers are bolted, it is easier to remove them;
  • the lower arms are screwed to the cross member connected to the spar, they are also connected to the ball joint and spring - their replacement is somewhat more complicated.
Front suspension VAZ 2107: device, malfunctions and modernization
The upper and lower arms are directly connected to the wheels and the car body.

Learn more about repairing the front suspension lower arm: https://bumper.guru/klassicheskie-modeli-vaz/hodovaya-chast/zamena-nizhnego-rychaga-vaz-2107.html

Front shock absorber

The owners of the VAZ 2107 learned about the existence of racks when the VAZ 2108 model appeared. From that time on, the manufacturer began to gradually install new mechanisms on the "sevens". In addition, the racks have been chosen by specialists carrying out the modernization of a classic car.

Front suspension VAZ 2107: device, malfunctions and modernization
The front shock absorber was standardly installed on the latest VAZ 2107 models

The strut is part of the damping system, whose task is to dampen the vertical vibrations of the body, taking on some of the shocks. The stability of the car on the road depends on the technical condition of the rack.

The front shock absorber strut includes several separate elements:

  • glass or upper thrust cup with bearing. It takes the load from the shock absorber and disperses it throughout the body. This is the strongest place in the strut, against which the upper part of the shock absorber rests. The glass is fixed quite difficult, it consists of a special thrust bearing, nuts and washers;
    Front suspension VAZ 2107: device, malfunctions and modernization
    The shock absorber cup takes the shock load and disperses it throughout the body
  • shock absorber. It is a two-chamber cylinder along which the piston moves. Inside the container is filled with gas or liquid. Thus, the working composition circulates through two chambers. The primary task of a shock absorber is to dampen the vibrations coming from the spring. This is due to the increase in fluid pressure in the cylinders. In addition, valves are provided to reduce pressure when needed. They are located directly on the piston;
  • spring. This is a key element of the rack, designed to eliminate vibration road flaws.. Even when moving off-road, you can practically not feel bumps and shocks in the cabin thanks to the strut spring. Obviously, the metal of the spring must be as elastic as possible. Steel is selected carefully, taking into account the total mass of the car and its purpose. One side of its spring rests against the glass, the other - into the body through a rubber spacer.

More about the VAZ 2107 chassis: https://bumper.guru/klassicheskie-modeli-vaz/hodovaya-chast/hodovaya-chast-vaz-2107.html

Spherical bearing

The ball joint is an element of the front suspension that provides a fairly rigid attachment of the lower arms to the hub of the machine. With these hinges, the car on the road is able to provide smooth movement and the necessary maneuvers. In addition, thanks to these details, the driver easily controls the wheels.

Front suspension VAZ 2107: device, malfunctions and modernization
The ball joint provides rigid fastening of the levers to the hub of the machine

The ball joint consists of a pin with a ball, a thread and a body with a notch. A protective boot is provided on the finger, which is an important part of the element. Regular checking of ball anthers by the driver helps to avoid breakdowns - as soon as a crack is found on this protective element, it is urgent to inspect the hinge.

I remember how I changed ball joints for the first time in my life. It happened unexpectedly - I went to the village to a friend. Exciting fishing was expected. On the way to the lake, I had to brake sharply and turn the steering wheel. There was a crunch, then a knock, the car began to pull to the left. “The ball flew,” Tolya (my friend) said with the air of a connoisseur. Indeed, when the car was jacked up, it turned out that the "bullseye" jumped out of the nest - this is what a blow should have been! Apparently, the ball joint before that was also subjected to heavy loads - I often went to the primer, and I didn’t spare the “seven”, sometimes I drove through the field, stones and pits. Tolya went on foot for new hinges. The broken part was replaced on the spot, I later installed the second one in my garage. Fishing failed.

Stupica

The hub is located in the center of the front suspension structure and is a round piece connected to the shaft. It has a bearing, the model and strength of which depends on the design tasks.

Front suspension VAZ 2107: device, malfunctions and modernization
The front suspension hub has a special wheel bearing

Thus, the hub consists of a body, metal wheel studs, bearings and sensors (not installed on all models).

The steering knuckle is an important part of the hub, because thanks to this component, the entire front suspension is integrated with it. The element is fixed with the help of hinges to the hub, steering tips and rack.

Front suspension VAZ 2107: device, malfunctions and modernization
The steering knuckle plays an important role by linking the hub to the suspension

Front suspension malfunctions

Suspension problems VAZ 2107 occur due to bad roads. First of all, ball bearings suffer, then the racks and other elements of the depreciation system fail.

Knocking

Quite often, the owners of the "seven" complain about a knock when driving at a speed of 20-40 km / h. Then, as you accelerate, the dull sound disappears. The noise area is the front suspension.

First of all, it is recommended to put the car on a lift and check how ball, shock absorbers, silent blocks work. It is possible that hub bearings are being produced.

Experienced owners of the VAZ 2107 claim that knocking at low speed, which disappears as it accelerates, is associated with shock absorbers. They receive a vertical strike from below when the movement of the machine is weak. At high speed, the car levels out, knocks disappear.

Detailed instructions for the actions of the driver who noticed the knock are given below.

  1. Inspect the glove compartment, instrument panel elements and other interior parts that may knock. It is also worth checking the engine protection and some parts under the hood - maybe something has weakened.
  2. If everything is in order, it is necessary to proceed to the suspension check.
  3. The first step is to check the condition of the silent blocks - it is imperative to check the rubber bushings on both levers. Bushings knock, as a rule, when starting off or hard braking. The problem is eliminated by tightening the bolts and nuts or replacing the elements.
  4. Diagnose the suspension strut bearing. Many people do this: open the hood, put one hand on the support bearing, and rock the car with the other. If the element has worked out, jolts and knocks will immediately be felt.
    Front suspension VAZ 2107: device, malfunctions and modernization
    To check the support bearing of the shock absorber, put your hand on top and check for vibration when the car is rocking
  5. Check ball joints. The knock of these elements is characterized by a metallic dull sound, it must be learned to determine by ear. In order not to remove the hinges, but to make sure that they are faulty, they do this: they drive the car into a pit, unload the front suspension, remove the wheel and insert a crowbar between the upper support housing and the trunnion. The mount is rocked down / up, checking the play of the ball pin.
    Front suspension VAZ 2107: device, malfunctions and modernization
    The ball joint can be checked without dismantling the elements by inserting a pry bar and checking the play of the ball joint pin
  6. Check racks. They may start to knock due to weak fastening. It is also possible that the shock absorber bushings are worn out. The rack can also make noise if it is broken and leaking - this is easy to determine by the traces of liquid on its body.

Video: what knocks in the front suspension

What is knocking in the front suspension.

The car pulls away

If the machine begins to pull to the side, the steering knuckle or suspension arm may be deformed. On old VAZ 2107 cars, the loss of elasticity of the strut spring is not ruled out.

Basically, if the car pulls to the side, this is due to brake pads, steering play and other third-party reasons that are not related to the suspension. Therefore, it is recommended to act by elimination, and only then test the suspension.

Noise when turning

The hum when cornering is due to wear of the hub bearing. The nature of the noise is as follows: it is observed on the one hand, appears up to a speed of 40 km / h, then disappears.

Here's how to check the wheel bearing for play.

  1. Hang the front wheel on a jack.
  2. Grasp the upper and lower parts of the wheel with your hands, start swinging it away from you / towards you.
    Front suspension VAZ 2107: device, malfunctions and modernization
    To check the wheel bearing, you need to grab the wheel with both hands and start swinging it away from you / towards you
  3. If there is play or knocking, then the bearing needs to be changed.

Suspension upgrade

The regular suspension of the "seven" is considered soft and imperfect. Therefore, many decide on tuning and improvements. This helps to significantly improve handling and overall comfort, as well as increase the life of springs, balls, bushings and other elements.

Reinforced springs

Springs are the main element responsible for smooth running, directional stability and good handling. When they weaken or sag, the suspension is not able to compensate for the load, so breakdowns of its elements and other troubles occur.

The owners of the "seven", who often travel on bad roads or drive with a loaded trunk, definitely need to think about upgrading the standard springs. In addition, there are two main signs by which it can be judged that replacement of elements is needed.

  1. Upon visual inspection, it was found that the springs were damaged.
  2. The ground clearance of the car has noticeably decreased, as the springs have sagged over time or from excessive load.
    Front suspension VAZ 2107: device, malfunctions and modernization
    With a constant heavy load, the front suspension springs can lose their elasticity and sag

Spacers are the first thing that comes to mind for the owners of the VAZ 2107. But such a conclusion is not entirely correct. Yes, they will restore the stiffness of the springs, but they will negatively affect the resource of the elements. Soon, cracks can be found on the springs reinforced in this way.

Therefore, the only right decision would be to replace conventional springs with reinforced or modified ones from the VAZ 2104. At the same time, it is necessary to change the shock absorbers to more powerful ones, otherwise the reinforced springs will easily damage the standard system.

Before starting the replacement procedure, you need to arm yourself with the following tools.

  1. Lift.
  2. A set of various keys, including balloon.
  3. Crowbar.
  4. Bruskom.
  5. Wire hook.

Now more about the replacement.

  1. Put the car on a jack, remove the wheels.
  2. Remove struts or conventional shock absorbers.
  3. Loosen the upper arm locks.
  4. Place a block under the car, raise the lower arm with a jack.
  5. Loosen the stabilizer bar.
    Front suspension VAZ 2107: device, malfunctions and modernization
    The stabilizer bar nut is unscrewed with a 13 wrench
  6. Remove lift.
  7. Loosen the nuts of the lower and upper ball joints, but do not completely unscrew them.
    Front suspension VAZ 2107: device, malfunctions and modernization
    The nuts of the lower and upper ball joints do not need to be completely unscrewed.
  8. Knock out the support pin from the steering knuckle, using a pry bar and a hammer.
    Front suspension VAZ 2107: device, malfunctions and modernization
    The support finger must be knocked out of the steering knuckle with a hammer, holding the other part with a mount
  9. Fix the upper lever with a wire hook, and lower the lower one.
    Front suspension VAZ 2107: device, malfunctions and modernization
    To remove the spring, you need to fix the upper and release the lower suspension arm
  10. Pry the springs with a pry bar from below and remove them.

Then you need to release both springs from the gaskets, check the condition of the latter. If they are in good condition, install on the new spring using duct tape. Put reinforced springs in place of regular ones.

Air suspension

"Seven" has great potential in terms of modernizing the front suspension. And many car owners decide to install an air suspension with an electric compressor, hoses and a control unit.

This is a real electronic assistant, which makes it possible to change the amount of ground clearance depending on driving conditions. Thanks to this innovation, the stability of the car at high speeds increases, long-distance trips become comfortable, the car goes through bumps more gently, in a word, it becomes like a foreign car.

System upgrade goes like this.

  1. VAZ 2107 is installed on the pit.
  2. The battery is de-energized.
  3. The wheels are removed from the car.
  4. The front suspension is completely disassembled, air suspension elements are installed in its place.
  5. Under the hood is placed the control unit, compressor and receiver. Then the elements are interconnected by pipes and hoses.
    Front suspension VAZ 2107: device, malfunctions and modernization
    Air suspension elements under the hood are connected via hoses and integrated with the on-board system
  6. The compressor and control unit are integrated with the vehicle's on-board network.

Video: air suspension on a VAZ, is it worth it or not

Electromagnetic suspension

Another upgrade option involves the use of electromagnetic suspension. It is a set of mechanisms and components that act as a link between the road and the body. Thanks to the use of this type of tuning suspension, a smooth ride, high stability, safety and comfort are ensured. The car will not “sag” even during a long parking, and thanks to the built-in springs, the suspension will remain operational even in the absence of commands from the on-board network.

To date, the most famous manufacturers of electromagnetic suspensions are Delphi, SKF, Bose.

The front suspension of the VAZ 2107 requires timely care and control over the main components. Remember that road safety depends on it.

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