Is it worth putting power steering on a VAZ 2107
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VAZ 2107 is the legendary model of AvtoVAZ. However, with all its advantages, by modern standards, the design clearly lacks advanced elements. For example, power steering - after all, all cars of the latest generation, even in basic trim levels, are necessarily equipped with this mechanism.
Power steering on the VAZ 2107
Cars of the Volga Automobile Plant of the classic series are not considered comfortable or the most convenient for movement. The main goal of the VAZ “classics” is to be economy-class cars for home or work, so there were simply no options or the latest equipment systems in domestic models.
The power steering wheel was not installed on the VAZ 2107: this mechanism was difficult to integrate into the systems of a rear-wheel drive car, moreover, such equipment significantly increased the market value of the car.
The first hydraulic boosters for the VAZ 2107 were designed and manufactured on the basis of AvtoVAZ. However, serial batches could not boast of the latest equipment - power steering was sold as an additional option.
Advantages of a car with hydraulic power steering
Why do you need additional equipment for the "seven" if the car already fully met all the requirements of its time?
The hydraulic power steering (or power steering) is an element of the vehicle's hydraulic system, a structural detail of the steering wheel. The main task of the GUR is to facilitate the efforts of the driver when driving a car, that is, to make steering turns easier and more accurate.
The VAZ 2107 power steering device is designed in such a way that even if it fails, the car can be driven, just the steering wheel will spin harder.
Car owners of the "seven", on whose cars the factory power steering is installed, highlight a number of advantages of such additional equipment:
- increased level of control reliability;
- minimization of fuel consumption;
- convenience and ease of management;
- no need to apply physical force when unscrewing the steering wheel.
When driving in “straight” directions, the effect of the power steering is practically not noticeable. However, this system manifests itself to the maximum in the following modes:
- when turning left or right;
- return by the steering wheel of the wheelset to the middle position;
- driving on a rut or extremely rough road.
That is, the power steering installed on the VAZ 2107 makes the car suitable for driving even by female drivers, for whom ease of control is the main criterion in the operation of the car.
Power steering device
We can say that the "seven" is equipped with the simplest type of power steering. It consists of several basic elements that make it easier to control the car:
- Hydraulic pumping mechanism. It is through the cavities of the pump that an uninterrupted supply of the working fluid and the creation of the necessary pressure are made.
- Steering wheel gearbox with distributor. This device is designed to ensure the patency of air flows. Air directs the oil in two directions: into the cylinder cavity or in the return line - from the cylinder to the reservoir containing the working fluid.
- Hydraulic cylinder. It is this mechanism that converts oil pressure into piston and rod movements, which makes it possible to reduce physical force when pressure is applied to the steering wheel.
- Working fluid (oil). Oil is necessary for the stable operation of the entire power steering system, since it not only transmits movement from the pump to the hydraulic cylinder, but also simultaneously lubricates all components. Oil is poured into a special container and fed through high pressure hoses.
Typical equipment of the VAZ 2107 implies two schemes for the operation of the hydraulic booster: transferring movement to the steering rack or to the steering wheel.
Is it possible to put a power steering on a VAZ 2107
If we talk about equipping the “seven” with a non-factory power steering, then this operation can be considered appropriate and even necessary.
The installation of the power steering on the VAZ 2107 is dictated by the complexity of driving a car in various operating modes. Only with an amplifier improves the quality of control and the reliability of driving on rough roads.
Thus, structurally, the "seven" of any year of manufacture is ready for installation work, however, it is recommended to contact specialists for this service, since it will be extremely difficult to install power steering mechanisms on your own.
It should also take into account the shortcomings that the driver of the VAZ 2107 will inevitably encounter after installing the power steering:
- high cost of the power steering kit;
- problematic installation work (you need to pay for the services of a professional);
- the need for regular maintenance (checking the level of oil, grease, etc.).
Installing a hydraulic booster on a VAZ 2107
When choosing a power steering configuration, you should be very careful. So, motorists on forums often write that factory hydraulic boosters from Lada Priora or Niva often wedge, and during operation require increased attention from the driver.
Therefore, it is more expedient not to chase the novelties of the domestic automobile industry, but to install a standard power steering from the VAZ 2107. And since the “seven” is a rear-wheel drive car, a mechanism with two pairs of transverse lever elements will be used in the front suspension at once. The entire steering system on the VAZ 2107, without equipping it with a hydraulic booster, consists of the following components:
- steering machine;
- three rods with steering tips;
- pendulum;
- swivel pins with rods.
Accordingly, in order to mount power steering in this well-coordinated system, some modifications and upgrades will be required. The new power steering kit on the VAZ 2107 itself must include the following parts (you need to check their availability before buying):
- Hydraulic pump complete with pulley.
- Oil tank.
- Gear mechanism.
- Hydraulic cylinder.
- High pressure hose kit.
For self-installation of the power steering on the “seven”, a set of open-end wrenches and removable devices may be required, however, without extensive experience with car structures, this work is not recommended.
The procedure for installing the power steering
Traditionally, in auto repair shops, specialists install a hydraulic power steering according to the following scheme:
- The car is securely fixed on the lift or on the pit.
- The front wheels are removed, as they make it difficult to access the steering rack.
- With special removable tools, the rod ends are disconnected from the bipod of the steering rack. In some cases, it will be necessary to use lubricant to undock rusted parts from each other.It is allowed to use a hammer to remove the part from the machine
- From the interior of the "seven" work is underway to unscrew the splined joints and release the shaft on which the steering wheel stands.The slots are unscrewed with a slotted screwdriver to release the rack roller
- The bolts fixing the steering machine to the side member are removed.
- A new gear mechanism is installed on the vacated landing site, a hydraulic cylinder is immediately attached.The gearbox is placed instead of the removed steering machine
- In the engine compartment, a special bracket is attached to the surface of the engine block.
- A hydraulic pump is fixed on the bracket, through the pulley of which the crankshaft belt drive is pulled.Installation of the pump requires proper belt tension
- Air and oil hoses are connected to the connectors and holes.
- The required amount of oil is poured into the tank (no more than 1.8 liters).
After completing all the above works, it will be necessary to bleed the hydraulic system and remove air plugs from it. Pumping is performed as follows:
- Turn the steering wheel sharply until it stops, first in one direction, then in the other direction.
- Perform the twist several times.
- Start the power unit.
- Almost immediately after turning on the engine, the force on the steering wheel will be significantly reduced. There should be no leaks in the hydraulic system.
Video: installation process
Before putting the car into operation after installing the power steering, it is imperative to check the installation angles of the front wheelset. This work is performed by a specialist on a special stand. If necessary, you need to make a similarity collapse.
Electric booster on the VAZ 2107
An easier way to make the 2107 easy to drive is to install electric power steering. Structurally, the VAZ XNUMX is ready for such a procedure, moreover, due to the lack of oil tanks, installation will be easier and faster.
The electric power steering copes well with the loads; in terms of efficiency, it practically does not differ from the effectiveness of the hydraulic power steering. At the same time, the electromechanism does not require maintenance and constant monitoring.
The most affordable version of the EUR for the VAZ 2107 is the Aviaagregat mechanism of a domestic manufacturer. The place of installation of this device is the place of the regular steering column. The design of the electric amplifier includes a relatively small number of parts:
- the amplifier itself;
- bracket for fixing it;
- cardan of intermediate value;
- casing, wiring and fasteners.
In terms of cost, the EUR is inferior to the power steering, therefore, often the owners of the VAZ 2107 prefer to install "electrics" rather than "hydraulics".
Video: EUR on the "classic"
Watch this video on YouTube
Power steering is a very common element for modern car models. However, the standard equipment of the VAZ 2107 did not provide for such a configuration; the owners have to “fight” with this drawback on their own. Due to the high risk of errors in installation and connection, installation work is recommended to be carried out only in a car service.