Do-it-yourself VAZ 2107 axle bearing replacement

The VAZ 2107 axle bearing is considered a fairly reliable unit and usually fails only after having completely used up its resource. If a malfunction is detected, the bearing is immediately replaced with a new one. Further operation of a car with a faulty bearing can lead to sad consequences for the car owner.

Purpose and characteristics of the axle bearing VAZ 2107

The axle shaft bearing VAZ 2107 ensures uniform rotation of the rim and distributes shock loads from the wheel to the axle shaft. Domestic enterprises produce it under catalog numbers 2101–2403080 and 180306. Foreign analogues have the number 6306 2RS.

Axle bearing ensures uniform rotation of the rim and distributes the load from the wheel to the axle

Table: main technical characteristics of the axle bearing VAZ 2107

Position name	Indicators
A type	Ball, single row
Direction of loads	Radial, double sided
Outer diameter, mm	72
Internal diameter, mm	30
Width	19
Load capacity dynamic, N	28100
Load capacity static, N	14600
Weight, g	350

Fault Diagnosis

The average life of the VAZ 2107 axle bearing is 100–150 thousand kilometers. However, this does not mean that it cannot last longer or fail much faster, especially if the car is operated on poorly paved roads.

A bearing is considered defective if it is worn or mechanically damaged. It is impossible to accurately diagnose this without dismantling the axle shaft. Bearing failure usually results in:

• rumble and rattle when the wheel rotates;
• heating the central part of the drum;
• the appearance of play on the wheel.

Hoot

If, when driving on a flat road, a hum is heard from the rear wheel, the frequency of which changes with a change in vehicle speed, the bearing is defective. The appearance of a hum is not a critical sign and indicates the initial stage of bearing wear. In this case, you can get to the garage or car service on your own, where you can replace it.

Heating the central part of the drum

The failure of the axle shaft bearing can be determined by the temperature of the drum. You need to drive a few kilometers and then touch your hand to its central part. If the bearing is defective, the surface will be warm or hot. As a result of wear of the part, the friction force increases, the axle shaft and its flange heat up and transfer heat to the drum.

rattle

The appearance of a rattle from the side of the wheel may be due to wear of the brake pads and drum, destruction of the parking brake mechanism, etc. However, if it was preceded by a rumble and heating of the drum, then with a high probability the axle shaft bearing failed or even completely collapsed. In this case, the movement should not be continued, and the bearing should be replaced.

Wheel play

Wheel bearing play may be an indication of a bearing failure. To identify the problem, the wheel is hung out with a jack, and attempts are made to loosen it with hands. With proper mounting of the disc and a good bearing, the wheel should not stagger. If play is found along its horizontal axis, the bearing is defective and must be replaced.

Bearing selection

The axle shaft bearing is a one-piece device and cannot be repaired. Therefore, if signs of wear are found, it will not be possible to simply lubricate it and tighten it tighter. Moreover, this can aggravate the situation - over time, the oil deflector will begin to collapse, and then the axle shaft itself with the rear axle housing.

When choosing and buying a new bearing, it is recommended to give preference to domestic products, as they are produced in accordance with GOST. The best option is the products of the Vologda and Samara bearing plants. A half shaft bearing from these manufacturers costs about 250 rubles. However, in this case, you will need to additionally purchase a locking ring worth about 220 rubles. and an oil seal (preferably) worth about 25 rubles.

The best option when installing a new bearing is the products of the Vologda plant

If the axle shaft bearing has failed, having worked out its entire resource, then, most likely, problems with the second bearing will appear in the near future. Therefore, it is more expedient to change both bearings at the same time.

Replacing the bearing of the axle shaft VAZ 2107

Replacing the VAZ 2107 axle bearing is a rather time-consuming process using special tools. All work will take 1,5-2 hours. The cost of replacing one bearing at a car service will average 600–700 rubles, not counting the cost of new parts.

Tools, fixtures and consumables

To replace the VAZ 2107 axle bearing, you will need:

• jack;
• supports for insuring a raised body (you can use improvised means - logs, bricks, etc.);
• balloon wrench;
• wheel stops;
• reverse hammer for dismantling the axle shaft (you can do without it);
• wrench for 8 or 12 for unscrewing the drum guides;
• socket or cap key for 17;
• slotted screwdriver;
• vise with workbench;
• gas burner or blowtorch;
• Bulgarian;
• chisel;
• a hammer;
• a piece of steel pipe with a diameter of 32–33 mm;
• passages;
• wooden spacer (bar);
• grease;
• rags.

The procedure for dismantling the axle shaft

To dismantle the axle shaft, you must:

1. Park the machine on level ground and chock the wheels.
2. Loosen the wheel bolts with a wheelbrace.
   

   To remove the wheel, you need to unscrew the four bolts with a wheelbrace
3. From the side of the wheel, raise the body with a jack and be sure to substitute a safety support under it.
4. Completely unscrew the wheel bolts and remove the wheel.
5. With a key of 8 or 12, unscrew the two guides on the drum.
6. Remove drum. If it is not removable, it must be knocked down with a hammer, striking from the back side through a wooden spacer.
   

   If the drum is not removable, it can be knocked out with a hammer and a wooden spacer
7. Unscrew the four nuts securing the axle shaft with a socket or spanner wrench for 17. The nuts are closed with a flange, but you can get to them through two specially provided holes, gradually turning the axle shaft. Beneath the nuts are spring washers that need to be saved.
   

   The axle shaft bolts are unscrewed with a socket wrench 17
8. Dismantle the half shaft. This will require a reverse hammer - a steel flange with a steel handle and load welded to it. The hammer flange is bolted to the axle shaft flange with wheel bolts. With a sharp movement of the load in the opposite direction, a reverse shock load is created on the axle shaft, and it moves in the same direction as the load. In the absence of a reverse hammer, the removed automobile wheel is screwed to the flange. By grasping it with both hands and striking from the back, the axle shaft can be removed quite easily.
   

   The flange of the reverse hammer is screwed to the flange of the axle shaft
9. Unscrew the slide hammer or wheel from the axle shaft flange. Remove the rubber sealing ring located between the brake shield and the beam flange.
   

   There is a sealing ring between the brake shield and the beam flange

Removing the bearing from the shaft

To remove the bearing and locking ring:

1. Clamp the axle shaft in a vise.
2. With a grinder, carefully make an incision on the outer surface of the locking ring.
   

   The locking ring is first cut with a grinder and then split with a chisel
3. Place the axle shaft on a vise or other massive metal support so that the locking ring rests against it.
4. With a hammer and a chisel, split the locking ring, striking at the incision made by the grinder (the ring sits very firmly, as it is put on the semi-axle in a heated state).
5. Use a hammer and chisel to knock the bearing off the axle shaft. If difficulties arise, you can cut it with a grinder or split it by striking with a hammer on the outer clip. In this case, you should be careful and do not forget about the safety rules.
   

   After removing the bearing, it is imperative to check the axle shaft for damage and deformation.

The removed axle shaft must be carefully inspected. If there are signs of wear or deformation caused by a defective bearing, it should be replaced.

Installing the bearing and locking ring on the axle shaft

To install the bearing and locking ring on the axle shaft, you must perform the following steps:

1. Pull the rubber boot out of the bearing.
2. Lubricate the bearing with special bearing grease. If there is no such lubricant, grease, lithol, etc. can be used.
3. Install the bearing boot.
4. Apply grease to the axle shaft along the entire length - in this form it will be easier to put the bearing on it.
5. Put a bearing on the axle shaft (anther to the oil deflector).
6. Using a piece of pipe and a hammer, install the bearing in place. One end of the pipe rests against the end of the inner cage, and light blows are applied to the other with a hammer until the bearing sits in its place.
   

   Before installing the bearing, the axle shaft must be lubricated with grease.
7. Heat the locking ring with a torch or blowtorch. Overheating is not allowed. The ring is heated until a white coating appears.
8. Put the ring on the axle shaft with pliers.
9. Applying light blows to the ring with a hammer, install it close to the bearing.
10. Allow the ring to cool or cool by pouring engine oil over it.

Replacing the semiaxis oil seal

To replace the axle shaft seal, you must:

1. Use a screwdriver to pry off the body of the old stuffing box and remove it from the seat.
2. Wipe the seal seat with a clean rag and lubricate with grease.
3. Install a new seal in the beam flange (always with the spring towards the beam).
   

   Before installing a new oil seal, clean and lubricate its seat.
4. Lubricate the outer surface of the seal with grease.
5. Using a suitable size bushing (head 32 from the set of keys) and a hammer, press the oil seal.

Installing the axle shaft and checking the result

The axle shaft is mounted in the reverse order. After installing the wheel, rotate it to check. If there is no play, and the wheel does not make any extraneous sounds during rotation, then everything is done correctly. Replacing the second half shaft is carried out similarly. Upon completion of work, it is recommended to check the level of lubrication in the rear axle housing. This is especially true if the old seal was leaking.

Video: replacing the axle bearing VAZ 2107

Replacing the axle bearing VAZ 2101-2107 (classic)

Thus, it is possible to replace the VAZ 2107 axle bearing without resorting to the services of a car service. This will require about two hours of free time, a tool kit that includes non-standard fixtures, and step-by-step following the instructions of specialists.