Replacing the wheel bearing Niva 2121

Owners of a VAZ Niva 2121 car know that front wheel bearing wear is a constant problem. This is especially evident in cars that are constantly operated in difficult conditions. Repairs can be carried out independently, knowing the entire sequence of actions. Let's find out how to change the wheel bearing on the Niva with your own hands and adjust it.

Why is replacement necessary?

There are several signs that the Niva needs to replace the front wheel bearing. The first sign is a strange sound that is different from the usual when driving on the road.

When it appears, you should pay attention to the following points:

1. Wheel overheating.
2. From the front wheels, vibrations are transmitted through the steering wheel and body.
3. When driving at high speed, the car pulls to the side.
4. It is difficult for the driver to control the steering wheel when driving off-road.
5. When turning the steering wheel, a screech is heard from the wheels (even with the engine off).

Even the presence of a signal may indicate that the Niva 2121 front hub needs to be replaced. A damaged bearing will lead to failure of the suspension ball joint and breakage of the axle shaft. This may cause the machine to roll over while driving fast.

Most Niva 2121 bearings fail with a run of 100 km, even if the wear resistance is declared. This is due to the poor condition of the roads and the constant operation of the car in difficult conditions. In addition to natural causes of failure, incorrect bearing installation, insufficient lubrication and high loads can also affect.

Checking the wheel bearing

As mentioned above, an unusual sound appears first when driving off-road. You can accurately determine the malfunction by turning the flywheel. When driving to the left, the car pulls to the right. The same thing happens when turning right.

Check the wear of the bearings when driving at a low speed of 15 km/h. If the characteristic sound disappears when the steering wheel is turned to the left, then the corresponding part of the wheel has broken. Does the sound disappear when moving in the opposite direction? So the problem is on the right track.

A more accurate diagnosis can be made by jacking up the car:

1. They start the engine in fourth gear, accelerating the VAZ to 70 km/h. A broken wheel is determined by ear: it will crack.
2. The engine is switched off and the wheels come to a complete stop.
3. The wheel, previously identified as broken, wobbles in different directions. If there is even a slight play, the bearing must be replaced.

Play can be caused by wear on the suspension or control system. You should have an assistant hold down the brake pedal and turn the wheel again. If the pressure maintains play, the problem is in the suspension. Otherwise, the problem is bearing wear.

Steps for self-replacing a wheel bearing

To replace the wheel bearing VAZ 2121, it is necessary to put the front of the car in an empty place, which will provide unhindered access to the necessary parts. The car can be put on a lift or on top of a viewing hole.

The process of replacing a part occurs in the following sequence:

1. First remove the wheel, then the caliper from the guide blocks. The bottom of the car must be secured so as not to damage the brake.
2. Remove the boot, wheel bearing nut and tapered hub.
3. Bend the top of the nut holding the front knuckle arm with a chisel. Exactly the same - back to back.
4. Using a 19mm box wrench, remove the two nuts and lock plate.
5. The grab lever is removed and the brake hoses are disconnected.
6. We remove all fasteners and the cuff itself, after which the base of the sleeve is disconnected

After completion of all processes, it is necessary to disconnect the bearing from the base:

1. Remove the steering knuckle, ball joints, hub assembly and brake disc.
2. Disconnect the steering knuckle from the hub with the brake disc, then unscrew the mounting bolts.
3. Separate the hub from the brake disc by screwing the nut onto the stud and remove it. Also remove all studs from the part.
4. Separate the hub from the brake disc, remove the dirt ring with a chisel.
5. Using a 10 key, unscrew the bolt of the protective cover and remove it.
6. Remove seal and inner race from bearing. Do the same with the other part.

The base of the hub must be completely cleaned of used grease, after which a new compound and a new bearing are applied to the inner surface. All elements are installed step by step in reverse order. When filling the base of the bucket, all parts must be carefully pressed with a tube of suitable diameter.

Adjusting the wheel bearing on the VAZ 2121

After replacing the Niva 2121 front wheel bearing, it must be adjusted. Before that, a clock indicator is fixed on the knuckle. Its leg rests on the wheel hub near the adjusting nut. Ring wrenches are put on the studs by the rings and fixed with nuts. For keys, the hub is rotated in the direction of the axis and the amount of travel is checked using the previously installed gauge.

If it is greater than 0,15 mm, it is necessary to remove the nut and re-adjust the bearing:

1. Straighten the stuck belt of the bearded nut.
2. Remove it with a key of 27 and install a new one.
3. Tighten the nut to a torque of 2,0 kgf.m, while turning the hub in different directions. Then loosen and tighten again with a torque of 0,7 kgf.m.
4. Loosen the adjusting nut 20-25˚ and check the bearing clearance. It should not exceed 0,08 mm.

At the end of the work, the nut must be locked.

What else can be done?

The Niva 4x4 wheel bearing is not very durable. Often breaks down and needs repair. In order not to think about the constant replacement of the front wheel hub bearing VAZ 2121, you can use alternative bearings, for example, double row ones.

They have advantages over regular ones on the VAZ 2121:

1. Does not require adjustment and lubrication of the unit. All necessary work is carried out at the factory.
2. They have high wear resistance.
3. Do not allow arbitrary rotation of the wheels while driving.
4. They have a long shelf life.

Of course, before installing a double row bearing, you need to drill the hub to the desired size. Yes, parts are quite expensive. But this is offset by a long service life, which eliminates the need for constant repairs.

Replacing the Niva 2121 wheel bearing is quite simple. All that is required is the availability of the necessary tools and strict adherence to the instructions. Replacement should be carried out immediately if at least one of the signs of wear is found. Otherwise, the vehicle may roll over while driving.