How to tension a timing chain on a Chevrolet Niva

August 23, 2021 Lada.Online 2 697 0
From the factory, Lada NIva Travel (formerly ChevyNiva), Niva Legend (formerly 4×4, 2121, 2131) are equipped with a hydraulic timing chain tensioner. One of the popular and simple modifications is the replacement of the hydraulic chain tensioner with a mechanical (automatic) one. Let's figure out why this is needed and how to replace it yourself.

Purpose of the chain tensioner shoe

Early models of VAZ engines (2101 and 2103, installed on all VAZ Classic models, as well as 21213 and 21214, installed on Niva cars) use a chain drive of the gas distribution mechanism, which has a number of undeniable advantages over a belt-based drive. In particular, the chain reduces the likelihood of slipping and incorrect engine phases, it is more reliable and durable, allowing for less frequent timing maintenance. However, such a drive works normally only if the chain has constant tension with a certain force. This problem is solved using a system of two main parts - a chain tensioner and a tensioner shoe.

The tensioner and tensioner shoe solve several problems:

– Provide optimal timing chain tension throughout the entire range of crankshaft rotation speeds; – Compensate for weakening of chain tension when it is stretched (in automatic mode or during manual adjustment); – Uniform distribution of the load from the pusher over the chain section, reducing the degree of wear.

The tensioner is installed on the ascending side of the chain between the crankshaft gear and the camshaft gear. Between the tensioner and the chain there is a movable shoe (it has one fulcrum and can swing), which receives the force from the tensioner and distributes it along the chain. The chain tensioner shoe plays an important role in the operation of the timing belt, so let’s look at this part in more detail.

What is needed for the work?

Internal structure of the tensioner

The chain on a Chevrolet Niva wears out the timing mechanism more than the belt, so you will have to change the sprockets as well. Old gears will wear the new chain unevenly, leading to slippage and breakage. Naturally, this is hard mechanical work. But replacing the chain is done quite occasionally, so you can at the same time change the seals and gaskets, as well as all related worn parts.

First you need to purchase the latest timing chain (timing chain) for the Niva Chevrolet. To ensure its quality, lay the part flat and hold it suspended. If the ends sag by more than 1 cm or the sagging is uneven, it is better to refuse the purchase - most likely, the chain has already worked.

Hydraulic chain tensioner Niva. Part 1. Malfunction.

We are looking for a malfunction of the Niva chain

. We disassemble the hydraulic tensioner. We study the design of hydraulic tension.

How to eliminate noise in the Pilot automatic chain tensioner system

Minor modification to the automatic chain

The pilot, thanks to whom it turned out to be significant.

You will also have to buy:

  • three gears - crankshaft, camshaft and oil pump;
  • chain tensioner shoe;
  • sedative;
  • chain tensioner Niva Chevrolet ;
  • oil pressure alarm sensor;
  • frontal oil seal;
  • cylinder head gasket and pump gasket.

Types and design of tensioner shoes

On VAZ-2101, 2103, 21213/21214 engines of all modifications, sliding tensioner shoes are used - the chain slides along their surface, which has an anti-friction coating. Today you can find two types of shoes, differing in materials of manufacture:

– Old-style shoes are metal with anti-friction coating; – The shoes are a new type - solid plastic.

The old style tensioner shoes have an extremely simple design. The basis of the part is a bent steel plate, at one end of which there is a loop for mounting on the engine. On the outer (convex) side, a layer of plastic is applied to the plate, with which the shoe slides along the chain. On the inside, closer to the end of the shoe, a bracket is attached with the help of two rivets - a stop for the tensioner.

The new style shoe is a one-piece plastic part that has an arched shape with a molded bracket for the tensioner stop and a loop for mounting on the engine. To increase strength and reliability, stiffening ribs are made in the body of the shoe.

According to their applicability, tensioner shoes are divided into several groups:

– Shoe type 2101-1006090 - used on VAZ 1200 and 1300 engines. A distinctive detail of this shoe is a semicircular recess in the upper part of the bracket (pusher stop); – Shoe type 2103-1006090 - used on VAZ 1500 and 1600 engines. A distinctive detail of this type of shoe is a semicircular recess in the lower part of the bracket (from the hinge side); – Shoe type 21213-1006090 - used on the VAZ-21213 (1700) engine. It has no marks and is larger in size; – Shoe type 21214-1006090 is a modern plastic shoe used on VAZ-21214 and some other 1700 engines.

There was also a universal tensioner shoe available in the 1970s, but it is impossible to find today.

The tensioner shoe is installed under the timing cover; it is mounted on the engine using one complexly shaped bolt, which also acts as an axle. Such a bolt ensures reliable installation of the shoe, but at the same time prevents excessive tightening and jamming of the part during operation.

Replacing the Niva Chevrolet camshaft drive chain tensioner shoe

Replacement

hydraulic chain tensioner to a mechanical one, as well as
replacing
the shoe on
a Niva Chevrolet
with your own.

You will also have to buy:

  • three gears - crankshaft, camshaft and oil pump;
  • tensioner
    shoe ;
  • sedative;
  • chain tensioner Niva Chevrolet
    ;
  • oil pressure alarm sensor;
  • frontal oil seal;
  • cylinder head gasket and pump gasket.

Issues of maintenance and replacement of tensioner shoes for VAZ cars

The tensioner shoe does not require maintenance during operation. However, over time, the shoe lining (or the working surface of the plastic shoe) wears out and loses its characteristics; such a shoe can no longer provide chain tension with the required force and requires replacement. The need to replace the shoe is indicated by the characteristic noise of the chain; in advanced situations, the chain may even skip. The shoe should also be replaced if it is deformed or mechanically damaged (this is only discovered during engine repair or maintenance, when the timing cover is removed).

Replacing the tensioner shoe is not the easiest operation, so it should be approached responsibly. In general, the work is performed in the following order:

  1. Remove the mudguard from the power unit;
  2. Remove the generator drive belt;
  3. Remove the fan assembly with casing and electric motor;
  4. Remove the crankshaft pulley mounting nut and remove the pulley;
  5. Loosen the sump fastening on the timing drive side;
  6. Unscrew the bolts securing the timing drive cover, carefully remove the cover (in this case, use a screwdriver to pry the cover so that its lower edge comes out from under the pan);
  7. Unscrew the bolt securing the tensioner shoe, remove the shoe;
  8. Install a new shoe;
  9. Install all removed parts in reverse order.

After installing a new shoe, adjust the chain tension, which is done using a tensioner.

If the tensioner shoe is replaced in a timely manner, the timing drive of cars of the “classic” VAZ family will work confidently and reliably, ensuring high-quality engine operation in any conditions.

Replacing the VAZ-2123 chain tensioner shoe

When the chain tensioner shoe wears out, the tensioner operating range becomes insufficient to restore chain tension

The chain begins to rattle while the engine is running

In this case, replace the shoe

You will need: keys “10”, “13”, “17”, a special wrench for the crankshaft pulley mounting nut, a screwdriver, a mounting blade, a hammer, and a bit.

Replacing the damper shoe without dismantling the radiator is only possible with sufficient skill of the performer, since the space between the engine and the radiator is very small.

If you have no experience in this type of work, we recommend removing the radiator.

In addition, for ease of operation, we recommend removing the oil sump protection and the engine mudguard, since the three oil sump mounting bolts, which simultaneously secure the timing cover, are difficult to access from above from the engine compartment.

1. Remove the camshaft drive chain tensioner (see “Replacing the camshaft drive chain tensioner”).

Disconnect the wiring harness from the crankshaft position sensor

Loosen the tension on the power steering pump drive belt and remove the belt.

Disconnect the wiring harness from the crankshaft position sensor.

Please note: There is a spacer washer installed under the top front bolt

Disconnect the power steering pump from the engine by unscrewing the two front bolts securing the pump bracket,

Please note: there is a spacer washer installed under the upper front bolt, do not lose it, and when reinstalling the pump, install it in its original place.

upper bolts and move the pump to the side along with the bracket and hoses

Remove the rear bolt

Remove the top bolt and move the pump to the side along with the bracket and hoses.

Please note: there is a spacer washer installed under the top bolt

Please note: there is a spacer washer installed under the top bolt, do not lose it, and when reinstalling the pump, install it in its original place

Unscrew the nut securing the pulleys and remove the pulleys

Replacing the Niva Chevrolet camshaft drive chain tensioner shoe

Unscrew the three bolts securing the pan to the camshaft drive cover and loosen (by unscrewing by 2-3 turns) the two adjacent bolts securing the pan to the engine crankcase.

Replacing the Niva Chevrolet camshaft drive chain tensioner shoe

Unscrew the remaining bolts and nuts securing the camshaft drive cover and, using a screwdriver, remove the cover and its gasket.

Replacing the Niva Chevrolet camshaft drive chain tensioner shoe

Each time you remove the cover, replace the cover gasket with a new one, even if the old gasket remains intact.

Before installation, lubricate the new gasket on both sides with a thin layer of sealant.

Remove the camshaft drive chain tensioner.

Replacing the Niva Chevrolet camshaft drive chain tensioner shoe

Unscrew the bolt securing the tensioner shoe and remove the shoe

Pay attention to the original shape of the shoe - it differs from the shoes previously used on VAZ engines. Buy the exact same shoe.

Install the new tensioner shoe and the removed parts in the reverse order of removal.

Product description

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