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.
Why might the Chevrolet Niva engine not start after replacing the chain?
Now is another moment. If your technician removed the camshaft and pulled out the hydraulic mounts of the valve drive levers, then this is not very good, because during installation, they can then jam (hence the shooting and the engine will not start). This is just not a very good option for installing hydraulics on a Chevrolet Niva of the first editions! Then, during the restyling, other supports were used with a different cylinder head.
If the hydraulics were removed and replaced, then you need to use a syringe to pump out the oil from the hydraulic bearing sockets in the cylinder head. Then screw in the hydraulic supports without much effort (literally apply no more than 2 kilograms of force).
Well, or I made a mistake with setting the tags...
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.
Hydraulic chain tensioner. The genuine pain of the domestic auto industry
Hydraulics, as you know, is a science that loves precision. The diameters of holes and bushings are ideally adjusted to microns, valves work reliably like clockwork and high requirements for the purity and quality of the working fluid (in our case, oil). Alas, when it comes to cheap domestic spare parts, the path to hell is paved with good intentions, such as the use of a progressive hydraulic tensioner for Lada 4x4 engines.
It would seem like a finely tuned automatic system. No periodic adjustments or diagnostics for you: the plunger reliably self-locks at working cut-offs until chain wear increases and additional force becomes necessary to tension it. Alas, when it comes to domestic spare parts, all this is good only in theory.
The principle of operation of the hydraulic tensioner on Niva
Without once again venting in angry odes towards the domestic automobile industry, we will simply summarize that the problem of extraneous noise from the internal combustion engine, the main cause of which is often the hydraulic chain tensioner on the VAZ 21214, exists and we have to deal with it somehow. And, as we know, there is no smoke without fire, and another common problem with the hydraulic chain tensioning system is the failure of the oil-conducting system. Killed by running a dry internal combustion engine sounds like a bad dream. What to do and how to continue to live?
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:
- Remove the mudguard from the power unit;
- Remove the generator drive belt;
- Remove the fan assembly with casing and electric motor;
- Remove the crankshaft pulley mounting nut and remove the pulley;
- Loosen the sump fastening on the timing drive side;
- 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);
- Unscrew the bolt securing the tensioner shoe, remove the shoe;
- Install a new shoe;
- 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.
conclusions
As you can see, to carry out this work you do not need to have any special knowledge or tools. Therefore, you can handle this kind of work yourself if necessary . If you follow these recommendations, it is impossible to carry out such repairs incorrectly.
The timing chain on a Chevrolet Niva should be replaced every 100 thousand kilometers. In car services, this procedure costs a decent amount of money, but the whole process can be done independently. Fortunately, this is not difficult to do on a Chevrolet Niva, and today we will look at the whole process with examples in photos and videos.
When the time comes to replace the timing chain, the vehicle's fuel consumption may increase and the engine will become noisier. If these signs are present, it is necessary to replace it as quickly as possible to avoid serious damage.
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Preparatory work
In order to create the necessary space to carry out work, you will have to perform a number of actions.
- Remove the air filter and close the carburetor neck with a plug.
- Disconnect the choke cable, electrical wire, and hoses. We move them to the side.
- Remove the fan, pump pulley and generator belt.
- We remove the sump protection and the engine boot, and clean the front engine cover.
- Now you need to put the Chevrolet Niva
on the parking brake and place wheel chocks under the wheels. Replacing a Chevrolet Niva fuel filter with your own hands: video. Then engage fourth gear. Now let's start the analysis. - Loosen the ratchet nut by striking the wrench sharply with a hammer.
- Remove the valve cover, bend the lock washer of the camshaft gear bolt, loosening it by hitting the wrench with a hammer. Turn off transmission.
- Rotate the crankshaft pulley, align the marks on it and the front engine cover, and then align the marks on the camshaft gear and bearing housing.
Tranquilizer
Another important element in this system is the Niva Chevrolet chain damper, which prevents the resonance effect from occurring. This system consists of the following elements:
The damper is located inside the cylinder head on the front side and is attached to it with two bolts. If it is damaged or worn out, vibrations appear, which can lead to the chain jumping and thereby damaging the motor.
Replacement
To replace, you will need a ten-size socket wrench and a screwdriver. When the tool is ready, we go through the following steps:
- Remove the cover from the cylinder head
- Remove the camshaft drive chain tensioner
- Without disconnecting from the chain, remove the sprocket from the camshaft flange
- Starting from the bottom bolt, unscrew the two fastening bolts
- We fix the chain together with the sprocket and remove the damper. During removal, it is advisable to hold it so that it does not fall into the oil pan.
- We inspect it and if there is damage, we replace it with a new damper.
- We take a new part and install it in reverse order.
It is necessary to purchase a new element exactly the same as the one that was installed previously, since models that were produced earlier may have a damper of a different shape.
Summarizing everything written above, we can conclude that to carry out this work you do not need to have special knowledge or have a special tool, therefore, if necessary, following all the above instructions, you can do all the work yourself.
