The main distinguishing feature of an automated transmission (AMT or “robot”) from a mechanical one is the electric actuators produced by ZF, which change gears at the command of the electronic “brains”. The manufacturer claims that the actuator unit is maintenance-free and cannot be repaired, but craftsmen have found a way to repair it with their own hands.
If the car’s warranty has already expired, then replacing the clutch release mechanism actuator yourself will cost tens of thousands of rubles (article numbers: 21820160901200 and 21820170501200). In an attempt to save money, you can try to repair it.
Replacement and repair of the AMT clutch actuator on LADA
The main distinguishing feature of an automated transmission (AMT or “robot”) from a mechanical one is the electric actuators produced by ZF, which change gears at the command of the electronic “brains”. The manufacturer claims that the actuator unit is maintenance-free and cannot be repaired, but craftsmen have found a way to repair it with their own hands.
If the car’s warranty has already expired, then replacing the clutch release mechanism actuator yourself will cost tens of thousands of rubles (article numbers: 21820160901200 and 21820170501200). In an attempt to save money, you can try to repair it.
When should adaptation be made?
Adaptation of AMT should be done in the following situations:
You have a pre-production car, and you need to update the settings to more recent and correct ones.
The fact remains that the first cars turned out to be a little damp and there’s nowhere without it, but fortunately AvtoVAZ quickly solves the problem, as it has already done with bushings and stabilizer struts, with the clutch.
When replacing the clutch
It turned out that the Turkish Valeo clutch, which was installed on the first cars, is not suitable for the weight of the car. As a result, the owners of the first West felt the clutch slipping, felt that the car was moving poorly and needed to increase the speed. When replacing the clutch with a new one, adaptation is carried out. If for some reason you changed the clutch not from an official dealer but on your own, do not be afraid to move on the new clutch without adaptation as necessary. But it will need to be done.
Every 15,000 km
AvtoVAZ recommends adapting the robot’s clutch as it wears out, i.e. every 15 t.km for correct and resourceful operation.
Replacing the AMT clutch actuator
How to remove the actuator
:
- Disconnect the negative terminal of the battery.
- The engine air filter has been removed.
- Remove the screw securing the wiring harness.
- Remove the three screws securing the AMT actuator unit.
All that remains is to disconnect the connector and pull out the actuator through the top.
Installation
in reverse order.
Advantages and disadvantages of AMT
Among the many advantages of the “robot” are:
Fuel consumption in a car with an installed robot depends on driving style and is 6...6.5 l/100 km in mixed mode, which allows saving up to 30% of fuel compared to a sedan or liftback LADA Granta AUTOMAT and up to 10% compared to cars , equipped with conventional “mechanics”.
AMT is based on a manual gearbox, which is much less susceptible to breakdowns than an automatic transmission. In addition, the optimal operating modes of the robot are determined electronically (there is no “human factor”), which significantly increases the service life of the engine. Repairing an AMT is practically no different from repairing a manual transmission. In addition, it is much simpler and cheaper than automatic transmission.
- 3. Simplicity of design and unpretentious operation.
Electromechanical structural elements do not require maintenance or adjustment during operation. All connectors and electronic components are reliably protected from dust and dirt. The robot is adapted to difficult operating conditions and ensures operation when exposed to temperatures ranging from -40...+50 degrees Celsius.
There is no mechanical connection between the selector and the gearbox, so there is no vibration of the mode shift handle.
LADA Granta on a robot
Existing disadvantages of AMT:
- When starting to move, LADA Granta with AMT may roll back a little.
- Unlike an automatic transmission, the robot cannot change gears without losing traction torque. This results in barely noticeable jerks during gear changes.
Disassembling the AMT clutch actuator
Unscrew the top cover. We “discharge” the actuator (turn the gear as in the video) and remove the cover (do not open without the clutch load).
Remove the white compensator (Caution! The spring is very powerful!). The thrust rod is simply removed with force.
When assembling, carefully “cock” the mechanism (photo 1 - unloaded, photo 2 - cocked).
There is no need to make any adjustments to the clutch actuator after installation on the vehicle.
Frequently asked questions about adapting a robotic box
How long does it last? The adaptation process takes about 5 minutes. During adaptation, the car adjusts the clutch, then turns off and saves the settings
How to adapt the clutch? Clutch adaptation is carried out using special equipment via the diagnostic connector. It is best to have the clutch adaptation done by a dealer rather than by a third-party service; besides, the dealer will be cheaper.
How much does a clutch adaptation cost? Under warranty, adaptation is free. In other cases, it all depends on the region. In third-party services - from 2 tr.
AMT clutch actuator repair
Clean the inner surface with solvent. Let's examine the insides. In this example, wear on the ball stops and a crack on the plastic part of the actuator were detected. The problem is that there are no repair kits. That is, AMT clutch actuator parts are not sold separately. If you cannot restore the old ones, all that remains is to lubricate the mechanism.
LIQUI MOLY Thermoflex Spezialfett was used as actuator lubricant. It is very similar to the one that was in the actuator from the factory. Read more about actuator lubrication here.
We perform reassembly and installation of the AMT actuator on the car (see above).
Let us remind you that if other malfunctions occur in the operation of the AMT (howling, crackling, the car jerks, jerking, rattling, etc.), you can determine the cause using these instructions.
Categories of products that may be of interest to you based on the article “Replacement and repair of the AMT clutch actuator on LADA”:
Design and operating principle of AMT
In general terms, AMT is a conventional manual transmission in which two special actuators (servo drives) are responsible for clutch operation and gear shifting. Each actuator installed on the gearbox is an electric motor with a gearbox and an actuator. The entire system is controlled by an electronic unit that selects and engages the required gear.
New LADA Granta on robot
The electronic unit takes into account the vehicle speed and engine operating mode, as well as information received from systems that monitor traffic safety (ABS, BAS, EBD, etc.). Evaluating and analyzing all the information received, the electronics unit issues a command to change gear.
Clutch, gearbox, transmission Lada Vesta
Products from the Dustershop77 range on the topic of the article:
| Name | Manufacturer | Price | Availability | Add to cart |
| DC952-7703062062 | Gasket for gearbox drain plug, transfer case Renault Duster / Terrano / Captur original 7703062062 | Original | 200 / 100 rub. Discount: 80 rub. | >10 |
| DC1630-7703075180 | Filler plug for gearbox / transfer case original 7703075180 | Original | 200 / 150 rub. Discount: 100 rub. | 1 |
| DC1560-8200884113 | Drive oil seal original Renault 8200884113 left | Original | 1000 / 800 rub. Discount: 700 rub. | 2 |
| DC524-302054100R | Clutch kit for 1.6 (H4M) 4×2 gearbox JR5 (5-speed) original art. 302054100R | Original | 8000 / 7400 rub. Discount: 7000 rub. | 1 |
| DC422-510009710 | Release bearing H4M 4×2 JR5/JH3 5-speed. LUK 510009710 306200650R 7701478631 8200046103 8200764613 8200990502 306205482R 306205482R 306206219R 306201586R | Analogue | 4500 / 3900 rub. Discount: 3500 rub. | 2 |
| DC383-ASAM-30799 | Gear shift lever bushing ASAM-SA 30799 original art. 7700732903 | Analogue | 400 / 150 rub. Discount: 100 rub. | 2 |
| DC440-8200410813 | Drive shaft retaining ring original art. 8200410813 | Original | 500 / 300 rub. Discount: 250 rub. | 3 |
| DC1631-8200201381 | Transmission/transfer case filler plug gaskets original 8200201381 | Original | 500 / 350 rub. Discount: 300 rub. | 3 |
| DC950-321031MG0B | Rear gearbox filler plug Renault Duster / Captur / Nissan Terrano 4x4 321031MG0B | Original | 1500 / 1200 rub. Discount: 1100 rub. | 4 |
| DC956-7700102458 | Automatic transmission filter DP2 original 7700102458 | Original | 900 / 600 rub. Discount: 500 rub. | 1 |
| DC1964-21102301034 | Right drive oil seal Vesta, Largus, X-Ray article 21102301034 (black 35x57x9) | Original | 200 / 150 rub. Discount: 110 rub. | 4 |
| DC1316-8201630012 | Guide (tool) for centering the clutch and release (H4M-JR5/JH3) original 8201630012 | Original | 2000 / 1800 rub. Discount: 1600 rub. | 1 |
| DC1818-7701209239 | Boot of outer CV joint Duster, Terrano, Captur 1.6 / 1.5 4×4 manual transmission 7701209239 original | Original | 3200 / 2500 rub. Discount: 1900 rub. | 1 |
| DC2046-8200544206 | Gearbox input shaft oil seal TL4/TL8/JR5 8200544206 | Original | 1200 / 800 rub. Discount: 600 rub. | 2 |
| DC2245-7703065290 | O-ring, oil pump oil seal, automatic transmission original 7703065290 | Original | 800 / 700 rub. Discount: 500 rub. | 2 |
| DC1956-21820160121100 | Clutch fork boot Grant, Vesta, X-Ray 21820160121100 | Original | 150 / 100 rub. Discount: 70 rub. | 1 |
| DC2159-6001548446 | Clutch master cylinder Duster and others original 6001548446 | Original | 4600 / 4200 rub. Discount: 3900 rub. | 1 |
| DC2163 | Clutch basket Vesta, X-Ray 1.8 21179 JR5 original 21179-1601085-10 | Original | 7300 / 6500 rub. Discount: 6100 rub. | 1 |
| DC2164 | Clutch disc Vesta, X-Ray 1.8 21179 JR5 original 21179-1601130-11 | Original | 6400 / 5300 rub. Discount: 4900 rub. | 1 |
| DC1667 | Clutch kit Vesta (1.6l 21129 + manual transmission VAZ / AMT) LUK | Analogue | 5500 / 4600 rub. Discount: 4400 rub. | 0 |
| DC1963-21102301035 | Left drive oil seal Vesta, Largus, X-Ray article 21102301035 (red 35x57x9) | Original | 200 / 120 rub. Discount: 90 rub. | 0 |
AMT for LADA Granta. Design Features
Cars of the LADA Granta family (sedan, liftback) have already received a proven AMT, which has been installed on LADA Priora since September 2014. It was developed by engineers of JSC AVTOVAZ together with specialists from the German concern ZF Friedrichshafen AG, which is the author and owner of many modern technologies and innovative solutions in the field of drive systems.
The design of the basic manual gearbox 2181 (modernization of gearbox 2180) was taken as a basis, on which the following were installed:
- 1. Electromechanical actuators that control gear shifting and clutch operation;
- 2. Input shaft speed sensor;
- 3. Controller.
2180 gearbox and electronic control unit
In addition, the following were completely removed from the gearbox:
- 1. Clutch drive;
- 2. Internal switching mechanism;
- 3. Cable gear shift drive.
Inside the car, the clutch pedal was removed, and instead of a mechanical (cable) gear shift drive, an electronically controlled selector was installed.
In addition to original design solutions, modern software was developed specifically for AMT, with the help of which the vehicle’s transmission is controlled.
All these changes, together with the electronic motor control controller and the on-board power supply network, made it possible to fully automate the processes of controlling the clutch and gear shifting, as well as ensuring high AMT functionality.
Automated transmission design
The main difference from a manual transmission is the replacement of the clutch pedal and gear shift knob with corresponding electromechanical type switches. To manage them, the following have been additionally implemented:
- Control block.
- Shaft speed sensor.
- Fork position sensor.
- Interior gear selector position lock.
AMT has one significant disadvantage of the operational plan: the electromechanical drive processes commands with a delay. A hydraulic alternative, unfortunately, is not available due to its high cost.
Problems on Vesta with the robot box
Sooner or later, all owners of this car with a robotic gearbox are faced with squeaking during shifts. This also happens when you press the gas or brake pedals. The clutch release actuator begins to creak.
It is located under the resonator, which must be removed to get to the actuator. This device cannot be repaired using repair kits, but is replaced with a new one. To get rid of the squeak, you need to disassemble this unit, or rather, remove the top cover. Then lubricate the parts.
We recommend synthetic lithium lubricant, which is used for mechanisms with metal and plastic parts. It is ideal for such purposes.
AMT management
During operation, the “robot” is much simpler than automatic transmission and classic “mechanics”. The electronic selector allows you to use 4 operating modes:
- neutral - N;
- automatic - A;
- reverse - R;
- manual control - M.
Before you start driving, you need to set the selector lever to position “A”, then press the brake pedal and only then put your foot on the gas pedal.
Attention! The engine of a LADA Granta (sedan, liftback) equipped with a “robot” will not start if you forget to press the brake pedal.
The car's acceleration time to a speed of 100 km/h is 12.5 seconds, which is 1.6 seconds inferior to models with a manual transmission (10.9 seconds), but 0.8 seconds better than the LADA Granta with automatic transmission (13. 3 sec.). In this case, gear shifting occurs at 5000 rpm for aggressive driving or 2500 rpm for quiet driving.
Verdict
Owners of manual transmission versions complain that the clutch pedal on the Lada Vesta clicks. Adherents of the robotic modification have a similar problem - a creaking sound, which indicates a lack of lubrication in the friction pairs. OD solves the problem rarely and radically - by replacing the node with a new one.
An independent way out of the situation is to lubricate the ball joints of the mechanism with a special compound. The cost of the procedure at a service station is about 2,500 rubles. The cost of troubleshooting on your own is equal to the cost of lubricant. The most expensive Liqui Moly Thermoflex Spezialfett costs about 1,600 rubles. A volume of 370 grams is enough for 3-4 times.
Source
Engines and transmissions
It is worth considering that the robotic gearbox will not be paired with every power unit.
For the weakest engine, the 87-horsepower VAZ 11189, made in an 8-valve configuration and which is a further development of its predecessor, an exclusively manual transmission is provided.
It is followed by the 106-horsepower VAZ 21129 - it was created by modifying and modernizing the existing 16-valve engine. For cars with it, both transmissions will be available - both mechanical and robotic type AMT 2182.
The last will be a 1.6-liter HR16DE-H4M engine, designed for 114 hp. With. At the factory, it replaces the engine from Renault K4M series. Only “mechanics” has been reassigned for it.
Fans of automatic transmissions will be pleased that the version with a 106-horsepower engine will be the first to hit the assembly line and will be shown as a production version on September 25. As for the rest, they will be operational within a few months.
The public does not yet know all the technological nuances, but it is already possible to get a general idea about the gearbox on the LADA Vesta - these are modern, inexpensive and reliable units.
Why does the Vesta clutch actuator creak and how to eliminate it on your own?
Annoying sounds from the mechanism for controlling the position of the friction discs, as well as vibration of engines 21129 and 21179 at idle, usually appear after the break-in is complete. Most often, the specific acoustic design of transition modes occurs between 20,000 and 30,000 km.
Cause
At first, the defect appears inconsistently. Usually the clutch squeaks slightly in dry, warm weather, as well as in cold weather. This behavior is evidence that there is not enough lubrication on the rubbing surfaces. It is at this stage that you already need to think about how to lubricate the clutch actuator on Vesta or what lubricant to buy. Ignoring the initial symptoms is unacceptable - the effect will only intensify, manifesting itself in any weather conditions.
Dealers are reluctant to replace the actuator due to creaking. In most cases, representatives of the technical center activate a program to request the plant about the causes of the malfunction. The process is long and not always effective. Only a small percentage of dealerships will unconditionally replace the servo with a new one.
It is expensive to change the mechanism at your own expense - the price for a clutch actuator is at least 13,500 rubles. However, it is unlikely to be possible to find a new one yet - due to their scarcity, they are supplied only to officials.
How to fix
The manufacturer of electric actuators for Lada Vesta, represented by ZF, confidently declares that the drive is maintenance-free. If the clutch squeaks, he recommends replacing the assembly. Craftsmen believe otherwise - the servo drive can be disassembled and lubricated. At specialized service stations, a corresponding service has even appeared, the price of which is from 2,000 to 3,000 rubles.
Tool
When performing the operation, you will not need any exclusive devices. An ordinary “garage first aid kit” will be sufficient at all stages of dismantling and assembling the unit:
- Ratchet crank.
- Screwdriver for bits or screwdriver.
- Heads for “10” and “13”.
- Open-end wrenches for “13” and “27”.
- Attachments for a screwdriver or screwdriver Torx 20, 30.
It is convenient to carry out manipulations to eliminate the creaking of the Lada Vesta clutch actuator on a lift, overpass or pit. If there are no such means nearby, you can use a good rolling jack and safety stands.
Dismantling method
All work on applying the lubricant is carried out exclusively on the dismantled servo drive. Although access is limited, the assembly is easy to remove. Getting to the inside of the structure is also easy.
Important! Further measures are carried out with the negative terminal of the battery disconnected. The system does not identify dismantling, therefore, there will be no need to perform adaptation (setting up the drive using a computer).
The initial task is to free up space around the device. Two elements must be dismantled: the air filter housing and the engine crankcase protection. The actuator itself is mounted on a black bracket. It is more convenient to remove the drive assembled with the fastening element using the following method:
- Disconnect the power connectors (one is located on top, the other on the bottom). This is easier to do with the wiring fasteners unscrewed.
- Unscrew two nuts from the hood side and two from under the bottom.
- Remove the assembly.
