Do-it-yourself modification of the VAZ 2114 steering rack

Every car owner wants his car not to fail at critical moments, to cause a minimum of problems and bring maximum benefit. But this directly depends on how the owner cares for, monitors, and repairs his car on time.

One of the most important components affecting safety is the steering. VAZ 2114 owners do not have to repair steering racks very often, since these units have a fairly long service life. But a number of factors and time lead to the fact that you have to pay direct attention to the helmsmen, diagnose the problem in a timely manner and promptly fix it.

Today we’ll talk about how to repair this unit yourself, as well as what measures will bring your slightly worn steering rack back to life.

Symptoms of a problem

To understand that the racks require repair, you need to monitor the behavior of the car and know the characteristic signs of a malfunction of this element.

Is it possible to determine whether the unit requires a complete replacement, or can you get by with simple repairs? We will tell you about this in the table below.

Sign	Necessary actions
When turning the steering wheel, a knock is heard and play occurs	If the situation occurs while the car is moving, it is enough to carry out repair measures, use a repair kit
Knocking and play occurs when the steering wheel is turned when the car is stationary	This is clear evidence of the critical state of reiki. The problem can only be solved by completely replacing it.

Tightening and adjustment

As the practice and experience of VAZ 2114 owners shows, if problems arise with the racks, they can most often be repaired. The only condition is that you have an inspection hole at your disposal.

Full analysis

The first step is to tighten the rack. But how is this done? To do this, simply tighten the adjusting bolt. Adjustment is made with a 17 mm key.

After tightening the bolt, take your car out for a few kilometers to check whether the knocking or play remains. If these symptoms of the problem disappear after you have tightened and adjusted the steering rack, the repair can be considered complete.

But this doesn't always happen. The knock may remain, but the play may go away, or vice versa. In any case, if at least one sign still remains, you will have to begin a full-fledged repair with your own hands. Now you can find a number of useful videos that describe in detail the procedure for repairing this unit. Take a look, it will be useful for you.

Removing the steering rack

When starting to repair the VAZ 2114 steering rack, first of all we need to remove it. We do this using the following technology:

We park the car on a level surface. For safety, we put supports under the wheels to prevent them from rolling back.
Raise the car with a jack, loosen the wheel nuts and remove it. Similar work needs to be done on the other side.
There is a hole in the arch on the right side that is closed with a plug. Let's take it off.
When the absorber is installed, it is necessary to loosen the clamp and, without disconnecting the hoses, move it to the side.
Using a hammer and chisel, we bend the antennae onto the plates that hold the tie rod nuts.
We unscrew the bolts and pull them out along with the plate. We move the pulls to the side.
We find the junction of the column shaft with the gear shaft of the mechanism. It is located at the front panel from the passenger compartment. Let's separate them.
Using a socket or a 13mm wrench, unscrew the brackets that hold the steering rack. They often become very rusty and unscrewing them becomes problematic, so it is advisable to first treat them with WD-40 and wait a few minutes.
We move the mechanism towards the engine to free the shaft and remove it.
We pull it out through the hole described in the third paragraph.

After this, the dismantling is completed and you can begin to repair or replace the mechanism.

Price issue

A new rail will cost you about 3 thousand rubles. The cost of service stations for replacing slats costs about 2 thousand rubles. That is, in total you will have to spend 5 thousand rubles if you entrust the work to the masters.

Repair kit

However, the rack is not difficult to repair. Most VAZ 2114 owners perform this event with their own hands. Plus a decent saving of money.

We repair it ourselves

To get started, you will need a set of tools and repair kits.

Replacement kit

Be sure to include the following in your list of tools and materials:

Repair kit for one of three configurations (more about them below);
Bearings;
Lubrication;
Set of keys and screwdrivers.

Selecting a repair kit

Spare parts

As for repair kits, the standard minimum set includes four elements:

Washers;
Nuts;
Bearings;
Bushings made of fluoroplastic.

But is it enough for your specific steering rack situation? Let's try to understand the purpose and configuration of each of the three types of repair kits.

The cheapest repair kit, the contents of which you are already familiar with, allows you to solve the most minor problems that have arisen with your slats.
The middle kit additionally includes other bearings and shafts. Designed for more serious repair work.
The most expensive repair kit may consist of whole new slats, that is, it involves not a repair, but a simple replacement of units.

Steering rack repair kit for VAZ 2114

When starting to overhaul the mechanism, you need to consider the market for repair kits. There are several types:

The first consists only of rubber bands, gaskets and dampers. It is suitable for changing the lubricant inside the mechanism and for light maintenance. The price for a set is about 200 rubles.
The second is complemented by two bearings, which is also suitable for easy maintenance of the mechanism. The cost of the set is about 500 rubles.
The latest repair kit has almost all internal mechanisms and implies a complete replacement of units. The price is about 2000 rubles.

Before purchasing a kit, check which rack is installed on your car and write down its number. This will help you avoid making mistakes when purchasing.

Repair

To perform the repair, you will still have to disassemble the steering wheel. You can see detailed instructions in the material on replacing the steering rack.

Replacement process

Let's move on directly to the repair procedure.

Remove the rail from its seat.
Remove the thrust nut with a 17mm hexagon.
Remove the thrust nut, remove the retaining ring, spring, and rack stop.
First, the gear shaft boot is removed, after which you can easily get to the locking ring.
Remove the nut that holds the gear bearing in place. Be prepared for the fact that it will be quite difficult to unscrew it; use some force. This is fine. It's worse if it practically doesn't hold on.
The drive gear shaft is pressed out.
The rail is removed from the housing.
Next, remove the support sleeve, lubricate it and put it in place. It may take some effort to push it back.
Replace all bearings present in the assembly. Some are difficult to extract, while others are almost impossible. But it needs to be done. If you cannot remove it at all, then cut the bearing with a chisel and remove it with pliers.
Examine the condition of all surfaces, parts, and assemblies for any defects or damage.
If you notice faulty elements, replace them using a repair kit.
The design will have quite a lot of moving elements. Each of them must be lubricated with high-quality lubricant. Litol will perform well here.
Reassemble by following the reverse disassembly sequence.
You will definitely need help for reassembly. Therefore, agree in advance with a friend or someone else who can help you in this matter.
Place the repaired rail in place and attach its fasteners.
A rack is inserted into the spitz. This is where you will need an assistant. It is almost impossible to do this yourself.
Use a chisel to loosen the clamps.
Tighten all mounting bolts in place.

After assembling the unit, be sure to check it in action. Please note that after this you cannot operate the car in the previous mode. First, be sure to stop by a car service center where an alignment will be performed. Only after this can the repair of the unit be considered complete.

If you notice typical signs of a rack malfunction, do not delay repairing or replacing it. This can lead to tragic consequences when, at the most inopportune moment, the steering wheel stops responding to your efforts and you lose control of the situation. This is not an attempt to scare you, but a simple fact of life.

The steering rack in front-wheel drive cars is fully responsible for the functionality of the entire steering mechanism. The VAZ 2109 also belongs to this category of car. If it fails, appropriate action should be taken immediately.

The occurrence of signs of malfunction does not always indicate the need to completely replace the unit. Sometimes it is enough to repair the rack using a special repair kit.

Direct implementation

First, we disassemble everything, wash it and begin cutting fragments of the required length. A PVC pipe with a diameter of 5 cm will act as a cracker; we will cut it and lay it in four layers. The length of the improvised bushings is 24 cm, so you don’t need to adjust anything, everything is tested from personal experience :).

In the center of the pipe, it is necessary to remove a strip about 3.5 cm wide. This is necessary so that during installation the cracker can shrink to the shape of the rail.

When the first fragment is cut out, you can begin installation. We carefully squeeze the cracker and push it inside so that nothing sticks out or sticks out anywhere, since during operation this can create a lot of problems.

4. Cut out the second cracker in the same way. The only nuance, and it needs to be taken into account, is that each new plastic element will shrink more, so the strip that we cut in the center should be wider than the previous one. After cutting, install the second fragment in place. If necessary, carefully trim everything using a sharp knife.

The 3rd and 4th crackers are manufactured and installed in the same way. You should get something similar to the one in the photo. Another important point is to make sure that the edges of the pipe do not protrude into the working window of the rack and do not interfere with the free movement of the steering rods and shaft.

When you install the last fragment, the free play between the housing and the shaft will become exactly what we need, as they say, snugly. For better results, add the required amount of graphite lubricant, change faulty parts (oil seals, tips, etc.), if necessary, and then reassemble in the reverse order.

I personally and many who repeated this experiment are happy with the result! I hope you will also be able to remove the steering rack knock, and you will not regret the work done. Thank you for reading to the end. I would be grateful if you share this article with your loved ones on social networks using the special buttons located below. Good luck to everyone and see you again at VAZ Repair. Bye!

Signs of breakdown

By means of steering racks, rotational movements from the steering wheel through a rack and pinion mechanism are transmitted to the rotary levers, which turn the front wheels with rods.

If you find one of the symptoms listed below on your car, be sure to conduct a full diagnosis of the condition of the unit, and then repair it.

Signs of a faulty steering rack include:

A grinding noise is observed in the rack area when the steering wheel is rotated;
The steering wheel periodically sticks;
Lubricant begins to leak from the seals;
The steering wheel has noticeable play.

Dismantling

You will not be able to assess the current condition of the steering rack unless you dismantle the device.

There is no optimal way to dismantle the steering rack, since the process in any case involves quite labor-intensive, time-consuming work that involves disassembling many components.

Suspend the front of the car with a jack to be able to remove the front wheels. Be sure to carefully consider safety measures, install wheel chocks and boots so that the machine does not move while the rack is being repaired.
Disconnect the gas adsorber, disconnect the wires and take them to the side. This will give you full access to the steering rack.
Unscrew the bolt from the spline connection. Before doing this, be sure to align the wheels using the steering wheel. The bolt is located near the pedals. To dismantle the fasteners, use a cardan head or a simple spanner.
Clean the tie rod mounting nuts from accumulated dirt, then undo them using pliers. Unscrew the nuts using a spanner.
Using a special puller, the rods are disconnected.
Next, unscrew the rods from the steering rack housing. However, experts recommend dismantling the crankcase with the rods together, since in a vice the removal process is much easier.
Once you have the rack free, remove it from under the car through the wheel arch. Clean, rinse and clamp in a regular vice.

Now you have a choice - completely replace the steering rack or try to repair it. The second option will take more time, but will save an impressive amount of money.

Symptoms of malfunction

Knock on rough roads . When hitting bumps, you will hear dull or ringing metallic sounds from the front of the car. This does not always happen due to wear on the steering rack; sounds can also arise from other components: ball joint, tip, wheel bearing.
Large steering play. As the mechanism wears out, the gaps between the teeth increase, causing free play to increase. Play can also appear when the steering tips and ball joints are worn out.

Backlash should definitely be eliminated at the initial stages of its appearance, since delaying repairs can lead to complete failure and the replacement of the element.

Steering wheel jamming . Most likely the cause of the problem will be the steering rack. Most often this occurs due to damage to the anthers. Water and dirt begin to enter the mechanism body. The lubricant washes out or thickens, causing the teeth to cling to each other unevenly.

A similar problem also occurs when the element is incorrectly adjusted.

Useful : How much does a new steering rack cost for a VAZ 2114?

Repair

The first thing you will need to carry out your own repairs is a repair kit. They are available at almost any auto parts store. However, we strongly recommend that you buy only high-quality kits so that the result of your DIY repair lasts as long as possible.

What you need for work

The proposed kits are incomplete and complete. You will definitely need the following kit components:

Needle bearing;
A pair of rubber seals for the bushing;
Support sleeve made of plastic;
Set of gaskets;
Spring;
Retaining rings;
Support bearing;
Drive gear;
Boot cover;
Rail;
Set of ties for the boot.

Repair kit

Now that the kit is ready, the tools are available, and there is also enough free time, you can get to work.

First, remove the boot, end caps and stops. As you disassemble elements, even the smallest and insignificant at first glance, be sure to evaluate their current condition. If necessary, all worn-out elements will be replaced with new ones taken from the repair kit.
Using an octagon, unscrew the screw plugs, which will allow you to remove the springs, retaining rings, and thrust bushings.
Remove the bearing and check if it has any play. The repair kit includes a new bearing, so if the old component is in satisfactory condition, it is better to replace it immediately. It’s not for nothing that you took on such a complex process to get everything done 50%.
Remove and inspect the drive gear. Next, you can completely remove the rail itself.
Be sure to replace the support shaft bushing, not forgetting about the rubber bands. They are also included in the kit.
Take your time to remove the rubber bands from the sleeve. First, insert the element into the crankcase, after which you can cut off the elastic with scissors or a sharp knife.
The most difficult step is replacing the needle bearing. To remove it, you will need a special key. But you can do without it. In this case, arm yourself with a 1.5 mm drill bit and a drill. Using a drill, make a hole in such a way as to loosen the end of the bearing. Use a punch to knock out the old bearing from the crankcase.
Before installing the new needle bearing, be sure to thoroughly clean the steering rack housing of accumulated debris and steel shavings from drilling.
The hole made cannot be left. To eliminate it, you can mix metal filings with superglue. This mixture will harden quickly and give an excellent result.
Lubricate literally everything that can be lubricated in the steering rack assembly. Experts advise using Litol 24 or other lubricants of similar quality. It wouldn't hurt to lubricate the CV joints.
Reassemble the unit by following the reverse sequence of dismantling.

How to determine that the rack needs to be replaced on a VAZ 2114

So there are several ways. The very first and simplest is to rotate the steering wheel. You just need to tug it from side to side. Ideally, the wheels should respond to the slightest rotation. In fact, many even new slats are not capable of this. That's the quality of the parts, you just have to live with it. Steering rack wear does not appear in any way in the form of knocks or vibrations, contrary to popular belief. If while driving the bumps are reflected into the steering wheel, most likely the steering tip needs to be replaced.

The second method is more accurate and complex at the same time. To carry out this check, it is necessary to jack up the front wheels one by one, and then swing them across the rotation in a horizontal plane. If there is a slight play, then it is somewhere in the steering, but not necessarily in the rack. There is no way to explain this; such a diagnosis can only be made by a specialist.

Before changing the rack, you can try tightening it. Thus, the gaps in the column are reduced. The main thing is not to overtighten, otherwise the steering wheel may jam. To tighten the steering rack on a VAZ 2114, you need a special multi-faceted wrench; it can be found in any auto store.

Video: replacing the rack on a VAZ 2114

VAZ: do-it-yourself tuning. Steering

To understand in which direction the steering of the VAZ 2108-10 can be improved, you first need to understand what qualities the engineers at the plant itself tried to endow the car with. To begin with, front-wheel drive cars were not designed to install power steering. This means that it was possible to compensate for the large force on the steering wheel only by installing a “long” steering rack - with a gear ratio of 3.9.

What does it give? On the plus side, the steering wheel is quite “light” at low and medium speeds, which is convenient in the city, especially when parking. But if we are talking about tuning a VAZ , it means that we are also interested in the sharpness of the steering, and with such a rack it is low.

Leading manufacturers of tuning accessories offer a compromise solution in the form of sports steering wheels with a reduced diameter - 350 -320 mm. They allow you to turn the wheels to a larger angle in one step (without interception), and do not reduce “parking” convenience so much. In addition to the steering wheel itself, the installation kit must include an adapter for the hub, and the steering wheel itself must have a safety cup.

A radical solution is offered by tuning firms that specialize in small-scale production of steering racks with a lower gear ratio. Such mechanisms are 3-4 times more expensive than standard ones, but meet sporting requirements, allowing you to turn the wheels from lock to lock in 2-2.5 turns of the steering wheel. It should be noted that installing such a rack does not pose any particular difficulties: the places for the splined and fastening joints coincide with the factory ones. Only the effort on the steering wheel will increase in proportion to the decrease in speed, which promises some difficulties in everyday use.

After installing the steering rack, it is necessary to adjust the toe-in, and at the same time, the wheel camber. And not only the front ones. To understand how this will affect the car’s handling, let’s figure out why this operation was invented in the first place.

Quite often, the camber of the steered wheels is considered a stabilizing measure. This is partly true - camber helps stabilize straight-line motion at equal camber angles of the right and left wheels.

The introduction of a camber angle results in a force that presses the wheel against the hub, but it also causes a lateral reaction in the contact of the tires with the road - a side slip angle appears. To compensate for this, engineers provided an operation to adjust the wheel toe.

Toe causes lateral slip angles directed in the opposite direction compared to the lateral slip angles from the wheel camber - thereby compensating for it. But what settings should we provide if we are building a tuning project based on a VAZ?

Note that the behavior of the car of the “eighth” family on the road is largely determined by the front-wheel drive. We all know that it is comfortable on slippery surfaces, allowing you to intuitively take turns by releasing the gas when skidding. This behavior of the car is due to understeer. This means that when turning, the front wheels tend to slide to the outside of the turn and lose traction faster than the rear wheels. For confident control over the car, it is better to shift the controllability towards neutral, when the wheels of both axles in extreme conditions lose traction at the same time, and the car slides to the outside of the turn without changing its course. This behavior of the car can be adjusted just by adjusting the wheel alignment.

In order to reduce understeer of the VAZ 2108-10, it is necessary to increase the negative camber and toe of the front wheels, and reduce the negative camber and toe of the rear wheels.

There are a number of other measures to adjust the steering close to neutral - for example, reducing the diameter of the front wheels, reducing the rear clearance, reducing the tire pressure on the rear axle wheels, but we will talk about this in more detail in the following articles.