Car wheels perform not only basic operational functions. It’s hard to imagine the stylish appearance of a vehicle without well-groomed and pleasing wheels. The choice of products on which tires will be installed must take into account a number of factors.
Tuning decisions should in no way be made to the detriment of the technical characteristics of the car. The selection of wheels for a VAZ-2107 will be successful if you take into account a number of technological and design features of the model.
Throughout the entire period of mass production, the VAZ 2107 was equipped with stamped wheels with a diameter of 13 inches (R13) for standard 175//70 R13 tires. Export versions, as an exception, were equipped with light alloy models of the same size.
In addition to diameter, there are a number of other parameters of car rims:
- width;
- bolt pattern;
- departure;
- centering hole.
The standard rim width of the VAZ-2107 of various models ranges from 5 to 5.5 inches. This size is of great importance for the directional stability of the car; the coefficient of adhesion to the road surface depends on it. Symbol: 5.0J or 5.5J.
The bolt pattern in production models is indicated by the symbols 4x98, where 4 is the number of holes for mounting bolts, 98 is the diameter in millimeters of the circle on which they are located. To put it simply, 98 mm is the distance between the central axes of opposite holes. Novice car enthusiasts underestimate another important parameter. The diameter of the hole itself affects the reliability of fastening the wheel to the hub; it must be taken into account when choosing mounting bolts.
Overhang is the distance between the plane of contact of the disk with the hub and the plane that conventionally cuts the rim in the center. There are positive and negative offsets. In the first case, the wheel is recessed into the arch, in the second it is moved towards its outer boundary or even protrudes beyond it. The standard offset of VAZ-2107 wheels is positive and amounts to 29 mm (ET29).
The centering hole for production models is marked with DIA 58.5. The numbers indicate the hub diameter in millimeters. The value of this parameter is important when choosing new disks; if the centering values do not match, a special sealing ring is additionally purchased. The tightness of the fit of the central hole of the disk to the hub is a determining factor; the correct operation of the tires and the absence of “runout” of the wheel depend on it.
Wheels for VAZ 2107
Wheels, light alloy (cast, forged, prefabricated) or stamped, perform the same functions:
- transmission of torque to the tires of the drive wheels;
- ensuring uniform tire compaction around the circumference;
- ensuring structural rigidity and correct placement of tires in the suspension.
The “classics” use 13-inch light-alloy and stamped wheels with four mounting bolts. 14-inch wheels can be installed as tuning.
Advantages of stamped discs:
- Price. Stamped discs can be replaced with new ones without damaging the family budget. If you leave your car unattended, you don’t have to worry that someone will covet the wheels.
- Plastic. The deformation formed after falling into a hole can be easily eliminated even with a hammer.
- Wear resistance. Despite the low price, the discs, if they are not bent or aligned too often, will last a very long time;
- Unpretentiousness. To restore their appearance, it is enough to “blow out” them with paint or put on decorative caps.
The disadvantage of stamped discs is their heavy weight. The greater the unsprung mass, the faster the suspension collapses and the worse the handling on a bad road. In this regard, stamped wheels are much inferior to alloy wheels. The second drawback is their susceptibility to corrosion, which is why they need to be periodically cleaned and tinted.
Advantages of alloy wheels:
- Aesthetic appearance. You can choose an original design solution suitable for any tuning idea.
- Resistant to corrosion, thanks to which the discs do not require regular cleaning and painting.
- Less weight, which reduces the unsprung weight of the car. This improves handling and slows down suspension wear. Weight reduction has a positive effect on dynamics and fuel consumption.
Disadvantages of alloy wheels on the VAZ 2107 :
- A brittle material that does not bend, but breaks when subjected to a strong impact. If the disk does not split during a strong impact, it still does not bend. Therefore, when rubber on light-alloy wheels gets into a hole, the chances of damage are much higher.
- Shorter service life than stamped steel discs.
- High price and attractive to thieves.
The high price of alloy wheels makes it necessary to take a responsible approach to their selection.
Wheel disks
A car's wheel rims are part of its suspension. Like any other detail, they have their purpose.
Why are disks needed?
Wheel rims perform several functions at once:
- transmit torque from hubs or axle shafts to tires;
- ensure uniform distribution and compaction of tires around their seating circumference;
- contribute to their correct position relative to the car body and its suspension.
Types of rims
Today, there are two types of rims for car wheels: stamped and cast. The former are made of steel, the latter - from alloys of light but durable metals.
Stamped discs
Each type of wheel rim has its own advantages and disadvantages. The advantages of stamped ones include:
- low cost;
- reliability;
- resistance to shock loads;
- absolute maintainability.
In order to buy a regular “stamping”, just go to any auto store or market. A huge selection, low prices, constant availability on sale - this is what the undemanding car owner needs.
Stamped discs are reliable and maintainable
There is often no need to buy steel wheels, because they are practically eternal. It is almost impossible to break them. The main malfunction of such disks is deformation due to the wheel falling into a hole, hitting a curb, etc. However, this problem is solved by rolling it on a special machine, and at home - by leveling it with a hammer.
A deformed stamped disk can be easily repaired by rolling it on a special machine
As for the shortcomings, there are fewer of them. Basically, motorists note the lack of aesthetics and individuality, as well as the heavy weight, which affects fuel consumption. As for the appearance, indeed, the “stamping” does not differ in either design or attractiveness. They are all the same. But the heavy weight is a controversial issue, since it was taken into account when developing the car, therefore, the engine characteristics are designed for it.
Alloy wheels
Alloy wheels, first of all, give the car its individuality. With them the car becomes more beautiful and looks more modern. It is this factor that most influences the result of the choice between “stamping” and “casting”.
Alloy wheels are lighter and have a custom design
In most cases, car owners, when buying alloy wheels, do not even suspect that such products do not bend like steel ones under critical load, but split. They can, of course, be restored later using argon welding or other technologies, but it will not be possible to return them to their original technical characteristics.
In most cases, restoration of alloy wheels is impossible
Video: which discs are better
Types of alloy wheels
According to the production method, light alloy wheels are divided into three types:
- Cast - made by casting an alloy on an aluminum or magnesium base. The last option is more expensive. The physical characteristics of cast wheels vary depending on the alloy used. Accordingly, the price differs. The weight of alloy wheels is one third less than that of steel wheels. They look better, but the high fragility of the material often causes chips when hitting the edge of a large hole.
- Forged ones differ from cast ones in production technology. Hot stamping allows the part to be lighter and stronger than casting. Also, such discs are less fragile, which increases their durability. The impact force to deform a forged disk is much greater than for a steel one. Therefore, during strong impacts, more loads are placed on the car’s suspension.
- Prefabricated, assembled from three parts using bolts. Parts of the assembly disk are manufactured using different technologies. For example, the rim is forged, the disc is cast. This approach reduces the weight of the disk and increases maintainability. Prefabricated discs can be 2-3 times lighter than cast ones. When choosing a prefabricated disk, you should pay attention to the material of the bolts. They must be titanium. Steel bolts are susceptible to corrosion, which deteriorates the appearance and parameters of the disk.
Recommendations for use
Alloy wheels for the VAZ 2107 are installed on the vehicle without additional elements. Typically, standard wheel bolts are used for this, which can be easily unscrewed using a standard wheel wrench. This approach greatly simplifies the life of car thieves; experts recommend purchasing a set of so-called secrets.
Alloy wheels mounted on a VAZ 2107 car, with the help of this type of fastener, can significantly reduce the risk of their theft. When choosing wheels for your car, you should pay attention, first of all, to the recommended parameters. The issue of choosing the appearance of the wheels is decided by car owners in accordance with their own ideas.
Selection of alloy wheels
Wheels on the VAZ 2107 must correspond to the primary use of the vehicle. Low profile wheels are not suitable for driving on bad roads; if you need good handling at high speed, a high profile will not be the best choice.
The main thing is that the geometric dimensions of the disks correspond to the parameters of the car.
- The standard VAZ classic wheel size is 13 inches. Alloy wheels can be installed on 13, 14 and 15 inches. But it should be noted that with a larger disc diameter, a lower tire profile should be used. Otherwise, the wheel will rub or will not fit into the wheel arch at all. Please note. That low-profile tires will be especially easy to damage when hitting a pothole in the asphalt.
- Rims that are too wide (with an offset of more than 30 mm) will provide better traction, but the edges of the tires that constantly protrude due to the mudguards will cause severe contamination of the sides of the car. Also, a wide wheel can touch the fender liners.
- Standard VAZ wheels have four holes for mounting bolts. The diameter of the circle on which they are placed is 98 mm. In other words, the distance between a pair of diametrically opposite holes is 98 mm.
- The diameter of the holes is 12.5 mm. This is an important parameter, since the bolts will dangle in large holes, but they will not fit through smaller ones.
- The diameter of the internal hole of the disk corresponds to the diameter of the hub - 58.5 mm. It is with its help, and not with bolts, that the disk is centered. Therefore, discs with a smaller hole will not fit on the car, while those with a larger hole will require the installation of an additional centering ring.
When choosing the optimal wheel size, you can use the selection service, which is available on many websites of online tire and wheel stores.
VAZ 2101
If we make a comparison with the wheel products of other VAZ models, then the famous FIAT-124 wheels with a width of 4.5 inches and an offset of 37 mm were used on a penny. They contain eight oval holes.
In 1970-74, AVTOVAZ, then still Soviet, had some difficulties associated with the supply of parts from Fiat, so the 2101 used rims with stampings and 16 round holes.
Protective chrome caps were used for the mounting bolts and the hub bearing on the central part of the rim. The same ones were used on Fiat, however, without indicating the car series on the central part.
For stability, the developers provided special “ears”, and dismantling was carried out due to the springiness of the cap.
The first 2101 models had silver wheels, but over time the line began to use gray-white models with oval-shaped holes.
VAZ 2108
The Eight, the first line with a front drive axle, was equipped with original wheels with an unusual offset standard of 40 mm. They had a narrower rim - 4.5J and larger holes with a sharp angle than on the 1989 versions.
In addition, the first models became a historical “artifact” for connoisseurs of the 2108, Lada Samara of the Soviet era. As for newer versions, their rim width has increased - up to 5 inches, and the ventilation has decreased. holes.
2108 rims were not equipped with protrusions for the hubcaps, and the mounting bolts did not have additional protection.
VAZ 2105-2107
Technicians from VAZ at the initial stage developed original car wheels for Zhiguli. Outwardly, they were similar to prototypes 21 - angularity and rectangular holes, there was no central cap. Similar decisions were made by European car manufacturers such as Audi, Volkswagen, BMW.
Just before release, the developers simplified the shape of the hub. Nevertheless, the finished car wheels were practically no different from previous car models. However, they used the same oval shaped holes as the 2103 wheel.
As for the wheels on the 2107, wheels identical in design to the 2105 were used for this car. The change was four ventilators. holes, while 2105 had five.
These models were produced in a small batch, so until 1995, wheel products from the five were used. Note that some models of 2105 disks were used on 21065.
VAZ 2103-2106
Wheels of the new model were installed on the “three”. In terms of appearance, they are close to the Fiat wheels used on the 2101 version. They have 16 round holes each with an increased rim width of up to 9.5 inches and a reduced offset of up to 29 mm.
Similar models were used for the VAZ 2103 and VAZ 2106 cars. At the same time, chrome caps from a penny were installed on the 2103 versions, and the original ones were used on the six, which were distinguished by a round black trim in the center.
Initially, for the 2106 model, manufacturers planned to use other versions of disks. However, the intended angular style echoed the design of trendy aluminum (alloy) wheels, so they decided not to use them.
On car releases in 1991, wheel covers from model 2101 were used on rims. Since 1995, developers have removed the protrusions for the hubcaps and began producing rims similar to 2103 for all VAZ car models.
To install the disc on the 5 and 7 Zhiguli model with a chrome cap, the diameter of the centering hole was increased to 60.5 mm. Note that such wheels from 2103 without classic protrusions have become a “national treasure” for the entire AVTOVAZ line.
