A CV joint is a constant velocity joint. It is a loaded, very significant element of the chassis for front-wheel drive VAZ 2109. Under ideal operating conditions, the resource of the element is designed for a long service life, almost equal to the service life of the car itself.
Causes and breakdowns
In reality, the resource of the CV joint turns out to be significantly less, which is caused by operating conditions, poor quality of roads, driving habits and other factors.
People usually call a CV joint a “grenade,” which is due to the external similarity of the element to this explosive device.
Here's what you should know about grenade malfunctions:
- Practice shows that the most common cause of CV joint failure is dirt, dust, and sand that enter the mechanism through a damaged boot;
- Sometimes the problem of a non-functioning grenade can be solved by replacing the boot. This is possible if the CV joint itself has not yet worn out due to exposure to contamination;
- If the damaged boot is not detected in time, the grenade will be completely worn out within literally 200 kilometers;
- If the CV joint fails, a strong crunching sound appears when cornering and accelerating. Such a symptom indicates the need to urgently replace the CV joint;
- The cost of new grenades is quite affordable; they are available at any auto parts store. But you should purchase those that meet the technical requirements of the VAZ 2109;
- If you have at least a little experience in repairing cars yourself, it is quite possible to replace a grenade with your own hands.
Old and new element
Causes of CV joint failure
Unlike other cars, it is especially difficult for the VAZ-2109 to keep the grenade boot in working condition for a long period. The main reasons for its failure, first of all, can be unfavorable climatic and external factors. As a result, cracks will form on the parts, and further operation will be impossible. Through the torn mechanism, dust and dirt get inside the hinge, and because of this, the grenade parts wear out. It is not difficult to detect this: when the car is moving and when turning, the car makes a “crunching” sound, and this is already the first signal.
If, after you heard a suspicious crunch in your VAZ-2109, you came to the garage and found traces of grease on the hinge, then you immediately need to completely replace the CV joint along with the boot, since the parts of this mechanism cannot be interchanged.
Types of CV joints
Before you begin repairs, you need to find out exactly how the unit is designed.
The pair of drives on the VAZ 2109 is equipped with a total of 4 CV joints.
| CV joint type | Peculiarities |
| Interior | There are 2 of them. They transmit torque to the axle shaft from the gearbox |
| Outer | There are also two of them. Installed on the ends of the axle shafts and transmit torque directly to the wheels |
Outer
This arrangement of grenades allows the wheels to rotate during turns and constant operation of the suspension system. To put it simply, the outer CV joints are responsible for transmitting torque when cornering, and the inner ones are responsible for the vertical movement of the wheels. These are collisions with bumps, holes, roll in turns, etc.
Interior
Replacing the CV joint and boot on a VAZ-2109 - what is needed for this and how the replacement is carried out
Hello, dear car enthusiasts! Greetings to all car enthusiasts, happy owners of the VAZ “Nine”! With the start of VAZ's production of eighth and ninth series vehicles, a change in priorities occurred on the domestic passenger car market.
The rear-wheel drive “classics” now have worthy competitors, whose chances of getting higher positions in the sales rankings increase every day.
A more modern design, an economical and dynamic engine and, of course, front-wheel drive, became the distinctive features that allowed the new models to become the object of dreams of thousands of car enthusiasts.
The new car required car service technicians and their owners to gain knowledge and completely new skills in repairing components that were not found on previous models. One of the most mysterious parts that is often a dead end is the VAZ 2109 CV joint.
CV joint 2109 – the basis of front-wheel drive
Thanks to the fact that the front wheels became the drive wheels, the “Nine” gained excellent maneuverability and significantly reduced fuel consumption. For all good things, sooner or later you have to pay.
The ability for the front wheels to be driven was given by a special device - CV joint 2109. Constant velocity joint - this is how the mysterious set of letters is deciphered.
Internal CV joints of the VAZ 2109 transmit rotation from the gearbox to the axles, at opposite ends of which external CV joints are installed. They are the ones who spin the wheel and allow it to turn.
The importance of CV joints cannot be underestimated. In this regard, it is important to constantly take care of their condition.
Constant operation of a car requires, in relation to CV joints, the implementation of several simple rules, namely:
- periodically inspect the condition of the CV joint boots and internal lubrication;
- immediately replace the VAZ 2109 CV joint boot if it is damaged;
- If such signs as impacts or “crunching” of the CV joint appear, the CV joint must be immediately replaced with a VAZ 2109.
What is needed to independently replace the CV joint on a VAZ 2109?
In order for the repair work to go smoothly, you need to be properly prepared. It should be noted right away that it is only at first glance that replacing the VAZ 2109 CV joint boot or the hinge itself (both external and internal) seems like a difficult undertaking.
Having carried out the procedure of replacing the CV joint or boot once, any car enthusiast will be able to repeat everything, as they say, with his eyes closed.
Preparation for CV joint repair includes the following steps:
- purchasing a new CV joint, boot, lubricant, clamps and other accessories, which, as a rule, are included in one repair kit;
- the car is installed on an overpass or inspection hole, but in addition, a jack and “goats” should be prepared for the safety of the repair work being carried out;
- You should have a set of standard tools on hand, including: socket wrenches with extended handles or attachments, a hammer, brass or wooden spacers.
You need to start by putting the car on the parking brake and fixing the rear wheels with stops. After the hub nuts and wheel bolts are loosened, the front of the car is raised and placed on racks so that the wheels are suspended.
The wheel must be removed, as well as unscrew the hub nut and remove the lock washer. The preparation ends by unscrewing the two bolts securing the lower ball joint to the steering knuckle.
How is the outer CV joint of a VAZ 2109 replaced?
Before we begin describing the repair process, we note that regardless of whether it is necessary to replace one CV joint or both, and also how many boots need to be replaced, the shaft with two CV joints must be removed.
First, let's look at how to do this. Having turned the hub using the steering wheel, using gentle blows through the spacer, knock out the axle shaft of the outer CV joint from the splined joint of the hub.
Then, using a pry bar, you can remove the inner CV joint. All. The shaft with CV joints is ready for repair. If CV joints are removed from both sides at once, it is strongly recommended to insert old hinges into the gearbox mounting sockets so that the gears do not move.
For convenience, the shaft is clamped in a vice. Now you can remove or cut off the old boots and lightly hit the CV joint body with a hammer to remove it.
A similar algorithm of actions will always be used if it is necessary to replace the CV joint boot or the hinge itself.
Replacement
If problems arise with grenades, you should determine which ones have problems. Next we will look at how to change the drive and how to remove it. Additionally, we recommend watching the repair manual video.
The procedure for replacing inner and outer CV joints differs from each other, therefore each stage should be considered separately.
Let's start with the internal.
Inner CV joint
Rubber boots are a vulnerable element of the grenade design. It is not uncommon that by replacing the boot, washing the grenade with gasoline and applying new lubricant, it is possible to solve the problem. If the wear of the CV joint is insignificant, such measures can replace a full repair.
But if you discover the breakdown late, you will have to completely replace the inner CV joints.
- Apply the handbrake and install chocks under the wheels.
- Unscrew the hub nut using a wrench and a socket. Carefully remove the punching elements from the nut with a punch. This way you will be able to preserve the carving on the garnet. The nut itself will need to be replaced with a new one during reassembly.
- The main thing here is to unscrew the nut, lowering the wheels to the ground. Otherwise, you risk breaking the differential and other gearbox components.
- Raise the car using a jack on the desired side, first loosening the wheel nuts. Remove the wheel.
- Drain the gearbox oil. This can be done earlier, at your convenience.
- Release the steering knuckle from the ball joint at the bottom. To do this, unscrew a pair of mounting bolts.
- Since you have already removed the hub nut and unscrewed the ball joint from the steering knuckle, proceed to removing the splined part of the grenade. To do this, pull the brake disc and strut assembly towards you. She has a decent ride. Just remember to turn the steering wheel all the way so that the tip of the steering wheel extends as far as possible.
- Pry the inner grenade with a pry bar, which will allow you to remove the drive.
- Having taken out the CV joint, look at the condition of the oil seal in the gearbox. If you find traces of leaks, be sure to replace the element.
The internal drive (CV joint) is designed to work with smaller angles, its boot is less susceptible to negative influences. Therefore, the internal grenade is changed quite rarely.
Shall we get started?
- Before replacing the mechanism, you need to drain all the oil from the gearbox. Let's not touch the jack yet! You need to place a brick under the rear wheel of the car, after this procedure we take the 30 socket and, accordingly, loosen the nut. Don't be alarmed, you may need about a half meter long piece of pipe half a meter long as a lever. Remember, we only need to loosen the nut, not remove it yet!
- Everything worked out? Go ahead! We lift the car with a jack, and only now completely remove the hub nut along with the washer. Now you can safely remove the wheel from the hub.
- Take the 13mm head and remove the two bolts that secure the ball to the hub. After this, we move the hub and remove the outer grenade from it. Then we attach a pry bar to the internal grenade and, using hammer blows, knock it out of the gearbox. By the way, if you still don’t have a pry bar at hand, a piece of pipe can replace it.
- When the grenade is removed, we clamp its shaft in a vice.
- We remove the clamps from the unusable boot. After that, we shoot down the outer grenade. Attention! In order not to damage it, you need to hit it along the edge. When this operation is completed, remove all old grease from the mechanism, wash it in gasoline or kerosene and wipe it well again, this way you can better remove traces of grease.
- Now we put a new boot on the drive shaft, and using a hammer we hammer the outer CV joint back, after thoroughly lubricating all the parts of the product. After that, we put it on and tighten it with a collar.
- Then we insert the grenade into the gearbox, driving it there. We place it in the hub and return the ball to its place. We put on the hub nut.
Attention! The hub nut does not need to be tightened with great force. After installing the wheels, tighten the bolts without applying much physical force.
- We remove the car from the jack, place a brick under the front wheel and tighten the nuts tightly.
- Well, now pour oil into the gearbox.
That's all. Congratulations! Replacing the boot on the VAZ-2109 is complete!
Replacing the outer CV joint of a VAZ 2109 (2108, 21099)
You can replace the outer CV joint (angular velocity joint, “grenade”) on a VAZ 2109 (2108, 21099) without removing the wheel drive.
Necessary tools, accessories and spare parts
Soft metal drift
Key "30" (knob with head)
Key "17" (head or socket)
Pliers (preferably extendable)
Slotted screwdriver or circlip remover
New outer CV joint (they are the same for both wheel drives of the car)
Removing the outer CV joint of a VAZ 2109
All work can be carried out without an inspection hole or overpass; all you need is a good jack and supports. The disassembly procedure is as follows:
- Place stands under the rear wheels.
- Remove the cap from the front wheel.
- Unlock the nut using a sharp chisel and hammer.
- Using a 30" socket and a long lever, rip off the nut.
- Remove the four bolts securing the wheels to the hub.
- Place a jack under the side to be repaired and lift it up.
- Remove the wheel. It is advisable to install a support under the body.
- Pull the cotter pin out of the tie rod end pin and unscrew the nut.
- Using a puller, pull the pin out of the steering knuckle.
- Unscrew the two ball joint mounting bolts. This will be easier than using a puller to knock the pin out of the hub.
- The hub now “walks” freely on the stand. Personally, I knock out the inner CV joint using a small chisel and hammer. Literally 2-3 sharp and precise blows, as the drive comes out of the box. But be sure to drain 2/3 of the oil from the gearbox, otherwise you will lose it.
- Knock the outer grenade out of the hub.
You don't have to remove the drive completely, but that's not very convenient. It is much more pleasant to work with grenades if they are accessible and can be clamped in a vice, rather than bending over under a machine. Before replacing the external grenade boot, assess the condition of the entire drive for damage or defects. After all, it may turn out that not a partial repair is required, but a complete one.
