➤ Timing belt on Lada Granta. Reasons for the break

A broken timing belt and its subsequent replacement is a fairly common problem among owners of a Grant car, both with an 8-valve engine and with an engine with 16 valves installed.

Very often among car enthusiasts you can hear a conversation that, due to a torn belt, the engine seized or the valves were “bent”. Why this happens and how to prevent such a phenomenon, as well as how to change the part yourself, will be discussed in our article.

Timing belt. What is it for?

To transmit torque from the crankshaft to the timing system, most modern cars use a drive belt. Car mechanics and drivers call this part a timing belt. This product is made of durable rubber, reinforced with a special fiberglass cord. For better traction, it has teeth that match the size of the notches on the crankshaft and camshaft pulleys.

The belt performs an extremely important function in the operation of the engine, ensuring a smooth cycle of the intake and exhaust mechanism, and removing exhaust gases to the outside. In addition to the engine shafts, the timing belt on the Grant 8 valve also drives the coolant pump, which is called the “pump”. Without a reliable drive, the operation of the power unit is impossible in principle, so each driver needs to carefully monitor the integrity of the part and replace this element within the prescribed time frame. Related link:

Expert advice on replacing valves on Lada Granta

Which kit to buy

The main supplier of all rubber products, including drive belts, for the VAZ plant is the production of rubber goods in Balakovo. In addition to the products of this plant, you can find products from other well-known brands that produce automobile spare parts. You can purchase a Gates timing kit. This is one of the best options for your car, just beware of fakes, of which there are many on the car market.

And specialists can also offer products from ContiTech and Trialli. The operating instructions for the Lada Granta recommend changing the rollers (tensioner, guide) and, in some cases, the water cooling pump at the same time as the belt. Most often, it is the failure of this unit that leads to damage to the timing belt.

Timing belt replacement period on Grant

The manufacturer of Lada cars, the AvtoVAZ concern, stipulates the timing for replacing the Granta belt - 75 thousand km. The established term applies to all Grant cars, regardless of the number of valves.

In addition to scheduled replacement, a prudent driver always monitors the condition of the drive, since it may break prematurely due to its poor quality or improper installation. Therefore, the decision “how long does it take to change the timing belt on a Grant?” Each driver decides independently.

general information

Most often, the timing mechanism is located in the front of the car; in older car models it can be found between the engine cylinder and the radiator. Today, manufacturers are trying to reliably hide the part, however, to find it, you just need to unscrew the protection and start repairing. The composition of the element is a rubber mixture. Many manufacturers use highly saturated nitrile, which provides excellent wear resistance at high temperatures. There are teeth on the inside. Manufacturers produce their own type of belts for each car model.

A broken belt will cause many problems for your car. The whole point is that the part uses basic systems. When it breaks, the shaft freezes in one position. The pistons continue to move, hitting the valves and deforming them. The consequences can be dire.

The main reasons for the break:

An unscrupulously assembled car engine.
Severely worn mechanism.
The elasticity of the material has deteriorated significantly - rupture occurs.
Poor quality workmanship of the part.
Pump rollers are not tensioned well.

Why does a belt suddenly break?

In some cases, even a new part can suddenly break, causing a lot of inconvenience to the owner of the vehicle. Most often, the teeth are worn out due to the fact that the Grant timing belt was installed incorrectly. In this case, it runs crookedly on the pulleys and rollers and its teeth “eat” the metal elements of the pulleys.

Other causes of premature wear may include:

Poor part quality. In this case, savings can play a cruel joke on the driver, so you need to make a purchase in trusted stores
Pump malfunction. This is one of the most common causes of breakdown. The pump rollers break over time, forming a gap and displacing the axis. As a result, its teeth quickly wear out and lead to breakage.
Tension roller malfunction. The same thing can happen with a roller as with a butt. A bearing failure creates play and displaces the tension axis.
Oil or antifreeze leak. When technical fluids get on the belt, they destroy the rubber from which it is made and greatly affect the strength of the part.
Wear of pulley teeth. If the camshaft or crankshaft gears are severely damaged, integrity will be immediately affected. In this case, the teeth will have delamination on their surface.

In addition to all of the above, the fact that the timing belt on the Lada Granta 8 suddenly breaks can be caused by a trivial reason for its untimely replacement.

Signs of belt wear

As we have already noted, it is necessary to regularly monitor the condition of the timing belt.

This will allow you to notice its damage even before it completely fails, damaging engine parts.

The first sign will be significant wear and tear on the material. If this is the case, then you run the risk of slipping or breaking if there is a significant load on the car, as well as with high air humidity.
It follows that wear occurs, as a rule, when the position of the tension roller and pulley deviates, as well as when the bearing temperature is high or its unsatisfactory operation. You can notice this by the fact that the material will be worn out and fabric debris will stick out from it.
The third sign suggests the presence of cracks or peeling. The more such damage, the higher the chance that the belt will break very soon.
Problems are also typical for situations where the back surface of the belt has a low elasticity index and significant hardness. This will also give away the characteristic shine of the belt. This will not allow it to make good contact with the pulley.
During use, the belt may lengthen. If this parameter has become too large, then it is worth replacing the belt with a new one, especially since its elastic abilities will be significantly reduced.
And, of course, if the belt position deviates from the specified one, this will indicate a situation where the tension roller components may fail.

The timing belt was removed for inspection and still works, but the owner decided to replace it

In this case the belt is still in good condition

Consequences of a broken toothed belt. Is everything really that scary?

The manufacturer installs several types of power units on Grant cars.

There are 5 of them in total:

VAZ-11183-50
VAZ-11186
VAZ-21126
VAZ-21127
VAZ 21126-77

The first two are eight valve, and the rest are 16. Sad consequences in the form of damaged valves due to a broken timing belt on Grant threaten all of these engines, with the exception of the VAZ-11183-50.

It goes like this. When the timing belt breaks on a Grant car at high speeds, this leads to the connection between the engine shafts being lost. The camshaft stops abruptly, but the crankshaft continues to move as the engine is running. As a result, the piston hits the stationary valves sharply, which can bend and even break. Such damage threatens with expensive repairs of the entire gas distribution system, and if the piston is also damaged during the impact, then replacement of the piston group, which is even more expensive.

About Lada Granta engines

One of the main engines installed on these models is the 8-valve VAZ-11185-50. This is an improved VAZ-2111, with a power of 82 horsepower. It is installed on sedans and hatchbacks. Advantages of VAZ - 11185-50:

reliability and environmental friendliness have increased;
cravings have increased;
When the timing drive breaks, the valves do not bend.

increased noise;
the need for frequent valve adjustments;
burnout of one of the valves;
violation of the integrity of the gasket.

How to determine that a break may soon occur

Urgent replacement of the timing belt for a Granta car of 8 and 16 cl. may be necessary if the following phenomena occur:

Decrease in vehicle power. A poorly tensioned or worn drive can make the engine difficult to start and reduce power output.
Incomprehensible noises from the timing belt on the Grant, emanating from the engine compartment. Clunking, ticking or strange rustling noises often indicate that the Granta timing belt is damaged and rubbing against the casing or other parts under the hood
Visible damage. The part may have abrasions, cracks and “shaggy” areas that are visible to the naked eye.

What's the result?

As you can see, the timing belt is an important element and needs constant monitoring

Taking into account the fact that inspecting the condition of the timing belt is difficult (partial disassembly of the car is required), it is recommended to pay attention to the operation of the internal combustion engine, identify extraneous noise, and also pay attention to the timing of the scheduled replacement of the timing belt

Finally, we note that timely replacement of the timing belt will help to avoid unexpected troubles associated with its breakage (if the valve does not bend) or labor-intensive and expensive repair of the internal combustion engine (in the case when the valve bends on the engine).

We also add that replacing the Grant timing belt involves not only replacing the belt, but also replacing the pump and tension pulley according to the regulations. All this is included in the list of work performed as part of scheduled vehicle maintenance. At the same time, replacing the belt yourself can be done with your own hands and allows you to save money.

Replacing the belt on an 8-valve Lada Granta engine. Detailed description

After making sure that the part is in poor condition, you need to prepare for the procedure of replacing the timing belt on a Lada Granta 8 valve. First of all, you need to provide a comfortable place to work, well lit, spacious enough and safe.

Tools you will need:

Wrenches included in the set
Heads with extension
Mount
Special device for adjusting the roller

The tensioner pulley is often replaced at the same time, so it is necessary to purchase it in advance. In all stores you can buy a timing belt pulley for Granta as a set.

Before starting work, you must unscrew the ground wire from the battery.

Let's consider the process of replacing the timing belt on a Lada Granta car using the example of an 8-valve engine. Main stages of work:

Preparing for repairs. The car is jacked up and the front wheel is removed from the right side, as well as the protection that blocks access to the engine.

Removing the protective cover. On Grant cars, the plastic cover consists of two parts. It's easy to remove. First you need to unscrew the 4 bolts of the upper part, and then the lower part.

To do this, you need to use a 5-point hex key. In addition to the cover, you also need to remove the crankshaft position sensor by simply disconnecting it from the connector and removing it from the socket.

Alignment of marks. Before replacing the timing belt on Granta 16 and 8 valves, it is necessary to correctly set the engine valve timing. To do this, you need to turn the crankshaft clockwise. This is done using a 17-inch socket. You need to turn it until the mark on the camshaft toothed pulley coincides with the mark on the inner surface of the timing cover.

In addition, the marks must line up on the engine flywheel. This can be checked through a special hatch in the upper part of the clutch housing. After removing the rubber plug, you need to make sure that the special protrusion on the flywheel coincides with the camshaft mark.

Only after this can you continue replacing the timing belt on the Lada Granta.
Related link:

Step-by-step instructions for replacing the heater radiator on a Lada Grant. Advice from the experts

Removing the generator pulley. To prevent the shafts aligned to the marks from turning, the flywheel can be locked through the inspection hatch. The most convenient way to do this is with a thick screwdriver or pry bar. Having firmly secured the flywheel, carefully unscrew the nut holding the generator pulley and remove it along with the washer.

Next, loosen the generator pulley nut

Adjusting the tension roller. Using a 15mm wrench, you need to gradually loosen the tightening of the roller mounting bolt. When the fastening is loosened enough to allow sagging, you can begin dismantling, making sure once again that all the marks match.

Withdrawal. The part is carefully removed from all pulleys and removed from the engine compartment. If there is a complete break in the timing belt on Grant's car, this is even easier to do.

Helpful advice: while you are changing the timing belt on the Grant, the protective cover is removed and you can check the condition of the water pump and tensioner pulley. The video is removed and played in the hands. If there is no extraneous noise and the bearing does not jam, it is installed back. The water pump is checked by twisting it by the pulley. If nothing sticks, she's fine.

Installation of a new spare part.
Before use, the timing belt on Grant 8 valves is checked for manufacturing defects - peeling, cracks, excessive roughness of the material. It would be useful to look at the expiration date, since rubber loses its properties even without being used, but after lying on the shelf for several years. The number of teeth on the Lada Granta belt with an 8-valve engine is 113, and its width is 17 mm. Installation of the part is carried out in the reverse order. First, it is pulled onto the crankshaft, then onto the generator and pump, circling the roller, and at the very end - onto the camshaft. Tension. To ensure good tension, you need to rotate the roller counterclockwise. This is done using a special key, which consists of 2 metal rods. These are inserted into the corresponding holes on the roller and the roller is rotated until the cutout on the roller cage aligns with the rectangular mark on the inner sleeve. Only after this can the roller bolt be tightened.

In order to understand the sequence of work, we present to your attention an explanatory video about where to look for tags:
Related link:

Do-it-yourself valve adjustment on the Lada Grant. Expert advice

Checking condition and tension

As already noted, so that a belt break does not lead to serious problems, it is necessary to periodically check its condition and tension.

Checking the condition of the belt is quite simple and you can do it yourself.

To do this, you need to unscrew and remove the protective drive covers, jack up the front right wheel, engage a higher gear and spin the wheel.

The engaged gear will ensure rotation of the crankshaft and timing drive through the gearbox.

When rotating, you must carefully inspect the belt. If any defects or signs of wear are noticed on it - torn teeth, peeling of rubber from threads, cracks, significant abrasions, then the belt must be changed regardless of the mileage.

Additionally, when checking the condition of the drive, its tension should also be assessed.

Although the Grant uses a roller with automatic tension, you cannot rely on the fact that it works normally and it is better to check the tension, especially since it is very simple to do.

The belt must be taken with two fingers in the middle of the area opposite the tension roller, that is, on the span between the shaft pulleys and turned clockwise.

Moreover, if even with significant force it is impossible to twist it at an angle greater than 90 degrees, then the belt is tensioned normally. If it twists at a larger angle, then it is necessary to adjust its tension.

Replacing the timing belt on a 16-valve engine. Process Features

The process of replacing the timing belt on a 16-valve Grant is not much different from the similar process on an 8-valve one. But there are some differences, which are that the 2 camshafts have different marks and they are set slightly differently.

In addition, replacing the timing belt Grants 16 valves automatic is complicated by the fact that to carry out this work it is necessary to remove the starter, which blocks access to the flywheel. The timing belt size of the Lada Granta with a 16-valve engine is 137 teeth with a width of 22 mm. Removing the starter on the Lada Granta Removing the starter is not difficult. To do this, just do the following:

Disconnect the plastic connectors from the starter
Unscrew the nut that holds the power terminal. To do this, use a key of 13
Using the same wrench, unscrew the 3 bolts that secure the starter to the bracket.
Hold the starter housing and carefully remove it.

After removing this element, you can begin replacing the timing belt. How to set marks on a Grant with a 16-valve engine Since a 16-valve car has 2 camshafts, the marks on each of them must coincide with the recesses on the top of the timing cover, as well as with the engine flywheel. By turning the crankshaft to the right until these marks coincide, the camshafts need to be fixed. A small piece of soft wood or an elastic piece of rubber is perfect for this purpose.

After the marks match, the flywheel is fixed in the same way as on 8-valve models.
Support roller

In an engine with two camshafts, in addition to the Grant timing belt tensioner, there is also a support roller. It performs the function of additional stabilization of the belt, adjusting its correct position in relation to other parts and better functioning of the entire belt drive. Like the tension roller, it must be checked for defects and, if necessary, replaced with a new one.

Preparation stage

The Lada Granta model can be equipped with two types of engines:

16 valves;
version with 8-valve timing mechanism.

A distinctive feature of the timing of these engines is the presence of two camshafts in the 16-valve version, which implies the presence of two gears (one for each shaft) and an additional idler roller for belt movement. The 8-valve unit, accordingly, has only one gear for the camshaft and one roller - also known as a tensioner.

The rollers are changed together with the belt. This is done in order to avoid belt breakage when a failed roller jams or the teeth on the gears jump relative to the set mark. In the latter case, the fact of the jump is accompanied by “shaking” of the engine and a noticeable decrease in throttle response.

To successfully complete the replacement, a car enthusiast should acquire the following simple “portfolio” of tools:

a set of common open-end wrenches and socket heads;
with a regular mount (claw);
a screwdriver with a flat tip profile;
jack;
a fork designed to fix the tension roller or pliers with specially curved working ends;
gloves (they will be very useful when unscrewing fasteners located in a confined space, which can cause hand injuries).

The “operation” can be performed both in a box (garage) and on a regular flat area.

How to choose a quality spare part

The Lada Granta timing belt plays a primary role in engine operation, so you need to choose it carefully. During movement, this part can withstand enormous loads, and it must be of the highest quality. Today, there are several proven manufacturers whose products deserve high marks. The most famous and good timing belts for Granta brands: • Contitech • Gates • Dayco • Bosch Among domestic manufacturers, one can highlight the BalakovoRezinotekhnika (BRT) company, which provides Granta timing belt life and an affordable price.

For ease of selection for a 16-valve Grant, you can use the following table:

Brand	Catalog number
BRT	2112-61006040
Lynx	137FL22
Conti	CT1137
Bosch	1987949662
Gates	5631XS
Contitech	CT1137
Dayco	KTB944

When purchasing products from a well-known company, every driver thinks about which timing belt is best for Grant. But besides this, the car owner must be careful not to fall for a fake. It is necessary to check the presence of holograms and other identification marks used by a particular company, as well as the coincidence of the original part number and the inscription on the box.

You should buy spare parts only from trusted retail outlets, which bear full responsibility for the quality of the products sold.

Some general provisions about the belt

The timing belt in any engine serves to ensure timely intake of the prepared mixture and release of exhaust gases. The composition of this node implies the presence of the following elements:

camshaft and crankshaft;
the valves themselves with seals, springs, guide bushings and other parts.

Which timing belt is better? The belt mechanism is positioned separately in this mechanism, acting as a connecting link between the camshaft (or two) and the crankshaft. It is the belt drive that is able to ensure synchronization in the functioning of the elements included in the timing kit.

Finding this important element on the engine will not take much effort. To do this, you just need to open the hood of the Lada Granta and you will see it covered with a special casing. This protection prevents contamination and the entry of foreign objects and dirt.

The design of the belt mechanism includes a rubber base and a working inner surface made in the form of teeth with a certain pitch size.

Tips on how to increase resource

Warm up the engine before driving in cold weather.
When replacing, also change the rollers and pump, following the manufacturers' recommendations.
Buy spare parts from trusted brands, check whether you have purchased a counterfeit.

While writing the article, I was able to find statistics on the mileage at which the belt broke on cars. The statistics are as follows:

Of course, the data is difficult to analyze, since neither the car brands nor the operating conditions are known. In general, we can conclude: check whether the timing belt on your car has reached the end of its life, replace it in proven places and do not skimp on spare parts.

Selection of components

The VAZ catalog contains the elements:

21126-1006040 – timing belt (137 teeth);
21126-1006238-00 – automatic tension roller;
21126-1006135-00 – guide roller.

Gates produces analogues:

5631XS – drive belt;
T43147 – roller with automatic tension;
KO15631XS – repair kit: belt + roller T43147 + guide roller.

For those who have lost the fastening elements of the covers, we provide the catalog numbers:

21110-1144026-10 – T30 key screw;
00001-0011977-73 – spring washer.

Happy replacement!

Replacement frequency

The timing life is on average 60–80 thousand kilometers. But there are cases when belts run both 150,000 km and 30 thousand km. For each vehicle, the resource is determined in the manufacturer’s service data. We recommend focusing on this information.

But also remember that difficult operating conditions of the car significantly reduce the timing life. In fact, if the vehicle is driven on bad roads, the value of the numbers decreases. The fact is that manufacturers test cars at testing grounds, and if you drive through city traffic jams every day, the mechanism of the car has a more negative impact. Among other things, bad weather conditions also affect the service life.

The degree of wear of the gas distribution mechanism is most influenced by the mileage of the vehicle. Different car models have their own meaning. Rapid wear of a part can be associated with bad roads, mud, and frequent city traffic jams. Manufacturers recommend changing the element after 50–60 thousand kilometers. Often car owners also change the rollers. The fact is that if the roller stops (jams), then the new part will become unusable. Problems may also arise with other vehicle mechanisms.