When to change the timing belt on a Lada Granta: recommendations from the factory and grant specialists

The gas distribution mechanism is one of the most important systems of an internal combustion engine. The timing belt controls the engine valves, ensuring the normal functioning of intake and exhaust. During intake, the fuel-air mixture enters the combustion chambers as a result of the opening of the intake valve. The next phase opens the exhaust valve, and the gas distribution mechanism removes exhaust gases from the combustion chamber. The VAZ 2190 uses a standard gas distribution unit, differing only in the number of engine valves.

General information timing belt

In any car, the gas distribution mechanism allows for timely intake and release of the working mixture and exhaust gases, respectively. This mechanism includes a camshaft, as well as various valve drive parts, like the valves themselves with springs, as well as guide-type bushings.

If we talk about the timing belt, then it is a special element that works as a connecting link. Thanks to it, synchronous operation of the camshaft and crankshaft is ensured.

Finding such a belt is not at all difficult. All you have to do is open the hood, after which the belt will appear to your eyes. True, this “special unit” will be protected by a special casing, which should prevent the entry of dirt and protect it from other mechanical influences.

Externally, the timing belt has a toothed inner surface and a rubber base. Unlike other types of belts, it spans multiple pulleys at once.

Lada Granta camshaft drive diagram

In addition to the two named shafts, the belt combines several more units, such as a water pump (pump) and so on.

If the rollers or pump are damaged, this suggests an increased rate of belt wear, which reduces its service life many times over.

Tests and tests

Experts from the Za Rulem magazine tested 36 drive belts - 6 copies of each from six different brands. The test results refer to specific product samples and do not allow us to judge the entire range of products of each item.

• Continental, Germany. Approximate price 850 ₽. There can be no complaints about a belt that has stood for 400 hours on the stand and could continue to work. In our tests, only two products were able to demonstrate this.
• Gates, UK. Approximate price 1150 ₽. 400 hours on the bench are sufficient grounds for unequivocal approval.
• Trialli, China. Approximate price 700 ₽. 286 hours is, let’s say, a strong middle peasant, which, unlike the leaders, nevertheless became toothless, although it lasted quite a long time, exceeding the requirements of the technical specifications. At the same time, strength tests have shown that some belt parameters are even better than those of the champions.

• Gates (fake with reference to Germany). Approximate price 350 ₽. Which is what needed to be proven: “You, priest, should not chase after cheapness.” After just 3 hours of life tests, the belt lost its “teeth”: a complete failure. Checking individual parameters confidently placed the product in last place: such belts cannot be installed!
• Lynx, Japan. Approximate price 650 ₽. During endurance tests, the belt lasted 104 hours, after which some of the teeth were cut off. In general, not so little, but the leaders worked four times longer and were not injured! The remaining parameters are not failures, but overall we are looking at an mediocre product.
• Balakovorezinotekhnika (BRT), Russian Federation. Approximate price 750 ₽. Just 1 hour on the stand instead of the champion 400 - what can I say? Alas, the teeth came off the cord almost immediately. It feels like the belts are made of raw rubber. Note that after drying, the cutting force of the tooth more than doubled - and this turned out to be the best result. But the breaking forces are low, and according to the results of bench tests - the penultimate place.

Technical regulations of the AvtoVAZ plant for belt replacement

Cars of the Lada Granta family are equipped, as we have already said, with various engine modifications. Some of them do not have the problem that when the timing belt breaks, the valves bend, while others have a similar feature.

Only the 11183-50 engine does not bend the valve if the timing belt breaks; this engine is installed on the Lada Granta in the standard configuration. Read more about in which engines, when the timing belt breaks, the valves tear in this material.

To eliminate the occurrence of an emergency situation, the manufacturer recommends changing the belt once every seventy-five thousand kilometers . But you will have to monitor its condition more often - during each maintenance, that is, after 15 thousand kilometers. This statement is true for both 8-valve and 16-valve engines. Even though the most common Lada Granta engine, model 21116, is equipped with an imported cylinder head, it will also have to undergo expensive repairs as a result of a broken belt!

Naturally, the manufacturer does not recommend replacing the belt yourself, as well as checking it. If you try to do all the work yourself, there is a high probability that you will be denied subsequent warranty service. It is recommended to change only the filter yourself (replacing the cabin filter, replacing the air filter, replacing the fuel filter).

Advice from Lada Granta owners

Most Lada Granta owners, especially owners of 16-valve engines (repairs are much more expensive than an 8-valve equivalent), are advised not to wait until the required 75 thousand kilometers. The fact is that low-quality components can lead to wear and tear starting after 20 thousand kilometers.

Most owners use well-proven Gates products when replacing. But they like to fake this brand, so try to buy from time-tested suppliers!

K015670XS - spare part article for 16-valve engines.

K015670XS

A couple of tips on replacing the timing belt

If you decide to replace the belt yourself, then you should consider some recommendations.

For example, after installing the belt, you will also need to tension it correctly. This is done using a special key. Some will note that you can get by with improvised means, but then no one guarantees the result.

The force, which is typical for turning the belt 90 degrees between the crankshaft and camshaft pulleys, should not be more than 20 Nm, but it should not be allowed to be below 15 Nm. All other indicators will tell you that the belt tension was incorrect and further adjustment will be required.

Installation of all shafts according to marks

First check that the gear is in neutral.
There is a rubber cover on the crankcase body closer to the clutch assembly. It needs to be removed. The point is to achieve alignment of the marks on the flywheel and in the scale slot. When this is done, fix the flywheel with a screwdriver.

Of course, it is easier to perform such an operation with two people. Know that the desired position of the shaft corresponds to the alignment of marks AB and CD (see figure).

The crankshaft itself must be rotated to the right using a 17 or 19 key (motor 11183).
The meaning of this is illustrated in the photo. The alternator belt must be removed.
The alternator belt blocks access to the timing drive parts. You will have to loosen the fastening and remove this belt.

Use a 13mm wrench to loosen the lower mounting bolt. Then unscrew the upper fastening nut and remove the bolt. The generator casing is pressed against the engine and the structure is secured with wire. The belt can now be removed. Installation of the alternator belt is carried out in the following sequence:
1
.
Secure the generator; 2
.
Throw the belt over the pulleys, as shown in the photo; 3
. Having engaged 5th gear, roll the car back.

Please be aware that reusing the alternator belt is a last resort. It would be better to buy a new part.

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.

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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

Features of disassembling a 16-valve engine

As for the 16-valve engine, the sequential disassembly is completely identical to that described, with the exception of one point - installing the marks. Since this engine uses two camshafts, the marks must be aligned on both, and do not forget about the marks on the flywheel.

Also, during disassembly, in addition to the tension roller, you will also have to dismantle the bypass roller, since it also needs to be replaced.

After removing the belt, you should also check the play of the bearings on the pump. If it is significant, then it is better to replace it immediately. Otherwise, it may quickly fail after replacing the belt and the need to re-disassemble the drive, since the pump is replaced only after dismantling the drive.

Note that after removing the belt, it is important to ensure that you do not accidentally turn one of the shafts while installing a new one.

Consequences of a broken timing belt

4 valves bent after timing belt broke

As we have already said, only one engine should not have significant problems after a timing belt break - 11183-50 . But for other models, significant breakdowns are possible, which will result in significant financial investments! On our website, a battle has broken out among Grant drivers about which engine is better: 8 or 16 valves, we are also interested in your opinion.

The fact is that when the belt breaks, the camshaft stops in the position in which it was at that moment. But the crankshaft continues to move. As a result, the pistons hit the valves, which were currently open, with great force. The valves are bent from this impact, and in rare cases the piston may even be punctured, although this is very rare. This situation is popularly called the “fist of friendship”!

Fist of Friendship

Another same problem

From a different angle

Top view, different motor

Reason: broken belt

Torn timing belt

It is for this reason that experts recommend replacing the timing belt even earlier than indicated by the car or belt manufacturer.

Survey

Determine the best timing kit, belt or pulley

We will do it by voting. Leave feedback in the comments, in which you can indicate:

1. Which timing belt and rollers did you choose and why?
2. How often do you change the rollers and timing belt?

Where can I buy?

These and other original parts are presented at low prices in our online store:

We previously told you when to change the timing belt and rollers according to the manufacturer's regulations, as well as how to do it yourself.

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