Signs and causes of clutch failure
The VAZ 2108, 2109, 21099 clutch consists of a basket, a pressure bearing, a drive and driven disk. The main signs of a clutch malfunction are clutch slipping and incomplete disengagement:
- When switching off is incomplete (the pedal is pressed), there is difficulty shifting gears with the engine running, noise and crackling noises when changing gears, and large free play of the clutch pedal.
- When the clutch “slips” (the pedal is released), a burning smell may be felt in the cabin from the burning of the clutch disc linings, the car’s dynamics will deteriorate, the engine may overheat, and fuel consumption will increase.
Most often, the cause of a breakdown of the VAZ 2109 clutch is improper operation of the car. For example, if the car “sits down” in the snow and you continue to accelerate hard, or really like to start with slipping, all this shortens the life of the clutch.
In addition to the clutch disc itself, the release bearing can also fail - it serves to smoothly engage and disengage the clutch. When the release bearing wears out to the limit, you can hear a characteristic squealing sound - this is a sure sign that the bearing needs to be replaced. The cause of clutch failure may also be a breakdown in its drive mechanism, for example, a break or jamming of the clutch drive cable, a breakdown of the lever system, a fluid leak from the hydraulic drive if the clutch is hydraulic, or other similar breakdowns in the drive.
By the way, when replacing the release bearing at a service station, they may advise you to also replace the clutch disc. Usually, if problems begin with the clutch, it is better to replace all these parts, because replacing the clutch is very difficult: you need to remove the gearbox. But if someone wants to save on this, then all clutch parts can be purchased separately.
To work you will need the following:
- wrenches 8, 10, 13, 17 mm;
- torque wrench, 8 mm socket;
- jack;
- container for draining oil;
- inspection hole or lift.
- flat screwdriver, hammer.
When removing or installing the gearbox, do not rest the input shaft of the gearbox on the clutch pressure spring petals, so as not to damage them.
diagram, bolts, flywheel, where it is located, manufacturers
The clutch basket is the main device in a car, consisting of several parts that are located in a single unit. She ensures that the release plate and flywheel are properly disconnected and connected. That is, it is thanks to it that the engine is turned on and off. If the basket is bad, in a faulty condition, then the ability to start also fails, the mechanism does not work at all.
Purpose of the clutch
There are three main types of clutch baskets. They differ in design features.
This device is a very important kit in a car. Thanks to a part such as a spider, it is possible to separate the engine and transmission when braking occurs or a gear needs to be changed. Also regarding the classic movement, the clutch basket is needed to connect the two units of the car so that it starts. The engine operates using a fuse. Because thanks to the spider, transmission units, which can have very different diameters, are saved. The device parameters do not change even with strong dynamics. But in fact, running the engine is the simplest part of a car.
The point of supplying energy is that the spider controls the transmission of power coming from the flywheel and the main part to the main disk, which already sends the movement parameters to the gearbox.
The release plates are very elastic, they serve as petals of the basket, thanks to them the driven disk and the release disk are compressed together with the flywheel.
Such parameters indicate normal operation of the clutch basket. When you press the clutch pedal, no matter what the weight, the driven disc and release plate are separated, then no more torque is transmitted.
The weight of the kit is of great importance, since the lower it is, the easier the impact on the engine. The device is also responsible for the quality of operation of the entire set. The flywheel and spider should perform unconditionally well. At the same time, they must be in their places, since the car simply will not move without them. To summarize this subsection, we can say that the basket is an indispensable device in the engine kit.
The basic principle of clutch operation
As we have seen, the clutch basket refers to one set of parts that has a certain weight in the car. This includes the spider, the flywheel, and various bushings, bolts, and discs. Including the pressure plate, round spring and protective cover. There is an excellent tandem between the basket and the main parts.
It turns out that the bolts hold the basket and the drive flywheel together, but also thanks to the bushings and bolts, the return spring manages to stay in the basket, which is located in close proximity to the bearing.
The flywheel and secondary disc are connected by a pressure plate. If the clutch is disengaged, the disc presses on the basket, causing it to interact with the flywheel. When the pressure plate no longer presses, the engine starts working. Then the driven element begins to rotate on its own. At this time, the pressure element and the casing have the same parameters, pressing on the spring, which returns everything to its original state when the engine stops working. The diameter of such a spring has a lot of weight in operation.
Replacing the clutch on a VAZ 2109/21099 without removing the gearbox
Replacing the VAZ 2109/21099 clutch without removing the gearbox is quite difficult. You will not find instructions or recommendations on this topic in the car's owner's manual. These recommendations are based on the experience of car enthusiasts who share their experience of replacing the clutch.
The main problem when replacing a clutch is that not every motorist has an overpass, a pit, and especially a lift, and it is necessary to make sure that the massive gearbox does not fall to the ground. But lifting it is problematic, since it is impossible to crawl under the car with it.
All steps for removing the gearbox are almost the same as the instructions above, with the exception of some nuances:
- Purchase two bolts from the upper arm of the classic front suspension from the store. Their threads are exactly the same as those on the bolts that secure the box and the engine block together.
- Screw them in from above, only after that, with a small crowbar or screwdriver, we begin to disconnect the nodes. After moving away, the rear part of the box will rest on the transverse rod, and a gap of about 15 centimeters will form between the clutch housing and the flywheel.
- The release bearing is removed through the resulting gap and the bolts on the basket are unscrewed.
But the installation is slightly different from the process shown in the instructions:
- Place the new release valve in its place. Then a disk is installed on the flywheel and a basket on top of it.
- Just tighten the bolts a couple of turns, but do not overtighten!
- Carefully begin to slide the input shaft onto the splines in the disc.
- Then we move the box back and tighten the bolts on the basket. The basket fastening bolts are tightened only after the box is installed in its place.
- After this, you can install the gearbox and tighten the bolts on it.
When replacing the clutch without removing the gearbox on a VAZ 2109/21099 car, there is no need to center the disc!
Repair work
If you decide to do everything yourself, follow the following sequence of actions.
- Drive onto an overpass or pit. This will make it more convenient for you to work.
- Raise the front of the car using a reliable jack and securely fix the nine.
- Remove the wheels.
- Disconnect the clutch housing ground and clutch cable. Next you will have to remove the transmission.
- To do this, remove the starter by disconnecting the wires, terminals and unscrewing the three mounting nuts.
- Disconnect the speedometer cable and reverse cable.
- Remove the brace fastenings to the suspension arms and move them to the sides.
- Disconnect the ball joints from the swing arms. To do this, you need to remove the cotter pin, unscrew the nut, and knock out the support pin. Then the two nuts are unscrewed and the hinge is disconnected.
- Using a pry bar, press out the tip of the inner CV joint. Be sure to plug the hole formed in the gearbox using improvised means, otherwise oil will begin to pour out of the gearbox.
- Remove the lower clutch housing protection. There are only 3 bolts holding it in place.
- Make supports from bars, bricks for the box and engine.
- Remove the rear supports.
- Unscrew the remaining fasteners and pull the gearbox horizontally. Be careful not to deform the pressure spring lobes with the input shaft.
Removal and inspection
- When unscrewing the mounting bolts, it is better to secure the driven disk with something. A regular large screwdriver will do.
- Be careful not to give out the driven disc and remove the clutch assembly.
- Examine the current condition of the parts. If mechanical damage is noticed on them, we recommend replacing them immediately.
The next step is to check the condition of the parts.
| Object to be checked | Peculiarities |
| Release bearing | Try to crank it up. If crunching or extraneous sounds occur, the part must be replaced. |
| Driven disk | Check it for signs of wear and damage on rubbing surfaces. Also, the rivets should be located at a depth of at least 0.2 millimeters, and the springs in the sockets should only be solid and tightly installed. Otherwise replacement |
| This is the pressure plate. Check it for damage or cracks on the working surface. Plus the condition of the flywheel is checked | |
| Diaphragm spring | If there are cracks here, the petals dangle or are located in different planes, the part goes to scrap, and a new one is installed in its place |
It is quite rare that individual components of the clutch change independently of the others. Mostly repairs involve replacing the assembly, which includes the pressure plate, release bearing and clutch driven disc.
Assembly of the unit is performed in reverse order. Just make sure that you choose really high-quality parts for replacement. For example, a normal quality clutch disc will cost about 1,000 rubles today. We do not recommend taking cheaper options.
The clutch is a fairly important element in the design of a car’s transmission. With its help, the transmission is disconnected from the engine for a short period of time and smoothly connected to change gear. In addition to this main function, it is necessary to dampen gearbox vibrations and to protect transmission elements from overload. If for some reason the mechanism does not work on a VAZ 2109, replacing the clutch disc is inevitable. Replacing the clutch disc of a VAZ 2109 can be easily done on your own.
Clutch selection
When choosing a clutch kit, you should focus not only on your available budget. By saving or buying a fake, you risk getting even more problems in the future.
Valeo kit
Today there are several main manufacturers whose clutches should be purchased for the VAZ 2109.
| Manufacturer | Peculiarities |
| VIS | This is a stock clutch that the VAZ 2109 is equipped with from the factory. If there are laser markings on the discs, this is definitely not a fake. Plus, the company allows you to send an SMS indicating an identification code. If it is a fake, you will be notified accordingly. Not bad quality, but nothing special can be said about them. |
| Valeo | A French manufacturer, which is actively counterfeited on the domestic market. To catch fraud, pay attention to the cost and quality of components. Although the brand is from France, Valeo couplings can be produced in Italy, Spain, and South Korea. Good quality components ensuring smooth, easy operation. Perfect for female drivers. If you use the clutch correctly, it will last for about 150 thousand kilometers. The flywheel is almost eternal, and the discs are not afraid of overheating within acceptable limits. |
| Luk | A German company that has proven itself well in its homeland and has also earned a lot of praise among Russian motorists. They dampen vibrations perfectly, and real Luk clutches always have an element for damping vibrations of the pressure and driven disk. |
| Kraft | You can only find negative reviews about Kraft couplings from competitors. An impressive part of the sets under the Kraft brand, presented in Russia, were produced in Turkey, but under a German license. The kit includes a soft release bearing that performs well even under heavy use. The flywheel is very durable. On average, the clutch can withstand 150 thousand kilometers. But if you don’t spare the clutch, the service life will be significantly reduced. |
Kraft kit
Regardless of the quality of the selected kit, if it is installed incorrectly or due to rough operation of the vehicle, the life of the clutch will not reach those declared by the manufacturer. Therefore, drive your car accordingly.
How to choose the right one
Competent selection in 2022 begins with studying manufacturers’ offers. Knowing several factors will help determine which clutch is best installed on a VAZ.
- Precise car modification. The configuration of the clutch kit and its physical parameters depend on the type of car.
- Estimated price range. Depending on the desired cost, the user can navigate by company. The final price tag is considered an important factor - you shouldn’t count on the cheapest model.
- Method of operating the machine. With moderate driving under normal conditions, even simple modifications to the disc and drives will last quite a long time. If the car is used in racing mode or under critical overloads with frequent switching (this also includes training cars), you should buy high-quality products with a large margin of safety.
