Replacing ball joints on Kalina: safety and comfort without extra costs

The ball joint is one of the most important components of the front suspension of front-wheel drive cars, including the Lada Kalina. The main purpose of the ball joint is to be the connecting link between the steering wheel hub and the suspension arms. That is, during vertical movement, the hub rotates, but the horizontal position of the wheel remains unchanged. The condition of the ball joint should be carefully monitored. Otherwise, there is a high probability of serious consequences, especially if the breakdown occurs while driving. If the ball joint fails, the wheel will turn outward and the car is guaranteed to fall onto the wing. If you imagine such a situation at high speed, there is a high probability that its development will lead to a serious accident.

What is a ball joint

Externally, this part looks like a cone with a movable tip. This type is the most successful and took a long time to develop, because previously the supports were of a less successful shape. Initially, they looked like 2 different elements that were connected by welding.

Ball joints on Kalina are usually made of steel for greater strength. The fact is that they are under constant stress. The housing also uses plastic or polymer.

What can cause ball joints to become unusable?

There are only two factors that worsen the condition of ball joints, but both of them can be attributed to mechanical stress.

First

– this is dust and dirt that penetrates through a torn boot. When driving over uneven surfaces, the rubber boot that protects the unit's lubrication can easily be damaged. When dirt or moisture gets in, the lubrication properties deteriorate and sand gets into the smooth part of the hinge. After that, it gets scratched and starts to play.

Second factor

- These are shock loads. Although the product can withstand a wide range of impacts, it still has its limits. With frequent impacts and horizontal displacements, the product may break off or gaps may appear in the smooth part of the hinge. This also leads to backlash and subsequent destruction of the support.

Choice: original or analogue?

This element is important in the design of the car, so you need to choose it carefully. The choice of spare parts is not small, you can choose exactly the option that suits you best in terms of price and quality.

An original factory-quality ball will cost about 1,000 rubles. Price may vary depending on where you purchase. For the Lada Kalina car, ball joints from the Samara family, as well as the VAZ-2110, are suitable. The catalog number for the spare part is 21100-2904192-82. If the kit includes fasteners, then the number is 21100-2904192-86.

There is an alternative to the original ball one. There are several such options:

Ball joints for Lada Kalina are offered in different quality and cost. An analogue can be purchased cheaper than a factory spare part. Often their quality is equal or even superior. However, it is highly not recommended to purchase the cheapest copy; it is usually of low quality and has a short resource, which is unacceptable for this unit.

Of course, it is best to give preference to a factory-quality ball joint, since they are the ones that are installed by the car manufacturer initially. However, the cost of such a copy is high, so most motorists consider buying analogues.

In this case, you need to choose extremely carefully. You should not buy a ball from an unknown manufacturer, or from dubious places.

You also need to inspect the spare part before purchasing. Its surface should be perfectly smooth without welds. If the item is dirty gray in color, then it is better to refrain from purchasing it, since it most likely has undergone heat treatment.

If, even after completing these steps, questions still remain, then it is best to contact the store managers who will help you decide.

Signs of faulty ball joints on Lada Kalina

The front suspension of Lada Kalina cars is made according to the MacPherson scheme, in which the upper support is a shock-absorbing strut, the lower is a wishbone connected to the steering knuckle by means of one ball joint. This scheme is quite simple and reliable, however, this assembly contains several moving parts, so it can be difficult to reliably identify a faulty ball joint.

In general, the following signs indicate a malfunction of the ball joint:

• Knock from the front suspension when overcoming uneven roads at low speed;
• Increased effort on the steering wheel when turning;
• Creaking from the front suspension when turning the steering wheel;
• Uneven tire wear;
• Unstable trajectory of the car with a straight steering wheel.

These signs should be treated with caution, as they may indicate problems with the wheel bearing, shock absorber and fastening of suspension parts (levers). To diagnose, you can follow a few simple steps.

First, rock the car and listen to the sounds arising in the suspension - although this method helps to localize the cause of extraneous creaks and knocks, it, unfortunately, can provide little information to inexperienced car enthusiasts.

Secondly, you can check the ball for play by shaking the wheel with your hands, grasping it at the top and bottom points. In this case, you need an assistant to depress the brake pedal. There should be no noticeable play when the wheel rocks, although play may again indicate problems with the wheel bearing and suspension parts.

Finally, thirdly, you can check the ball joint for play tactilely. To do this, you need to place your palm directly on the support so as to simultaneously touch its body and finger. When rocking the wheel (which is best left to an assistant), you can clearly feel whether there is play in the ball joint and how big it is.

You should also pay attention to the condition of the protective rubber boot (boot) - you need to periodically inspect it for cracks and tears. Even a small crack will lead to squeezing out the lubricant and getting dirt inside the boot, and, as a result, to intense wear of the ball joint and a sharp reduction in its service life.

If a malfunction is suspected or a clear sign of failure is detected, the ball joint must be replaced as soon as possible.

Diagnostic operations

How can you diagnose the condition of ball joints on a Lada Kalina:

• The first thing you need to pay attention to is the condition of the boot. If it has cracks or is torn, then it must be removed and the ball should be inspected.
• We hang the wheel a little and swing it up and down with our hands. If there is play, then it’s time to replace the ball.
• The presence of a squeak, as well as heavy turning of the steering wheel, can also be signs that the ball joints are in critical condition.
• Instability in control, namely departure from the trajectory of movement to the left or right, with the steering wheel in a level position, indicates that the ball joint has failed.

It is almost impossible to determine the exact condition of the ball joint, but the above facts indirectly indicate the condition of the supports.

How to change a ball joint on a viburnum with your own hands

Lada Kalina Station wagon PORT WINE NOT LIKE EVERYONE Logbook Rear door lock
The ball joint is an important part of the car’s suspension, responsible for turns and vertical movement of the wheel. The quality of our roads, and sometimes driving style, lead to this part failing. And although the VAZ 2110 at one time became a fundamentally new car, ball failure on it happens no less often than on Samara class models. In this case, replacement is necessary.

Where is the ball joint located on the VAZ 2110

Based on the fact that this part is involved in turns, it is located behind the front wheels - on the left and right. This mechanism received the circuit, as well as all the sores, from the VAZ 2108 - the first Samara, and passed it on to all subsequent cars of the 110 class.

Many people mistakenly believe that there are 2 ball joints in a car, while forgetting that in addition to the upper ones, there are also lower ones. The diagram clearly shows that there are two ball wheels on one wheel - one at the top, one at the bottom.

Causes of malfunction

It is the ball joint that is responsible for the smooth passage of uneven areas. In a normal situation, the gap between the finger and the body is constant, and the finger rotates freely. When worn, it begins to wobble from side to side - the gaps increase, and sooner or later it may break. Constant driving on uneven roads can significantly shorten the life of the ball joint.

There are cases when even new parts broke. When driving, this joint experiences heavy loads, and if the wheel falls into a hole at high speed, the support can be torn out of its socket.

In a normal situation, the hinge is covered with a special boot. If the latter breaks, the support loses protection from external influences. If liquid gets on it, corrosion can begin, and if any solid particles get in, abrasive wear can occur.

Do I need to change

Inexperienced drivers often wonder: is it necessary to change? If you notice any of the indicated signs, you need to change it.

Symptoms of a problem

One of the main signs of failure is uneven tire wear. An experienced car enthusiast knows that in order to wear tires evenly, it is necessary to periodically change places - right to left, front to rear, but if the tire on one wheel “goes bald” noticeably faster, you need to check the ball joints of that wheel. Other signs of damage include:

• suspicious knocking in the wheel area;
• strange squeaks when turning;
• the wheel wobbles from side to side even when driving in a straight line;
• It became much more difficult to turn the steering wheel (on cars without power steering).

At the slightest suspicion, you need to check, since a breakdown of the support can even lead to the loss of a wheel, which will create an emergency situation on the road.

Diagnostics

You don't need any expensive equipment or a service station to check. Although it doesn’t hurt to contact the service, there are a couple more ways to check.

First way

• Jack up the car so that the front wheel hangs freely.
• Grab it firmly and start pumping. If there is a lot of play, the ball will have to be changed.

For the second method, you will need an inspection hole.

Second option

• Just like in the first method, they lift the car.
• Insert a pry bar or crowbar into the gap between the ball and suspension arm. Backlash, if there is any, can be noticed without difficulty.

A normal indicator is considered if the wheel remains motionless in both methods.

What will you need for replacement?

First of all, you need a ball joint remover for work.

Puller options in the photo

• spanner 17;
• socket wrench 19;
• wheel wrench;
• jack;
• mount;

It would be a good idea to call a friend who will hold the pry bar while you carry out other operations.

Options for choosing parts in the photo

How to change: step-by-step instructions

It's better to work in a pit.

Use a jack to lift the front of the car from the problem side. Unscrew the fastening nuts and remove the wheel. Unscrew the nut that secures the ball pin. Then remove the bolts located along the edges of the support - the fastening to the steering knuckle. Insert the puller and squeeze the finger out of the lever (see photo). Remove the support using a puller. If you don’t have a puller, you can use a hammer (see photo)

Holding your finger with the reinforcement, knock it out with a hammer. Ask a friend to carefully press the lower end of the lever with a pry bar. Removing the old part

They put a new one in its place and bolt it to the steering knuckle. Manually pointing your finger into the eyelet, ask a friend to slowly lower the lever. Secure the nut that secures the pin. Return the wheel to its place and lower the car.

The ball joint on modern Vases from 2108 to Granta also changes.

Video of replacement for VAZ 2110

The operation, which is often performed at a service station, can be done at home even by one car owner. But if you have a friend, the operation will take up to an hour, and the cost will be several times cheaper.

Malfunctions

Despite the fact that the support parts of the Lada Kalina are made of durable steel, the unit, which experiences the most powerful loads, fails from time to time, because it is the suspension that experiences the vibrations that come from driving on a bad, bumpy road, and the suspension also absorbs a significant part of the weight of the machine, which leads to wear of parts.

1. Most often, the contacting surfaces in the supports wear out, which are in constant friction. Mechanical damage and overheating lead to deformation: the formation of a gap from the pin to the body, chips, cracks. For this reason, parts malfunction, rotate, even hang out in the body, and as a result, have the most negative impact on the operation of the suspension. And since the stability of the car depends on the suspension, we can say for sure: faults in the ball joints lead to loss of controllability, and, therefore, to an accident.
2. In addition to deformation of the contacting surfaces, damage also occurs in the boot; rupture of the boot also has a bad effect on the operation of the entire system, because in this case, all the dirt, dust and water that falls on the suspension while driving gets inside, which causes corrosion processes and rapid wear. components.
3. Lack of lubrication also leads to the formation of mechanical deformations. Therefore, you must always monitor the lubrication level in all systems, without losing sight of the suspension.

Price list for basic VAZ suspension repair work

Check with our managers by phone. They will be happy to answer all your questions.

The reasons for contacting the service center may be:

• extraneous sounds when the car is moving, such as knocking or grinding;
• vehicle vibration;
• large body roll when cornering;
• uneven wear of wheel tires.

Diagnostics of your car for suspension health will include checking the shock absorbers

tors, springs and struts, ball joints, CV joints, degree of wear of brake pads.

Diagnostics and repair of the VAZ front suspension, as well as repair of the VAZ rear suspension, is carried out at our car service center using special equipment. The car is located on a special stand, which provides unhindered access to all parts of the car. If during diagnostics malfunctions in the operation of the shock absorbers are discovered, they will be replaced, followed by wheel balancing.

How to choose the right one

Professionals say that it is better to give preference to original spare parts, since only they can guarantee impeccable quality, reliability and durability. But this option is expensive, which is why a significant part of motorists pay attention to analogues of original spare parts.

But here you need to be very careful: do not trust unknown manufacturing companies and do not buy components from unverified points on the market.

Before buying a product, it is necessary to conduct a thorough visual inspection: there should be no traces of welding on the body. Also, the parts should not undergo heat treatment, as can be seen from the dirty gray color of the surface.

But that’s not all: manufacturers of fakes sell products with a perfectly smooth surface, but! There is no emblem or quality mark here.

Quality can be determined by the hologram on the case and packaging in steel or red shades, with a mandatory set of fasteners.

The optimal price for VAZ supports is 500 rubles. True, not so expensive, but if you want to purchase tuning parts, then the price will be two zeros more - in the region of 20,000 to 48,000 rubles, from Pasker.

Original

If you believe the spare parts catalog, then the original catalog number of the Lada Kalina ball joint is 2108-2904185 . The average cost is 1000 rubles per piece.

Original Kalina ball joint produced by AvtoVAZ

Analogs

Belmag ball joint is an excellent option for replacing original spare parts

Let's consider possible options for replacing the original spare part:

As you can see from the table, you can buy an analogue cheaper than the original. But don’t go to extremes and buy the cheapest.

TRW ball joint recommended for installation on Kalina

Tools and materials needed to replace ball joints

To do the job you need a small set of tools:

• Key or socket 19;
• 17mm wrench/socket or TORX E12 socket;
• Ball joint remover.

Also useful would be a torque wrench for tightening bolts and nuts with the required force, a pry bar and a hammer.

Special mention should be made of the 17 key and the TORX E12 head. On Kalina cars, ball joints can be mounted to the steering knuckle using one of two types of fasteners - regular bolts with a 17 head, and bolts with a TORX E12 star head. Therefore, before you begin, you need to clarify what kind of fasteners are used on your car and select the appropriate tool.

L-shaped screw puller

Replacing the outer CV joint on a viburnum with your own hands.
What cars can this ball joint puller be used for? 2107, 2105 and 2106 - these are the VAZ cars for which it is best suited. The tool is quite versatile. To make it, you will need a metal rod - its diameter must be at least 10 mm, and its length - 15-17 cm. An L-shaped blank is made from this rod, the arm length of which must be at least 5 cm. So, take a rod, measure 5 cm on it, clamp it in a vice and bend it at a right angle. A thread is cut on the long part of the element. Find a suitable nut.

Now you need to make a thrust bar. It is made according to the wedge principle. A plate with a thickness of at least 5 mm is suitable for the workpiece. On one side of the plate a slot is made that fits the support pin. On the other hand, they make a hole for the diameter of the rod. Next, put the plate on the long part of the rod and clamp it with a hook.

Replacement

1. The first step is to soak the fasteners in WD-40 engine oil for a day to make the boiled parts easier to remove. It is advisable to do the impregnation twice, one and a half to two hours apart, and leave until the next day.
2. Now we begin the most difficult dismantling work. Raise the front of the car and remove the wheel.
3. Unscrew the fasteners holding the supports. There are two bolts in total, which can be removed with a 12 key.

4. We dismantle the stabilizer strut.
5. To remove the supports, you must first bend the lever down a little.
6. We arm ourselves with a puller and press the part out of the lever. An analogue of a puller can be an ordinary crowbar, which is likely to be found in every home of the real owner.
7. But when pressing out the support, you need to be extremely careful: you can damage the boot, which is quite fragile, especially on the Lada Kalina.
8. After dismantling, we install a new support and reassemble in the reverse order.

Now we do the same with the rear supports.

Of course, repair work on the suspension is not as simple as, for example, replacing a steering rack or muffler, but if you use competent instructions and patience, everything will work out. We wish you good luck and good roads!

Let's sum it up

There are a number of features of operating the Lada Granta on Russian roads. For some reason, a domestic car is not very suitable for our roads; it crashes and fails instantly. Sometimes you come across a well-built car that doesn’t show any character after 100,000 kilometers. But in most cases, the Garnet justifies the title of the cheapest car in the Lada line. And when it comes to racks, the manufacturer saves a lot on these elements. The installation of low-quality suspension elements leads to the fact that more and more people, after purchasing Grants, repair it under warranty.

However, sometimes it is better to cancel the warranty and install normal racks, supports and other parts. In this case, you will ensure the normal service of your car’s suspension and will be able to establish normal operation of each unit. This will take a certain budget, but can provide you with comfortable movement without any particular difficulties or problems. Of course, even the best quality rack will eventually fail. But it can travel far beyond 100 thousand kilometers. What brands of spare parts do you choose to repair the suspension of your Lada Granta?

The procedure for removing the old and installing a new ball joint on the Lada Kalina

So, first of all, we tighten the handbrake and tear off the bolts of the front wheel on the side where the replacement is planned. Then we lift the front part of the car with a jack and finally unscrew the wheel mounting bolts and remove it:

After this, unscrew the ball pin nut using a regular 19-socket wrench:

Now you can insert the puller, as shown in the photo below, and twist the bolt until the support pin pops out of its place:

Now you can unscrew the two support mounting bolts, which are located at the bottom edges, using a TORX E12 socket for this:

Now you can press the lever down with a pry bar to remove the support from its place. Or you can do it a little differently: place a brick under the brake disc, and carefully lowering the jack, thereby unloading the suspension arm, and the rack rises slightly up:

Now the ball becomes free and can be removed without any problems:

Then we take a new support, remove the protective rubber from it and stuff lubricants into it, you won’t regret it -)

We put the ball pin in its place:

Then tighten the nut to a torque of 66-82 Nm. Then you need to fit the holes in the support to the holes on the steering knuckle and tighten the bolts. I’ll say right away that I suffered a lot with this procedure, since I didn’t have a powerful pry bar at hand to pull the lever down. I had to use a light mounting spatula to manipulate the lever and change the position of the stand while raising or lowering the car with a jack.

As a result, after some effort, we managed to align the holes, but then, even with complete alignment, it can be problematic to tighten the bolts, so you should be patient if problems arise in this matter. Perhaps in your case it will be possible to make everything simpler without putting in extra effort. As they say, it doesn’t happen every time, yesterday I changed it on the nine (on my experimental one), and everything happened there in 5 minutes without pry bars or other manipulations with the jack.

By the way, I forgot to mention the price of new supports; in our city you can buy one for from 250 to 400 rubles, depending on the manufacturer: AvtoVAZ, Lemforder, Fenox, etc.

Peculiarities

Consequences of untimely replacement of the ball joint

Harsh operating conditions, poor road surfaces, loads and passengers place a lot of stress and responsibility on the ball joint. Therefore, the condition of this node must be monitored regularly.

The entire load does not go to the ball joint itself, but to a small ball, which can fall out if worn out and worn out. If you remember, not so long ago you could see a Lada car on the road with a fallen ball joint.

conclusions

The process of replacing ball joints on the Lada Kalina is quite simple and easy. But, it is worth paying attention to the choice of part, since how long and how well it will hold the suspension depends on its quality.

Sources

• https://zapchasti.expert/podveska/sharovaya-opora/sharovaya-opora-na-lada-kalina.html
• https://www.avtoall.ru/article/20981983/
• https://carfrance.ru/menyaem-sharovuyu-oporu-na-lada-kalina-svoimi-rukami/
• https://mylada.net/remont/zamena-sharovyx-opor-na-kaline.html
• https://ladakalinablog.ru/zamena-sharovyx-opor-svoimi-rukami/