The steering wheel has become heavy - causes, troubleshooting

From my very first trip in this car, I noticed that it was impossible to turn the steering wheel. I drove for a very long time and did not understand why this was so. someone said that the steering gearbox was faulty, the steering wheel play adjustment bolt was too tight.

BUT everything was fine with the gearbox. The problem was not with him!

I came to see what was wrong with my suspension. After carrying out diagnostic manipulations, it turned out that the torque rod bushings had become unusable. On some levers they were, one might say, absent. In terms of coin, they are not expensive and I replaced them, but not all of them, just the most killed ones. Honestly, it’s a pain to change them with a sledgehammer and a bolt. After this partial repair, the steering wheel began to turn much easier. But it still fell short of ideal. I wondered what else the problem could be. Having driven it a little, I noticed that if you put the steering wheel straight, the right wheel looks slightly outward relative to the left one...

Hence the conclusion that the wheel alignment is knocked down. Well, going to the station and paying is not an option for me. therefore, with my own efforts, I roughly adjusted the wheel to approximately the correct position. (article about adjustments) As a result, the steering wheel can be turned while moving with one finger, but in order to turn it on the spot, you need to use your second hand to turn it. Well that's all for now!

Until recently, the steering on the car was very tight; turning the wheels in place was not really difficult (yes, the steering wheel is small, but on other Lada cars with similar steering wheels the steering is much lighter). In addition, the steering wheel did not return when turned out and always remained in the position in which you left it - the car went as if on rails)) After which no one remembered the steering became like that, but I definitely remember that when I bought it, the steering wheel rotated very easily. I was thinking about a gearbox, but the time had come to replace it (the steering play was no longer adjustable), at the same time the steering rods and wheel bearings were replaced (the ball bearings were changed a year ago) and a wheel alignment was done.

It would seem that everything is new - the steering should have become lighter, but it turned out the opposite. Moreover, the play itself was tight. They began to dig further and removed the steering shaft bushing, and miraculously, the steering wheel immediately spun as it should! Upon inspection, the essence of the problem became clear - the shaft was clamped by the bushing in a place where it should not even touch it (you can see everything in the photo below).

We solved the problem by centering the shaft inside the bushing. It is horizontally centered thanks to the wide holes in the “binoculars”, but vertical alignment, unfortunately, is not provided. This is probably why (not counting the passive safety factor) the designers abandoned the solid shaft and later began installing a composite shaft with a cardan on the 07e model.

The design and principle of operation of the VAZ 2106 steering mechanism

The design of the VAZ 2106 steering mechanism is very complex. However, it is precisely this that allows the driver to confidently control the car in a variety of situations. All elements of the control system are shown in the figure below.

Here it should be said about the ease of control of the “six”. To turn the steering wheel, the driver makes a minimum of effort. And therefore, less tired on long trips. The steering of the “six” also has one more feature: play. It is very minor and is not a sign of a problem with the steering system. Play in the “six” steering wheel is a common occurrence; it occurs due to the abundance of various rods and small elements in the control system. Finally, in the latest models of the “sixes” they began to install injury-proof steering columns, which could fold in the event of a strong impact, increasing the driver’s chances of surviving a serious accident. The VAZ 2106 steering mechanism works as follows:

  1. The driver turns the steering wheel in the desired direction.
  2. A worm shaft begins to move in the steering gear, driven by a system of hinges.
  3. The gear mated to the worm shaft also begins to rotate and moves the double-ridge roller.
  4. Under the action of the roller, the secondary shaft of the steering gear begins to rotate.
  5. The bipod is attached to this shaft. When moving, they set the main steering rods in motion. Through these parts, the driver’s force is transmitted to the front wheels, which rotate to the required angle.

Mechanism design

To repair the steering column on a VAZ 2107, you first need to understand its structure, as well as the principle of operation.

The seven is in many ways similar to the “penny”. Therefore, the device and design received minor changes. The structure includes:

  1. A mechanism that transmits the driver’s force to the executive components;
  2. A steering drive that turns at an angle specified by the driver.

In turn, the steering mechanism consists of:

  1. Composite shaft with cardan transmission;
  2. Steering wheel (steering column together with a steering wheel with a diameter of 520 mm);
  3. Worm gearbox of the VAZ 2107 steering mechanism.

The control system has the following components:

  1. Bipod;
  2. Pendulum arm;
  3. Swivel arms;
  4. Steering rods for VAZ 2107 (one middle, two side).

The outer rods include two parts, which allows you to change their size by adjusting the toe angle.


Tie rod/end set for VAZ 2107

The operating principle of the steering mechanism looks like this:

  • The driver begins to rotate the steering wheel, the wheel size of which ensures that this task can be performed quite simply;
  • By means of a composite shaft, a worm gear is activated, which reduces the speed;
  • The steering mechanism is lubricated with special oil (TAD 17) poured into the gearbox;
  • The worm gears rotate, which causes the double ridge roller to move;
  • This, in turn, causes the secondary shaft to rotate;
  • The tray mounted on the secondary shaft makes a turn and pulls the rod system behind it;
  • These components influence the levers that synchronously rotate the wheels to the required angle specified by the driver.


Steering gear housing parts

1 - crankcase; 2 - bipod; 3 — lower crankcase cover; 4 — adjusting shims; 5 — outer ring of the worm shaft bearing; 6 — separator with balls; 7 — bipod shaft; 8 - adjusting screw; 9 — adjusting plate; 10 — lock washer; 11 - worm shaft; 12 — upper crankcase cover; 13 - sealing gasket; 14 — bipod shaft sleeve; 15 — worm shaft seal; 16 — bipod shaft seal.


Details

1 — steering gear housing; 2 - shaft seal; 3 - intermediate shaft; 4 - upper shaft; 5 — fixing plate of the front part of the bracket; 6 — bracket for fastening the steering shaft; 7 - upper part of the facing casing; 8 — bearing sleeve; 9 — bearing; 10 — steering wheel; 11 — lower part of the facing casing; 12 — bracket fastening parts

Purpose of the VAZ 2106 steering gear

The steering gearbox is an integral part of the “six” control system. And its purpose is to ensure timely rotation of the steering wheels in the direction desired by the driver.

Thanks to the steering gearbox, the effort that the driver spends turning the front wheels is significantly reduced. And finally, the gearbox allows you to reduce the number of steering wheel revolutions several times, which significantly improves the vehicle's handling.

Steering gear design

All elements of the steering gear are housed in a sealed steel case, which is produced by casting. The main parts of the gearbox are the gear and the so-called worm. These parts are in constant engagement. The housing also contains a bipod shaft with bushings, several ball bearings and springs. There are also several seals and gaskets that prevent oil from leaking out of the housing. You can learn more about the details of the “six” gearbox by looking at the figure.

On the VAZ 2107 the steering wheel has become very difficult to turn, what is the reason?

The reason is poor nutrition, you need to eat better.

Did it spin easily at first? There's nothing to influence the effort

Steering gear

in hydraulic boosters

the reason is either in the trapezoid or in the seams, or the pendulum or gearbox has screwed up. there seem to be no others)

the pendulum1 jammed, then the ball ends, etc.

change the swing arm

pour oil into the gearbox and then the ground - I see you have a beha 07)))—

Incorrect camber, steering gear (locked pin is tightly tightened).

The balls are rusty...

This happened to me once at a classic too. In the morning in winter, the steering wheel turned one way easily, but back with difficulty. The reason turned out to be trivial - somehow there was water in the steering column housing... in the morning it turned into ice.

Perhaps the steering rack has fallen off, or is clogged, either get a new one or clean the old one, the price is about the same

Check the grease in the steering gear.

They changed the wheels to “wider” ones and forgot to inflate them

The rack may be too tight! Loosen her up!

touch.otvet.mail.ru

Signs of breakdown of the gearbox and other elements of the steering system

The steering gearbox on a VAZ 2106 very rarely fails alone. As a rule, a gearbox failure is preceded by the failure of several elements of the steering system, after which the gearbox itself breaks down. That is why it is better to consider the problems of this system as a whole. We list the most well-known signs of a breakdown of the control system on the “six”:

  • when turning the steering wheel, a characteristic grinding or loud creaking sound is heard from under the steering column;
  • the driver observes a constant leak of lubricant from the gearbox;
  • turning the steering wheel began to require more effort than before.

The steering wheel of the VAZ 2107 is difficult to turn. Purpose, malfunctions and repair of the VAZ 2107 steering gear

adjustment, repair, oil change, instructions with photos and videos, why the steering wheel is hard to turn

Steering is present in all cars, regardless of class and year of manufacture. The device must always be in good condition and any changes to it are prohibited. The VAZ 2107 and other classic Zhiguli models are equipped with a worm-type steering column, which requires periodic inspection and sometimes repair.

Steering mechanism VAZ 2107 - brief description

The steering mechanism of the VAZ “Seven” has a rather complex design, which ensures reliable vehicle control in different driving situations. The steering wheel is endowed with good information content, which eliminates driver fatigue when traveling long distances. There are some difficulties when turning the steering wheel while the car is stationary. However, as soon as the car starts moving, the steering becomes less rigid and control improves.

The steering mechanism has one nuance - a slight play, which is normal. This is explained by the considerable number of parts in the gearbox and the presence of rods. After modernization, the VAZ 2107 began to be equipped with a safety column, which has a composite shaft. Its design consists of two cardan-type joints, which allow the shaft to fold in the event of an accident. In this way, injury to the driver is avoided.


The steering gearbox is designed to transmit force from the steering wheel to the tie rods to turn the front wheels to a given angle.

Steering gear reducer design

Before you begin repairing the steering column, you need to familiarize yourself with its structure, as well as its operating principle. The design consists of the following main elements:

  • a unit designed to transmit force from turning the steering wheel to actuators;
  • steering column, which turns the wheels to the desired angle.

The steering mechanism consists of:

  • composite shaft with cardan transmission;
  • steering wheel;
  • worm type steering gear.

The design has the following components:

  • pendulum;
  • swing arms;
  • steering rods.


Steering design: 1 - steering gear housing; 2 - shaft seal; 3 - intermediate shaft; 4 - upper shaft; 5 — fixing plate of the front part of the bracket; 6 — bracket for fastening the steering shaft; 7 - upper part of the facing casing; 8 — bearing sleeve; 9 — bearing; 10 — steering wheel; 11 — lower part of the facing casing; 12 — bracket fastening parts Since the outer rods have two parts, this makes it possible to adjust the toe angle. The steering functions as follows:

  1. The driver operates the steering wheel.
  2. Through universal joints, the worm shaft is driven, through which the number of revolutions is reduced.
  3. The worm rotates, which helps move the double-ridge roller.
  4. The secondary shaft of the gearbox turns.
  5. A bipod is mounted on the secondary shaft, which rotates and carries the steering rods with it.
  6. Through these parts, force is applied to the levers, thereby turning the front wheels to the angle desired by the driver.

The bipod is a rod that connects the steering gearbox to the steering linkage.

Signs of a gearbox malfunction

As the vehicle is used, the steering column may develop problems that require repair. The most common of them are:

  • oil leak from the gearbox;
  • extraneous sounds in the mechanism;
  • It takes a lot of effort to turn the steering wheel.
Table: VAZ 2107 steering faults and ways to solve them
Where is the gearbox located?

The steering gearbox on the VAZ 2107 is located in the engine compartment on the left side under the vacuum brake booster. If you have insufficient experience, you may not find it at first glance, since it is usually covered with a layer of dirt.


The steering gearbox on the VAZ 2107 is located under the vacuum brake booster on the left side of the engine compartment

Steering column repair

Due to constant friction in the steering mechanism, elements wear out, which indicates the need not only for adjustment of the unit, but also for possible repairs.

How to remove the gearbox

To dismantle the steering column on the “seven”, you will need the following tools:

  • a set of keys;
  • knob;
  • heads;
  • steering rod puller.

After preparing everything you need, perform the following step-by-step actions:

  1. The car is placed on a lift or inspection hole.
  2. Clean the steering rod fingers from dirt.
  3. The rods are disconnected from the gearbox bipod, for which the cotter pins are removed, the nuts are unscrewed and the pin is squeezed out of the steering gear bipod using a puller.


    After unscrewing the nuts, disconnect the steering rods from the bipod of the steering gear.

  4. The steering column is connected to the steering wheel using an intermediate shaft. Unscrew the fastener of the latter from the gearbox shaft.


    To remove the steering column, you will need to unscrew the fastening of the mechanism shaft to the intermediate shaft

  5. The gearbox is fastened to the body with three bolts. Unscrew the 3 fastening nuts, remove the fasteners and dismantle the steering mechanism from the car. To make the knot convenient

automotostyle.ru

How to change the steering gearbox on a VAZ 2106

Owners of the VAZ 2106 believe that the steering gearboxes of the “sixes” are almost beyond repair. An exception is made only in case of wear of ball bearings, gaskets and seals. Then the car owner disassembles the gearbox and replaces the above parts with new ones. And in case of wear of a worm, gear or roller, there is only one solution: replace the entire gearbox, since it is not always possible to find on sale, for example, a worm shaft from a “six” gearbox or a gear. The reason is simple: the car was discontinued a long time ago and spare parts for it are becoming less and less every year. To remove the gearbox we need the following tools:

  • set of socket heads and wrenches;
  • special puller for steering rod;
  • set of spanners;
  • new steering gear;
  • rags.

How to disassemble the steering gear of the “six”

If the driver decides not to change the gearbox on his “six”, but only replace the seals or bearings in it, then the gearbox will have to be almost completely disassembled. To do this, you need the following things:

  • large socket head 30;
  • puller for gearbox bipods;
  • flat screwdriver;
  • hammer;
  • vice.

Sequence of work

It should be said right away that a puller and a vice are the main tools when disassembling the gearbox. It is better not to start disassembling without them, since it will not be possible to replace these tools with anything.

    There is a fastening nut on the gearbox bipod. It is unscrewed with an open-end wrench. After this, the gearbox is installed in a vice, a puller is put on the bipod as shown in the photo, and the rod is carefully moved from the shaft with the puller.

Video: disassembling the steering gear of a “classic”

How to adjust the steering gear

Adjustment of the steering gear may be necessary if the steering wheel becomes very difficult to turn or a slight sticking is clearly felt when turning the steering wheel. Adjustment is carried out using a 19-mm open-end wrench and a flat-head screwdriver. In addition, for precise adjustments you will definitely need the help of a partner.

  1. The car is installed on smooth asphalt. The steering wheels are installed straight.
  2. The hood is opened, the steering gear is cleaned of dirt with a piece of rags. There is an adjusting screw with a lock nut on the crankcase cover of the gearbox. This screw is covered with a plastic cap, which will need to be pryed off with a screwdriver and removed.

Video: how to adjust the classic steering gear

Filling oil into the steering gear

As mentioned above, the steering gear housing is sealed. Oil is poured inside, which can significantly reduce friction of parts. Any GL5 or GL4 class oil is suitable for a VAZ gearbox. The viscosity class should be SAE80-W90. Many owners of “sixes” fill in the old Soviet TAD17 oil, which also has an acceptable viscosity and is cheaper. To fill the gearbox completely, you will need 0.22 liters of gear oil.

How to check the oil level in the steering gear

In order for the steering gear parts to last as long as possible, the driver must periodically monitor the oil level in this device and, if necessary, add lubricant.

    The gearbox cover has a hole for filling oil, closed with a plug. The plug is unscrewed using an 8-mm open-end wrench.

Oil filling sequence

If the driver needs to add a little oil to the gearbox or change the oil completely, he will need an empty plastic bottle, a piece of plastic tube and a medical syringe of the largest volume. It should be noted here that the operating instructions for the machine say: the oil in the steering gear should be changed once a year.

    The oil plug on the gearbox cover is unscrewed. A plastic tube is placed over the syringe. The other end of the tube is inserted into the drain hole of the gearbox, the oil is drawn out into a syringe and poured into an empty plastic bottle.

Video: we change the oil in the steering gear of a “classic” ourselves

So, the steering gearbox on the “six” is a very important part. Not only the controllability of the car, but also the safety of the driver and passengers depends on its condition. Even a novice car enthusiast can replace the gearbox. No special skills or knowledge are required for this. You just need to know how to use wrenches and strictly follow the recommendations outlined above.

Adjusting the steering wheel play on a VAZ 2101-VAZ 2107

Welcome! Steering wheel play is a fairly common problem in almost all cars, especially cars of the “Classic” family. Backlash can occur for various reasons, ranging from a banal collision with a bump and ending with a malfunction in the steering system itself, so in order to remove the backlash you will have to make an effort that you will appreciate in the future.

Note! To adjust the backlash you will need to stock up on: A screwdriver and also a wrench set to “17”!

Summary:

What can cause backlash? In fact, it occurs for various reasons, some of which were described above. But if play occurs, this may be to blame: A loose or heavily worn fastening of the steering mechanism, as well as the pendulum arm and the steering rods themselves.

Note! Before sinning on all these items of the steering mechanism, it is first recommended to check and, if possible, correct the increased gap that can be found in the engagement of the roller with the worm of the steering mechanism - we will do this adjustment!

How to adjust play, also known as free play at the steering wheel on a VAZ 2101-VAZ 2107?

Note! It is better to do the work with an assistant, as it is much easier and more convenient!

1) First, remove the protective cap that covers the column adjustment screw.

2) Then loosen the adjusting screw nut (Indicated by the red arrow) using a 17mm wrench. The nut must be loosened until the washer located under this nut can be lifted (Indicated by a blue arrow).

Next, when the nut is loosened, ask your assistant to sit behind the wheel of your car and sharply turn the steering wheel in different directions several times, while using a screwdriver, screw in the adjusting screw, which is indicated by the green arrow.

Note! Do this until the play at the steering wheel is within normal limits. Also, do not over-tighten the adjusting screw, otherwise the steering wheel may become very difficult to turn!

3) Next, completely tighten the adjusting screw nut, which is indicated by the red arrow, and while screwing, use a screwdriver to hold the screw itself from turning it.

Note! After the completed operations, check the free play of the steering wheel; if the steering wheel is difficult to turn, then slightly loosen the adjusting screw by loosening the nut. If, after completing the work, the steering play remains the same or has moved but not significantly, and if turning the steering wheel is accompanied by squeaking and clicking, then have it repaired at a car repair shop or replace the steering mechanism with a new one!

The steering mechanism is a very delicate thing and therefore it is not recommended to repair it yourself, because if assembled incorrectly, the mechanism can jam on the road and therefore the car will stop responding to steering movements!

If you don’t know how to check the steering wheel play, then read the article entitled: “Checking the free play of the steering wheel on a VAZ”!

Question? How do you adjust the free play of the steering wheel? (Write your answer in the comments)

Additional video:

You can watch more detailed adjustment of the free play of the steering wheel in the video clip located just below:

vaz-russia.com

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