VAZ 2104: replacing the muffler yourself is easy

Problems with the exhaust system of a VAZ 2107 car are easy to recognize - the noise of the engine is complemented by a roaring sound coming from under the bottom of the car. In 90% of cases, a car enthusiast can solve the problem on his own by replacing or repairing a burnt-out muffler. You just need to understand the exhaust structure, correctly diagnose the malfunction and replace the worn element.

  • Design and operation of the exhaust tract
  • Problems with the muffler and other elements
  • How to change the main muffler

    Preparation of tools and workplace

  • Replacement procedure

    Video: replacing a VAZ 2107 muffler in a garage

  • Repairing minor damage without welding
      Video: how to seal an exhaust without welding
  • What muffler can be installed on the “seven”
      Video: making a direct flow with your own hands
  • What is important to know about the resonator
      Video: how to remove the resonator VAZ 2101—2107
  • Purpose of the exhaust system

    Before combustion in the engine cylinders, gasoline is mixed with air and supplied through the intake manifold into the combustion chamber. There, the mixture is compressed eight times by the pistons and ignited by a spark from the spark plug. As a result of the process, 3 components are formed:

    • heat and mechanical energy that rotates the crankshaft;
    • gasoline combustion products - carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide and water vapor;
    • combustion under high pressure generates sound vibrations - the same exhaust sound.

    Since the efficiency of internal combustion engines does not exceed 45%, about half of the released energy is converted into heat. One part of the heat is removed by the engine cooling system, the second is carried out by the exhaust gases through the exhaust tract.


    The smoke at the exit from the duct is cooled to a safe temperature, you can calmly raise your hand - it won’t burn you

    The VAZ 2107 exhaust system performs several important functions:

    1. Emission of combustion products from the chambers and ventilation of the cylinders after the next combustion cycle.
    2. Reducing the amplitude of sound vibrations, that is, reducing the noise level of a running motor.
    3. Removal and dissipation of part of the released heat in the atmosphere.

    On “sevens” with an injection power system, the exhaust tract solves another important task - it cleans the exhaust from toxic gases CO and NO by afterburning in a catalytic converter.

    Design and operation of the exhaust tract

    The exhaust system includes 3 main elements (starting from the power unit):

    • double exhaust pipe, in driver's jargon - “pants”;
    • middle section equipped with one or two resonator tanks;
    • the last section is the main muffler.


    3 sections of the exhaust system are connected using clamps

    According to the factory operating instructions for the car, the exhaust manifold is a part of the engine and does not belong to the flue gas exhaust system.

    The number of resonators in the middle part of the tract depends on the type of engine installed on the VAZ 2107. If the car was equipped with a 2105 engine with a working volume of 1.3 liters, 1 tank was provided per section (modification of VAZ 21072). Cars with 1.5 and 1.6 liter power units (VAZ 2107-21074) were equipped with pipes for 2 resonators.


    The length of the element is the same for all carburetor modifications of the VAZ 2107, but on cars with more powerful 1.5 and 1.6 liter engines, 2 resonator banks are provided

    More information about the design of the carburetor: https://bumper.guru/klassicheskie-modeli-vaz/toplivnaya-sistema/karbyurator-ozon-2107-ustroystvo.html

    On a VAZ 2107 with a 2105 engine, it is not advisable to install a section with 2 tanks - this reduces the power of the power unit. Dreaming of quiet operation of the 1.3 liter engine, I personally tried to change the 1-tank resonator to a 2-tank one. I didn’t notice a decrease in the exhaust sound, but I clearly felt a drop in traction under load.

    The entire tract is attached at 5 points:

    • the flange of the “pants” is screwed to the outlet manifold with 4 bronze M8 nuts;
    • the end of the exhaust pipe is attached to the bracket on the gearbox;
    • the flat muffler tank is hooked by 2 rubber hangers;
    • The muffler outlet pipe is fixed with a rubber cushion screwed to a metal body bracket.

    The principle of operation of the tract is quite simple: the gases pushed out by the pistons pass through the manifold and “pants”, then enter the resonator section. There, preliminary suppression of sound vibrations and a decrease in temperature occur, after which the combustion products enter the main muffler. The latter reduces the noise level as much as possible and releases gases to the outside. Heat transfer and cooling of the smoke occurs along the entire length of the exhaust elements.


    On the injection “seven”, the gases undergo additional purification in the catalyst

    On “sevens” with an injector, the exhaust design is supplemented with a catalytic converter and oxygen sensors. The element is located between the receiving pipe and the second section, the connection method is flange. The catalyst cleans flue gases from toxic compounds (nitrogen oxide and carbon), and lambda probes inform the electronic control unit about the completeness of fuel combustion based on the free oxygen content.

    How to eliminate the smell of gasoline in the cabin: https://bumper.guru/klassicheskie-modeli-vaz/toplivnaya-sistema/zapah-benzina-v-salone-vaz-2107-inzhektor.html

    Types of products

    You can buy the following types of mufflers for the domestic brand:

    • assembly model “Izh-Auto”, which is suitable for VAZ 2104, 2106 and 2107;
    • model for a sedan body, which is suitable, in addition to the VAZ 2107, on varieties 2101, 2103, 2105 and 2106.

    The following types of exhaust systems are available on the market:

    • stamped and welded. They involve stamping two metal parts of the product can, welding them and attaching them to the pipe. Initially, exhaust systems were made in this way, but then the more reliable rolling method replaced it;
    • sunset Involves wrapping sheet metal around the muffler. Despite the reliability of the method, factory parts are made only by the first method, so you can purchase roll-up exhaust systems separately.

    Problems with the muffler and other elements

    The main noise reduction section of the VAZ 2107 lasts for 10-50 thousand kilometers. Such a wide range is explained by different product quality and operating conditions. The service life of the receiving pipe and resonator lies within the same limits.

    The occurrence of muffler malfunctions is characterized by the following symptoms:

    • the appearance of a rumble from the exhaust system, in advanced cases turning into a loud roar;
    • constant dull knock - the pipe touches the bottom of the car;
    • a more rare malfunction is a complete engine failure, the power unit does not start and shows no signs of “life”.

    On injection VAZ 2107 models, malfunction of oxygen sensors causes increased fuel consumption, unstable operation of the power unit and loss of power.


    Condensate accumulating in the tank provokes corrosion and the formation of through holes

    A rumble and roar indicate burnout of the exhaust pipe or muffler tank, which occurs for the following reasons:

    • natural wear and tear of metal;
    • through damage from an impact or shot from the engine;
    • the effects of corrosion caused by a large amount of condensate that accumulates at the bottom of the tank.

    Typically, burnouts occur at the welded joints of pipes with muffler or resonator tanks. If the housing is leaky due to corrosion or mechanical stress, the defect is visible on the bottom of the element. Often the exhaust “cuts” - gases break through at the junction of two sections due to a loosening of the connecting clamp.


    Loose pipe connections are sometimes indicated by leaks of condensate escaping along with smoke.

    While teaching my wife to drive a 7, a friend of mine unsuccessfully chose a site with a low parapet instead of a curb. While backing up, the girl hit the road fence with her muffler. Since the part had already worked for a decent period of time, the impact was enough to pierce the body through.

    The tank or pipe touching the bottom of the car occurs due to stretched or torn rubber hangers. Rocking and impacts cause a dull annoying knock, which can be eliminated by replacing the rubber bands.


    Stretching or breaking of rubber suspensions causes dull knocks from the muffler

    If the engine is absolutely “dead”, it is worth checking the catalyst of the injection “seven” or the tract itself for blockages. A completely blocked section of the pipe will not allow gases to be ejected from the cylinders and a new portion of the combustible mixture to be drawn in.

    A clogged or clogged catalyst can be identified by a quiet hiss of air coming from one of the pipe joints. When you repeatedly try to start the engine, the pistons pump air into the clogged exhaust system, which, under pressure, begins to escape through leaks. If you unscrew the “pants” from the manifold and repeat the start, the engine will probably start.

    I had a chance to see a completely clogged pipe personally when a friend asked me to start the car using the pushrod (the battery was discharged due to prolonged rotation of the starter). The attempt failed, we moved on to diagnosing the ignition and fuel supply systems. A quiet hiss of air from the manifold was noticed when checking the carburetor. It turned out that the owner added a “good” additive to the fuel, which caused the formation of soot, which completely clogged the exhaust tract.


    A housing rupture occurs due to a strong impact or as a result of a shot from the exhaust manifold.

    Reasons for a loud sound or diagnostics of the exhaust system of a VAZ 2104

    What problems can occur in the exhaust system and when does the muffler need to be replaced? Let's look at it in order:

    In the photo - a burnt-out VAZ muffler

    • The first thing that can cause a loud exhaust is a malfunction of the muffler, or rather its burnout or rotting. This can be determined by external examination. Look for traces of rust - they often hide holes that are hardly noticeable.
    • Let's go further - the middle resonator. Again, it could have rotted, or while driving you could have gotten caught in it and punched it. Also carefully inspected for cracks, holes and rust.
    • The exhaust pipe or simply pants can also be a cause. They, as a rule, do not burn out. The same thing happens to them as to the resonator. After hitting the bottom of the pants, a dent appears, which then rots and a hole appears.
    • If the entire exhaust system, after visual inspection and testing with your own hands, turns out to be safe and sound, then there is only one conclusion - the reason for the loud operation is definitely the gasket between the pants and the exhaust manifold.


    Need a new gasket

    Note! When inspecting areas with rust, be sure to test the strength of the surrounding metal. It is possible to repair the muffler.

    What muffler can be installed on the “seven”

    There are 4 options for replacement:

    1. Standard VAZ 2101-2107 muffler made of ordinary steel with anti-corrosion coating. The plus is the low price of the product, the minus is the unpredictable duration of work. When purchasing, it is quite difficult to evaluate the quality of the metal and workmanship, unless the welds are made completely carelessly.
    2. Factory section made of stainless steel. The option is not cheap, but durable. The main thing is not to buy a fake made from cheap Chinese metal.
    3. The so-called direct-flow sports muffler, manufactured in a factory.
    4. Weld the outlet element of the desired design yourself.


    Standard mufflers are made of ordinary metal with an anti-corrosion coating

    If you do not have welding skills, the fourth option is automatically eliminated. All that remains is to choose between stock and sports parts.

    A straight-through muffler differs from a standard muffler in the following ways:

    • shape - round, outlet of larger diameter;
    • design - inside is a straight perforated pipe, lined with fireproof sound-absorbing material;
    • the operating sound is low-frequency, louder.


    The factory-made direct flow is painted on the outside with heat-resistant paint, the pipe outlet is equipped with a decorative nozzle

    The forward flow resistance is significantly less than the factory model of the muffler. The design makes it possible to ventilate the cylinders more efficiently and increase engine power by up to 5 hp. With. A side effect is a higher noise level, which brings pleasure to fans of extreme driving.

    The stock design muffles noise due to several internal partitions and additional perforated pipes, causing gases to change direction and be reflected repeatedly from obstacles. Hence the high resistance of the element and a small drop in power.


    In a conventional element, sound and gases change the direction of movement several times; in a direct flow, they are dissipated through the perforation of the pipe

    Tuning enthusiasts install forward flow in combination with other means - zero-resistance filters, turbines, and so on. Replacing a standard muffler with a direct-flow muffler without performing other measures will give one result - a loud rumble, you will not feel an increase in engine power.

    It is not difficult for a car enthusiast who owns a welding machine to make a forward flow independently:

    1. Make a round tank from sheet metal (you will need rollers) or select a ready-made can from another car brand, for example, Tavria.
    2. Place a perforated pipe inside, having previously drilled many holes with a diameter of 5-6 mm.


      It's easier to make slits in a pipe, but it's better to spend more time making the holes

    3. Fill the cavity between the straight channel and the walls tightly with non-flammable basalt fiber.
    4. Weld the end walls and supply pipes. A curved element from an old muffler is perfect as an inlet pipe.


      If desired, the direct flow can be made double - then the noise level will decrease

    5. At the required points, attach 3 fasteners corresponding to the standard hangers.

    You can refine the outlet pipe using a nickel-plated decorative nozzle. The choice of products in size and shape is extremely wide, the prices are quite affordable.

    Video: making a direct flow with your own hands

    What is important to know about the resonator

    Structurally, the pre-muffler is identical to the forward flow described above - a straight perforated pipe passes through the cylindrical body. The only difference is the partition that divides the tank space into 2 chambers.

    Resonator tasks:

    • dampen primary sound vibrations of large amplitude;
    • facilitate the work of the main muffler and extend its life;
    • remove some of the heat from the flue gases.


    The resonator bank resembles a forward flow, only the part size is smaller

    The principle of operation of the element is based on the physical phenomenon of resonance - repeatedly reflecting from the partition and the inner walls of the can, sound waves cancel each other out.

    The VAZ 2107 car is equipped with 3 types of resonators:

    1. The classic option for carburetor engines, used in the first models with an injector, is a long pipe with one or two banks (depending on engine size).
    2. On injection models that comply with Euro 2 exhaust standards, a shortened resonator section with a flange was installed at the front end of the pipe. The catalytic converter was bolted to it.


      The latest VAZ 2107 models were equipped with a neutralizer that took away part of the length of the resonator pipe

    3. After the introduction of Euro 3 standards, the length of the catalyst increased and the length of the resonator decreased. The section for the injection version of the “seven”, which meets these requirements, is equipped with a front flange with 3 bolts.


      Euro 2 and Euro 3 resonators differ in the shape of the mounting flange and the length

    When operating resonators, the malfunctions described above occur - burnouts, rust and mechanical damage. Troubleshooting methods are similar to repairing a muffler - welding or temporary sealing with a bandage. Removing the resonator section is not difficult - you need to unscrew the fastening to the gearbox, then disconnect the muffler and “pants” pipes. On a VAZ 2107 with an injector, the flange is disconnected instead of the front clamp.

    Find out how you can control fuel consumption: https://bumper.guru/klassicheskie-modeli-vaz/toplivnaya-sistema/rashod-topliva-vaz-2107.html

    Replacement Tools

    What you will need to change the muffler:

    • The key for 12 and 13 is more convenient with a cap
    • Head for 13
    • Ratchet
    • Metal brush
    • Rust cleaner (WD-40 and similar)


    Replacing a VAZ 2104 muffler requires WD-40

    • Chisel
    • Pliers
    • Hammer
    • Bulgarian (preferably small)
    • Mount

    And also parts of the exhaust system:

    • Pipe clamps
    • Intake pipe mounting clamp
    • Elastic bands (fastening straps)
    • Gasket + 4 nuts


    Set of fastening parts for VAZ

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