VAZ-21213 (Niva). Car movement

How does a Niva transmission work?

The VAZ 2121, in other words, “Niva”, entered mass production in the 70s of the last century.
This car belongs to the class of off-road passenger cars. In the history of the domestic automobile industry, Niva became the first car whose design used all-wheel drive. Let's take a closer look at the transmission device. The transmission in the Niva family (2121, 2131) is designed in such a way that all-wheel drive is supplied to 4 wheels. Also characteristic is the presence of a center differential. The transmission includes a gearbox, a transfer mechanism, a pair of cardan shafts, and both axles. A characteristic feature of the 2131 model is its elongated body.

Then it goes through the cardan shafts to the gearboxes. The front gearbox transmits torque to the wheels through the differential and constant velocity joints. Likewise for the rear, also protruding, driving wheels. It is precisely because the torque is distributed to 4 wheels simultaneously that the drive is called full drive. The designation is as follows – 4WD. Another domestic car, designed on a similar principle to the Niva, is the UAZ.

Distributor NIVA. Control of transfer case levers in all modes. Practice. Differentials NIVA 1h

The Niva family of cars differs from VAZ passenger cars in permanent all-wheel drive - they have two drive axles. In total, the VAZ SUV has three differentials in its transmission - one for each axle and another center differential.

Differential locking

This mechanism is a kind of distributor of traction forces coming from the motor to the wheels. An important feature is that the latter have the ability to rotate at different speeds. The importance of having a differential mechanism is due to the fact that during turning maneuvers, the wheel located inside makes fewer revolutions when compared with the number of turns of the outer wheel.

In the absence of a differential mechanism, this would cause detrimental consequences, such as wear and damage, because the result would be the following: when turning, one wheel would be in a slip state, and the second would simply rub against the road surface. The design features of the Niva transmission provide for the presence of 3 differentials. They are located in each of the bridges and in the transfer mechanism.

When the car moves on a flat road and in a straight line with differentials, the traction force is divided equally between all 4 wheels. If there is insufficient adhesion of the wheels to the surface or slipping occurs, the differentials will redistribute the load on the slipping and sliding wheel so that the first receives more force, and the second, accordingly, less.

We have already mentioned UAZ. Despite many similarities, it should be understood that the VAZ’s all-wheel drive is made in the “pat-time” style. This means that when connected, the axes are firmly connected to each other, and rotation occurs at the same speeds. This device imposes some restrictions on the use of all-wheel drive - it can only be used in cases where road conditions allow slipping. In cases with hard asphalt roads and highways, it is recommended to switch the car to single-drive mode.

Sometimes you can come across a misconception about why a small handle is needed next to the shift lever on a Niva. Some car owners believe that it is needed to connect front-wheel drive. However, the front-wheel drive of this car is permanently connected. As is the rear one. Cars of the Niva family have permanent all-wheel drive. The handle actually serves to switch the operating modes of the differential of the transfer mechanism.

In the “forward” position, the differential operates as usual, but if you move it back, the differential is locked, and the forces from the motor are applied to the differentials of the axles, which makes the drive more rigid. It is worth noting that there are also special types of locks for front and rear axles.

In theory, when used in conditions where the car is stuck, it will be able to overcome the obstacle if there is sufficient traction on at least one wheel. In this case, it is better to lock the differential before overcoming an obstacle, but never after entering an area that is difficult to overcome. This application of locking will avoid wear and damage to the transmission.

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You know…

on the Lada 4x4 Urban - a city SUV in 2015, AvtoVAZ planned to install Remote Control of the transfer case. But still in the process...!

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Because:

1. It’s simple and convenient to control the SELECTOR (installed in the car interior, can be placed directly on the instrument panel or other place convenient for the driver).

2. NO LEVERS in the cabin from the RK, shaking and vibrating when driving!

3. SILENCE IN THE SALON ! Without the noise and din of a working transmission, which are always annoying and which were impossible to get rid of before, even with additional sound insulation of the interior!

4. Comfort . EASY SWITCHING to any operating mode of the transfer case.

5. Signal LIGHT and SOUND of operating modes help

6. There is extra time to earn more money while you travel! You always have your tablet or smartphone with you, you can check your email, reply/send a message.

7. Mechanism Reliable and repairable in any Conditions.

Control modes:

Remained the same: low , high , neutral (made at the request of GM-AvtoVAZ for the future version of the Chevrolet Niva with an automatic transmission), high locked, low locked

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Nivovods know what the rattling of levers and the roar of the RK are. I was thinking about this device. Ordered. The parcel arrived quickly. The installation did not take much time, everything was very simple as it turned out to be installed, and the first trip: at first I forgot that I was in a field . My expectations exceeded myself; I didn’t even think that a willow could be made quiet . Switching on happens like on Patrick. Thank you

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Technical description

The system for remote switching of the center differential lock and low/high gear of the transfer case is : two modular electric drives located on the transfer case body, and a harness with a control system located in the vehicle interior.
The transfer case is switched using a selector from inside the car, while the light alarm, made in the form of colored LEDs, shows the mode in which the transfer case operates.
The electric drive works like a closer , the screw drive compresses the spring and stops, then when the machine moves, the spring moves the shift fork with the clutch to the specified clutch position.
When changing the locking or transfer case gears, it is permissible to move the vehicle slowly (no more than walking speed) to ensure mutual rotation of the transfer case gears and facilitate the movement of electrically controlled clutches.

Installation

Installation of an electric drive for switching a transfer case does not require complete disassembly and modification of its transfer case components.
When installing electric drives for locking and shifting gears RK, it is necessary to remove the springs and balls of the rod clamps to reduce the resistance to the screw drive of the electric drive.
delivery set includes detailed instructions for its installation.

Available

for installation on cars: Lada 4x4 (VAZ 2121, 21213, 21214, 21214M, 2131, 2131M, Urban) and Chevrolet Niva of all editions.

Each product is individually tested on a bench before being sold to the consumer.

Note: There is no implemented function that supports front axle disablement (FAD)

Note: Transfer case is not included in delivery!

Overall dimensions of the kit: 0.3x0.24x0.14 m

Overall dimensions of the selector: length 70 mm, diameter: 63 mm

A series of downshifts

You can often encounter the following type of misconception: switching the rear handle can increase the power characteristics of the motor. But this is not true. It serves to change the gear ratio between the engine and the wheels. By increasing it, the traction forces on the wheels will increase. There is also a reduction gear in the dispensing mechanism.

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Its operation can be controlled using the rear handle. When we shift the lever back, we will have a gear ratio of 2.135 - this is a low gear. It is recommended to downshift such a gear only when the car is stationary and the clutch is depressed. Despite the fact that the manual does not contain such a restriction, novice and inexperienced Niva drivers are not recommended to switch while driving, since the Niva transfer mechanism is not equipped with a synchronizer.

Why do you need a low gear in a car?

As you know, the main purpose of the transmission is to transmit torque from the engine to the drive wheels. At the same time, the transmission not only transmits, but also converts torque. Most drivers know that a manual transmission has low and high gears. Conventionally, 1,2 and 3 can be considered reduced, 4 is considered to be direct transmission, while 5 and 6 are increased.

Let us immediately note that in relation to SUVs, trucks and various types of equipment, such a conditional division is not enough. The fact is that the gearboxes on such cars have not only “low” and “high” gears, but also so-called downshifts. Next, we'll look at why downshifting is needed, what it is and how it works, and how to use downshifting.

Read in this article

So, let's look at the example of an SUV. In this case, a reduction gear can significantly increase the vehicle's cross-country ability. In simple words, the presence of a downshift allows such a car to drive where cars with a conventional gearbox are not able to overcome the obstacle and continue driving.

To make it clearer, you need to pay attention to the following. Typically, a power unit produces maximum power at a certain number of revolutions. Also, at certain speeds, different from the speed of maximum power, the maximum torque is achieved, which is transmitted through the transmission to the drive wheels.

So, usually gearboxes are designed so that the engine delivers maximum torque and power fairly evenly at different speeds. The first gear allows you to move away, and in this gear the “emphasis” is on maximum torque, while in the 5th gear the car can move at high speed at maximum power speed.

Also interesting: UAZ Patriot or Niva Chevrolet - what to choose: comparison of cars, which one is better

The result is that when you press the gas pedal, the car “buries” its wheels in snow or mud, slips and cannot continue moving. If you switch to second speed or higher, the engine will simply stall, since it does not have enough revolutions and power to overcome the difficult section.

It turns out that in a situation where you need high engine power (high speeds), but also need a smooth ride at low speeds and low wheel speeds, a conventional gearbox is powerless. It is with these features in mind that SUVs receive a transfer case with a low gear.

So, active low gear has a high gear ratio. This allows you to reduce the wheel speed and at the same time spin the engine to maximum power speed. As a result, the car is able to move at low speeds at maximum power speeds. This feature is indispensable on off-road terrain, when driving uphill, on steep descents, etc.

Worm, less often cylindrical and planetary gears are used as reduction gears. The worm gear is one of the gearing gears with intersecting shaft axes. Movement in them is carried out according to the principle of a screw pair. Its main properties are low noise level due to the characteristics of the gearing, relatively low efficiency, small dimensions and large gear ratio.

Compared to a helical gearbox, a worm gear provides better running smoothness. This type of transmission has a much greater potential for increasing torque and reducing rotation speed than gearboxes with other types of gears. Spur gears are used in mechanisms with parallel shafts. This type requires increased accuracy due to design features.

Gear drives are distinguished by their reliability and durability while maintaining the permissible load level; the disadvantages include the fact that at high rotation speeds such a mechanism has a high noise level and also cannot flexibly respond to changing loads. Planetary gears are also a type of gear.

They have gears with movable axles. Such gears are lightweight, easy to assemble, produce less noise compared to conventional gears, and also have the ability to obtain large gear ratios. Disadvantages include a large number of parts, increased requirements for installation and manufacturing accuracy.

It is necessary to stop the car, after which the main gearbox lever is moved to the neutral position, and the additional gearbox lever is moved to the “low gear” position. Then we depress the clutch. Not all transmissions have a separate transfer case. In this case, a regular gearbox has a special lever with which this gear is engaged.

You can often encounter the following type of misconception: switching the rear handle can increase the power characteristics of the motor. But this is not true. It serves to change the gear ratio between the engine and the wheels. By increasing it, the traction forces on the wheels will increase. There is also a reduction gear in the dispensing mechanism.

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Tips for owners

To make driving your car comfortable, read some important points:

The usual, standard arrangement of the front and rear handles is forward and backward, respectively. Movement in this mode can and should be carried out in areas characterized by even and smooth surfaces.
Locking the differential by switching the front handle to the rear position is best on roads characterized by increased slipperiness. This measure will give Niva stability. It is worth understanding that after overcoming the problem area, the handle will need to be returned to its original position.
As noted earlier, downshift should be activated before a potential obstacle, but not while the car is already stuck.
It is worth understanding that activating the lock when the vehicle is stationary is sometimes impossible, even if the clutch is depressed. This may be caused by the clutch teeth hitting the gear teeth. In this case, you can try to activate the lock by starting to drive slowly and make a slight turn. If problems arise with disabling the lock, it is recommended to perform the same procedure with the clutch depressed and the steering wheel slightly rocked.

Also interesting: AvtoVAZ returned Niva: why did the company buy the plant from GM :: Autonews

Elements of transfer case 2121

The relatively complex scheme for distributing torque from the internal combustion engine to the wheels is explained by the universal purpose of the Niva 2121 - if used correctly, it can be used comfortably in the city and along muddy country roads. Such properties are ensured by the presence of a transfer case with a center differential lock, complementing a 4- or 5-speed manual transmission, depending on the year of manufacture.

The transfer case mechanism includes more than 60 independent parts, which is confirmed by the presented drawing. Therefore, it is quite prudent to name the main elements and their purpose.

Housing Differential housing Shafts Couplings Seals Pinions Gears Flanges Levers

A pair of gears are tightly seated on the drive shaft, one of them (large) is intended for high gear, the second (small) is responsible for low gear. They have serrations with straight and oblique profiles. The first ones are in contact with the coupling, the second ones - with the intermediate shaft. The inclusion of one or another row causes the coupling to move along the hub in the horizontal direction, after which it is connected to the gear on the transfer case drive shaft.

The intermediate position turns off the gearbox (the gearbox is open), and the vehicle cannot be moved in this mode. The front helical gear on the intermediate shaft is used to control the differential. The locking is engaged, or the rigid coupling of the drive shafts of both axles, is carried out through a clutch. The design is typical for modifications 21213 and 21214, and the latter is additionally equipped with a speed sensor drive.

In the operating state (with the transfer case reduction gear connected), the gear ratio in the first stage changes from 4.4 to 7.83, the second - from 2.52 to 4.58, the third - from 1.63 to 2.9, in the fourth - from 1.2 to 2.14, fifth - from 0.98 to 1.75, which is expressed in an increase in traction on the wheels.

The normal position for the RK handles, ensuring adequate behavior on the road of good quality:

Front - away from you Back - towards you

The special operating mode of the transmission is switched on not long before the car begins to overcome an obstacle (rut, mud, ford or rise). The transition to the lowest row must be done while stopping. Returning to top gear is allowed on the go, although it causes problems for beginners due to the lack of the usual synchronizer.

It is somewhat more difficult to properly handle the forced manual locking of the center differential. On the contrary, it turns on when the car moves slightly (up to 20 km/h) due to misalignment of the grooves on the locking clutch, satellites and ring gear. To simplify turning the lever into the desired position, taking into account the Niva 2121 transfer case, pick up a small speed, then, shaking the steering wheel, pull the handle towards you.

Problems can also arise when disengaging the lockout, as the clutch teeth literally catch on the ring gear. Engage reverse and, rocking the steering wheel, push the lever away from you. This action is performed immediately after overcoming a difficult section in order to avoid overloading the gearbox. It is most effective to disable the differential together with the transition to lower stages.

Model VAZ-21213 is an all-terrain passenger car with permanent all-wheel drive and differential lock. Brand 21213 is a restyled version of the first VAZ SUV, VAZ-2121. RK Niva 21213 has three gears:

the first - with a gear ratio of 1.2;
the second, lowered – with the number 2.135;
neutral

21213 is equipped with 4-speed and 5-speed gearboxes, and when the first speed of the transfer case is turned on, the car operates in standard mode, the gear ratios in the transmission are from 5-speed. The checkpoints are as follows:

1 – 4,4;
2 – 2,52;
3 – 1,63;
4 – 1,2;
5 – 0,98.

On ordinary roads, the transfer case is always in first gear, the transfer case control lever (reduction gear) is pushed forward. The neutral gear of the RK disconnects the transmission, and in this position the car does not drive; there is also a neutral in the gearbox.

Motorists often ask the question: why is neutral gear needed in a transfer case? The neutral is used when connecting additional units to the transmission, for example, a mechanical winch; in this case, a power take-off must also be installed.

On Niva cars (with the exception of Chevrolet Niva) two main types of transfer cases are used:

21213 (modifications 21213-1800020-01 and 21213-1800020-02):
21214 (modifications 21214-1800020-01, 21214-1800020-02, 21214-1800020-10).

The transfer cases have almost the same design among themselves - the RK 21214 additionally has a speed sensor drive.

The VAZ Niva series was developed as a universal all-terrain vehicle. These cars perform well in both off-road and city roads. One of the components that ensure high cross-country ability is a high-quality multiplier (distributor).

The multiplier is installed only on VAZ models with 2 drive axles. Located behind the gearbox. A driveshaft is mounted on the transfer case itself. Basic elements that are present in all models of Soviet-made demultiplicators:

frame;
intermediate and drive shafts;
set of bearings and gears;
satellites;
drive shafts of the front and rear axles;
oil seals, flanges, couplings;
differential;
control and control levers.

The connection between the unit and the gearbox is rigid, which is carried out through a coupling and a shaft. The transfer case of the VAZ 21214 model differs from the classic one only in the presence of a speed sensor drive.

Most transfer case breakdowns are purely mechanical in nature (for example, a cut shaft between the gearbox and the transfer case). This is provoked by inattention to fuel and lubricant levels, wear of rubber bands, incorrect location (alignment) of the unit, and the condition of adjacent components. The first indicator of problems with the transfer case is characteristic noise and vibration in the body.

Also interesting: Niva Chevrolet transfer case device

Other signs of transfer case breakdowns:

problematic engagement of the front axle;
overheating of the range multiplier;
leakage or excessive consumption of oil during operation of the transfer case;
self-switching of the front axle.

Repairing the transfer case in Niva 21213 with your own hands is quite possible in case of minor breakdowns. The owner will only need the basic skills of a car mechanic. It is more difficult to properly install and center the transfer case. Here it is still recommended to contact a car service. A diagram of the unit itself is presented in the vehicle documentation.

It is necessary to remove the unit not only in cases of its breakdown. Sometimes it is dismantled to gain access to other nodes. To remove the box, you will need the usual set of tools. The sequence of how to remove the transfer case on a Niva 2121 is as follows:

Raise the car on a lift or drive it onto an overpass (inspection hole).
In the cabin, remove the decorative tunnel between the front seats, unscrew the fasteners, lift the cover and disconnect the wires of the differential unit lamp.
Disconnect the speedometer drive cable from the transfer case.
Disconnect the rear and front universal joints.
Disconnect the soft clutch from the gearbox flange (unscrew the first set of mounting bolts, turn the clutch and unscrew the remaining ones).
Compress the coupling with a clamp and remove the bolts.
Place the adjustable support under the transfer case and unscrew the fasteners.
Lower the transfer case onto the support.

How to change gears and transfer case Niva VAZ 21213, 21214, 2131 lada 4×4

VAZ 2121 Niva has established itself as a reliable and versatile Soviet SUV. In 1977, the first domestic all-terrain vehicle rolled off the assembly line, which, unlike ordinary passenger cars, the VAZ 2121, had all-wheel drive and increased cross-country ability. The Niva transfer case design was developed by experienced AvtoVAZ designers in order to increase the functionality and versatility of the vehicle both when driving off-road and in city conditions.

In 1994, an updated version of the SUV was released, labeled Niva 21213, differing from the previous version in a more powerful power unit. Since 2006, this series of cars has been known as Niva 4x4.

By switching the operating modes of the transfer case, you can adjust the behavior of the car in accordance with road conditions.

Low gear is used in two cases:

It is necessary to ensure low speed. For example, if you need to drive onto a curb or other obstacle, you can engage a lower gear so as not to burn the clutch.
Need high torque. A lower gear is engaged before overcoming steep inclines.

The differential lock is activated when driving off-road, where there is a high risk of slipping.

At the same time, it must be turned on before entering a difficult area.

In general, you need to use the transfer case like this:

Driving on the highway. The differential is unlocked, the first speed of the RK is turned on.
Overcoming climbs and obstacles on hard surfaces. The differential is unlocked and the reduced speed is engaged.
Overcoming difficult snowy areas, mud, slippery climbs. Locking and reduced speed enabled.