The name shock absorber suggests that the component will absorb shock. This sounds logical, but it is incorrect because it is actually a vibration damper. Irregularities that convert impact energy into vibrations. Shock absorbers help convert vibration energy into heat so that the initiated rocking movements die out as quickly as possible. Thus, they not only contribute to driving comfort, but above all have a bearing on the driving safety of the vehicle.
Shock absorbers help prevent the vehicle from rocking, especially during sudden load changes. They also provide improved road contact between the wheels, which means higher braking forces are transmitted. The result is a shorter braking distance. Of course, shock absorbers also prevent premature tire wear. In this article we will talk about how to recognize a broken shock absorber and which shock absorbers are better to install on a VAZ 2110?
How to choose?
To understand which racks to install on a VAZ 2110, you need to find out the characteristics of each model and understand which one suits you best.
There are different types of shock absorbers to suit every need, such as mono-tube and twin-tube shock absorbers, spacers, spring mounts (with spring plate) and spring cylinders (with hydraulic leveler). Let's look at the most basic ones - single-pipe and double-pipe.
Monotube damper
In monotube gas shock absorbers, the working cylinder is filled with oil and gas, which is under an excess pressure of approximately 25 to 30 bar. Oil and gas are precisely separated from each other by a movable separating piston.
The monotube damper can be installed in any position. It has a higher pressure than a two-pipe damper. Advantages: Good response characteristics of the reed valves in the piston and prevents foam or bubbles in the hydraulic oil.
Double pipe damper
Twin-tube shock absorbers have two spaces filled with oil: the working space in which the piston and piston rod move, and the compensation space.
The compensation chamber is located between the working cylinder and the container tube and is 2/3 filled with oil, and 1/3 with air or gas. This means that a double-tube damper has a shorter overall length than a single-tube damper.
The damping force characteristics of the twin-tube damper are specifically designed for each vehicle type, that is, matched to the vehicle weight, structure and chassis springs.
When a vehicle is equipped with an oil shock absorber as a sequential damper, switching from oil to gas shock absorbers optimizes driving stability, road holding, comfort and safety for every production vehicle. Cars with standard gas shock absorbers retain their driving behavior only if the gas shock absorbers are installed again when the shock absorber is replaced.
Switching to a monotube shock absorber (eg BILSTEIN B6) improves the overall driving behavior and provides more damping power for greater safety and driving pleasure even under high loads.
How to recognize faulty shock absorbers, and what are the reasons?
The first sign of a bad shock absorber is usually unusual tire wear. Because the vehicle loses contact with the road more frequently and has brief sliding moments, the tread wears out much faster than with active shock absorbers. The next step usually leads to the workshop. There the wheel is removed so you can look at the axle suspension as well as the suspension and damping. The seal on the piston rod often leaks, causing some oil to leak out of the piston with each movement. Repair is not possible, so the damper must be replaced.
A specialist workshop can also place the car on a vibration machine and measure the body's sway using a sensor. In a home workshop, you can try to simulate this by rocking the car and seeing how long it takes for it to stand still. Of course, such observations are quite inaccurate. While driving, defective shock absorbers can often be felt, changes in steering behavior and unusual swaying of the car occur, which can also cause nausea.
When are shock absorbers replaced?
Shock absorbers are always replaced if there is a defect. Depending on the style and quality of driving, the lifespan of the best struts on a VAZ 2110 ranges from 100,000 to 120,000 kilometers. In addition to replacement for wear reasons, it is also recommended to adapt the shock absorbers when making modifications to the chassis.
Piston rods are often too long to lower, meaning without replacing the shock absorbers there is a risk of the piston rod becoming caught in the piston while driving. So-called stroke stops solve the problem by limiting the freedom of movement of the piston rod during the compression phase, but this should only be considered as a temporary measure.
Rear shock absorbers for VAZ 2110-2112
Rear shock absorbers on the VAZ 2110-12 are available in two types: gas and oil, respectively, the article numbers for gas will be 21100291540220, and for oil - 21100291540201. Both are left- and right-handed. Technical dimensions are presented in the table below.
| Dimensions of rear shock absorbers for Lada 2110-2112 | |||
| Rod diameter, mm | Case diameter, mm | Rod stroke, mm | Length in compressed position (Lсж), mm |
| 14 | 45 | 229 | 364,5 |
Rating of the best racks for the VAZ 2110
SACHS
A company whose products are of very high quality, but at the same time cheap. In addition to the production of spare parts, it specializes in the production of portable components.
The constant development of new generations of cars places increased demands on vibration reduction and damping systems. SACHS shock absorbers are also pioneers in many areas, for example with modular shock absorbers or innovative products such as the SACHS CDC shock absorber for cars.
BOGE
German mid-range shock absorbers, often used in BMW, Volvo, Audi and Volkswagen cars. Enjoy stability and comfort, mainly thanks to the optimal price-quality ratio.
The same suspension elements can be found on Korean cars such as the premium Kia Quoris. Overall, users are happy with what they get, and this is a reliable indicator of a good manufacturer.
If you are tormented by the question of which rear struts are best to install on a VAZ2110, take BOGE.
Bilstein
Currently, Bilstein shock absorbers are a symbol of quality and reliability. They are famous all over the world. They are installed on such brands of cars as Jaguar, Lamborghini, Ferrari.
Bilstein has firmly established itself in the global market as the premier supplier of shock absorbers for luxury vehicles. They are so famous in the world that Japanese automakers Subaru install the company's products on their cars.
In the range you can find both gas and oil struts, which are aimed at different driving styles.
The company produces a separate “Sport” series; in fact, it is not about sports, but about fast driving on highways or city roads.
But the Sprint and Rally series are exactly the same dampers as those found in racing cars and, one might say, the company’s calling card. Of course, it is unreasonable to hope for any comfort with shock absorbers of this series, but stability on the road will be ensured. As a result, the products of this company are expensive, but such a high price is fully justified by the excellent quality in all respects, without exception.
Krosno
Which rear struts are best installed on a VAZ 2110 so that they are inexpensive, durable and provide driving comfort? Pay attention to Krosno, a Polish brand specializing in the production of suspension elements, including shock absorbers.
As a rule, most models are oil-based, so they are not expensive. Among the design features, we can highlight the presence of special rod seals on all rear struts without exception, which prevents dirt, dust and ice debris from entering the assembly.
SAAZ
In fact, the manufacturer's model series is limited to only twin-tube shock absorbers. They are cheap but have some interesting features. Firstly, unlike foreign analogues, there is a reflective shock absorber, which works great when driving on remote, uneven roads (of which, unfortunately, there are plenty of them in Russia).
In addition to such a very useful component, another vulnerability has appeared on the racks - they do not work well at road junctions, which is why the smoothness of the ride suffers. Another feature of Russian shock absorbers is that they are durable. The plant's marketing has gone even further: now every customer can order shock absorbers at their own request (SAAZ-Eng series). SAAZ provides a cheap and inexpensive option for replacing struts for the entire line of “young” and “old” VAZ and Niva cars.
Which racks for VAZ 2110, 2111, 2112 are better?
What shock absorbers are better to install on the VAZ 2110-2112? It's hard to call the factory struts good for this car. According to technical parameters, they are suitable for average use. But they will not provide the desired efficiency and duration of operation with other styles of operation.
With a calm, even ride on decent city roads, hydraulic (oil) shock absorbers will create the greatest comfort and smoothness. Their main advantage is the price, and the disadvantage is their rigidity in winter. And if the road surface is full of holes, then they will not suit you at all. Gas struts are chosen by those who like to drive fast and off-road (by the way, the ground clearance will increase a little) while sacrificing comfort. The main disadvantages are: cost and increased shock loads on suspension parts and the body. But the golden mean is gas-oil - for fast driving on any roads. They are able to maintain sufficient comfort no matter how you drive the car. But despite all the pros and cons of shock absorbers, they very often use oil rear and gas-oil shock absorbers, or also “oil” shock absorbers for the front suspension
Among the foreign brands that have gained popularity among car enthusiasts are:
MONROE REFLEX – the advantages of this shock absorber include reliable and high-quality production of rods. Good car control, especially when cornering, does not throw the car. At first they behave rather harshly, then over time they become smoother.
KAYABA PREMIUM is one of the best oil shock absorbers, giving the car moderate softness and the ability to absorb all bumps on the road. Disadvantages include failure of the valve compression stroke mode at high speeds, the lack of boots included in the kit to protect the rods from moisture and dirt, and the lack of operating instructions in Russian.
How much does it cost to change shock absorbers?
Shock absorbers are relatively cheap and even with additional parts, such as a dust protection kit and a new dome bearing, cost only about 1000 - 2000 rubles apiece. However, drivers of heavy SUVs can expect slightly higher costs. Shop labor time is the second largest cost factor and varies greatly by region, vehicle and axle.
I believe that we have given a comprehensive answer to the question of which struts to install on a VAZ 2110. Choose dampers according to your driving style and keep in mind that more and more fakes appear on the spare parts market every year. We hope that the shock absorbers from our rating will never let you down and you will ride in comfort.
VAZ 2110: SS20 struts
Let's start with the fact that CC20 racks on the VAZ 2110 are installed instead of the standard ones without any modifications or difficulties. At the same time, this solution is cheaper than imported analogues from well-known manufacturers, is noticeably better than factory shock absorbers and is not inferior to other brands in terms of comfort, quality and reliability.
The SS20 brand is well known in the CIS, as it offers a large number of different parts and suspension elements for different VAZ models. At the same time, the products are of high quality, all parts have an official extended warranty.
Moreover, you can install struts on a VAZ 2110, as well as springs and other suspension parts with your own hands in a garage without losing the warranty on spare parts. This means that there is no need to overpay for installation at certified service stations. Such conditions from SS20 are considered very attractive to consumers and separately indicate the high quality and reliability of the product.
- As for the racks themselves, the SS20 brand on the VAZ 2110 offers several types of SS20 racks. The main difference is the different degrees of rigidity. Thanks to these options, you can choose racks taking into account your driving style, how active the vehicle is used, individual preferences and specific tasks, adjusted for the condition of the roads in the region, etc.
SS20 shock absorbers are available in the following available options:
- sports;
- improved standard;
- reinforced;
More precisely, the SS20 struts are distinguished as “standard”, “comfort”, “highway”, and also “sport”. The “sport” line involves a shortened rod and body, which makes it possible to increase suspension rigidity, lower the car, improve overall stability and reduce roll in corners.
This solution is optimal for highways, high speeds and good roads, since handling will be better, but the level of comfort will inevitably decrease due to greater rigidity.
We also recommend reading the article about what disc ejection is. From this article you will learn about this parameter in more detail, as well as what you need to consider when selecting wheels for a car based on offset.
The “comfort”, “standard” and “highway” series are solutions that are more or less reminiscent of factory struts, with increased reliability and slightly increased rigidity. The “comfort” struts will be the softest, the “standard” struts will be a little stiffer, while for high-speed driving it is better to choose the “highway” strut.
At the same time, the “road” struts will still not be as rigid as the “sport” struts. In fact, the choice of SS20 can be considered optimal for those drivers who do not experience problems with factory shock absorbers, but strive to improve suspension performance and other indicators.
By the way, both the VAZ 2110 front pillar and the SS20 rear pillars are available in the catalogs. This will allow you to assemble a kit with similar characteristics on both axles of the car (up to the installation of lowered struts). If you add springs of this brand to this, you can significantly improve the performance and quality of the suspension as a whole. The main thing is that all the parts are original, since there are many fakes on the market, including SS20.
