As a result of long-term use of the vehicle or premature breakdown, the vehicle owner may need to replace the front and rear struts. On VAZ 2108, 2109 and 21099 models, the service life of shock absorbers varies between 50-100 thousand kilometers and depends on driving conditions. It is prohibited to drive a car with faulty shock absorber struts, as failure can lead to an accident. Therefore, it is important to at least imagine in theory how the replacement is made.
Replacing the front struts of a VAZ 2109 yourself
Front struts VAZ 2109
It is a well-known fact that national roads not only have bumps, but are actually completely covered with them. However, even normally, on a well-paved area, various types of unevenness can be encountered, which are leveled out by car racks. Replacing the front struts of a VAZ 2109 is a completely ordinary task that can be performed by the average car enthusiast. The main thing is to understand the mechanism of their functioning so that you can objectively draw a conclusion about the presence or absence of a malfunction. Replacing the front struts of a VAZ 2109 with your own hands is given in the instructions below.
How to change the rear ones on a VAZ 2109 with your own hands
Replacing the rear shock absorber strut on VAZ 2108, 2109, 21099 models involves sequentially performing a number of stages. To ensure proper operation of the shock absorber, the following instructions should be followed.
- Open the trunk of the car and remove the protective cap from the side where the rack is located. After this, hold the shock absorber rod firmly to prevent rotation, and use a spanner to unscrew the fastening nut.
Remove the cap and tighten the fastening nut - Use a jack to raise the vehicle to gain access to the rack.
- Using wrenches, unscrew the bottom bolt that secures the shock absorber. To do this, hold the fastening nut of the bolt with one key, and with the second, unscrew the lower rack clamp and remove it.
Unscrew and remove the lock - Pull out the bottom of the strut and lower the shock absorber down. After this, remove the protective rubber pad and iron washer from the rod.
Lower the stand and remove the cushion and washer - Remove the faulty rack and install a new one in its place in the reverse order. When installing the iron cover onto the protective cover, it is important to check that the flange is tucked into the lip on the cover.
The replacement may need to be done in pairs - After completing the installation of the strut, check whether the shock absorber rod is inserted into the specially designated glass, then put the rubber cushion back on and secure the metal washer.
DETAILS: Replacing the front shock absorber strut on a Ford Focus 1 Photo instructions on how to change the front shock absorber on a Focus
General information about car struts
Replacing struts on a VAZ 2109 yourself
From a practical point of view, the VAZ rack performs the function of a mechanical stabilizer, being a kind of rational connecting link between the body and the track. Many motorists often confuse a car strut with a shock absorber. In this regard, the most logical solution would be to consider the functions and structure of the shock absorber and strut.
How to remove and install the front ones on the “nine”
It is somewhat more difficult to remove the front strut from the car and change it, so when performing work it is important not to deviate from the prescribed instructions. To replace the front shock absorber, you must perform the following steps.
- Remove the protective cap of the desired pillar under the hood of the car. The cap, which prevents dirt from penetrating the rack, can be removed without additional tools - just grab it and apply a little force.
Removing the plug - After removing the cap, loosen the nut located inside the shock absorber rod. To do this, put the small part of the removable key on the rod and install the larger part on top.
Loosen the stem nut - Raise the car with a jack and remove the wheel from the side where the faulty shock absorber strut is located. Then use pliers to remove the cotter pin.
We take out the cotter pin - Unscrew the nut that secures the ball joint, and then remove it from the hole.
Removing the ball joint - Move the brake hose away from the bracket to avoid damaging it.
It is better to hide the bracket hose - Remove the front steering knuckle and all the components located on it. Next, unscrew the mounting nut on the top of the shock absorber and remove the strut.
Dismantling the rack - Following the reverse procedure, install the new shock absorber strut in place. Once the process is complete, perform a wheel alignment and camber check.
After replacing shock absorber struts, it is important to check the secure fit of all fasteners. In this case, even if all parts are secured, the check should be repeated after 100 kilometers of the vehicle.
Video about the work
Operating a vehicle with faulty shock absorber struts can significantly reduce the level of driving comfort and negatively affect vehicle control. Timely replacement of struts will ensure safety on the road and prevent breakdowns of other components.
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The main causes of malfunction of the front struts
- premature failure of racks due to mechanical damage;
Replacing the front strut liners of a VAZ 2109
- long service life;
- manufacturing defect;
- poor quality of the road surface, etc.
Objective signs of a faulty front strut
- easily noticeable creaking of the suspension while overcoming road irregularities;
- knocking when the car stops or starts moving;
- the presence of shock-absorbing liquid, which can be seen even with the naked eye;
- The stand itself is constantly wet and dirty and cleaning it does not help.
Note. Objectively, you need to be aware that temporary repairs to the front struts will not have any significant effect; their complete replacement is necessary.
You can replace the strut apron either at a car service center or in your own garage.
Causes of shock absorber failure
If the struts unexpectedly fail, this indicates that its main elements - the oil seal and the valve system - have collapsed. The main reasons for the failure of any shock absorber:
- Accumulation of dirt and dust.
- Presence of corrosion.
- Damage to the protective boot.
- The presence of burrs and scratches on the rod.
- Breakdowns, leakage.
- Deformation.
You can also add the initially low quality of the shock absorber. If it is operated under harsh conditions - large temperature changes, driving on bad roads, traffic jams - this will lead to premature failure of the structure.
Therefore, when replacing the front struts of a VAZ-2109, you need to carefully select spare parts and check them for any, even the smallest, defects.
The lower shock absorber is mounted using two bolts to the wheel hub. And from above it is attached to the body by means of a support bearing. The entire load falls on this element, so they need to be changed more often than the shock absorbers themselves.
Before replacing struts, make sure the support bearings are in good condition. They can become deformed, and the rubber part often crumbles.
Sometimes the reason for the knocking lies in the weakening of the fastening. Monitoring the condition of suspension elements is the best way to delay expensive repairs. Carry out a thorough inspection and look for:
- Body swaying and poor vehicle controllability. The shock absorber rod moves without resistance - either the oil has completely leaked out or the liner is destroyed.
- Low stability when cornering and skidding.
- Excessive sagging during braking and acceleration.
- Excessive sensitivity when hitting potholes and holes.
- Shaking and increased vibration.
- Uneven and severe tire wear.
If one shock absorber malfunctions, you will have to replace two (on the same axis). It is imperative to install new support bearings - in this case, it will be possible to achieve high reliability of the suspension and increase the service life of the new shock absorbers. You will also feel that the car will become safer and more comfortable.
Leveling up
You can first remove the old strut, but before installing the new one, you must bleed it.
There is no need to pump single-pipe struts due to the fact that the container with high-pressure gas is reliably isolated by a piston.
If you avoid the bleeding procedure, or do this work incorrectly, the twin-pipe shock absorber may fail due to air or gas entering the inner sleeve, depending on the type of strut, through the valve. This happens when the unit is not transported in an upright position.
Now let's see how to pump the racks with your own hands.
Shock absorber replacement procedure
Replacement of the rear struts on the VAZ-2109 is done less frequently than the front struts. They have a higher resource due to the fact that they are less loaded. Most of the car's weight falls on the front axle. The struts will have to be removed when replacing suspension silent blocks, shock absorber pads, protective casing, buffers, gaskets, as well as when dismantling the rear beam.
Tools and accessories
To carry out the work you will need the following tools:
- Key set to “8” (required open-end).
- Curved socket wrench "17". Instead, you can use a special wrench designed for unscrewing the rear shock absorber mounts.
- Socket wrenches “19” ¬¬– 2 pcs.
- A device for compressing springs.
It is recommended to carry out work on an overpass or pit with an assistant. But if you don’t have such amenities, it’s okay. Spend a little more time, but there will be no problems during repairs.
Removing the shock absorber strut
If even one rack has become unusable, it is necessary to replace the second one on the axis. The same applies to suspension springs. Sequence of work:
- Hang the wheel and remove it. You can lift the entire rear part of the car at once, or you can replace the left shock absorber first, then the right one (or vice versa).
- It is recommended to pre-treat the bolts that secure the racks from below with a penetrating lubricant such as WD-40.
- Unscrew the nut on the rod. To do this, remove the rubber plug in the trunk and unscrew the nut using a “17” wrench. The rod may begin to rotate, so it needs to be held at “8” with an open-end wrench. If you are absolutely sure that you will throw out the shock absorber, then the rod can be held from below the car with an adjustable wrench. But for this you will have to call an assistant.
- Next, the nut needs to be removed; under it there is an engraving and support washer, a rubber cushion.
- Using a 19mm wrench, you need to unscrew the bolt that secures the stand to the beam. It will turn, so hold the nut on the other side with the same wrench. If penetrating lubricant does not help and the nut does not want to be unscrewed from the bolt, you will have to resort to using a gas torch or grinder.
Be careful - there is a gas tank nearby, so open fire is very dangerous. - After unscrewing the bolt on the lower mount, you can carefully remove the shock absorber. The rear shock absorber of the VAZ-2109 on the second side is removed in the same way.
