For the current repair of the rear suspension on a VAZ car, it is not necessary to contact the service station specialists. You can determine the need for suspension repair and fix the malfunction on your own.
Rear Suspension Inspection
To determine the need for suspension repair, it is enough to drive the car onto a viewing hole, overpass or lift.
When starting the inspection, first of all pay attention to the integrity of the shock absorber bushings and the rod joints. They tend to wear out first and more often than the rest of the suspension. Slightly rocking the car body sideways, watch the hinge bushings, if you notice the slightest play, then the bushings must be replaced.
Also pay attention to the dryness of the shock body. If there are oil leaks, the shock absorber must be repaired or completely replaced.
We check the integrity of the springs and seat rings, as well as the degree of spring shrinkage. The normal spring length at the nominal curb weight of the vehicle is 43 - 44 cm.
The purchase of the necessary spare parts should be done in specialized stores. Where there is a guarantee that you will not be sold defective or low-quality products. Nevertheless, check the quality and elasticity of the rubber of the hinges, the completeness of the set.
Replacing rubber bushings and hinges
At the beginning of the suspension repair, it is necessary to install anti-roll shoes under the wheels to prevent the spontaneous movement of the machine.
Next, use a steel brush to clean the nuts of the hinges of the rods and shock absorbers from dirt and rust. Then moisten the threads and nuts with kerosene or brake fluid. This will make it easier to loosen the nuts and remove the stuck rods and bushings.
We replace the rod bushings one by one, without removing the rear axle of the car. To unscrew the bolts and nuts, you will need a 19 wrench.
The rubber bushings of the rods are squeezed out with a special puller. To ease the seating of the new bushing, lubricate it and the rod seat with soapy water. It is strongly not recommended to lubricate the bushings with oil, grease, and increase the bore diameter of the bushing.
The shock absorber mount consists of two tapered rubber hinges connected by a steel bushing. For sealing, the hinges are pressed with a steel spherical washer.
Remove the old hinges by hooking them up with a screwdriver. In their place, put the new hinges in order: hinge, shock absorber, hinge, steel bushing. Tightening the fastening bolt for a correct fit and tension of the rubber parts should be done with the car's natural load on the suspension.
The springs change one by one, jacking the car from the right side. The seat rings are best replaced with the spring to extend the life of the supplied spring and the integrity of the body side members.
