Perhaps the most famous and popular commercial small-class car in Russia is GAZelle. The car is available from the 94th year. During this time, the car went through many changes. The engine and cabin were modernized. But what remains untouched is the suspension. In today's article we will look at how the GAZelle running gear is diagnosed and how it works.
Design Features
Creating GAZelle, Gorky engineers did not invent a bicycle - the design was unified with the Volga. But the suspension has become more cargo. So, if the new Volga of that time already used springs, then there was a beam in the front and a dependent bridge in the back. A similar design was observed in the GAZ-33073.
Diagnostics of the chassis of these cars has many similarities. However, unlike GAZon, GAZelle began to use more “passenger”, telescopic shock absorbers. Note that they did not appear immediately. On models until 1997, shock absorbers were unified with the GAZ-53 and 3307 models.
Despite its archaic nature, this suspension scheme was one of the most reliable. Therefore, the repair of the GAZelle chassis was rarely required. Her suspension is almost indestructible. Indeed, in fact, there is nothing to break here - only springs and shock absorbers are present in the design. No ball bearings and levers - instead of them there is a rotary sleeve (king pin) and a beam.
the front of
How to diagnose running "GAZelle"? All operations come down to inspecting the condition of the rubber buffers and tie rods. And if the first ones are almost eternal, then the thrust for 10 years of operation may already wear out. To diagnose the running "GAZelle", you need an assistant. At your command, he will rotate the steering wheel from side to side. At this time, you should observe the movement of rods. It is unacceptable that they play. If so, it means that the silent block has worn out in them. The item needs to be replaced. Changing the steering rod assembly.
Another problem drivers face is tight control. As you know, before the generation of "Businesses", almost all "Gazelles" went without a hydraulic booster. But over time, the steering wheel becomes more tight. What is the reason if there are no complex structures and power steering here? And the reason is the pivot mechanism.
The fact is that grease is used to rotate the mechanisms inside. It is she who provides ease of management. And if the diagnostics of the GAZelle running gear showed that the steering wheel has become heavier than usual, it is time to update the lubricant. This process is called pinning. It is made with the help of such a gun:
A special lubricant is stuffed inside (it is important that it is waterproof). Next, one of the wheels is unscrewed until it stops (for ease of maintenance) and the lower ball screw is unscrewed (sometimes it is on top). It can be unscrewed with a hand or an open-end wrench “10”. Then a hose is screwed into the hole from the syringe on the thread. Try to twist it to the end. Otherwise, the grease will not get into the king pin. Further, by pressing the lever, we press the composition into the mechanism. We perform the procedure until the old grease comes out from the top. This suggests that the new composition has completely filled the inside of the node. Usually, the old grease is dark coffee in color and very dry to the touch.
How often to syringe pivots?
The frequency of the procedure does not depend on mileage. As a rule, pivots are injected 1-2 times a year. It is possible to determine the need for grease change by a characteristic, tight control.
Rear suspension
It is arranged no less archaic than the front. It uses a dependent bridge on semi-elliptical springs. But unlike the front, the rear is designed for heavy loads. Therefore, in addition to the main sheets, there are springs here. How is the running GAZelle diagnosed? It is worth paying attention to the condition of the rubber buffer of the springs.
If it is in the same condition as in the photo above, this indicates its malfunction. The part costs a penny, and you can replace it right on the spot, without jacking up the car.
Earring
Another important detail is the silent blocks of the earrings. What is noteworthy, the sheets themselves wear out faster than these rubber-metal elements break. But making diagnostics of the running GAZ-3302, do not deprive them of attention.
If the silent blocks of the earring are worn out, the element will play backlash and strong blows will occur. Typically, the item wears out at the top. If delamination is visible, then the part is out of order. How is the GAZelle running gear repaired in this case?
You can replace the part in place. However, you will need to jack the frame. Next, the old silent block is knocked out with a hammer. To fit a new one, use a silencer clamp. Tighten the rubber element all the way and install it in the earring, additionally making soft blows with a hammer.
Diagnostics of the running GAZ-3110 Volga
The Volga suspension is unified with the GAZelle. However, at 3110, instead of a beam, there is an independent suspension in front. Therefore, the diagnosis boils down to checking the silent blocks of levers that go from the subframe.
Additionally check the integrity of the rubber anthers of the upper and lower ball joints. Also, a stabilizer bar is installed in front. It is mounted on “knuckles” that can make play. If so, the elements must be replaced. Otherwise, the diagnosis is no different from the "GAZelle".
So, we found out how the suspension on the GAZelle is arranged and what elements should be paid attention to when diagnosing it.