How to determine and whether it is possible to drive. Timing chain knocking (rattling), cold or hot

As a timing drive on different types of engines, a toothed belt or chain is installed. They transmit torque from the crankshaft to the camshaft, which controls the operation of the car's valve system. It is the chain drive that is used in the VAZ 2107 engines, which provides greater reliability in comparison with a belt drive. There are frequent cases of broken timing belts, which leads to damage to the valves of the gas distribution system and requires expensive labor-intensive engine repairs. Unlike a belt, a timing chain ensures that there are no breaks and the consequences associated with this.

During operation, the chain gradually wears out and stretches, starting to make an unpleasant knock. If the malfunction is not corrected in time, a chain that is too loose can jump one or two teeth, which will lead to a shift in the valve timing, loss of power and engine performance. If the chain skips more teeth, the timing valves can “meet” the pistons, as happens on some engines when the timing belt breaks. To prevent this from happening, it is necessary to periodically control the tension and, if necessary, tighten the VAZ 2107 chain.

When to Check Chain Tension

If you need to tighten the chain, it is not necessary to check the tension. It is enough to use a chain tensioner (this will be discussed below). A tension check is needed if the chain has been replaced or if the chain continues to knock after tension. The knock of a loose chain is easy to distinguish from other noises: as the engine speed increases, it disappears.

To check this yourself, you need to open the hood and start the car. Then ask an assistant to press the gas pedal or independently pull the cable that controls the throttle actuator with your hand. If the knock at the front of the engine has disappeared, the cause is a weak chain tension. You need to pull it up.

How to check chain tension

The timing chain of the VAZ 2107 is located in front of the engine. From above it is closed by a cylinder head cover, from below - by an engine pan, the middle part passes inside the block and can only be reached by removing the chain.

To check the chain tension, simply remove the cylinder head cover. To do this, unscrew the 8 fastening nuts. After removing the cover, the gasket must be replaced. It is inexpensive, but if this is not done, after installing the cover with the old gasket, it is almost guaranteed that oil will begin to ooze from under it.

When the "valve cover" is removed, access to the top of the chain is exposed. You can check the tension with your hands, but it is better to use a large screwdriver. It must be inserted between the chain and the cylinder block housing and, using it as a lever, try to bend the chain. In this case, the chain should not bend. The tension check must be carried out on both sides - on the left and right sides of the engine. A chain stretched like a string that does not bend when pressed with a screwdriver or fingers is a sign of its correct tension. Otherwise, it must be tightened or replaced.

Important: Do not apply too much force by pressing the chain with all your might. This can lead to deformation of the chain links. Therefore, it is necessary to press "half-heartedly."

Chain tension adjustment VAZ 2107

“How to properly tension the VAZ 2107 chain” is a common question among novice owners of the VAZ “classics”. The chain tension is adjusted by the crankshaft bolt and a special part - the chain tensioner.

To adjust the chain tension, you need a spanner wrench for the chain tensioner nut and a special wrench to turn the engine crankshaft. The latter can be replaced with a ring wrench for 36.

Tension adjustment begins by loosening the chain tensioner nut. At the same time, if the chain has been loosened, the tensioner shoe should move slightly and tighten it.

If the shoe is stationary and the chain is not tensioned, the tensioner plunger should be released by lightly tapping the nut with a hammer. Sometimes it doesn't help. Then you should remove the tensioner and restore its performance or replace the part. This malfunction (plunger jamming) is quite typical for VAZ engine chain tensioners. That is why it is advisable to remove the engine head cover and check the chain tension, and not adjust it "blindly".

In order to properly tension the VAZ 2107 chain, it is necessary to turn the engine crankshaft with a special key clockwise by 1-1.5 turns, stopping it at the moment when the resistance to rotation is maximum.

Important: some craftsmen prefer to crank the crankshaft with a starter when adjusting the chain tension. It is not recommended to do this, since the correct tension can only be achieved with smooth, slow rotation of the crankshaft and when stopping precisely at the moment of greatest resistance to rotation.

After completing the operation, it remains to firmly tighten the cap nut of the tensioner and install the engine head cover in place.

The timing chain and belt are important parts of the gas distribution mechanism. Over time, the chain stretches and needs to be adjusted. The article talks about when tension is needed, and also gives step-by-step instructions on how to tension a chain on a VAZ 2107 with your own hands.

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When is tension needed?

The gas distribution mechanism on the VAZ 2107 injector consists of the following elements:

• intermediate and crankshaft gears;
• distribution and intermediate shafts;
• rocker;
• sedative;
• inlet and outlet valve;
• tensioner;
• shoe
• timing chain drive.

The photo shows timing parts.

Components of the gas distribution mechanism

Thanks to the timing, the air-fuel mixture is supplied and the exhaust gases are removed. Its work is carried out using a chain drive or belt. They transfer torque from the crankshaft to the camshaft.

The shafts must be in a certain position. To do this, special marks are applied to the crankshaft pulley and camshaft sprocket, which must be set correctly. If the marks do not match, serious problems with the engine may occur, up to a major overhaul of the motor.

During operation, the chain drive and the belt are in constant tension, so after a while the chain gradually stretches - its pitch increases. In this case, the engine starts to idle unstably, the speed starts to float, the engine may stall.

If there are metallic sounds when increasing or decreasing speed, this is a sure sign of stretching of the chain drive or wear of the damper. To eliminate these sounds, you need to tighten the chain or replace the damper. The chain drive tension should also be done after replacing any timing parts, including the damper and shoe.

The chain drive on the VAZ 2107 injector is adjusted using a tensioner, which can be a mechanical, automatic or hydraulic tensioner. To install a hydraulic tensioner on a VAZ 2107, you need to redo the timing. Instead of a regular one, an automatic tensioner is often installed, it is more reliable.

Diagram of the gas distribution mechanism

Step-by-step instruction

Before starting work on tensioning the chain, the car must be installed in a convenient position. Put the gear knob in neutral position, fix the wheels so that the car does not roll during the procedure.

Tools

To carry out the work, the following tools are required:

• set of socket wrenches;
• set of heads;
• pliers;
• screwdriver;
• hammer.

Before starting work, a visual inspection of the chain drive should be made. If mechanical damage is found to the tension roller, shoe, damper, sprockets or chain, the defective parts must be replaced.

Stages

The sequence of work when tensioning the chain, both in an engine with an injector and with a carburetor, consists of the following steps:

Sometimes the tension cannot be performed, due to the fact that the chain stretches over time, and the plunger is no longer long enough to make the adjustment. If you do not plan to change the product, then you can build up the tensioner rod for a temporary ride, for example, by fitting a bushing onto the end of the rod, with which the air filter is attached. But still, the worn product must be replaced in the near future.

The VAZ 2107 has an overhead valve gas distribution mechanism. This means that the camshaft is located at the top of the engine, in the cylinder head. The timing is designed to regulate the supply of the gas-fuel mixture to the cylinders and organize the removal of exhaust gases. For the operation of the timing, a star gear is arranged, in which a chain with special devices serves as a drive on the VAZ 2107 injection engine.

Timing on an injection engine consists of:

1. inlet pipe and exhaust manifold, which perform the functions of supplying HTS to the cylinders and exhaust gases;
2. crankshaft - it is necessary to actuate the timing drive;
3. the camshaft is the main element of the timing, which, during rotation, regulates the operation of valves with certain phases;
4. valves, rocker arms, rods and pushers - they interact with the camshaft in a certain mode, necessary for optimal engine operation;
5. timing chain drive - through a chain stretched over gears and sprockets of the crankshaft, auxiliary units and camshaft, it drives the entire timing mechanism, as well as the oil pump and ignition distributor sensor.

The timing drive (also called the camshaft drive) on the VAZ 2107 is structurally not very complicated, but there are a number of nuances that must be taken into account when replacing or tightening the VAZ 2107 chain. This engine timing element includes:

1. The crankshaft sprocket, it is the leading one, rotates at a speed twice that of the camshaft sprocket, so it has a smaller diameter;
2. Drive sprocket for the oil system pump and RZ sensor;
3. Camshaft sprocket;
4. Comforter made of plastic;
5. Hydraulic tensioner, to which, as a working fluid, engine oil is supplied through a special tube through an oil sensor;
6. Chain tensioner shoe;
7. Bush-roller chain, for engines 2101-21011 it has 114 links, for - 2103-2106 - 116.

Determining how many links in the chain is quite simple. It is necessary to stretch the chain to its full length, and if the links are the same at both ends, then there are 116 of them, if they are different, then there are 114 links.

There is a mark on the crankshaft sprocket; when installing or adjusting the chain, it should “look” at a special mark in the form of a tide on the cylinder block. The special mark on the camshaft sprocket must be against the bead mark on the bearing housing. As a result, the crankshaft and camshaft marks should be directed towards each other.

In the article we will tell you why it is necessary to adjust the tension of the gas distribution chain, what can happen if this is not done, and how to tension the chain on the VAZ 2107.

When is chain tension adjustment needed?

• if the chain is stretched. This is evidenced by the appearance of a high-pitched ringing with a metallic tinge from the front side of the engine, in the end part, or a knock from under the valve cover. This is clearly audible if the engine is gaining momentum.
• if the chain has been removed or the engine has been overhauled.
• before the valve clearances must be adjusted;
• after the damper or tensioner has been changed.
• tightening is needed after long-term operation, after a run of 10-20 thousand km.

What is the danger of an untimely tightening?

The valve timing shifts gradually, the engine starts to work intermittently, there is increased heating and wear of the parts of the cylinder-piston group.

What tool is required for tension?

• a simple open-end wrench for 13;
• open-end wrench for turning the crankshaft by 38;
• tubular wrench 10 to remove the head cover.

The sequence of necessary operations:

1. Remove the air filter housing from the carburetor. Then we disconnect the thrust of the "gas" from the roller

2. Then you need to remove the lever with rods.

3. And, finally, we disconnect the fuel hose from the bracket, going from the fuel pump to the carburetor.

4. With a tubular key for 10, remove the cylinder head cover. This must be done so that you can check the chain tension by hand.

5. Weaken the tensioner. In the engine housing, near the pump, on the right side in front along the course of the car, unscrew the cap nut with a 13 mm wrench.

6. The chain tensioner is discharging, the shoe “clicks” with a specific sound. If there is no click and the tensioner is “stuck”, then you can gently tap the nut with a hammer and release the tensioner plunger.

7. When the cover is open, you can easily determine if the chain is slack by pressing on the side of it. It is worth remembering what degree of its “weakness”.

8. With an open-end wrench 38, turn the crankshaft clockwise by an average of one and a half to two turns. When there is the greatest resistance to movement, then the chain will be as tight as possible. The main thing is to make sure that the crankshaft does not turn back due to the stroke due to compression, and the chain tension does not weaken. If there is no key for 38, then you can turn on the ignition and turn the crankshaft with the starter. In order not to "slip" the moment and tighten the chain, a skill is required, because you need to turn on the starter for a split second. You can even crank the crankshaft without a key and without a battery. You will have to hang out the rear axle and turn on the “easy” 5th gear for rotation. Then, turning the wheel clockwise, turn the chain to the desired position.

9. We twist the nut back, holding the crankshaft from the "damping" back. Then we check the result of the tension by again pressing the chain with your hand.

There shouldn't be any deflection. Now install the head cover in place.

10. Adjustment completed. Now we start the engine and check the work by ear. If you managed to tighten the timing chain correctly, then the metallic ringing will disappear.

This method of tension can be recommended to everyone. Experienced motorists do not need to remove the block head cover, provided that they will unmistakably find by touch, by resistance, exactly the position of the crankshaft at which the chain will be as tight as possible.

On classic cars of the VAZ family, a timing chain drive was installed. Since this is one of the important elements of the gas distribution mechanism, it is necessary to periodically monitor its condition and tension. In the event of failure of the parts responsible for the operation of the circuit, it is necessary to immediately carry out repairs in order to avoid serious consequences and costly repairs.

Timing chain drive VAZ 2107 - description

The chain transmission of the timing mechanism VAZ 2107 has a long resource, but once the turn comes and its replacement. The need for this arises as a result of the stretching of the links, when the chain tensioner no longer copes with the functions assigned to it. In addition, the parts responsible for the normal operation of the timing drive also wear out over time.

sedative

In the chain drive of the VAZ 2107 gas distribution mechanism, a damper is used to dampen jerks and oscillations of the chain. Without this detail, with an increase in the amplitude of oscillations, the chain may fly off the gears or even break off. A broken chain drive is most likely at maximum crankshaft speed, which happens instantly. At the time of the break, the intake and exhaust valves fail. After such damage to the engine, at best, a major overhaul will be required.

By its design, the damper is a plate made of high-carbon steel with two holes for fastening. Another element that is simultaneously responsible for calming and tensioning the chain is the shoe. Its rubbing surface is made of high strength polymer material.

Tensioner

Based on the name, it can be understood that the device is designed to prevent sagging of the timing chain while the engine is running. There are several types of such mechanisms:

• automatic;
• mechanical;
• hydraulic.

Automatic tensioners appeared not so long ago, but have already managed to show their positive and negative sides. The main advantage of the product is that there is no need to periodically adjust the chain tension, since the mechanism keeps it constantly taut. Among the shortcomings of the auto-tensioner, there is a quick failure, high cost, poor tension, as evidenced by the reviews of some car owners.

Hydraulic tensioners are powered by pressurized oil supplied from the engine's lubrication system. Such a design does not require intervention from the driver in terms of adjusting the chain drive, but the mechanism can sometimes wedge, which negates all its advantages.

The most common tensioner is mechanical. However, it has a significant drawback: the product becomes clogged with small particles, as a result of which the plunger jams and the mechanism is unable to perform its functions during tension adjustment.

Chain

The timing chain in the VAZ 2107 engine is designed to connect the crankshaft and camshaft: they have gears on which the chain is put on. After starting the power unit, the synchronous rotation of these shafts is ensured by means of a chain transmission. In case of violation of synchronism for any reason, the timing mechanism fails, as a result of which the stable operation of the engine is disrupted. In such a situation, power failures, deterioration in dynamics, and an increase in fuel consumption are observed.

As the vehicle is used, the chain stretches as high loads are placed on it. This indicates the need for periodic adjustment. Otherwise, sagging will lead to jumping of the links on the gears, as a result of which the operation of the power unit will be disrupted. To prevent this from happening, the factory recommends adjusting the chain tension every 10 thousand km. run.

Even if there are no characteristic sounds (rustling) indicating chain stretching, it is advisable to check the tension, especially since the procedure is simple and does not take much time.

Signs and Causes of a Malfunctioning Chain Drive

The timing chain drive, unlike the belt drive, is located inside the motor and, in order to assess the condition of the elements, a partial disassembly of the power unit will be required. There are certain signs that indicate that not everything is in order with the chain drive and that it needs to be tensioned or replaced.

Rattles the chain

Circuit problems can manifest themselves as follows:

• rattles in the cold;
• knocks on hot;
• there is extraneous noise under load;
• constant metallic sound.

If extraneous noise appears, it is recommended to visit a service station in the near future or independently deal with problems in the timing drive and assess the condition of all elements responsible for its operation (tensioner, shoe, damper, chain, gears). If you continue to drive a car with a rattling chain, wear of parts increases.

The main reasons that lead to the failure of timing components are:

• untimely replacement of engine oil or the use of the wrong brand recommended by the manufacturer;
• use of low quality spare parts (non-original);
• low oil level in the engine or low pressure;
• untimely maintenance;
• incorrect operation;
• poor quality repair.

One of the likely reasons that the chain starts to rattle is its stretching and a malfunction of the tensioner. As a result, the chain drive cannot be tensioned properly, and a uniform noise appears in the motor, similar to the operation of a diesel engine. In most cases, the sound is heard when idling on a cold engine.

Video: why the chain rattles on the "classic"

Jumped the chain

With a weak tension, the chain is pulled out quite quickly and can jump on the gear teeth. This is possible as a result of a broken shoe, tensioner or damper. If the chain has jumped, then there is a strong displacement of the ignition. In this case, it is necessary to carry out troubleshooting of the drive parts of the gas distribution mechanism.

Repair of the timing chain drive VAZ 2107

In the event of a malfunction of the chain mechanism, it is not worth delaying the repair. Otherwise, consequences are possible that will lead to costly repairs. Consider a step-by-step procedure for repairing the constituent elements of the timing drive on the "seven".

Replacing the damper

In order to replace the chain drive damper, you will need to prepare the following list of tools:

• a set of keys and socket heads;
• screwdriver;
• long tweezers, magnetic telescopic handle or hard wire hook;
• engine head cover gasket;
• car sealant;
• new chain damper VAZ 2107.

The procedure for replacing the chain damper is reduced to the following step-by-step actions:

1. We remove the air filter, for which we unscrew 3 nuts securing the housing cover and 4 nuts securing to the carburetor.
2. With a head or a tubular wrench for 13, we unscrew the fasteners of the valve cover and remove it.
3. Using a 13 wrench, loosen the chain tensioner nut.
4. With the help of a long flat screwdriver, we take the tensioner shoe to the side.
5. Holding the shoe in the retracted state, tighten the cap nut.
6. We make a hook from a piece of wire and hook the damper through the eye.
7. We unscrew the bolts securing the damper and remove them, holding the damper itself with a hook.
8. Turn the camshaft 1/3 turn clockwise with a wrench.
9. When the chain is loosened, remove the damper.
10. Replace the damaged part with a new one in reverse order.

Video: how to replace the damper on the "seven"

Tensioner replacement

Replacing the chain tensioner requires a minimum of time and tools. The work comes down to several steps:

Before mounting the tensioner, it is necessary to unscrew the nut and press the rod, then tighten the nut.

Shoe replacement

Repair work on replacing the shoe begins with the preparation of the tool:

• screwdrivers;
• spanners;
• mounting blade;
• wrench for the crankshaft pulley nut or regular 36.

The sequence of steps for replacing a part is as follows:

1. We dismantle the crankcase protection of the power unit.
2. After loosening the fastening of the generator, remove the belt from it and from the crankshaft pulley.
3. We dismantle the casing together with the electric cooling fan.
4. We unscrew the nut securing the crankshaft pulley with a 36 wrench and tighten the pulley itself.
5. We unscrew the bolt fastenings of the front part of the crankcase (under the number 1 - we loosen, under the number 2 - we turn it off).
6. We loosen and unscrew all the bolts securing the front cover of the motor.
7. Remove the cover by prying it with a screwdriver.
8. We unscrew the mount "2" of the shoe "1" and remove the part.
9. We assemble in the reverse order.

Video: how to replace the chain tensioner on a Zhiguli

Chain replacement

The chain is replaced in the following cases:

• when it is stretched, i.e. when the tensioner cannot cope with the tension;
• after a run of 80–100 thousand km.

From the tools you need to prepare:

• hammer;
• screwdrivers;
• spanners;
• mounting blade;
• a piece of wire;
• key for turning the crankshaft.

The procedure for replacing the chain transmission is carried out in the following order:

1. Remove the valve cover from the engine.
2. We turn the crankshaft with a key until the mark on the camshaft gear is opposite the mark on the bearing housing. In this case, the mark on the crankshaft must also match the mark on the front cover of the engine.
3. Bend the washer that secures the camshaft gear bolt.
4. We turn on the fourth gear and put the car on the handbrake.
5. We loosen the fasteners of the camshaft gear.
6. Remove the chain guide.
7. We unscrew the fastening of the front cover of the engine and remove the shoe.
8. We bend the lock washer located under the bolt of the gear of the auxiliary units.
9. We unscrew the bolt itself with an open-end wrench by 17 and remove the gear.
10. Loosen the limit pin.
11. Loosen the camshaft gear bolt.
12. Raise the chain and remove the gear.
13. Lower the chain down and remove it from all gears.
14. We check the coincidence of the mark on the crankshaft gear with the mark on the engine block.

If the marks do not match, turn the crankshaft until they are aligned.

After the steps have been taken, you can proceed with the installation of a new circuit:

1. First, we put the part on the crankshaft sprocket.
2. Then we put the chain on the gear of auxiliary devices.
3. We install the gear of auxiliary units in place, baiting the fixing bolt.
4. We hook the chain and raise it to the camshaft.
5. We put the chain drive on the camshaft gear and put the sprocket in place.
6. We check the coincidence of the marks and pull the chain.
7. Lightly tighten the camshaft gear bolt.
8. Install the damper and shoe in the reverse order of removal.
9. We put the restrictive finger in place.
10. We turn on the neutral gear and turn the crankshaft with a 36 key clockwise.
11. Checking if the labels match.
12. With the correct location of the marks, we tighten the chain tensioner nut, turn on the gear and wrap all the gear mounting bolts.
13. We install all the elements in the reverse order.

Video: replacing the timing chain on a VAZ 2101–07

Installing the chain by marks

If repairs have been made to the timing drive or the chain has a strong stretch, in which the marks on the camshaft gear and crankshaft pulley do not match the corresponding marks on the bearing housing and engine block, you need to make adjustments and install the chain correctly.

Of the tools you will need:

• Screwdriver Set;
• key to rotate the crankshaft;
• a set of keys.

To install the chain, follow these steps:

1. Remove the cover, filter and its housing.
2. We disconnect the crankcase exhaust pipe from the carburetor, and also loosen the suction cable fasteners to remove the cable.
3. Using a 10mm socket wrench, unscrew the valve cover fasteners.
4. We remove the lever from the cover along with the carburetor rods.
5. Remove the block head cover.
6. We scroll the crankshaft with a key until the mark on the camshaft gear matches the protrusion on the housing. The mark on the crankshaft pulley must match the length of the mark on the front cover of the engine.
7. If, when setting the marks, it turned out that one of them does not match, we unbend the lock washer under the camshaft gear mounting bolt.
8. We turn on the first gear and unscrew the bolt securing the camshaft gear.
9. We remove the asterisk, holding it in our hands.
10. We dismantle the chain from the gear and change its position in the right direction to align all the marks, as described in paragraph 6.
11. We assemble in the reverse order.
12. At the end of the procedure, do not forget to stretch the chain.

Video: setting the valve timing on the VAZ 2101–07

Chain tension

Every owner of this car should know how to tension the timing chain on the VAZ 2107. To carry out the work you need to prepare:

• key for 13;
• key 36 for crankshaft rotation;
• hammer.

The procedure is carried out in the following order

1. Using a 13 wrench, unscrew the cap nut of the tensioner.
2. With the crankshaft wrench, turn the pulley a few turns.
3. We stop the crankshaft at the moment of maximum resistance to rotation. In this position, we make a stretch.
4. We turn the cap nut.

Video: chain tension on the "classic"

Sometimes it happens that when the nut is loosened, the tensioner does not snap off. To do this, tap on the body of the mechanism with a hammer.

To understand whether the chain really has a good tension, you must first remove the valve cover before adjusting.

Types of chain drive

The VAZ "seven", like the other "classic", is equipped with a double-row timing chain. However, there is a single-row chain, which, if desired, can be installed on the Zhiguli.

Single row chain

A chain drive with one row has less noise when the engine is running, compared to two rows. This factor is one of the main ones in favor of choosing single-row chains. Therefore, some owners of the VAZ 2107 decide to replace the timing drive. The lower noise level is due to the fact that fewer links are driven. In addition to the whole engine, it is easier to rotate such a chain, which positively affects the increase in power. However, due to the low noise level when such a chain is stretched, it is not always clear that the part needs to be tensioned.

double row chain

Despite the advantages of a single-row chain, a two-row chain drive is the most common, since it is characterized by high reliability and when a link breaks, the entire chain does not break. In addition, the load on the timing drive parts is distributed evenly, as a result of which the chain and gears wear out more slowly. The term of the part in question exceeds 100 thousand km. Although recently, automakers, in order to reduce the weight of power units, install chains with one row.

Replacing a double row chain with a single row

If you are thinking about replacing a double-row chain drive with a single-row one, you will need to purchase the following parts:

• crankshaft, camshaft and oil pump gears for single row chain;
• sedative;
• shoe;
• single row chain;
• automatic tensioner.

All of the listed parts are taken, as a rule, from the VAZ 21214. The work of replacing the chain should not cause difficulties. The only thing that is required is to replace the sprockets, for which the corresponding fasteners are unscrewed. Otherwise, the steps are similar to the procedure for replacing a conventional two-row chain.

Video: installing a single-row chain on a VAZ

Despite the fact that replacing the timing chain drive with a VAZ 2107 is not an easy process, every Zhiguli owner can do it if you follow the step-by-step instructions. The main thing is to correctly set the marks at the end of the work, which will ensure the synchronous operation of the crankshaft and camshaft.