Lada Niva Building instructions

Lada Niva Manual - Maintenance Page 1
Table of Contents
MAINTENANCE............................................................................................................................2
ENGINE LUBRICATION..............................................................................................................2
Oil Sump.................................................................................................................................2
Oil Filter ................................................................................................................................3
VALVE GEAR ............................................................................................................................4
Valve Clearances......................................................................................................................4
Tensioning the Valve Gear Chain................................................................................................5
FUEL SYSTEM...........................................................................................................................5
Air Cleaner .............................................................................................................................6
Car urettor.............................................................................................................................7
Idling speed adjustment .............................................................................................................7
CRANKCASE BREATHING SYSTEM...........................................................................................9
COOLING SYSTEM ....................................................................................................................9
Coolant ..................................................................................................................................9
COOLING SYSTEM THERMOSTAT....................................................................................................10
ALTERNATOR DRIVE BELT............................................................................................................10
IGNITION SYSTEM...................................................................................................................11
Ignition Distri utor ................................................................................................................11
SPARK PLUGS.............................................................................................................................12
TRANSMISSION.......................................................................................................................12
Clutch Fluid Reservoir ............................................................................................................ 12
ADJUSTING THE CLUTCH CONTROL MECHANISM .............................................................................. 12
GEARBOX TRANSFER CASE. .........................................................................................................14
Front and Rear Axles .............................................................................................................. 14
Propeller Shaft Splined Connections and Crosses ........................................................................14
Joints of Front Wheel Drive Propeller Shafts............................................................................... 14
HYDRAULIC SHOCK ABSORBERS AND ANTIROLL BAR .........................................................14
STEERING GEAR AND WHEELS...............................................................................................14
Steering Gear Clearances.........................................................................................................14
Front Wheel Hu Bearings.......................................................................................................15
Examining the Front Suspension Ball Supports and Steering Rod joints...........................................17
Tyres....................................................................................................................................17
Replacing the Wheels...............................................................................................................19
Front-End Alignment...............................................................................................................19
BRAKES.................................................................................................................................. 20
Brake Hydraulic System ........................................................................................................... 20
Brake Fluid Reservoir..............................................................................................................21
Flexi le rake hoses................................................................................................................21
FRONT BRAKES .......................................................................................................................... 21
REAR BRAKES ............................................................................................................................23
Bleeding the Brake System........................................................................................................24
Adjusting the Free Travel of Brake Pedal....................................................................................25
Brake Vacuum Booster.............................................................................................................25
Parking Brake........................................................................................................................25
ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT .......................................................................................................25
Wiring diagram......................................................................................................................26
Storage Battery ......................................................................................................................27
Alternator .............................................................................................................................27
Starter..................................................................................................................................27
Voltage Regulator...................................................................................................................28
Aiming the Headlight Lower Beam ............................................................................................28
Replacing the Bul s ................................................................................................................ 28
Tail lights.............................................................................................................................29
Fuses....................................................................................................................................29
Fuse-Protected Circuits ........................................................................................................... 29
BODY......................................................................................................................................31
Care of Body ......................................................................................................................... 31
Windshield and Headlight Washers............................................................................................ 33
Windshield and Headlight Wipers..............................................................................................33
Fastening of Units and Mechanisms to Car Body.........................................................................33
MAINTENINCE IN LONG-TERM STORIGE.................................................................................33

Lada Niva Manual - Maintenance Page 2
MAINTENANCE
The mechanisms units and parts subject to scheduled maintenance are indicated by reference
numbers in Figs 25 and 26. Table 1 contains the lubricating instructions and Table 2
maintenance instructions (cleaning checking and adjustment).
The car should be serviced every 10 000 Km. However during the initial period of operation
when working-in of all the units and mechanisms takes place the car should be serviced after
covering the first 2 000-3 000 Km. This will ensure superb performance and long service life
of the car.
The list of the tools and accessories delivered with the car for Owner’s services is given in
Appendix 3.
ENGINE LUBRICATION
Oil Sump
Every 500 Km check the oil level in a cold engine and add oil if
necessary. The oil level should be between marks MIN and MAX on
oil dipstick 1 (Fig. 27).
On a new engine change oil after the first 2 000-3 000 Km then at
10 000 Km and thereafter every 10 000 Km. Change oil while the
engine is still hot. Drain used oil after removing the plug of the hole
in the bottom of the engine sump. Pour fresh oil through oil filler
neck 2 located on the cylinder head cover.
The seasonal change of oil depends on the change of season as
different temperature conditions call for the employment of different grades of oil (see
Appendix 2).
Every 30 000 Km wash the lubricating system. Wash the system earlier only when sticky
gum deposits accumulate on the camshaft housing.
Perform this operation on a hot engine as follows:
• Drain used oil from the engine sump.
• Fill the engine with a special detergent oil to the MIN mark and let the engine run idle at a
speed of about 1 000 rpm for 10 minutes.
• Drain the detergent oil replace the oil filter and pour in fresh oil of the grade recommended
for the season.
note. When using equivalent oils produced by different firms wash the lubricating system
each time before the oil change.

Lada Niva Manual - Maintenance Page 3
Oil Filter
Every 10.000 Km replace the filter. Do it after the first 2 000-
3 000 Km on a new car. To replace the filter unscrew it from the
cylinder block (pig. 28). Screw the new filter in place only hand-
tight.

Lada Niva Manual - Maintenance Page 4
VALVE GEAR
Valve Clearances
Every 10.000 Km and also in case of abnormal knocking in the
valve mechanism check clearances A (Fig. 29) between the
cams and valve rockers which should be 0.15 mm on a cold
engine both for the intake and exhaust valves. On a new engine
perform this operation after the first 2 000-3 000 Km upon
checking and tightening the fasteners of the cylinder head
camshaft bearing housing and intake and exhaust manifolds.
Loosen the cylinder head bolts preliminarily through about
30" each and then tighten them according to the sequence
shown in fig. 30.
Tighten bolts 1 through 10 to a torque of 115 NÆm (11.5 kg Æ m)
and bolt 11 to a torque of 38 NÆm (3.8 kg Æ m).
Tighten the nuts of the camshaft
bearing housing by applying a torque
of 22 NÆm (2.2 kg m) according to the
sequence shown in pig. 31.
To adjust the valve clearances, roceed as follows:
• Remove the cylinder head cover with its gasket; if necessary
first remove the heater air intake box;
• Rotate the crankshaft clockwise to align mark A (Fig. 32) on
the sprocket with mark B on the camshaft housing; in this case
the piston of the No. 4 cylinder will be on TDC at the end of
the compression stroke and both valves will be closed
• Adjust the rocker-to-cam clearances of the exhaust valve on
the No. 4 cylinder (8th cam) and of the intake valve on the No.
3 cylinder (6th cam); for this purpose loosen locknut 2 (Fig.
33) and rotate adjusting bolt 1 to set the required clearance
using a flat feeler gauge inserted between the cam and the
rocker (the feeler gauge should move in this case with a slight
biting)
• Holding bolt 1 in this position with a wrench tighten locknut
2 by applying a torque of 52 NÆm (5.2 kg Æ m) and recheck the
clearance
• Turning the crankshaft each time through hall a revolution
adjust the clearances of other valves following the sequence
given in Table 3 below.
Valve Gear
A - Valve rocker to cam clearance 1 -
cam 2 - valve rocker 3 - valve oil
deflecting cap 4 - valve 5 - rocker
adjusting bolt 6 - adjust bolt locknut.
Figure 30 - Sequence of tightening
cylinder head bolts
Fig 31. Sequence of tightening
camshaft bearing housing nuts
Fig 32.
Setting No. 4 Cylinder piston in TDC
Fig 33. Adjusting valve clearances:
1- adjusting bolt 2- adjusting bolt
locknut

Lada Niva Manual - Maintenance Page 5
Table 3 - Sequence of Valve Clearance Adjustment.
Crankshaft No of cylinder in which piston is on
TDC
Valves under adjustment
angle at end of compression stroke exhaust intake
degrees Cylinder
No.
Cam No. Cylinder
No.
Cam No.
0 4 4836
180 2 2447
360 1 1123
560 3 3512
• Reinstall the cylinder head cover with its gasket. Adjustment over check the tightening
torque of the crankshaft jaws which should be 122 NÆm (12.2 kg Æ m).
Tensioning t e Valve Gear C ain
Every 10.000 Km adjust the tension of
timing chain 2 (Fig. 34). Do it on a new car
after the first 2 000- 3 000 Km. For this
purpose loosen retaining nut 7 and turn the
crank- shaft through 1-1~5 revolutions in the
direction of its normal rotation. In this case
spring 10 actuates shoe 6 through plunger 11
and automatically sets the required chain
tension. Adjustment over tighten nut 7.
Adjust chain tension also in case of excessive
operation noise in the valve gear.
Fig 34. Valve Gear Drive. 1 - camshaft sprocket 2 - chain 3 -
dampener 4 - oil pump drive shaft sprocket 5 - crankshaft
sprocket 6 - chain tensioner shoe 7 tensioner rod retaining nut 8 -
retainer 9 - tensioner adjusting rod 10 - plunger spring 11 -
tensioner plunger
FUEL SYSTEM

Lada Niva Manual - Maintenance Page
Air Cleaner
Every 10.000 Km replace filter element 3 (Fig. 35); to this end
unscrew nuts 1 and remove cover 2. When driving on extremely dusty
roads replace the filter element every 5 000 Km.
Seasonal adjustment of the air cleaner is required for delivery of fresh
or warm air (warmed by the exhaust manifold). If the average ambient
temperature in the season is below 15 "C slightly pull and then shift
the handle 5 of the gate on the housing of thermo-regulator 4 in the
upper position (HOT) and if the average temperature is above 15 "C
shift the handle to the lower position (COLD).
Figure 35. Air Cleaner 1- nut 2-
cover 3- filter 4- thermo-regulator 5-
handle

Lada Niva Manual - Maintenance Page 7
Carburettor
Every 10.000 Km (and also after the first 2 000-
3 000 Km if the car is new) wash the carburettor
fuel filter and the fuel pump filter with gasoline and
blow them out with compressed air.
Every 20 000 Km clean the carburettor from the
inside wash it with gasoline or benzene and blow
out with compressed air. When cleaning the
calibrated orifices of the jets use a wooden stick or
match with a pointed end wetted with acetone. Do
not use wire even soft not to disturb the
dimensions and finish of the orifices. When screwing the jets in or out avoid damaging the
thread in the holes.
Check and if necessary adjust the fuel level in the float chamber and the float travel for
which purpose.
• Make sure that the mass of float 9 (Fig. 36) complete with arm 7 is 12+1 g the float has no
holes or dents and can freely rotate on its pin.
• Make sure that seat 2 of needle valve 4 is tightened reliably and that damper ball 5 built
into needle valve 4 does not stick
• Set upper body 1 vertically so that the fuel inlet union is directed upwards the needle
valve is closed and float tongue 8 lightly contacts the needle valve ball.
• With the parts in this position measure the distance between the float and the surface of
gasket 10 which fits the upper body; the distance should be 6.5 mm
• Change the position of the tongue if necessary to obtain the required distance; the tongue
must be perpendicular to the valve axis and the contacting surface of the tongue should
have no defects that may cause sticking of the valve.
• Check the float travel which should be 8 mm changing the position of stop 3 if necessary.
• Check that pull-back yoke 6 of the needle valve does not interfere with free travel of the
valve.
• Reinstall the carburettor upper body after making sure that the float is free to move
without brushing against the chamber walls.
Note. When replacing the needle valve also replace the gasket between the seat and the upper
body.
Idling speed adjustment
Every 10.000 Km (and also after the first 2 000-
3 000 Km if the car is new) adjust the minimum
idling speed of the engine. Have this adjustment
done at a service station. The Owner is allowed
only to carry out fine adjustment of the engine
idling speed within the range permitted by idle
speed screw limiting bushing 1 (Fig. 37) and by
idle mixture screw limiting bushing 2. Attempts to
turn the bushings through a larger angle will
destroy them. In this case the Manufacturer bears
no responsibility for excessive content of carbon monoxide (CO) in the exhaust gases and for
excessive fuel consumption.
Fig. 36.Adjusting Fuel Level In Carburettor
Float Chamber: 1- carburettor upper body 2 -
needle valve rest 3 - stop 4 - needle valve 5-
ball 6- pull-back yoke 7 arm 8 lounge 9-
float l0- gasket.
Fig 37. Idling system adjustment screws: 1- Idle
speed screw limiting bushing 2- idle mixture screw
limiting bushing.

Lada Niva Manual - Maintenance Page 8
Perform the fine adjustment with the engine warmed-up valve clearances adjusted and a
spark advance angle set properly. Proceed as follows.
• Start the engine and turn idle mixture screw limiting bushing 2 all the way out.
• Using idle speed screw limiting bushing 1 set the engine speed within 850-900 rpm

Lada Niva Manual - Maintenance Page 9
Check the engine idling performance. For this purpose abruptly depress and release the
accelerator pedal; in this case the engine speed should increase smoothly without missing. The
engine should not stall when the idling speed is reduced to minimum. If the idling speed fine
adjustment fails to ensure normal running of the engine without missing apply to a service
station for a qualified help.
CRANKCASE BREATHING SYSTEM
Every 20.000 Km clean and wash with gasoline the hoses of the crank- case breathing
system the shut-off valve on the carburettor throttle valve shaft and the flame arrester
located in the exhaust hose running from the engine to the air cleaner.
COOLING SYSTEM
Coolant
The cooling system of the cars leaving the plant is filled with
special fluid A-40M. This fluid is an ethylene glycol mixture with
a freezing point of minus 40"C and anticorrosive antifoaming and
antiscaling properties. It needs no replacement within a period of
three years. Therefore care of the cooling system during this
period consists only in checking at regular intervals the fluid level
in the expansion tank.
The fluid level should always be 3-4 cm above the MIN mark
(Fig. 38). Check the fluid level on a cold engine only since when
the engine is hot the level may rise significantly; expansion of the fluid volume may also take
place immediately after engine shutdown.
If the fluid level is below the MIN mark replenish the expansion tank with fluid of the same
grade. If the coolant level drops constantly and frequent replenishments are required check the
cooling system for leakage and eliminate the trouble. In an emergency the cooling system may
be filled with clean water. In this case proceed as follows:
• Cool the engine.
• Remove the caps from the radiator and expansion tank.
• Pour water into the radiator (keep pouring water until it starts flowing out of the radiator
filler neck).
• Reinstall the radiator cap.
• Add water into the expansion tank until its level is 3-4 cm above the MIN mark.
• Reinstall the expansion tank cap.
In cold seasons if water has been added into the cooling system and before placing the car in
motion warm the engine up to 85-90"C to make the fluids mix. Bear in mind that water added
into the cooling system raises the freezing temperature of the mixture; therefore per- form the
necessary repairs of the cooling system at the first opportunity and fill it with the coolant of
the prescribed grade.
Fig 38 Cooling system expansion tank

Lada Niva Manual - Maintenance Page 10
Every three years or every 60 000 Km (whichever comes
first) flush the cooling system and fill it with fresh coolant.
Drain coolant from the system through two drain holes 1 and
2 (Fig. 39) one of which is located in the radiator bottom tank
and the other one in the cylinder block at the left side. In doing
so shift the heater cock control lever to the right most
position.
For screwing the radiator drain hole plug in or out use two wrenches; one to keep in place
the plug union soldered into the radiator tank and the other to screw the plug in or out. After
draining the coolant completely from the system through the above holes remove the coolant
remaining in the expansion tank and hose connecting the tank to the radiator by disconnecting
the hose from the expansion tank or by raising the tank proper to a required height.
To flush the cooling system, roceed as follows.
• Fill the system with clean water start the engine and run it until the bottom tank of the
radiator gets warmed and with the engine idling drain water through the radiator and
cylinder block drain holes.
• Let the engine cool down refill the system with clean water and repeat the above
operation.
After the flushing pour coolant into the cooling system. If the coolant of the specified grade
is not avail- able it is permissible (at ambient temperatures above zero) to use clean water as
soft as possible to avoid heavy scale deposition which leads to engine overheating under
normal operating conditions. When using hard water flush the cooling system twice a year
with special descaling agents.
If an aluminium radiator is in- stalled in the car do not use water in the cooling system as
water affects corrosion resistance of the radiator.
Cooling System T ermostat
Every 20.000 Km and also in case of abnormal temperature
of the engine (overheating under normal operating conditions
or excessively long warm-up period after starting) check
thermostat 4 (Fig. 40) for normal functioning. A simple check
is the hand- feeling of the thermostat directly on the car.
Upon starting the cold engine with the thermostat service-
able the bottom tank of the radiator starts getting warm as
soon as the coolant temperature is 80-85 "C.
Alternator Drive Belt
Every 10.000 Km (and after the first 2 000-3 000 Km if the car is new) check the belt for
tension. Normal deflection A (Fig. 40) is 10-15 mm if a force of 100 N (10 kg) is applied.
To increase the belt tension proceed as follows.
• Loosen nut 1 that fastens the alternator to the adjusting arm.
Fig 39. Cooling system drain holes. 1- drain hole
in radiator bottom 2- drain hole in cylinder block.
Fig 40. Checking tension of Alternator
drive belt. 1- nut 2- nut of alternator joint
pin 3- alternator 4- thermostat 5- water
pump A- belt deflection.

Lada Niva Manual - Maintenance Page 11
• Loosen nut 2 of the alternator joint pin.
• Shift alternator 3 away from the engine and tighten the fastening nuts.
Avoid over tightening the belt so as not to overload the bearings of alternator 3 and water
pump 5.
IGNITION SYSTEM
Ignition Distributor
Every 10 000 Km:
1. Check the working surfaces of breaker contacts 3 (Fig.
41). In case of heavy transfer of metal from one
contact point to the other dress them with a flat
barette file. Do not eliminate completely the crater on
the breaker arm contact point. Check and if necessary
dress the contacts in the distributor cap and on the
rotor.
2. Use a piece of clean gasoline- soaked chamois leather
or some other lint-free material to clean the breaker
contact points the rotor and the outer and inner
surfaces of the distributor cap.
3. Check the breaker point gap which should be 0.4+0.05
mm for which purpose.
• Shift the gearshift lever into the neutral.
• Apply the parking brake;
• Rotate the crankshaft with the starting crank to set cam 15 in the position at which the
breaker contacts are wide open.
• Check the gap with a feeler gauge; if the gap differs from the rated value loosen screws 4
and using a screwdriver inserted into special slot 5 shift the breaker con- tact post as
required; adjustment eve tighten screws 4.
4. Check ignition timing for which purpose
• Connect one end of the wire of a 12-V test lamp to terminal 6 and ground its other end.
• Turn on the ignition and slowly rotate the crankshaft with the starting crank; with the
ignition set properly the test lamp should come on when mark 4 (Fig. 42) on the
crankshaft pulley is aligned with mark 2 on the timing gear cover and the contact of rotor 2
(Fig. 41) should be opposite the contact of the No. 1 cylinder on the distributor cap.
5. If the marks are not aligned at the moment the test lamp
comes on adjust the ignition timing as follows.
• Rotate the crankshaft with the starting crank to set it in
the position at which the rotor contact faces the contact of
the No. 1 cylinder on the distributor cap and mark 4 (Fig.
42) is aligned with mark 2 (in this position the piston of
the No. 1 cylinder will be 5" before TDC as measured in
crankshaft degrees);
• Loosen nut 11 (Fig. 41) and turn distributor body 12
clockwise until the breaker points are closed.
Figure 41. Ignition distributor. 1- noise resistor
suppressor 2- rotor 3- breaker contacts 4-
screw 5- slot 6- terminal 7- spring catch 8-
capacitor 9- scale 10- bracket 11- nut 12- body
13- vacuum spark timer 14- lubricator 15- cam
Fig 42. Timing marks on ulley and valve
gear drive cover. 1- 10o 2- 5 o 3-0 o 4-
mark on pulley

Lada Niva Manual - Maintenance Page 12
• Slowly rotate the distributor body counter-clockwise until the test lamp comes on; in doing
so slightly press the rotor counter- clockwise to take up clearances.
• Stop the distributor body exactly at the moment the test lamp comes on (the breaker
contact points are at the beginning of opening phase).
• Holding the distributor body in this position tighten nut 11.
• Switch off the ignition install the distributor cap on its body and secure it with two spring
catches 7.
On a new car check the breaker point gap and ignition timing after the first 2 000-3 000 Km.
Every 20.000 Km deliver 2-3 drops of engine oil into the hole of lubricator 14.
Spark Plugs
Every 10 000 Km proceed as follows:
1. Using gasoline and a stiff brush remove carbon deposit
from the spark plugs.
2. 2. Check the spark plug gap with a round wire feeler gauge.
The gap should be 0.5-0.6 mm (Fig. 43); the gap must be
adjusted only by bending the side electrode.
Every 20 000 Km replace the spark plugs with new ones. For re- liable starting of the engine
at low sub-zero temperatures it is recommended to replace the long-used spark plugs with
new ones even if the used spark plugs are still serviceable; they can be used again in warm
seasons of the year.
TRANSMISSION
Clutc Fluid Reservoir
Every 10 000 Km check fluid level in the reservoir (Fig. 44) and
replenish if necessary to the lower edge of the filler neck.
Add HeBa (Neva) or Tomb (Tom) brake fluid only. It is recommended
to change the brake fluid with fresh one after five years of service.
Adjusting t e Clutc Control Mec anism
Every 30 000 Km (and also after the first 2 000-3 000 Km and 10 000 Km if the car is new)
check and if necessary adjust the clutch control mechanism for which purpose.
Fig 43. Checking s ark lug ga

Lada Niva Manual - Maintenance Page 13
Check clearance between pushrod 3 (Fig. 45) and piston 2 of master cylinder 1 which should
be 0.1-0.5 mm. The clearance corresponds to the travel of pedal 5 through 0.4-2 mm and it is
adjusted with stop 4.
Check free travel of pushrod 6 of
operating cylinder 10 which should be 4-5
mm. Pushrod free travel is adjusted with
nut 8 after loosening locknut 9.
Adjustment over tighten locknut 9.
Upon completion of the above
adjustments free travel of the clutch pedal
before the beginning of clutch release
should be 25-35 mm. Check the clutch
pedal free travel also after the bleeding of
the hydraulic control system. Presence of
air in the system is indicated by the
spongy pedal and incomplete release of the
clutch (clutch drags). Bleed the system
through the union of operating cylinder 10
in the same way as the brake system.
Fig 45. Adjusting Clutch control mechanism. 1- Clutch master
cylinder 2- pushrod piston 3- pushrod 4- pedal travel stop 5- clutch
pedal 6- operating cylinder pushrod 7- clutch release fork 8- nut 9-
locknut 10- operating cylinder.

Lada Niva Manual - Maintenance Page 14
Gearbox, Transfer Case.
Front and Rear Axles
After the first 2000-3000 Km and every 30.000 Km change oil in
the gearbox transfer case and front and rear axles. Do it right after
the trip when oil is still hot. Drain used oil through the holes closed
with plugs 2 (Figs. 46 47 48 49). Pour fresh oil through the level
check holes closed with plugs 1 up to the lower edges of these
holes.
Every 10 000 Km check oil level which
should reach the lower edges of the level
check holes. Check be- fore the trip to be
sure that all oil has dripped down from
the walls and gears.
Propeller S aft Splined Connections and Crosses
Every 10.000 Km deliver grease to the splined connections through
the grease fittings and grease-gun the crosses with grease No. 158 or
cDMOn-ZY till fresh grease shows up under the seals.
Joints of Front W eel Drive Propeller S afts
While in service care of the joints of the front wheel drive propeller shafts is confined only
to regular checking the condition of protective boots. A damaged boot should be immediately
replaced with a new one upon washing the joint and changing the grease. This operation
should be performed at a service station.
HYDRAULIC SHOCK ABSORBERS AND ANTIROLL BAR
Every 30.000 Km check the shock absorbers for serviceability. If the shock absorbers
operation becomes less efficient which is manifested by slow damping of oscillations (3-4
oscillations) of the car body on crossing a road bump or by unusual knocking in the shock
absorbers apply to a service station. Pay attention also to the condition of shock absorber
rubber bushings and rubber cushions of the antiroll bar. If the rubber bushings and cushions
show any signs of damage or age-hardening replace them with new ones.
STEERING GEAR AND WHEELS
Steering Gear Clearances
Every 20 000 Km (and also after the first 2 000-3 000 Km if the car is new) check the
steering wheel for play which should not exceed 18-20 mm measured on the wheel rim with
the wheels in the straight ahead position and with normal clearances in the steering gear. If the
steering wheel play exceeds this value perform an overall check of the steering gear:
Fig 46. Gearbox. 1- check hole
plug 2- drain hole plug
Fig 47. Transfer Case. 1- check
hole plug 2- drain hole plug
Fig 48. Front Axle. 1- check hole
plug 2- drain hole plug
Fig 49. Rear Axle. 1- check hole
plug 2- drain hole plug.

Lada Niva Manual - Maintenance Page 15
1. Make sure that the bearings of the front wheel hubs are adjusted properly and the tyre
inflation pressure is normal.
2. Turning the steering wheel in either direction check for knocking in the joints steering
mechanism and connections. Check and tighten if necessary the fastenings of the pitman
arm steering gear case brackets of the idler arm and steering shaft.
3. Rocking the steering wheel hand-feel the steering rod ball joints for play.
4. Make sure the ball supports and the joints of the front suspension wishbones are in
serviceable condition.
5. Eliminate the faults detected and check steering wheel play. If steering wheel play exceeds
the permissible value check and adjust the following clearances in the steering mechanism:
Clearance in the worm bearings that is found by axial movement of the
steering shaft while turning the steering wheel leftward and rightward
through a small angle; eliminate the clearance by decreasing the number
of shims 3 (Fig. 50) placed between the case and the thrust bearing
cover until the shaft rotates easily without axial displacement;
Roller-to-worm backlash which is found by rocking the pitman arm
head with the rods disconnected with the car wheels in the straight
ahead (neutral) position; eliminate backlash by turning in screw 1
with nut 2 loosened and the pitman arm in the neutral position;
adjustment over tighten nut 2; there should be no backlash between the roller and worm when
the steering wheel is turned through 30" to the right or to the left from the neutral position.
Front W eel Hub Bearings
Fig. 51. Front Wheel: 1 - brake disc; 2 - hub; 3 - outer roller bearing; 4 - outer seal protective ring; 5 - outer seal; 6 -
tapered bushing; 7 - hub nut; 8 - hub cap; 9 - propeller shaft drive end; 10 - outer seal demounting ring; 11 - inner
roller bearing; 12 - inner seel demounting ring; 13 - inner seal; 14 - inner real protective ring; 15 - steering knuckle;
Fig 50. Adjusting clearances in
steering mechanisms. 1- screw 2-
nut 3- shims

Lada Niva Manual - Maintenance Page 1
16 - lower wishbone ball support; 17 - lower wishbone; 18-propeller shaft; 19-upper wishbone ball support; 20 -
shims
Every 10.000 Km (and also after the first 2 000-3 000 Km if the car is new) check and
adjust if necessary the clearances in the front wheel hub bearings. For this purpose proceed
as follows:
• Place the car on a level ground apply its parking brake loosen the wheel fastening nuts
jack up the wheel and remove it having turned off the wheel nuts
• Remove hub cap 8 (Fig. 51) secure a device with an indicator on steering knuckle 15 so
that the indicator finger contacts the end face of hub 2 near the tapered hole;
• Pull the hub to yourself by hands and set the indicator pointer to zero;
• Measure the clearances in the hub bearings for which purpose push the hub axially away
from your- self. If in this case the indicator readings exceed 0.15 mm adjust clearances in
the bearings in the following way;
• Remove the indicator screw off nut 7 and replace it with a new one;
• Tighten nut 7 to a torque of 20 NÆm(2 kg m) rotating the hub in both directions;
• Loosen the nut and retighten it to a torque of 7 N Æ m (0.7 kg Æ m); then screw it off
through 20-25";
• Install the indicator and measure clearances in the bearings. If clearances exceed 0.07 mm
repeat the adjustment. If clearances are within 0.01-0.07 mm fix nut 7 by staking the dents
on the nut shoulder into the slots on drive end 9 of the propeller shaft.
• Remove the device with the indicator install cap 8 fasten the wheel jack down the car and
tighten the wheel nuts all the way home.
Every 20.000 Km. replace grease in the bearings of the front wheel hubs. For this purpose
proceed as follows.
• Remove the wheel disconnect the brake calliper from steering knuckle 15 and take it off
brake disc 1;
• Remove hub cap 8 screw off nut 7 take out tapered bushing 6 and remove hub 2 complete
with brake disc 1;
• Place a support under lower wishbone 17 and screw off the nuts securing ball support 16
to the wishbone;
• Disconnect the shock absorber from the lower wishbone and the side steering rod from the
arm of steering knuckle 15;
• Shift propeller shaft 18 to- wards the front axle as far as it will 90;
• Turning steering knuckle 15 about upper wishbone ball support 19 remove the former
from the propeller shaft drive end;
• Use the puller to remove the cones of bearings 3 and 11 with demounting rings 10 and 12
and seals 5 and 13 from the steering knuckle space. Mark the bearing cones in order to
reinstall the cones in their proper places during the assembly;
• Remove the used grease and wash with kerosene the inner space of the steering knuckle
outer and inner spaces of the hub propeller shaft drive end and bearing cones;
• Pack 40 g of fresh grease nHTon-24 into the bearing cages apply a uniform layer of grease
to the steering knuckle spaces between the bearings and lubricate the splines of the
propeller shaft drive end;
• Reinstall the bearing cones and demounting rings and press- fit the seals;

Lada Niva Manual - Maintenance Page 17
• Mount the steering knuckle on the propeller shaft drive end connect the ball support to
the lower wishbone secure the shock absorber and connect the side steering rod to the
steering knuckle arm;
• Install the hub complete with the brake disc on the propeller shaft drive end and install
tapered bushing 6; screw on new hub nut 7 and adjust bearing clearances as described
above;
• Fit the hub cap remove the support install and secure the brake calliper and reinstall the
wheel.
• If the car is frequently driven on bad roads (deep mud) change grease every 10 000 Km.
Examining t e Front Suspension Ball Supports and Steering Rod joints
If tyre inflation pressure and clearance in the front wheel hub bearings correspond to the
rated values the joints of the front wheel suspension wishbones are in good condition the
pitman arm steering gear case idler arm brackets and steering shaft are fastened securely but
adjustment of the steering gear fails to ensure normal play of the steering wheel check the
following:
1. Clearances in the ball supports. Check the clearances by rocking the hub with the front
wheel suspension jacked up and wheels braked (to exclude the effect of clearances in the hub
bearings). If the steering knuckle displacement at the level of the ball pin sphere relative to the
wishbones exceeds 0.8 mm replace the ball support.
2. Clearances in the steering rod joints. Determine the clearances by the method of mutual
displacement of the steering rods when turning the steering wheel.
Premature wear of the ball joints is generally caused by damaged protective rubber boots
which allow ingress of water and dust into the joints. If the boot is in good condition the
service life of the joints is practically unlimited. Therefore check the protective rubber boots
for condition at regular intervals and replace them with new ones even if the slightest damage
is detected after making sure that the ball joints are serviceable and that there is enough grease
U1P6-4in
Tyres
Every 100 Km use a tyre pressure gauge to check tyre inflation pressure including the spare
wheel. It is advisable to have the pressure gauge periodically checked at a service station.
Whenever tyre inflation pressure is checked check the tube valve for air leaks (best of all it
may be done by applying soap suds to the valve inlet hole). In case of air leak- age (indicates
by air bubbles) tighten the tube valve core with the valve cap or replace it with a new one. If
the valve core is in good condition but-the tyre gets constantly deflated demount the tyre
check and repair the tube or replace it with a new one.
Prior to demounting the tyre use a piece of chalk to make a mark on the tyre casing opposite
the tube valve with a view to mount the tyre in compliance with this mark. This is necessary
to preserve wheel balance. Demount the tyre from the wheel disc with the tyre tube deflated
completely; see to it that the part of the casing opposite to the zone being demounted is in the

Lada Niva Manual - Maintenance Page 18
wheel rim well. Use tyre irons for the de- mounting/mounting jobs. The di- stance between the
tyre irons when catching the tyre bead should not exceed 150 mm.
Upon installation of new tyres be sure to check the wheel balance at a service station. It is
not advisable to drive the car on new tyres at a speed greater than 100 km/h during the first
500 Km.
Every 10.000 Km interchange the wheels as shown in Pig. 52 to ensure uniform wear of
tyres. If abnormal vibrations in motion are detected check wheel balance.

Lada Niva Manual - Maintenance Page 19
Replacing t e W eels
To replace a wheel proceed as follows:
Place the car on a level ground and apply the parking brake;
Prepare the jack tyre pump tools bag and spare wheel;
Use the combination wrench to slacken the wheel nuts one
revolution;
Insert the jack arm into the socket nearest to the wheel being
replaced (Fig. 53) and rotate the jack handle until the wheel
clears the ground (the jack should not sink in the ground when
the car is being raised);
Unscrew the wheel nuts and remove the wheel. Install the
spare wheel and uniformly tighten the wheel nuts;
Lower the car onto the wheels and withdraw the jack;
Tighten the nuts to a torque of 70-90 NÆm (7-9 kg m) check tyre inflation pressure and bring
it to normal;
Stow the tools and the spare wheel under the hood and secure them as shown in Fig. 54.
Fig 54. Stowage and
fastening of tools and
accessories. 1 6 8 11-
elastic straps 2- jack 3-
starting crank 4- tyre irons 5-
inspection lamp 7- tools bag
9- wing nut 10 spare wheel
12 air pump
Front-End Alignment
Every 20 000 Km (and also after the first 2 000-3 000 Km if the car is new) as well as in case
of rapid and irregular wear of the front wheel tyres and impaired steering of the car check the
front-end alignment. It is advisable that this operation is performed at a service station
equipped with a precision optical stand ensuring high-accuracy checking and front-end
alignment. Given below is a method though less accurate of checking only the wheel camber
and toe-in by the Owner himself on condition that the following requirements are met:
Tyre inflation pressure is normal;
Radial and axial runout of the front wheel rims does not exceed 3 mm;
End play in the front wheel bearings does not exceed 0.15 mm;
Backlash in the steering worm- to-roller mesh ensures a steering wheel play not exceeding 5";
there is no clearance between the idler arm shaft and shaft bushings;
The rubber elements in the joints of the front suspension wish- bones have no ruptures and
ultimate distortions;
Shock absorber rods are not jamming; there are no excessive clearances in the steering rod ball
joints and in the ball supports of the front suspension wishbones.
Check the wheel alignment with the car in the running order with a load of 3 200 N (320 kg)
which roughly corresponds to the weight of four persons plus 400 N (40 kg) of luggage in the
Fig 52. Wheel rotation diagram
Fig 53. Jacking u car for
re lacement of wheels.