Main faults of the front suspension and tires and how to fix them (VAZ-2109)

Noise and knocking in the suspension when the car is moving

Causes of the malfunction and ways to eliminate it:

• the suspension struts are faulty. When rocking the car, check visually and by ear - whether there are knocks and extraneous noises in the struts, whether fluid is leaking and whether the housing, support cups, brackets and swivel arms of the struts are deformed. If the above faults are detected, replace the suspension strut or repair it (at the service station). Minor oil stains on the strut body are not a sign of a malfunction and are not a reason to replace or repair the suspension strut;
• the bolts securing the strut brackets or the bolts securing the anti-roll bar to the body have come loose. The rubber pads of the struts, bars or rubber-metal hinges have worn out. Check the fastening of the suspension parts and units by inspection. If the rubber-metal parts are worn out, replace them;
• the upper support of the suspension strut to the body has become loose. After removing the protective caps from the upper supports of the struts, inspect the strut fastening and, if necessary, tighten the nuts to a torque of 2...2.5 kgf·m;
• sediment, ruptures, peeling of rubber from the strut support housing. Check the gap size A (see figure 69), as indicated in the section: "Maintenance", and inspection - the condition of the rubber part of the support. If necessary, replace the support;
• wear of the suspension arm ball joint. Check the condition of the ball joint as specified in the section "Front Suspension and Wheel Maintenance", and replace the hinge if necessary;
• suspension spring settling or breakage. Check the condition of the spring by inspection and replace it;
• destruction of the compression stroke buffer. Check the condition of the buffer by inspection and replace it;
• large wheel imbalance. It causes the wheel to beat, which is clearly visible when rotating the suspended wheel. Wheel imbalance is caused by uneven wear of the tire tread around the circumference, displacement of the balancing weights or tires during installation, deformation of the rim or damage to the tire. This cause of the malfunction is eliminated by replacing worn or damaged tires and rims or balancing the wheels.

Liquid leaking from the rack (rear suspension shock absorber)

Causes of the malfunction and ways to eliminate it:

• seal wear or damage. Replace seal;
• nicks, scuffs on the rod, damage to the chrome coating. Replace the worn or damaged rod and seal;
• shrinkage or damage to the sealing ring of the rack housing (shock absorber reservoir). Replace the ring.

Insufficient resistance of the suspension strut (rear suspension shock absorber) during the recoil process

Causes of the malfunction and ways to eliminate it:

• the return valve or bypass valve is leaky. It is necessary to replace damaged valve parts or repair their damage. If the fluid is contaminated, filter or replace it;
• insufficient amount of liquid due to leakage. Replace damaged parts and fill with liquid;
• scoring on piston, cylinder or piston ring. Replace damaged parts and fluid;
• wear or damage to the fluoroplastic layer of the rod guide bushing. Replace the guide bushing;
• recoil valve spring sediment. Replace the spring; presence of foreign impurities in the liquid. Filter or replace the liquid.

Insufficient resistance of the suspension strut (rear suspension shock absorber) during compression stroke

Causes of the malfunction and ways to eliminate it:

• compression valve leakage. Replace damaged parts or repair their malfunctions. If the fluid is contaminated, filter it or replace it;
• insufficient amount of liquid due to leakage. Replace damaged parts and fill with liquid;
• presence of foreign impurities in the liquid. Filter or replace the liquid;
• wear, deformation or destruction of the compression valve discs. Replace worn or damaged discs.

Frequent suspension "breakdowns"

Causes of the malfunction and ways to eliminate it:

• suspension spring sag. Replace the spring;
• the stand does not work (shock absorber). Replace or repair the rack (shock absorber).

Vehicle deviation from straight-line motion

Causes of the malfunction and ways to eliminate it:

• different air pressure in tires. Check the tire pressure and bring it to the norm;
• wheel alignment angles are out of alignment. Adjust wheel alignment angles;
• destruction of one of the upper suspension strut supports. Replace the support;
• uneven elasticity of suspension springs. Replace the spring that has lost its elasticity;
• significant difference in tire wear. Replace worn tires;
• increased imbalance of the front wheels. Balance the wheels.

Increased and uneven tire wear

Causes of the malfunction and ways to eliminate it:

• too sharp acceleration with wheel slippage. Avoid sharp acceleration;
• frequent use of brakes with wheel slippage. Avoid sudden braking;
• the wheel alignment angles are out of alignment. Adjust the front wheel alignment angles;
• increased speed on turns. Reduce speed; significant wear of the ball joints of the suspension arms and rubber-metal hinges. Determine the condition of the suspension parts as specified in the section "Front Suspension Maintenance", and replace worn or damaged parts;
• wheel imbalance. Balance the wheels.