Which shock absorbers are best installed on the Niva-Chevrolet: types, cost, brands

• February 1, 2019
• Cars
• Victoria Slaviy

Two types of shock absorbers can be installed on the Chevrolet Niva: oil or gas-oil. According to most experts, for an ordinary, unprepared car, only oil-based ones are strictly recommended. Gas-oil ones have their advantages, but it should be borne in mind that due to different kinematics and dynamics, they tear off the upper and lower fastenings, and at the rear they tear off the transverse spar from the body. This may lead to an accident. However, Russian designers have invented amplifiers that can be purchased in specialized stores. This article will describe which shock absorbers are best installed on a Chevrolet Niva.

Kayaba oil shock absorbers

Kayaba oil shock absorbers have proven themselves to be reliable; for a long time the price for them was high, but in recent years you can buy them only 25 percent more expensive than Russian ones, which are installed at the factory (usually these are products from SAAZ, Skopinsky Automotive Component Plant). Although there is an opinion that it is not imports that have fallen in price, but domestic products are becoming more expensive, catching up with branded ones in price. At the same time, we are not talking about the most “sophisticated” model of shock absorbers; top ones cost 2-3 times more than domestic ones. If the question is which shock absorbers are better to install on the Niva-Chevrolet: Kayaba or SAAZ, then always choose the first!

Ball joint, replacing the lower ball joint

Shock absorbers for the factory equipment of the car are manufactured at the Skopinsky Automotive Assembly Plant (SAAZ for short), located in the village of Chulkovo. SAAZ oil devices are reliable during operation at a calm driving pace. Their main advantage is their relatively low cost.

This plant also produces gas-oil models, in which, in addition to oil, inert gas is pumped. Gas-oil SAAZ models are distinguished by increased combat forces. They better press the wheels to the road surface. This makes the entire suspension stiffer, so the car is more stable when driving fast and when cornering.

Many owners of cars with factory-installed shock absorbers claim that they make unpleasant sounds when driving on uneven surfaces.

Chevrolet Niva owners have a question about which of the options offered on the Russian market are the best. There is no clear answer here. It all depends on the conditions in which the car is operated. Based on the requirements, they already choose a specific brand.

The cause of shock absorber malfunction can be various factors:

• gas leak;
• failure of silent blocks;
• torn oil seal;
• deformation of valve plates;
• aging of fluid in the shock absorber.

Signs of a faulty car part on a Chevrolet Niva are easy to detect:

• When accelerating and braking, the car “squats”.
• when driving on an uneven surface, the suspension spring is compressed so that it reaches the limiter;
• oil leaks on auto parts and the entire suspension;
• drifts appear;
• the quality of wheel adhesion to the road surface decreases;
• The shaking inside the car increases.

Regardless of the quality of the shock absorber, as well as the operating conditions of the car, wear and tear on this part of the car occurs constantly. Therefore, regardless of the cause of the breakdown, it is recommended to immediately replace the failed device with a new one.

Before replacing a car part, you must prepare the following tools and materials:

• metal brush with stiff bristles;
• 2 socket wrenches with ratchet 19 x 2.

It is necessary to replace shock absorbers only comprehensively, that is, on both sides, even if only the front or rear car part is faulty.

The front suspension is considered more complex in design, so replacing the front shock absorber of a Niva Chevrolet will take more time (about 20-30 minutes) and effort, but the operating principle is the same.

Compatible parts are produced by dozens of manufacturers from Russia, Europe, America and China. Let's look at the three most common brands.

1. SAAZ (Skopinsky Automotive Aggregate Plant) is a company that was founded on the basis of an enterprise of the same name. Since the 50s of the last century, the company has been supplying auto parts for VAZ, GAZ and other domestic cars. The products of this company are in high demand, since many Shniv owners try to save money, and the quality of the parts is at an acceptable level.

2. SS20 (Technology System) is another Russian company founded in 1993. This Samara enterprise specializes in the manufacture of steering and suspension parts for Russian cars. Spare parts in the mid-price range are more reliable than SAAZ budget products.

3. KAYABA (Kayaba) is a Japanese company considered one of the best manufacturers of shock absorbers. The price of oil models is slightly different from SS20 products. Expensive gas-filled shock absorbers are specially designed to perform in harsh conditions. They help keep the car on sharp turns and on uneven roads. The quality of the brand is confirmed by the fact that KYB parts are installed on rally cars.

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To replace the lower ball joint you will need the following tools:

1. Hammer.
2. Jack.
3. Mount.
4. Wire brush.
5. Wrench for removing wheel nuts.
6. Keys for "27", "22" and "13".

We dismantle the wheel and place a support under the lower arm, thus aligning the position of the arms and loading the suspension. Remove the hub cap and unscrew the nut. As practice shows, it is always tightened very tightly, so you should use a head with a strong knob.

We unscrew the nut screwed onto the support pin and press the pin out of the steering knuckle socket. then we unscrew the nuts of the bolts that hold the lever on the support and, retracting the steering knuckle, pull out the bolts. We remove the wheel hub from the splines of the outer drive joint shank, then dismantle the ball joint and install everything in the reverse order.

Fake Kayaba shock absorbers

For a long time, counterfeits were simply the bane of manufacturers. No matter how they tried to label the products, there were still craftsmen of fakes. Finally, as described above, designers have created shock absorbers that cost a little more than Chinese ones, so it has become unprofitable to fake them. However, even today there may be fakes, but they can be easily distinguished. The kit with good shock absorbers on the Niva-Chevrolet includes the entire installation kit: rubber bands, washers and nuts. All information is stamped on the case, but fakes may just have stickers.

Oil or gas?

I really sincerely believe that the best choice for NIVA is if you want to install high-quality oil shock absorbers. I have already explained why oil ones. Until you strengthen the body, side members or shock absorber mounting points in the field, I do not recommend gas-oil shock absorbers. In the front suspension, both the upper and lower mounts come off, and in the rear it is possible to tear off the transverse spar from the body. Why is everything so bad? Because the shock absorbers in the catalog for the Niva and the classics are the same, but the suspension strokes and sprung masses differ very much. Let me remind you that the standard tires for the penny are R13, and the Niva’s are R16. Cracks in the front side members above the springs are also a fairly common occurrence. It’s not just that we had to invent front side member amplifiers .

About the operating conditions of the machine

The most correct answer to the question of which shock absorbers are best installed on the Niva-Chevrolet is to find out the type of road on which you plan to drive. There are no universal shock absorbers that fit the car perfectly. Manufacturers produce different products that are best suited to a particular driving style and type of road. Therefore, before choosing a shock absorber, be sure to take into account and look in the characteristics for which roads they are intended, otherwise incorrectly selected products will destroy the body.

Russian shock absorbers SS20

They are somewhat cheaper than Kayaba, but these are high-class shock absorbers and are highly appreciated by drivers. A distinctive feature is the ability to select one of three modes: “Comfort”, “Sport” or “Highway”. The shock absorbers are especially effective when driving quickly on bumpy roads at speeds over 40 km/h.

Therefore, if you are looking for which shock absorber is better for the Niva-Chevrolet, try the SS20.

German Bilstein shock absorbers

They are better known among various types of racers, extreme tourists, and professionals. There is also little information about them, but they are highly praised by various kinds of extreme sports enthusiasts, who compared them with “Kayaba” and found that for off-road harsh and especially difficult conditions, racing, better shock absorbers cannot be found. In reviews, consumers write that even at a speed of 120 km/h on bumpy terrain, the car moves smoothly, while the Kayaba rocks the car. Therefore, if you want to know which shock absorbers are best to install on a Niva-Chevrolet for racing, then this is definitely Bilstein!

Manufacturers

Most of the offers on the market are domestic producers. But at the same time, there is a fairly large number of parts produced by large global factories. This allows you to make the most accurate and correct choice. Before choosing a specific brand, it is recommended to study reviews about these spare parts, which will allow you to avoid making mistakes when purchasing. It is also worth considering that some companies specialize in specific types of shock absorbers.

• KAYABA. This is one of the most famous manufacturers to domestic car enthusiasts. This brand produces suspension parts for a wide variety of car models. Naturally, they couldn't miss the Chevrolet NIVA. A full range of shock absorbers is offered for this model, which allows you to choose the most suitable option. The disadvantage is the fairly high cost. In stores, shock absorbers from this manufacturer are sold in the range of 1800-2500 rubles;
• MONROE. Another fairly popular brand. Here you can buy oil or gas-oil shock absorbers. Moreover, there is a choice among several options, which allows you to select components most effectively. It is worth noting the low price, combined with decent quality. You can purchase such parts for 1200-1500 rubles;
• FENOX. This manufacturer specializes in high-quality gas shock absorbers. If you decide to buy reliable and inexpensive shock-absorbing elements with a gas operating medium, then Fenox will be the best option. There are components for all modifications of Chevrolet NIVA. Prices range from 800 to 1200 rubles per piece, which is an inexpensive option for current market conditions;
• BILSTEIN. Under this brand you can find a large number of high-quality shock absorbers. Gas as well as gas-oil options are available. In this case, you can choose the type of part that is most suitable for your conditions. The price ranges from 1700-2300 rubles;
• PILENGA. This is a relatively new player on the market. As a rule, all the parts that he offers turn out to be of very high quality, and this despite the low cost. If we consider shock absorbers, here you will find only gas-filled varieties. Therefore, when you decide to install such parts, products under this brand are ideal. Cost 700-900 rubles;
• LADA These are original parts. Can be marked LADA or SaAZ. The car manufacturer recommends installing these components. But drivers note the low service life of these shock absorbers, so spare parts under this brand are not particularly popular. The cost of parts is low: 800-1200 rubles;
• FINWHALE. This manufacturer is distinguished by the presence in the catalog of shock absorbers for asphalt and off-road. They differ in their fastening features. Also, the off-road version is more resistant to impacts, reliably protecting the suspension. Only oil shock absorbers can be found under the brand. Price 800-1000 rubles;
• HOLA. This is not the most famous manufacturer in our country, but at the same time they supply high-quality and reliable parts to the market. If we take shock absorbers, then they have a wide selection of these parts. All types of these components can be found in the catalog. Therefore, you can pay your attention to this brand. Moreover, the cost of the parts is very reasonable, there are no items more expensive than 1000 rubles;
• SENSEN. This brand is known to fans of SUVs. They produce parts for almost any off-road vehicle. Accordingly, there are also offers for Chevrolet NIVA. All shock absorbers that are offered are characterized by increased strength. Prices 1000-1500 rubles;
• SS20. Well-known domestic manufacturer of sports components for cars. Despite the high cost (3800-4500 rubles), parts produced under this brand ultimately turn out to be very profitable. Shock absorbers were developed taking into account the increased loads that are observed in sports. With normal use, the service life of components produced by SS20 exceeds stock options by 2-3 times;
• PATRON. A little-known manufacturer of oil shock absorbers. The products of this company are supplied to the market in limited quantities. At the same time, it is always high quality and reliable. The cost is about 1500 rubles.

Also interesting: Choosing oil for a Chevrolet Niva engine

Standard shock absorbers

As mentioned above, they install SAAZ products. According to people who operate cars, these shock absorbers are only suitable for measured and quiet driving in normal city conditions; at the slightest irregularities they behave unpredictably. Eyewitnesses write that driving over speed bumps, even at the permitted speed, has become a real punishment: the car bounces, bounces, and then sways and, what’s most sad, it is prone to losing control. The only advantage of these products is their low price. Therefore, if you are committed to off-road use, it is advisable to change the shock absorbers on the Niva.

Which ones are better? Comparison of average prices for shock absorbers in stores for January 2021 (the price is for a set of two shock absorbers):

• SS20 - 3,700 rubles;
• KYB (“Kayaba”) - 4,600 rubles;
• Shtok-auto — 2,900 rubles;
• Bilstein - 5,000 rubles;
• SAAZ - 1,600 rubles;
• Trialli - 2,000 rubles.

Which ones to choose?

Last month, PartReview users preferred KYB. 19% of positive votes belong to this manufacturer.

Hola shock absorbers took second place - 18%.

The SAAZ company closes the top three with a result of 10% of the votes.

In the general rating of shock absorbers, which takes into account the opinions of owners of different brands and models of cars, these brands occupy the following positions:

1. KYB received 8th place, PR score - 76. Data from 293 reviews and 939 votes are taken into account.
2. Hola took 5th place, with a PR score of 81. Based on 293 reviews and 286 votes.
3. SAAZ is in 18th place, and the PR score is 63. Data from 73 reviews and 236 votes are taken into account.

Also interesting: Reinforced rear axle for Niva (VAZ-2121) and Chevy Niva (VAZ-2123): does not bend under loads

This raises the question of which of the options offered on the market are the most effective and reliable. There is no clear option; a lot depends on the conditions in which the car is operated. Based on this, they choose which variety to use.

The question also arises about manufacturers. There are quite a large number of companies on the market that produce similar parts. Their quality is approximately the same, but the price may vary. This is one of the most important factors in selection.

Features of the selection of shock absorbers for the front and rear axles

It is interesting that all companies sell shock absorbers either individually or in pairs, rarely as a whole set. This is because the characteristics of the front and rear shock absorbers as requested by drivers are very different and depend on a large number of factors, for example:

• on the number of people in the car;
• on the volume of cargo;
• from motion sickness of passengers;
• on the nature of the roads.

Therefore, each driver individually selects the type of shock absorbers for himself, based on his anatomical and psychological characteristics, for example, someone likes it to be softer in the front and hard in the back, or vice versa. It is clear that the greater the load, the stiffer the shock absorbers should be. In this regard, it is good that modern products have adjustments and settings. Therefore, when asking yourself which rear shock absorbers are best for Niva-Chevrolet, take into account the factors described above.

In practice, it is not always possible to immediately understand what we want, and therefore on forums they often write that they bought some, tried them, didn’t like them, and took others. Therefore, before purchasing, it is recommended to carefully study the forums, this will help you save money.

Leveling up

There is no need for bleeding with single-tube gas shock absorbers: in them, the gas is reliably separated from the oil with the participation of a piston. All other types of units require pumping.

It’s not difficult to pump units even if you don’t have much experience:

1. Turn the part over so that the rod is at the bottom, then squeeze it tightly.
2. Wait a few seconds.
3. Turn the shock absorber back so that the rod is on top.
4. Hold the part in the desired position for a few more seconds.
5. Slowly pull the rod until it stops, and then turn it 120°.
6. Repeat the steps described above at least 2 times.
7. The final step will be a mandatory check: the rod must slide smoothly across the chamber. Under no circumstances should there be jerks or failures.