Features of replacing alternator brushes on a Lada Granta car

Failures in the power supply system are associated with premature wear of the generator brushes on the Lada Grant. The malfunction is quite common, appears unexpectedly, and often overtakes the driver on the road.

The process of restoring the generator's functionality is simple, but requires care.

You can independently replace the generator brushes on the Lada Grant in two ways: by dismantling the generator and without disassembling the voltage converter. In order to provide methodological assistance to inexperienced owners, we will consider both possible options.

Replacing generator brushes without removing the converter on a Lada Grant

Preparatory stage

Tools, materials:

• set of tools;
• rags;
• liquid type WD – 40;
• additional lighting;
• new brushes.

Algorithm of actions for independently replacing the brushes of the Lada Granta generator

1. We place the car within the perimeter of the repair area, provide security measures, and activate the parking brake.
2. We open the hood, twist the terminals from the battery to avoid a short circuit in the circuit during work.
3. Key to “13”, disconnect the power (positive) cable from the back of the converter.
4. We unscrew the additional nut, the key is set to “10”.
5. We press the three latches on the back of the converter and remove the plastic cover.
6. Under the cover there are two screws that secure the regulator to the generator housing. We unscrew them.
7. We move the regulator aside and disconnect the wire.
8. We carry out troubleshooting, inspect the actual condition of the brushes and converter. We replace worn parts with new ones.
9. We assemble the structure in reverse order.

This completes the work on replacing the relay regulator yourself. This method allows you to replace components without dismantling the main unit.

In practice, few people use it due to its ineffectiveness. Motorists and service center technicians prefer the second method. It is labor-intensive, but with a 100% positive result.

Third way.

Glass paper is placed on the commutator (abrasive side up) and pulled back and forth several times. At the same time, not too much pressure is applied to the brushes. The process stops once the brushes begin to evenly adhere to the commutator. The width of the strip of paper should be greater than the width of the brush.

The use of carborundum or emery cloth for lapping is unacceptable, since abrasive particles getting between the commutator plates can cause a short circuit.

Replacing generator brushes with removing the converter on the Lada Grant (engine 11183, 21116, 11186)

Tools and materials are similar to previous repairs.

1. The car is placed within the perimeter of the repair area, basic safety measures are taken, and the parking brake is released.
2. Open the hood and remove the terminals from the battery to avoid a short circuit.
3. Unscrew the six bolts around the perimeter and remove the engine protection.
4. Disconnect the wire block from the converter.
5. Remove the protective cap for securing the power cable.

1. Unscrew the nut from the contact bolt and remove the wire from the contact bolt.
2. The key is set to “14”, release the upper fastening of the converter, and use the mounting tool to move it forward.

1. Unscrew the bolt of the lower mounting of the generator.
2. Use the mounting tool to move the converter forward towards the radiator and remove the bolt.
3. Remove the belt from the pulley.
4. We remove the generator from under the car.

1. After the converter is removed from under the car, use a flat-tip screwdriver to pry off the block with wires from the voltage regulator.
2. We unscrew the bolts securing the regulator relay (key set to “10”).
3. We unscrew the terminal securing the regulator to the bus.
4. Remove the regulator.

We carry out troubleshooting, inspect the physical condition of adjacent mechanisms and parts. We replace with new ones as necessary.

About the principle of operation of a car generator

The operation of the Lada Kalina generator unit is based on the following principle: an alternating current is induced in the stator winding, which is subsequently transformed into direct current through a rectifier module located on the body of the unit. The generator cover is also equipped with an electronic voltage regulator and a brush holder. The rotor of the device receives torque from the crankshaft pulley. The transmission link is a poly V-belt.

The basic characteristics of the generator set include the following parameters:

• maximum generated current – ​​85-90 Amperes;
• operating range of on-board voltage – 14.4-15.1 Volts;
• rotation ratio of the motor and rotor – 1:2.4;
• right-hand direction of rotation.

Lada Granta VAZ 2190 (engine 21126)

1. We hang the front part of the car, unscrew the bolts, and remove the right front wheel.
2. For safety reasons, remove the terminal from the battery.
3. Release the top fastening and move the converter to the side until it stops.

1. Unscrew the six bolts and remove the engine protection.
2. Through the opening of the wheel arch, remove the belt from the generator pulley and crankshaft.
3. Unscrew the generator power cable from the back.
4. Release the lower fastening and remove the bolt.

We remove the converter from its regular place.

Next, we carry out preventive maintenance, replace worn parts, and install in the reverse order.

Where are the generator brushes on the Lada Grant?

On Lada Granta cars, the converter brushes are located on the back of the generator in the relay-regulator housing.

Taking into account the design features of the body, to remove the brushes, remove the converter from its standard place and secure it to the surface of the workbench.

Service life of the generator and its components

In accordance with the technical equipment operating instructions, the generator must be inspected at every second maintenance. Equipment is replaced as it breaks down.

The average life of the converter is 75 – 85 thousand km. Under conditions of moderate loads, temperature conditions, and a non-aggressive driving style, the resource will increase by 10 - 15%.

Untimely replacement of components leads to a decrease in the current strength in the circuit and the inoperability of a number of units, devices, and optics. At night, in conditions of limited visibility, this leads to an emergency situation.

Characteristic signs of wear on the converter elements on the Lada Grant

• difficult starting of the power unit;
• dim, flickering car lights;
• a yellow indicator on the dashboard of the car systematically lights up, indicating a malfunction in the power supply system;
• the process of belt rotation is accompanied by a characteristic whistle;
• burning smell in the area where the drive belt is located;
• ringing, metallic sound from under the hood;
• electric hum, howl.

Let's sum it up

As it turned out, repairing or replacing the generator in a LADA Kalina car does not require much effort, so such manipulations are accessible even to inexperienced owners; a connection diagram is used to make the task easier. An important point in operation is periodic diagnosis of the condition of both the unit itself and its component elements, including the tension system. Timely prevention will significantly extend the life of the unit, and the owner of LADA Kalina will have considerable savings.

List of online stores selling generator brushes (Moscow, St. Petersburg, Kyiv)

Review of manufacturers, cost of brushes

*prices are current as of October 31, 2018.

Recommendations for the selection of parts and components

If possible, replace the standard converter on the Lada Grant from BOSCH. The declared service life of 95,000 km does not correspond to reality. In practice, KZATE does not last more than 65 - 70 thousand. For a domestic car this is not enough.

Often the cause of failure of elements of the power supply system is the standard converter. To avoid purchasing non-original products, use the services of official representative offices and dealership centers.

Purchase spare parts differentiated: domestic for a domestic converter, imported for an imported one. Foreign parts are not always compatible with domestic equipment.

Reviews

Conclusion

The generator on the Lada Grant is the weak link in the design of the car. Defects negatively affect the operation of mechanisms, as a result of which parts fail prematurely.

It is not entirely correct to say that parts are of low quality. Motorists use standard generators for over 85-90 thousand km before major repairs.

The service life of components depends on driving style, originality of parts, and compliance with the manufacturer’s recommendations. Often, in order to save money, the driver purchases cheap parts of dubious production. Obviously, the service life of such spare parts is limited.