The name shock absorber suggests that the component will absorb shock. This sounds logical, but it is incorrect because it is actually a vibration damper. Irregularities that convert impact energy into vibrations. Shock absorbers help convert vibration energy into heat so that the initiated rocking movements die out as quickly as possible. Thus, they not only contribute to driving comfort, but above all have a bearing on the driving safety of the vehicle.
Shock absorbers help prevent the vehicle from rocking, especially during sudden load changes. They also provide improved road contact between the wheels, which means higher braking forces are transmitted. The result is a shorter braking distance. Of course, shock absorbers also prevent premature tire wear. In this article we will talk about how to recognize a broken shock absorber and which shock absorbers are better to install on a VAZ 2110?
How to choose?
To understand which racks to install on a VAZ 2110, you need to find out the characteristics of each model and understand which one suits you best.
There are different types of shock absorbers to suit every need, such as mono-tube and twin-tube shock absorbers, spacers, spring mounts (with spring plate) and spring cylinders (with hydraulic leveler). Let's look at the most basic ones - single-pipe and double-pipe.
Monotube damper
In monotube gas shock absorbers, the working cylinder is filled with oil and gas, which is under an excess pressure of approximately 25 to 30 bar. Oil and gas are precisely separated from each other by a movable separating piston.
The monotube damper can be installed in any position. It has a higher pressure than a two-pipe damper. Advantages: Good response characteristics of the reed valves in the piston and prevents foam or bubbles in the hydraulic oil.
Double pipe damper
Twin-tube shock absorbers have two spaces filled with oil: the working space in which the piston and piston rod move, and the compensation space.
The compensation chamber is located between the working cylinder and the container tube and is 2/3 filled with oil, and 1/3 with air or gas. This means that a double-tube damper has a shorter overall length than a single-tube damper.
The damping force characteristics of the twin-tube damper are specifically designed for each vehicle type, that is, matched to the vehicle weight, structure and chassis springs.
When a vehicle is equipped with an oil shock absorber as a sequential damper, switching from oil to gas shock absorbers optimizes driving stability, road holding, comfort and safety for every production vehicle. Cars with standard gas shock absorbers retain their driving behavior only if the gas shock absorbers are installed again when the shock absorber is replaced.
Switching to a monotube shock absorber (eg BILSTEIN B6) improves the overall driving behavior and provides more damping power for greater safety and driving pleasure even under high loads.
Varieties of SS20
SS20 support diagram
Usually cars are equipped with standard medium stiffness, but some people want more comfortable ones or, on the contrary, stiffer ones.
The SS20 offers three options.
- Racing. A sports modification of racks that have a shortened stem and body. The car is slightly lowered, rolls become softer, and stability is higher. The car feels better in turns, maneuvers well at high speeds, and improves handling quality.
- Master. This series of racks is suitable for those who want to reduce noise while increasing flexibility. It is much easier to operate a car with them.
- Queen. The load is distributed evenly due to the design of the products. The racks dampen noise and demonstrate high reliability. The warranty period for these racks is 3 years.
How to recognize faulty shock absorbers, and what are the reasons?
The first sign of a bad shock absorber is usually unusual tire wear. Because the vehicle loses contact with the road more frequently and has brief sliding moments, the tread wears out much faster than with active shock absorbers. The next step usually leads to the workshop. There the wheel is removed so you can look at the axle suspension as well as the suspension and damping. The seal on the piston rod often leaks, causing some oil to leak out of the piston with each movement. Repair is not possible, so the damper must be replaced.
A specialist workshop can also place the car on a vibration machine and measure the body's sway using a sensor. In a home workshop, you can try to simulate this by rocking the car and seeing how long it takes for it to stand still. Of course, such observations are quite inaccurate. While driving, defective shock absorbers can often be felt, changes in steering behavior and unusual swaying of the car occur, which can also cause nausea.
When are shock absorbers replaced?
Shock absorbers are always replaced if there is a defect. Depending on the style and quality of driving, the lifespan of the best struts on a VAZ 2110 ranges from 100,000 to 120,000 kilometers. In addition to replacement for wear reasons, it is also recommended to adapt the shock absorbers when making modifications to the chassis.
Piston rods are often too long to lower, meaning without replacing the shock absorbers there is a risk of the piston rod becoming caught in the piston while driving. So-called stroke stops solve the problem by limiting the freedom of movement of the piston rod during the compression phase, but this should only be considered as a temporary measure.
Features of SS20
The SS20 company produces quite a lot of different suspension elements that are suitable for the VAZ model range.
Their distinctive features forced car owners to pay increased attention.
- The product quality is high at a very attractive price.
- The products are provided with a long warranty. So, for struts - 2 years without mileage restrictions, and for springs - 4 years.
- The warranty applies to the product regardless of the installation location. You don’t have to go to a service station and pay money to the technicians to maintain your warranty. Many people change the struts on the “ten” on their own, in their garage. If you do this, the SS20 parts warranty will still apply. This is the only manufacturer that offers such warranty conditions.
The Asomi company can be called a definite competitor. Their parts are of quite high quality and reliable. Only the warranty is only 1 year. Moreover, the elements must be installed at specialized service stations. And this significantly affects the cost of repairs.
Rating of the best racks for the VAZ 2110
SACHS
A company whose products are of very high quality, but at the same time cheap. In addition to the production of spare parts, it specializes in the production of portable components.
The constant development of new generations of cars places increased demands on vibration reduction and damping systems. SACHS shock absorbers are also pioneers in many areas, for example with modular shock absorbers or innovative products such as the SACHS CDC shock absorber for cars.
BOGE
German mid-range shock absorbers, often used in BMW, Volvo, Audi and Volkswagen cars. Enjoy stability and comfort, mainly thanks to the optimal price-quality ratio.
The same suspension elements can be found on Korean cars such as the premium Kia Quoris. Overall, users are happy with what they get, and this is a reliable indicator of a good manufacturer.
If you are tormented by the question of which rear struts are best to install on a VAZ2110, take BOGE.
Bilstein
Currently, Bilstein shock absorbers are a symbol of quality and reliability. They are famous all over the world. They are installed on such brands of cars as Jaguar, Lamborghini, Ferrari.
Bilstein has firmly established itself in the global market as the premier supplier of shock absorbers for luxury vehicles. They are so famous in the world that Japanese automakers Subaru install the company's products on their cars.
In the range you can find both gas and oil struts, which are aimed at different driving styles.
The company produces a separate “Sport” series; in fact, it is not about sports, but about fast driving on highways or city roads.
But the Sprint and Rally series are exactly the same dampers as those found in racing cars and, one might say, the company’s calling card. Of course, it is unreasonable to hope for any comfort with shock absorbers of this series, but stability on the road will be ensured. As a result, the products of this company are expensive, but such a high price is fully justified by the excellent quality in all respects, without exception.
Krosno
Which rear struts are best installed on a VAZ 2110 so that they are inexpensive, durable and provide driving comfort? Pay attention to Krosno, a Polish brand specializing in the production of suspension elements, including shock absorbers.
As a rule, most models are oil-based, so they are not expensive. Among the design features, we can highlight the presence of special rod seals on all rear struts without exception, which prevents dirt, dust and ice debris from entering the assembly.
SAAZ
In fact, the manufacturer's model series is limited to only twin-tube shock absorbers. They are cheap but have some interesting features. Firstly, unlike foreign analogues, there is a reflective shock absorber, which works great when driving on remote, uneven roads (of which, unfortunately, there are plenty of them in Russia).
In addition to such a very useful component, another vulnerability has appeared on the racks - they do not work well at road junctions, which is why the smoothness of the ride suffers. Another feature of Russian shock absorbers is that they are durable. The plant's marketing has gone even further: now every customer can order shock absorbers at their own request (SAAZ-Eng series). SAAZ provides a cheap and inexpensive option for replacing struts for the entire line of “young” and “old” VAZ and Niva cars.
Price
Now let's talk a little about cost. We have already determined that SS20 is noticeably better than the factory ones , so it’s worth purchasing them.
Assembled element
But is such a purchase profitable from a financial point of view? Let's try to figure out the prices.
- Standard. This model is similar in characteristics to the factory VAZ struts. For a pair you will need to pay 4.7 thousand rubles.
- Comfort Optima. Tougher than factory ones, better quality than products from AvtoVAZ. The price is the same - 4.7 thousand rubles.
- Highway. If you mostly drive on highways, then this is the option for you. Price - 4.7 thousand rubles.
- Sport. Aimed at fans of fast driving, they are distinguished by increased rigidity, but not by price - 4.7 thousand rubles.
- Rear pillars with similar characteristics will cost 3.4 thousand rubles.
- Front and rear lowered pillars (30-70 millimeters) cost 5.2 and 4.9 thousand rubles, respectively.
How much does it cost to change shock absorbers?
Shock absorbers are relatively cheap and even with additional parts, such as a dust protection kit and a new dome bearing, cost only about 1000 - 2000 rubles apiece. However, drivers of heavy SUVs can expect slightly higher costs. Shop labor time is the second largest cost factor and varies greatly by region, vehicle and axle.
I believe that we have given a comprehensive answer to the question of which struts to install on a VAZ 2110. Choose dampers according to your driving style and keep in mind that more and more fakes appear on the spare parts market every year. We hope that the shock absorbers from our rating will never let you down and you will ride in comfort.
Petr Alekseev
Regular author of articles for the magazine rating cars.
