In 2013, AVTOVAZ decided to modify the manual transmission (manual transmission 2180). A cable replaced the gear shift drive with rods. The design of the box was modernized, and the following serial number was added to the name (manual transmission 2181). Let's look at the features of a cable gearbox.
Comparison of manual transmission 2180 and manual transmission 2181
The difference between the two boxes is significant:
- Instead of rigid rods, a cable is used (Japanese company Atsumitec). Due to this, vibration on the body and gearshift knob is reduced.
- Multi-cone synchronizers were installed in 1st and 2nd gears. This increases the service life of the components and reduces the effort when engaging gears.
- The clutch diameter was increased to 215 mm. In this regard, it was necessary to use a different crankcase, and place the starter not along the box, but along the engine.
- The bevel angle of the synchronizer teeth was reduced (from 125 to 100º), as well as the preload force (from 150 to 70 N). This made switching easier.
- The gear selection mechanism has been newly developed (Schaeffler Group).
- The gear selection mechanism was moved from bottom to top. This made it possible to eliminate oil leaks and make gear shifting easier in cold weather.
- The design of the gear selection mechanism includes a selector plate, providing a clear gear shift pattern.
- The mechanism includes a lock to prevent accidental reverse gear.
- The oil volume in the gearbox decreased from 3.3 liters to 2.2.
- From the factory, semi-synthetics are poured into the gearbox instead of mineral water.
Modified manual transmission
According to experts, this updated mechanics is considered more reliable. However, the main advantage of manual transmissions is the quality of switching. The new gearbox received a cable drive. It replaced the rigid rods that were in previous versions. This change solved the problem with vibration during operation. This manual transmission also has 5 speeds.
The mechanics received new synchronizers in first and second gears. This made it possible to significantly increase the total resource of the entire system. The engineers managed to make the switching smoother. The mechanism that allows you to select gears has been moved to the upper sections, which allows the system to be independent of temperature. Other changes have reduced oil consumption.
In a Grant with modified gearboxes, you need to fill in 2.2 liters of oil, other models required 3.3 liters. But mineral oil is not suitable for this gearbox. semi-synthetic gear oils. The gearbox mechanisms themselves have undergone major changes. Some components were developed in cooperation with Schaeffler.
Now the box has received a lock. It is designed to provide better control over reverse gear engagement. The position of the reverse gear has also been changed. Now, according to car enthusiasts, the new gearbox has become noticeably easier to operate. The engineers were able to reduce the effort when engaging a gear by three times.
But that is not all. The most popular car in Russia in 2015 will receive a new manual transmission. The updated transmission will be installed in Granta “norm” and “luxury”. Already now you can find and read information about test drives of pre-conveyor Grants with a robot. The robotic manual transmission completely eliminates errors due to the influence of the human factor.
Schemes and design of manual transmission 2181
Main elements of the VAZ-2181 gearbox:
1 – main gear drive gear; 2 – secondary shaft; 3 – input shaft; 4 – fifth gear fork; 5 – fork for selecting third and fourth gears; 6 – reverse light switch; 7 – clutch housing; 8 – gear shift mechanism; 9 – central lock.
Device of synchronizers of VAZ-2110 (A) and -2181 (B) boxes:
1 – first gear gear; 2 – intermediate rings; 3 – blocking ring; 4 – synchronizer clutch; 5 – synchronizer clutch hub; 6 – clamp; 7 – second gear gear.
Gear selection mechanism:
1 – gear selector levers; 2 – selector grid pin; 3 – selector grid; 4 – reverse locking mechanism; 5 – central three-dimensional plate.
Grants box shift mechanism
Many important elements of the old manual transmission were located at the bottom and were bathed in an oil bath - the shift mechanism, the rod clamps and reverse forks, the gear set seal, the reverse light switch. All of these elements were potential sources of leakage. Many people solved the problem with sealant, but moving the elements upstairs solved the problem once and for all.
The new gear shift module on Grant is a separate mechanism that, if necessary, can be removed without disassembling the box. The mechanism has a selector grille that clearly follows the gear shift pattern and prevents accidental engagement of reverse gear.
What did you get?
The design of the gearbox was not only optimized and made more reliable, but also almost completely eliminated unpleasant vibrations on the lever and the car body. The backlash has become smaller and the shifts are clearer. It is worth noting that the use of a modernized gearbox on the Lada Granta and Lada Kalina 2 entailed an increase in the cost of these cars by an average of 5,000 rubles. By the way, the cable box is not installed on the Lada Priora; this car uses a 2180 manual transmission with rigid rods.
Let us remind you that according to reviews, the first copies of the modified gearbox were not entirely successful. The owners noticed a decrease in vibrations, but encountered a new problem: the box began to howl. After this, AvtoVAZ made changes to the design, but the sediment remained...
One of the popular domestic cars is the Lada Kalina. The second generation became available in 2013. The car has improved its technical qualities. Also, the exterior has improved.
The car may have an engine with a volume of 1.6 liters and a power of 106 horsepower. Lada Kalina VAZ 1118 is equipped with electric power steering. Also, the 2nd generation may have a cable gearbox. Its peculiarity is that it minimizes the occurrence of vibrations that occur on the body.
What cars were fitted with the VAZ 2181 gearbox?
This transmission is installed on Lada models only with eight-valve engines:
Lada
| Granta sedan 2190 | 2012 - present |
| Granta hatchback 2192 | 2018 - present |
| Granta liftback 2191 | 2014 - present |
| Grant station wagon 2194 | 2018 - present |
| Granta Cross 2194 | 2019 - present |
| Priora sedan 2170 | 2013 — 2015 |
| Priora hatchback 2172 | 2013 — 2015 |
| Priora station wagon 2171 | 2013 — 2015 |
| Kalina sedan 1118 | 2012 — 2013 |
| Kalina hatchback 1119 | 2012 — 2013 |
| Kalina station wagon 1117 | 2012 — 2013 |
| Kalina 2 hatchback 2192 | 2013 — 2018 |
| Kalina 2 station wagon 2194 | 2013 — 2018 |
| Kalina 2 Cross 2194 | 2014 — 2018 |
Design features
The optimal level of acceleration is ensured by the transmission system. In particular, on the version of the car that develops 87 horsepower, the car accelerates to 100 km/h in approximately 12.5 seconds (manual transmission). This indicator is higher only on a car where an automatic transmission is installed. As for fuel consumption, the basic configuration consumes approximately 8 liters per 100 km. This indicator is optimal for cars of this class.
The Kalina 2 gearbox includes a block of drive gears, driven bearings and synchronizers are installed. There is an oil sump near the front bearing. This element is responsible for supplying oil. The mechanical housing on the Lada includes, in addition to the clutch housing, the rear crankcase cover. They are cast from aluminum alloy.
A distinctive feature of the Kalina gearbox is that there is a magnet in the existing drain plug. The need for this is explained by the fact that it directly attracts metal debris that can get into the system.
The solenoid is effective. It is necessary to block accidental reverse gear. The solenoid is located in the gearbox housing. If the solenoid breaks down, reverse gear will no longer engage. However, the occurrence of this malfunction may be due to an electrical circuit break.
Thus, Lada Kalina can be equipped with a manual or automatic transmission. The service life of the machine depends on how often the device can be serviced. It is recommended to periodically check the oil level in the Lada Kalina box.
Identifying and eliminating gearbox problems
Servicing the gearbox involves removing this device from its original location. Especially for this, the car needs to be placed in an inspection hole or use a lift. To remove the box, you need to remove the air filter, starter, mudguard, crankcase protection, wheel drive, suspension mounts, disconnect the jet rod, front wheel drives, mounting bolts and nuts. Transmission repair may also involve replacing the rocker.
During diagnostic work, all components of the gearbox control drive are checked, from the shift lever to the control rod. Attention must be paid to the gearbox fork. This component of the gear shift mechanism is made of durable material. The fork has two branched tines and an axle. If it becomes deformed, the part should be replaced.
Lada Kalina can be repaired with your own hands. In particular, one of the ways to restore the performance of the gearbox is to change the gearbox oil. It is possible to independently determine the oil level using the control marks that are placed on a special indicator. As for the use of transmission fluid, you should choose a fuel that does not lose its properties over a wide temperature range. In particular, it can be 75W-90, 80W-85 oil.
When repairing the Kalina gearbox, special schemes are used. This allows you to get an accurate and complete picture of the vehicle system. Increasing noise and howling may also be a consequence of worn-out gear teeth. In rare cases, this is due to the fact that there is not enough oil in the box.
It is possible to eliminate noise from the gearbox if you replace the bearings. Repairing the Kalina gearbox can involve replacing the internal joint seals. If the seals are worn out, then because of this the owner of the Lada will be faced with such a manifestation as an oil leak.
AVTOVAZ’s developments do not stand still, and in 2013 the company’s management, together with the design department, decided to switch to a new type of cable-driven gearbox. These gearboxes are installed on Lada Granta and Kalina 2 cars.
Robotic gearbox
The robotic gearbox replaced the 4-speed Jatco automatic transmission; manual transmission has been installed on the Grant since the beginning of spring 2015.
The basis of the mechanical part of the new AMT 2182 was the 2180 gearbox; instead of cables, as well as the standard pedal and clutch unit for “mechanics,” an electromechanical gearbox drive (mechatronics) from the German company ZF was installed here.
The robotic gearbox is only paired with a VAZ-21127 106 hp engine. s., the most powerful power unit installed on the Lada Granta.
The manual transmission can operate not only in automatic, but also in manual mode; there are a total of five gears in the box.
A car with AMT 2182 has become more economical than with an automatic transmission, the dynamics have also improved, and gasoline consumption has decreased.
Typical problems of a robotic gearbox.
The robotic gearbox is based on the 2180 transmission, so it does not have such a strong hum as the 2181 manual transmission.
However, in first and second gears, slight howls are observed, although after running in a new car, the noise may disappear.
Grant's gearbox may behave inappropriately - when driving in first gear and sharply pressing the accelerator pedal, second speed does not always engage, and a “slip” occurs.
A characteristic disadvantage of a manual transmission is jerks and jolts when changing gears; if the movement is dynamic, this unpleasant phenomenon is not observed during quiet driving.
But you can use the manual mode, and then the manual transmission practically becomes a “mechanics”.
Design and differences of a cable-driven gearbox
Unlike a conventional gearbox, the cable-driven gearbox has received some improvements and upgrades.
VAZ-2181 gearbox with cable drive
In order to understand how everything works, let’s compare a standard gearbox labeled VAZ-2180 and the new VAZ-2181:
- To reduce the vibration generated by the traction drive gearbox, cables from the manufacturer Atsumitec were installed.
- To reduce the effort for shifting 1st and 2nd gears, the manufacturer installed multi-cone synchronizers.
- The clutch size has increased to 215 mm.
- Due to changes in the transmission design, the starter had to be positioned along the engine rather than the gearbox.
- To facilitate gear shifting, it was necessary to reduce the bevel angle of the synchronizer teeth from 125 degrees to 100.
- To eliminate oil leaks, the designers moved the gear selection mechanism to the top. But this nuance gave impetus to the development of a new switching scheme and design changes.
- The volume of lubricant poured has decreased from 3.3 liters to 2.2 liters.
- A selector plate is installed, which allows you to change gears more clearly.
- The transition from mineral oil to semi-synthetic oil has been completed.
- To prevent accidental reverse gear, a special lock was developed.
The main elements and components that go into the design of the new gearbox can be seen in the figures below:
Gearbox diagram and decoding of its main elements
- main drive drive gear;
- secondary shaft;
- input shaft;
- fifth gear shift fork;
- third and fourth gear shift fork;
- reverse light switch;
- clutch housing;
- gear shift mechanism;
- central lock.
VAZ-2181 box synchronizer device
1 – first gear gear; 2 – intermediate rings; 3 – blocking ring; 4 – synchronizer clutch; 5 – synchronizer clutch hub; 6 – clamp; 7 – second gear gear.
Gear selection mechanism
1 – gear selector levers; 2 – selector grid pin; 3 – selector grid; 4 – reverse locking mechanism; 5 – central three-dimensional plate.
Full view of a cable-driven gearbox
Thus, the manufacturer decided to improve and modernize the gearbox, which was unreliable and had a lot of problems. Due to the new improved system, vibration in the body and gear knob has been reduced. The gears switched on, started more clearly, and the huge backlashes disappeared.
Catalog numbers and production
As you know, analogues of gearboxes are rarely produced, and even more so for domestic cars.
Therefore, for the Lada Granta cable-driven gearbox there is one catalog number - 21810-1700012-00.
Reviews about gearbox 2181
Hello, I would like to know how the new gearbox works, otherwise there are a lot of rumors that not everything is in order with it, real owners of cars with this gearbox, write down what and how
Thanks for the clarification, but what’s annoying is not the howling, but the snoring about the load and engine braking
Added after 2 minutes there was no gasket from the factory, and there was no snoring. We assembled it with the gasket and it appeared
All! Checkpoint-2181 “ended.”
Finally got to TO-3. The dealer in Yekaterinburg, where I bought it, is busy and has a waiting list for service for a week.
I made an appointment with someone else.
The day before, 1st and 2nd gears suddenly stopped switching off when standing at a traffic light. You accelerate a little and it works again, but at the intersection you are already in neutral.
In general, by TO-3, and this was 3 days since the first problem, I only had 1,3 and 5th gears working. Everything else does not stick in, as if there is not enough movement before turning it on.
But the saddest thing is that the VAZ service apparently doesn’t fix it and it feels like they don’t want to fix it. After all, to do this you need to remove and disassemble the gearbox and drain the oil. And VAZ has stopped selling spare parts altogether, even at dealership centers, many are made to order only.
What saddens me most about VAZ is the attitude towards the service. I talked to the mechanic, he says people like you are having problems with the gearbox; there are already three cars in service... and they all sit there and it’s unclear what they’re doing to them.
In general, all this PR about 2181 has come to an end, guys. And it all started so well... the Germans made an updated checkpoint for 30 million dollars. And what? She will live 30-40 thousand on average. It would be okay if there was a breakdown if the dealers would repair everything and easily change spare parts. God bless him. And so it hangs.
Now there is no doubt that GRANT needs to sell and buy DATSUN. At least they won’t invent why they won’t or can’t repair the checkpoint.
VAZ service is good only if you need to change the oil or filter, but if it’s serious, then it’s covered under warranty.
| And what? She will live 30-40 thousand on average. It would be okay if there was a breakdown if the dealers would repair everything and easily change spare parts. God bless him. And so it hangs. |
| Now there is no doubt that GRANT needs to sell and buy DATSUN. At least they won’t invent why they won’t or can’t repair the checkpoint. |
Well, if all this is true, then why step on the same rake a second time by buying a VAZ with a different nameplate with a box life of 30-40 thousand?
It seems that in your case the problem is with the gear selection mechanism and there should be no problems, although the gearbox will have to be removed. Although I won’t give a tooth, I’m unfamiliar with the new box.
Smiled. Unless you're in a hurry again)))
Added after 3 minutes
Now a simple calculation for 2nd gear, when we fly at an acceleration of 4000 rpm and the engine torque is 200 N*m? GP 63/16 teeth and 2nd gear 39/20 teeth 4000 rpm from engine = 66 rpm to 2nd 66*20 = 1320 Hz from 2nd operation
transmission 66/(39/20)=33.8 rpm of small gear shaft GP 33.8*16=
540Hz from GP
Source
Dismantling and repair of gearbox on Lada Granta
Disassembling a Lada Granta cable-driven gearbox will require quite a lot of tools. The main ones are a set of keys and heads of different sizes.
So, let's proceed to disassembling the gearbox:
- First of all, as in any repair, we clean the part from dirt.
- We turn out the studs securing the clutch housing.
Unscrew the plug of the reverse gear fork clamp
Remove the retaining spring from the hole in the crankcase
Using a magnet, remove the retainer ball
Unscrew the nut securing the rear cover of the gearbox housing
Unscrew the bolt securing the clutch release cable bracket
Unscrew the nuts securing the rear crankcase cover
Tapping the lid lugs with a plastic-tipped hammer or a regular hammer through a soft metal mandrel
We strike the fork through a soft metal drift
Using a 32mm socket with a powerful wrench, unscrew the shaft nuts
Using a screwdriver, pry off the 5th gear driven gear and remove the assembly
Separate the coupling by hand
Removing the synchronizer plate
Removing the gear by first prying it off
Interesting Facts
Let's look at the interesting facts that we managed to learn about the new Lada Granta gearbox:
- The VAZ-2181 gearbox will not be installed on the Priora, since the designers considered that it would not be cost-effective to redo the entire design of the power units.
- The cost of Lada Grant and Kalina 2 increased by 5000-7000 rubles. with the introduction of a new gearbox into the car.
- According to reviews from car owners, the first copies of cable-driven gearboxes were not entirely successful and had quite a lot of flaws: vibration became audible after 70-80 thousand mileage, howling of the gearbox, increased wear of parts, etc. Based on this, the manufacturer made adjustments to the design and improved the characteristics, but many car owners had a negative impression of the VAZ-2181 cable-driven gearbox.
- The AVTOVAZ plant continues to develop and modernize a new gearbox, which will become the second generation of cable gearboxes. It is planned to install it on the 2nd generation Lada Granta, which is currently under development. The designers promise to take into account the experience gained during the development of the first generation and not allow such an oversight a second time.
Structural features of cable gearbox 2181
This transmission is a deep modification of the popular manual transmission VAZ 2170. In fact, only the gear part, that is, the gear shafts, remains from the old gearbox, and everything else is either completely new or so updated that it is almost like new.
