Howl and hum from manual transmission on Lada Granta, Kalina, Vesta: we figure out what the problem is and how to fix it

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One of the troubles that VAZ car owners have to deal with is the howl of a manual transmission. This hum does not affect the functionality of the transmission, but it irritates many drivers, because they expect silence and comfort from a new car! This problem is especially relevant for Lada Granta, Kalina and Vesta cars. Let's figure out which manual transmissions are humming, why third-party sounds occur and what to do about it.

Which boxes howl?

The noise problem appeared after Auto VAZ introduced a manual transmission of its own production with a cable drive. These boxes pleased us with clearer gear shifting, but disappointed us with a rather loud howl, especially in 2nd and 3rd gears. The transmission that has this problem is manual transmission 2181.

Box 2181 is an improved previous model 2180. Instead of rigid rods, it is driven by a cable drive. Thanks to the reduction in the bevel of the synchronizer teeth, the gears began to engage more clearly. In 1-2 gears, conventional synchronizers were replaced with multi-cone synchronizers. It would seem that everything should be for the better, but as an unpleasant bonus to the easy gear shifting, buyers received an unpleasant soundtrack.

The plant received a large number of complaints from car owners, so in 2014 the manufacturer modernized the transmission. As AvtoVAZ assures, the updated version has become 25% quieter, but it is still far from ideal.

Diagnostics of the release bearing on a Priora

There are no special devices or tools for troubleshooting. The main signs of possible defects or malfunctions:

• extraneous noise when changing gears (knocking, crunching, specific howling, creaking);
• Difficulty when switching.

If any of the listed symptoms appears when switching, pressing the clutch pedal and changing speed, it is recommended to dismantle the box and inspect, and in case of malfunction, replace the Priora release bearing

It is important to note that it is not always necessary to replace the product with a new, similar one. Sometimes the cause of extraneous noise from the gearbox and incorrect operation of the release unit is contamination, insufficient lubrication of the product and (or) the guide bushing along which constant, working rotation of the bearing occurs. Therefore, sometimes it is enough to clean or thoroughly lubricate the bushing and the part itself. Obvious signs indicating a malfunction are:

• significant play of the part;
• physical deformations (cracks, abrasions, chips);
• uneven or difficult rotation.

When diagnosing breakdowns or damage, dismantling and installation of a new part will be required.

Reasons for howling boxes on Lada Granta, Kalina and Vesta

The howl of the box usually appears already in the first thousand kilometers; the appearance of the noise is not affected by the operating conditions of the car. It follows from this that the problem is related to the design features of this unit.

The manufacturer assures that the cause of third-party sounds is imperfect processing of the gears, as well as the main pair. Minor roughness leads to the appearance of characteristic sounds when moving. In the modified version of the manual transmission, this problem is partially eliminated, but it is impossible to completely get rid of the hum, since the equipment available at the factory does not allow the parts to be brought to ideal condition.

Perhaps the plant will eventually update the equipment and delight its customers with an updated, quieter transmission; it is unknown when this will happen. Therefore, for now, all that remains is to put up with the hum of the box or try in action ways to reduce the sound while driving.

How to eliminate the howling of a VAZ box

The first thing you can do is contact the service center and request that the noise be eliminated as part of the warranty repair. This process is long, painstaking, requires patience and does not always end in victory. In most cases, the manufacturer claims that the sound during transmission operation is normal and the vehicle is not subject to warranty repair. But if the sound is very loud or the buyer is very persistent, the manufacturer suggests replacing the box. But, judging by the reviews of drivers who managed to replace the manual transmission under warranty, this does not always solve the problem. The fact is that a howling box is a manufacturing feature, not a defect, so whether it’s worth replacing it with exactly the same one is up to you to decide.

Modification of the clutch cable

Sometimes the noise is due to vibration transfer between the fork and the clutch cable. This problem can be solved with a simple modification that does not require financial investment. You need to remove the clutch cable from the fork, replace the standard rubber insert with a washer made of softer rubber, which dampens vibration well. The element is glued to a plastic part, which serves as a stop for the cable.

This method does not help everyone and will not allow you to achieve ideal silence, but it makes the unpleasant sound much quieter. In any case, it won't hurt to try to implement this simple modification.

Interior noise insulation

Another option is good sound insulation of the cabin. Of course, the howl of the box in this case will not go away, but it will be less audible. This event is expensive, but it will make the car more comfortable. If the performance of the transmission is not in doubt, and only noise is annoying, you can use this option.

Do I need to add oil?

It is difficult to check the oil level in a cable-driven box; this model does not have a dipstick. The only way to do this is to unscrew the oil filler plug. If at the same time the oil begins to flow out slowly, then the level is normal; if not, it is better to top it up. In this case, it is imperative to use exactly the same technical fluid as already poured in the box.

To add oil to the maximum level, you need to jack up the car from the side where the oil filler neck is located and add oil until it begins to flow out. For convenience, it is better to use a syringe. As soon as the liquid flows out, the plug must be quickly tightened. If you do not raise the correct side of the car, the transmission fluid level will be low.

In some cases, this procedure helps get rid of the howling or makes the box a little quieter. Some motorists noted that they had to add about 0.5 liters of oil to the manual transmission. But in most cases, the procedure does not eliminate the howling problem.

Does oil quality affect transmission noise?

At the factory, manual transmission 2181 is filled with budget oil of dubious quality. Many people prefer to replace it immediately. This not only makes the transmission quieter, but also extends its life. Does changing the oil eliminate the noise? In some cases, this procedure can improve the situation somewhat, but it is not a panacea. In most cases the box continues to howl.

Will disassembling the manual transmission help eliminate the whining?

Most Lada car owners, having tried the methods listed above, calm down, manage to get used to the noise and continue driving their car. But some are ready to go all the way, so they decide to disassemble the box themselves or contact a service center for this service. Is it possible to achieve the desired result using this complex procedure?

Sometimes when opening the box, significant defects in individual gears are revealed. In this case, the transmission usually makes a loud noise when engaging a particular gear. There may also be problems with the clutch and release bearing. Sometimes replacing these parts solves the problem.

In most cases, installing new parts does not make the gearbox quiet, because all gears are made on the same equipment, which, as already mentioned, does not allow for an ideal configuration.

The procedure for removing and disassembling the gearbox is lengthy and expensive, but may not yield results, so it is hardly worth going through the gearbox if howling is the only problem.

Which release bearing is best for Kalina based on price and manufacturer?

We recommend choosing the clutch release bearing for the Lada Kalina according to the table below. The list contains information on the best manufacturers of spare parts of this type (which is better, according to reviews from auto repair shops/motorists): price, number (article), manufacturer, equipment.

Recommended bearing manufacturers, articles and prices

In the table you will find out exactly how much a release bearing for Kalina costs. Before buying a spare part, look at the original photos and technical specifications, which are given there. We also recommend watching a video with an overview of push couplings.

VP number according to GOST: 6-520806ES23 (or 520806K1U - produced by VBF, Vologda).

Articles according to the VAZ catalog:

• pressure ball bearing - 111-1601182;
• coupling assembly – 21100-1601180-02;
• bolt - 2108-1601207;
• driven disk - 11186-1601130.

Review of clutches for LADA:

Should I change the box?

Replacing a box with a Lada Granta, Kalina and Vesta is a lottery. The transmission has undergone several modifications, so manual transmissions produced at different times may sound differently. But it’s not a fact that you’ll be lucky: the new box may be even noisier. It’s good if they replaced it for free under warranty, but it definitely doesn’t make sense to buy a unit with your own money.

You need to understand that the howling of a VAZ cable-driven gearbox is not a problem with a specific instance, but a design feature.

What to do?

Unfortunately, there is no clear solution to the problem today. We can only wait for AvtoVAZ to find an opportunity to update equipment and improve technology. If you are planning to purchase a domestic car and silence in the cabin is important to you, abandon the mechanics in favor of, for example, a robotic transmission, which some models are equipped with.

In fact, the howl of a manual transmission is not so critical as to cause serious discomfort for the driver and passengers. It’s just that many, having heard a third-party sound, begin to doubt the serviceability of the unit, and when they learn that this is just a feature of a particular model, they calm down.

If you are planning to buy a Granta, Kalina or Vesta with a manual transmission, you should know that a howling gearbox is not a myth, but a reality that many owners of these cars face. It's up to you to make a purchase or look at a car of another brand.

Manual transmission 2181 with cable drive

Clutch cable location on manual transmission 2181

Checking the oil level in the gearbox

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Causes of noise in the gearbox

A damaged release bearing with traces of rust and no traces of lubricant.

The gearbox input shaft bearing can be replaced only after dismantling the gearbox itself.

To avoid unnecessary problems, you should get into the habit of checking the oil level in the gearbox a couple of times a year. When inspecting the dipstick, pay attention to its integrity. The trouble is that when you engage second gear, an incorrectly inserted dipstick (inserted crookedly) may rub.

A typical breakdown of the clutch fork at the point where the lever attaches to the shaft.

The release bearing is usually replaced along with the clutch disc and basket.

The resource depends on the initial quality of the part and the operating characteristics of the vehicle. If you have to drive frequently in traffic jams, the risk of bearing failure is high.

You can drive with a buzzing release for quite a long time, but eventually the bearing will still crumble or jam.