How to remove the steering wheel on a VAZ-2107 - photos and videos, faults and sound signal repair

Many car owners of the wonderful classic VAZ-2107, especially those who like to upgrade their cars, do not like the design of the steering wheel due to its large size.

Due to the fact that the steering column on this car is not height adjustable, the large diameter of the steering wheel makes it difficult to sit comfortably in the seat. Surely tall drivers have encountered this problem.

Therefore, replacing the “original” steering wheel, which is more similar to the steering wheel of a steamship, with a smaller steering wheel with a “sporty” design helps solve this problem.

To replace this vehicle control, you must remove the factory one, and you may also need to remove the steering wheel if the sound signal does not work.

To remove the steering wheel you will need the following tool:

flat screwdriver;
24mm head with wrench and extension.

Step-by-step replacement of the steering wheel

You can remove the steering wheel in a VAZ-2107 yourself, but in order for the process to be completed correctly, you need to do it step by step:

The battery lock must be done first to prevent short circuit. To do this, it will be enough to disconnect the negative terminal from the battery.
Using a small screwdriver, you need to pry off the Lada logo, which adorns the middle of the steering wheel. This logo is not only a decoration of the steering wheel, but also an original plug that covers the fastening element.
After the plug is removed, you can see a 24-size nut inside, which must be unscrewed. Before unscrewing, you need to set the steering wheel to a position in which the wheels of the car will “look” directly from the body.
A size 24 socket must be inserted into the extension so that it is convenient to put the tool on the fixing nut. Next, you need to insert such a device into the so-called knob and try to turn the latch with a sharp counterclockwise movement. In this case, you should hold the steering wheel with your knees so that the structure does not turn when unscrewing the lock. If the nut does not come off the first time, you need to repeat the whole process again, but experts do not recommend completely unscrewing the lock. This is explained by the fact that the steering wheel is quite firmly attached to the shaft, and if it is removed with a sharp jerk, the structure can hit a person hard in the chest.
Once you feel that the fastener has become loose, you need to start swinging the steering wheel in different directions. You can completely remove the steering wheel from the shaft after you hear a peculiar click. This will indicate that the steering wheel is starting to hit the nut, so the clamp can be completely unscrewed without fear.

Such simple manipulations and a minimum of tools will help VAZ-2107 owners remove the steering wheel without much effort for further replacement of the structure or troubleshooting any problems.

Malfunctions of the steering column of VAZ 2107

Given the simple design of the column, there are few options for malfunction. It is important to monitor its condition and promptly eliminate problems when they arise. There are several main types of faults:

Column creaking. The cause of the squeak may be wear of the column parts, deformation of the trim panels, or malfunction of the steering switch unit.
Steering wheel play. There are probably two reasons for this. The first is that the steering wheel fastening nut has been loosened. Fixing this problem is easy. But if this is not done in time, the splines on the shaft will break and the steering wheel may turn, leaving the car uncontrollable. Another reason is wear of the steering gear worm gear. Then it is necessary to adjust the gearbox or repair it.
Play in the plane of the steering wheel or column axis. This is a dangerous malfunction that appears when the elements of the mounting bracket or spline connections are worn (loose).

Loosening the nuts and bolts of the spline fasteners over time leads to the abrasion of the splines, causing the car to lose control. Therefore, the column play must be eliminated immediately.

We recommend: Is it possible to flush the engine with diesel fuel?

Technical inspection after installing the EUR on a VAZ 2107

Installing an electric booster is formally considered to be making changes to the design of the car and is an obstacle to undergoing maintenance without the appropriate certificates of conformity. It will not be possible to hide the fact that an ESD is installed on a VAZ 2107 - the device clearly manifests itself when checking the steering wheel play. This may become a basis for refusing to issue a document confirming the completion of a mandatory technical inspection.

To pass a technical inspection in accordance with the law, you need to find an official letter from the manufacturer about the compliance of this EUR model with the requirements for installation on a VAZ 2107. This letter (copy) must be taken with you when undergoing vehicle inspection.

Also, for maintenance, a document is required confirming the installation of the EUR at a VAZ-certified car service center.

If these two documents are available, the inspection station employees do not have the right to refuse to issue a certificate. In a conflict situation, you should request a written refusal indicating the reasons.

Installing power steering

If a motorist wants to install power steering on a VAZ-2107 with his own hands, which the manufacturer did not consider necessary to install in one of the most budget cars in the whole world, he can take one of two possible paths. Firstly, you can select the optimal steering rack that has power steering and then decide on its further location in the car. True, such an action will require enormous labor and money. Secondly, which is more expedient, you can buy a ready-made kit at an auto parts store that allows you to perform all possible most useful manipulations on the stationary steering rack.

The purchased power steering for a VAZ-2107 will consist of many parts: a pump, a pulley, a steering gear, a hydraulic cylinder, an expansion tank and a hose system.

To install power steering on a VAZ-2107, you need to start with a pump, through which pumping is carried out and a certain pressure is created in the unit. This pump must be placed on the cylinder block, since it will operate due to a belt drive. The next step is to determine where to install the crankshaft pulley. Then the steering gear is replaced. The car owner should check the size of the purchased device in advance, since it will most likely differ from the factory analogue, which may require modification of the installation location of the device.

When installing power steering in your car, you should pay close attention to the hydraulic cylinder, which should be located in the car according to the instructions. Further modernization consists of the location of the expansion tank and the sequential connection of a set of parts with high-pressure hoses. The installed reservoir must be equipped with a special fluid intended directly for the power steering. As a result of the manipulation, it is worth pumping the system.

Replacement

This must be done in the following sequence:

We disconnect the negative terminal of the battery just in case.
Carefully, using a screwdriver (preferably the screwdriver slot is small), pry up the “Lada” badge in the middle of the steering wheel, which is a plug, and pull it out. As a result, we see a 24 nut inside.
We put the steering wheel in a position so that the wheels “look” straight.
We take the head of the required size, insert it into the extension, and then put it on the nut. We insert the crank into the extension, rest our knees on the steering wheel so that it does not turn when unscrewing the nut, and with a sharp movement of the crank counterclockwise we try to twist the nut. I don’t recommend unscrewing the nut completely, because... The steering wheel sits firmly on the shaft and, if removed abruptly, can hit you in the chest painfully.
Read also:
Then we take the steering wheel in both hands and rock it, from side to side, pulling it up. Moreover, it is desirable that the range of movements be frequent. When our steering wheel hits the nut, unscrew it completely and completely remove the steering wheel from the shaft.

With these simple manipulations and using a simple tool, you can remove the steering wheel on a VAZ-2107.

After removing the steering wheel, you need to inspect the copper horn contact located on the steering column. If necessary, clean it and bend it.

If your horn does not work, you must first remove the steering wheel in the sequence indicated above, and only then unscrew the screws on the back of the steering wheel to remove the panel along with the fasteners and contact plate, placing the steering wheel on the workbench.

Because it is easier to do this in the public domain than to look for holes by touch in the limited space of the car interior. And, as a rule, the sound signal does not work precisely because of the contact that is located on the steering column, so it may not be necessary to completely disassemble the steering wheel.

Good luck to everyone and safe driving!

We recommend: When should you change antifreeze and can you mix it?

Replacing the gearbox

To replace the gearbox you will need several tools. First, a tie rod end puller. Secondly, a set of keys and screwdrivers. That’s it, you don’t even need a jack, since the entire replacement procedure can be carried out on a flat surface. The VAZ-2107 steering column can be removed in literally three movements. It can be replaced within a few minutes, provided that all the necessary tools are available.

Open the hood to make it easier to work. Disconnect two rods from the gearbox - middle and extreme. Don’t even think about removing the lever from the gearbox! It is pressed tightly, the only way to pull it out is to cut it with an autogen or a grinder. From inside it will be more convenient to unscrew the nut that will tighten the cardan at the junction with the gearbox shaft. Unscrew the three nuts that secure the gearbox housing, after which the entire mechanism can be removed for replacement. Installation is carried out in reverse order.

Features of dismantling

VAZ-2107 cars are equipped with two versions of steering wheels, which have minor differences. The main difference is the appearance and fastening of the front decorative part, which performs the additional function of turning on the sound signal. Let's look at both options for removing the steering wheel on a VAZ-2107, and let's start with the new model steering wheel.

Disassembling the VAZ-2107 steering wheel begins with the fact that it is initially necessary to remove the minus terminal from the battery. This is done to prevent the creation of an unintentional short circuit.
Using a screwdriver, you need to pry off the “Lada” badge, located in the center of the product, behind which there is a central nut at “24”.
It is advisable to align the wheels so that they are straight. This is necessary so that during assembly it fits into the same slots, and the steering wheel also stands straight.
Using a wrench with a 24mm head, remove the nut. To unscrew the nut, you must rotate the knob to the left. To unscrew the nut, you need to rest your feet on the steering wheel, protecting the product from turning, or ask a friend for help.
Once the nut is loosened, it is not recommended to unscrew it completely. Now you need to carefully knock the steering wheel off its seat (the spline joint may stick). As soon as the product moves from the shaft, you can unscrew the nut completely and dismantle the steering wheel.

After removing the product, it can be replaced or repaired. If you need to replace the shaft bearing, you will have to remove the decorative trims and bracket to gain access. If it is necessary to remove the old-style steering wheel, this is done according to the following scheme:

On the back of the steering wheel, unscrew the 2 screws in the holes using a screwdriver.
Remove the decorative panel together with the fasteners and the horn contact plate.
Next, unscrew the nut a little, knock the steering wheel off the splines, unscrew the nut completely and remove the part.

Old-style steering wheel without lining

Once the repair work is completed, the product must be installed in place. Be sure to set the steering wheel in the correct position. This is done for the purpose of driving convenience and so that during a trip part of the steering wheel does not block the view of the instrument panel.

The cover plate itself with signal contacts

There are marks on the steering shaft and contact plate that need to be aligned. After the product is put on the slots, you can begin to tighten the nut in a clockwise direction. Installation of decorative elements occurs in the reverse order of removal.

Repairing the horn switch on the steering wheel

If the sound alarm does not work, then after dismantling the steering wheel it is necessary to inspect the contacts. Often, for repairs, it is enough to clean and lubricate the contacts and then install the parts in place.

You can look for the cause of the malfunction of the signal without removing the main mechanism, but you will have to struggle with unscrewing the bolts that secure the decorative trim of the steering wheel. Most often, the reason for the signal not working is in the contacts located in the steering column, so it may not be necessary to completely disassemble the steering wheel.

This material will help you understand the question of how to remove the steering wheel for repair work. If you plan to replace the steering wheel, then it is imperative to select a new product so that it matches the splines of the car shaft. When replacing a standard product with a new one, a problem may arise only in connecting the signal, since not on all models the contacts will coincide with the steering column. To install a new steering wheel, you will need to disassemble it and connect the horn.

Which part to choose for replacement?

The manufacturer installed a steering wheel with a diameter of 400 mm and four spokes on this car. It is held in place by a safety compound shaft mounted on a bearing. This type of steering wheel has a comfortable design adapted to the grip of your hands. Most often, in case of malfunctions, car enthusiasts install an option designed specifically for the “seven”. But even here it is worth noting that there were two types of steering wheels - old and new. If you have a car that was made a long time ago, then after dismantling it makes sense to change the mount and install an option suitable for the VAZ-2107 that came off the assembly line recently.

If your goal is to modify a car, then suitable models may be those that were installed on:

Priora;
Kalina;
VAZ-2115.

It is acceptable to install sports modifications from well-known manufacturers - Sparco, Momo and others. They have a high price, but you will pay this money for a high-quality spare part that is easy to use.

You should not install only options from China that are sold under unknown brands. And it’s not just that their quality is not the best, but for the most part they have a design problem. Most Chinese models have a worm gear steering gear, rather than an electric or hydraulic booster. This design is not suitable for rear wheel drive cars as you will have to use too much effort to steer. In addition, most of these spare parts are not tested, which casts doubt on their compliance with safety requirements.

How to return the sound signal yourself

If the steering wheel needed to be removed because the sound signal stopped working, then the removal process is carried out in the same sequence as previously described. Next you will need to do the following:

Be sure to check the steering play, which should not exceed 5 C, and the copper contact of the horn. The contact is located on the steering column; if traces of oxidation or other types of contaminants are noticed on its surface, they are carefully removed;
Next, the connecting fasteners on the back of the steering wheel are unscrewed so that the entire panel assembly can be removed, including the contact plate;
The removed steering wheel with the panel should be placed on a table or workbench to find the failed contact. The latter is most often the main reason why the sound signal disappears;
if the contact is disconnected, you just need to solder it back to its original place and install the panel with the steering wheel.

We recommend: The process of replacing the water pump on a VAZ 2109 in the garage

Replacing the steering column of a VAZ 2107

Replacing a steering column is a rather difficult task, but it can be done independently if you have some experience in car repair. You will need the following tools:

Wrenches 17 (socket and open-end).
Socket heads for 17 and 30.
Handle with ratchet.
Mount.
Hammer.
Collar.

The column is removed in the following order:

Disconnect the battery.
Remove the steering wheel.
Remove the steering shaft housing.
Remove the wire block from the ignition switch.
Remove the ignition switch.
Remove the steering column switches.
Remove the steering shaft clamped in the column.
Using a 30mm socket and a powerful wrench, unscrew the steering column mounting nut. The tightening force here is significant, so the knob must be a fairly long lever. If you can’t unscrew it, you can lengthen the knob by putting a piece of pipe on it.
Unscrew the 3 bolts securing the column to the body. The procedure is not easy - the distance between the parts and the body is too small, the bolts are difficult to keep from turning. A handle with a ratchet will come in handy here, which will speed up the process.
Remove the column from the shaft. To do this, you need to knock the column off the tie rod splines using a pry bar. This must be done in jerks, resting your feet on the body.
Unscrew and remove the shaft seal installed at the bottom of the column.

After dismantling the old column, it is necessary to clean the seat from dirt. Before installing a new column, you should check the condition of its hinge joints and needle bearings. If everything is in order, you can begin installation, which is done in the reverse order of removal.

When installing a new VAZ 2107 steering column, you must pay special attention to ensure that all fastening bolts and nuts are well tightened. Considering how important this unit is for driving a car, play, and even more so, slippage of the steering column splines can lead to tragic consequences.

When installing the steering wheel, pay attention to the position of its spokes.

After completing the installation of parts and connecting the wire block to the ignition switch, you can connect the battery. Column replacement is complete.

Tuning the VAZ-2107 steering requires time, money, effort and certain knowledge from the car enthusiast. However, competently carried out modifications to the steering system of the vehicle improve the behavior of the car on the road, making the car more maneuverable and controllable by the driver.

Video “Efficiency of the electric booster on the VAZ 2107”

You can see how the EUR installed on the “seven” works in the video below (the author of the video is Roman Patrikeev).

The VAZ “classic” does not provide such an option as power steering. While driving on the road does not require much effort, turning the steering wheel at low speed while maneuvering in a parking lot is quite difficult. To turn the steering wheel with one finger, you can install an electric power steering on a VAZ 2107. Despite the apparent complexity of the device, installation and connection do not require special skills and do not take too much time. To install power steering you will need a set of wrenches, a drill and an electric power steering unit with wires and fasteners.