All modern cars, for safety reasons and for aesthetic reasons, are equipped with front and rear bumpers (or buffers), this fully applies to VAZ cars. Read all about VAZ bumpers, their existing types, designs, features of operation and repair in this article.
A general look at the bumpers of VAZ cars
All cars of the Volga Automobile Plant are equipped with bumpers or buffers in accordance with current international and domestic standards. These parts are installed in the front and rear of the car, they are entrusted with the solution of three key tasks:
- Safety functions - in the event of a collision of the car, the bumper, due to its design, absorbs part of the kinetic energy and dampens the impact;
- Protection of body structures and paintwork of a car in the event of a collision with an obstacle at low speed or "lapping" with other vehicles;
- Aesthetic features – the bumper is an integral and important part of the car's design.
It is the bumpers that are at the greatest risk of damage during the operation of the car, which forces the owners of "Lada" and "Lada" quite often to repair or buy these parts. To make the right purchase, you should know about the existing types of VAZ bumpers, their features and applicability.
Types and design features of VAZ bumpers
Three types of bumpers were installed on VAZ cars of early and current model ranges:
- All-metal chrome-plated bumpers with two transverse linings;
- Aluminum bumpers with a longitudinal lining and plastic side elements;
- Molded plastic bumpers.
Chrome bumpers were installed only on the VAZ-2101 - 2103 model. They have characteristic smooth shapes with pointed tips, and are easily recognizable by the two vertical overlays on the sides. Installation of bumpers is carried out using four brackets (two central and two side), attached directly to the load-bearing components of the body. Currently, these bumpers are not produced, so their purchase is possible only in the secondary market.
Aluminum bumpers are used on models VAZ-2104 - 2107, as well as on the VAZ-2121 "Niva". Structurally, such a bumper is an aluminum U-shaped beam, plastic linings are attached at its ends, and a front plastic lining stretched along the entire length of the beam is provided. The bumpers of the VAZ-2104 - 2107 differ from the bumpers of the VAZ-2101 in size, and they are also easy to distinguish from each other by the width of the front lining - the Niva has a wider one. Installation of aluminum bumpers is carried out using two removable tubular brackets.
Aluminum bumpers are divided into two large groups according to the method of corrosion protection and décor:
- Painted - the surface of the aluminum bumper beam is coated with a special dye;
- Anodized - the surface of the beam is covered with a protective film by electrochemical means.
Today, both types of bumpers are widely used, their cost is the same, so car owners make a choice based on their tastes and aesthetic considerations.
It should be noted that the VAZ "Classic" models use the same design (but differing in size) front and rear bumpers. This decision is due to both the design of cars and economic reasons - it is easier and cheaper to produce the same metal bumpers than different ones.
Plastic bumpers are by far the largest group of bumpers used in VAZ cars. They are used both on some early models (VAZ-2108 - 2109, VAZ of the tenth family), and on all current model ranges (Kalina of the first and second generations, Priora, Granta, Largus, Vesta).
All plastic bumpers with a huge variety of shapes and sizes have a fundamentally the same design. The basis of the buffer is a steel beam, which is mounted directly on the car body, and is closed on top with a solid plastic lining (it is usually called a bumper). Significant loads (arising from a collision) are perceived by the metal beam, and minor contacts or lapping to various obstacles are smoothed out by the plastic bumper due to its flexibility. To give the necessary decorative effect and protection, plastic parts are painted.
Plastic bumpers today exist in a variety of options, among the distinctive features are:
- The presence of radiator grilles of various types;
- Configurations for the installation of fog lights, daytime running lights, optics of various sizes, etc.;
- Bumpers for tuning with various body kits and decorative effects.
And the most important thing is that plastic bumpers are divided into front and rear, and they are not interchangeable.
In general, the bumpers of VAZ cars are quite simple in design and reliable, however, they also periodically require repair or replacement.
Issues of repair and replacement of VAZ bumpers
Almost always, for repair and replacement of the bumper, this part should be dismantled. The procedure for dismantling the bumper depends on its type and model of the car.
Dismantling of bumpers VAZ-2101 - 2103 is performed as follows:
1.Remove the plastic buffers from the vertical bumper pads;
2.Unscrew the two bolts from the linings - with these bolts, the bumper is held on the central brackets;
3.Unscrew the two bolts from the bumper tips - the bumper is attached to the side brackets with these bolts;
4.Remove the bumper.
Installation of the bumper is performed in reverse order. The dismantling and mounting operations are identical for the front and rear bumpers.
Dismantling of bumpers VAZ-2104 - 2107 and VAZ-2121 is performed as follows:
1.Dismantle the plastic lining by prying it with a screwdriver;
2.Unscrew the bolts holding the bumper on the two brackets;
3.Dismantle the bumper.
It is also possible to dismantle the bumper along with the brackets, for this there is no need to remove the lining - just unscrew the two bolts holding the brackets in the body and carefully pull out the bumper along with the brackets. It should be noted that these bumpers may have a lining attached to the screws, in this case, before dismantling the bumper, unscrew the lining screws.
Dismantling of plastic bumpers of VAZ-2108 and 2109 (21099) cars, as well as VAZ-2113 - 2115 is carried out assembled with brackets and a beam. To do this, it is enough to unscrew the bolts of the side and central brackets, access to the bolts is provided through special holes in the bumper. After dismantling the bumper, you can disassemble, remove the beam, brackets and other parts. The installation of the bumper is also carried out assembled with a beam and brackets.
Dismantling the plastic bumpers of current VAZ models generally comes down to unscrewing the bolts in the upper or lower part, as well as a number of screws on the sides from below and from the side of the wheel arches. When dismantling the front bumper, it may be necessary to remove the grille. And be sure to disconnect the electrical connectors from the daytime running lights and fog lights (if any) before removing the bumper. After dismantling the plastic bumper, access to the metal beam and its brackets opens.
When repairing plastic bumpers, you should pay attention to the condition of the beams hidden under them. If the beam is deformed or has excessive corrosion, it should be replaced - the operation of such a beam can have negative consequences in a collision of the car. Damaged or deformed brackets and other power elements are also subject to replacement.
Repair and replacement of bumpers or individual components must be performed after a collision of the car with damage to these parts.
The new bumper does not require any special maintenance, you just need to clean it from dirt and check the reliability of the fasteners. The bumper will serve for a long time, providing the necessary degree of safety and attractive appearance of the car.
Post time: Aug-27-2023