Chevrolet Niva

Chevrolet Niva is an off-road vehicle belonging to the compact SUV segment. Production of the model was carried out at the joint venture "GM-AvtoVAZ".

Review

Chevrolet Niva is an off-road vehicle belonging to the compact SUV segment. Production of the model was carried out at the joint venture "GM-AvtoVAZ".

Designing a new SUV to replace the "Niva" began at AvtoVAZ in the mid-80s. The first concept of the new Niva - VAZ - 2123 was demonstrated in 1998. Due to financial difficulties, AvtoVAZ was unable to establish mass production of the new model and carried out small-scale assembly at the facilities of pilot production of OAO AvtoVAZ from 1998 to 2002. In 2002, the license for the VAZ-2123 and the rights to the Niva brand were sold to General Motors. American engineers made more than 1,000 small changes to the design of the SUV, which made it possible to consider the Niva Chevrolet as an independent model. The conveyor with the newly-minted Niva was launched in September 2002.

From November 2006 to the end of April 2008, about 1,000 Chevrolet Niva FAM-1s were produced. The car received the index 21236 and was equipped with an Opel Z18XE engine (122 hp) and a 5-speed manual Aisin gearbox with a transfer case in one block.

In March 2009, the model survived the restyling, having received the factory index VAZ - 212300-55. The car was updated by the Italian design studio Bertone.

Engine

The SUV was equipped with a gasoline engine of 1.7 liters (80 hp) with a chain-type valve timing drive. According to the owners, the average fuel consumption is about 9-10 liters per 100 km, in the city - about 13.5 - 14.5 liters. If the engine after a long parking stop immediately stalls after start-up, then most likely you will need to replace the sensor of the position of the throttle (DPDZ - 300 rubles). This could have happened after the first 10,000 miles. Replacement of high-voltage wires may be necessary after 60 – 80 thousand km. After 100,000 km, there is a corrosion of the valves, and begins to "snot" the back oval of the crankshaft. If the mileage of more than 100 - 120 thousand km lost traction, and the engine "troiled", then perhaps "end" of the ignition module. Soon there may be a knock of hydrocompensators. This can lead to breaking the thread under the hydraulic compensator, wear of the skewer and burning of the valves, which in turn will reduce compression in the cylinders. To avoid ailments, car service providers recommend keeping the oil level closer to the MAKS mark. If the knocking has not stopped, then the hydrocompensators are better replaced. Over time, the hydraulic compensators were finalized, and their service life increased. After 100-150 thousand km, some engines begin to consume oil - about 200-300 grams per 1000 km. The norm established by the manufacturer is 500 grams per 1000 km. The root cause is “blown” oil caps that require replacement. If the additional suspensions will have to update the piston rings, the total costs will be about 70 000 rubles. In some cases, after 120 – 140 thousand km, an oil pump was replaced.

The GRMA chain

The design of the standard tensioner of the HRM chain is not reliable enough - it allows you to jump the chain. After starting a cold engine, the chain hydrotensioner (HNC) often thunders until the engine warms up. Weaknesses of the tensioner are unreliable design of the aluminum oil supply tube and the return valve. Replacement of the GSC may be needed after 50-100 thousand km (from 800 rubles).

In addition, with age, the plastic sedative chain often crumbles.

The chain sometimes stretches after 100-150 thousand km (6000 rubles per set).

Cooling system

The cooling system of the engine disappoints with the frequent appearance of radiator leaks (from 3000 rubles per analog).

A tank of coolant often turns into a consumable, bursting at the seam already after 30 – 40 thousand km, or even more often.

When running more than 60-80 thousand km requires lifting the lower tube, going to the radiator, which often breaks. The location of the pipe and the clamps cause difficulties in carrying out this procedure.

Replacement of the pump may be needed after 100-150 thousand km (from 1000 rubles for an analogue or 2500 rubles for the original).

Transmission

The peculiarity of the Chevrolet Niva transmission is unregulated backlashes in sled joints, manifesting themselves as knocks. There is nothing to be done about it, there is only one way out – to accept it. Also, when moving the car, vibrations and hum are often observed.

The close mutual arrangement of the manual transmission levers and the dispensing causes difficulties with the simultaneous inclusion of the rear and lower gear. They're hurting each other.

Turning on the differential lock is not such a simple action as, say, gear shifting. The success of the operation depends on the presence of the moment of coincidence of the teeth and grooves of the locking of the clutch. You need to get used to this algorithm of work, otherwise the mechanism will not work - you need to take care of synchronization yourself.

ICSW

The transmission is a lot of trouble. Among them is the rattling of the gearshift handle at engine speeds of 2500 - 3000 rpm. The official dealer in this case carried out the replacement of the switching lever in the assembly, but after a while everything was repeated.

Fuzzy operation of the box and poor gear turn on occur when running more than 100 - 120 thousand km. Soon, the howls appear.

If the noise in the box stops when the clutch is squeezed, then it is time for the primary shaft bearing.

In the end, everything ended with the repair of the box (17-25 thousand rubles).

If there is a problem with knocking out the 5th or rear gear, most likely, it is necessary to adjust the backstage of the gear selection mechanism. Weakening the clamps leads to the shift of the handle forward, then the 5th gear stops turning on, or the rear one stops.

The dust of the working clutch cylinder could become useless even on a new car, barely changing the first ten thousand kilometers.

The clutch is updated, overcoming more than 80-130 thousand km (4-19 thousand rubles for a set plus 6 000 rubles for work).

All-wheel drive system

On the Chevi Niva, collected after April 2011, a defect in the transfer case is noted, expressed in the self-switching of the transfer case. Auto service providers corrected the malfunction by replacing the front cover, in which all bearings are installed.

Leaking glands of the transfer case is a common phenomenon on the Chevrolet Niva. About a third of owners complain of the swelling of the handout.

The howl of the front gearbox appears when running more than 130 - 150 thousand km.

The SRUS cardan will require replacement after 140-150,000 km.

The salic of the rear bridge began to “poison” with a run of more than 30 – 40 thousand km.

Luft and knocking in the cross between the cardan and the bridge can appear after 80-100 thousand km.

After 100,000 km, the tailing bearing of the front or rear axle sometimes turns.

After 100-150 thousand km, the bearings of the rear semi-axle wear out.

Powertrain and gearbox Chevrolet Niva FAM-1.

Walking

The suspension of a light SUV does not cause problems up to 60-80 thousand km. Then, when passing irregularities from behind, deaf knocks may appear. Usually the source is the rear thrusts. On external inspection, the rubber bands appear intact, but inside are likely already worn out.

Silent blocks nurse 80-100 thousand km. When they are slapped, they may be slapped.

The design of the hub bearings requires adjustment and lifting every 30,000 km – a real anachronism. Replacement may be needed after 80-100 thousand km (1-3 thousand rubles). A set of reinforced hubs with fists will cost 18 000 rubles.

The weak spot in the front suspension is the rubber-metal hinges of the upper right lever, experiencing thermal effects from the exhaust gas release system.

The outer and inner SRUS on the front axle may require attention after 100-150 thousand km.

Brake hoses after 100,000 km or 5 years of operation is better to replace new. The front brake hoses often fail.

The front brake discs serve about 60 – 70 thousand km, the front brake pads – about 30-40 thousand km. The rear drums are groomed for more than 120,000 km, the rear brake pads - about 60-80 thousand km.

Bodywork

The body of Chevi Niva begins to bloom after 6-10 years of operation. Red dots appear at the corner of the gas tank hatch, at the junction of the roof and racks, on the rapids, at the bottom of the rear wings and the trunk door. It peels and begins to rust the lining between the rear bumper and the trunk. Paint swells on the arches and hood. The front panel of the Chevrolet Niva 2002 - 2009 The rear and front bumper, especially after restyling, are suitable only for movements on asphalt and light off-road. The rear bumper guides are attached to rivets that weaken over time, which causes a gap between the bumper and the body. The rangers under the bottom of the car - in their middle part - are not strong enough. When installing a jack directly under them may remain dents. Also, creaks may occur during the rotation of the steering wheel - this "breathes" the spanger and "gives" in defense. It is treated by placing rubber from pieces of car camera to the spanger under the protection mount. The upper inner edge of the trunk door, in contact with the seal, is washed to metal. Due to poor operation of the rear door lock, problems can arise with opening it. To do this, press the upper right corner of the door with your left hand and try again. The lock itself can fail due to corrosion after 6-7 years of operation. Over time, the bolt holding the antenna on the roof may weaken, and water will begin to enter through it. You can tighten it by removing the plastic cladding around the salon mirror. Often there is a backlash at the driver's door. To eliminate it, you need to replace the bushing of brass (600 rubles).

Interior

Plastic details of the interior of the cabin with time begin to “sound”.

Water in the cabin can appear due to a clogged drain hole behind the expansion tank and battery, as well as through the sealing of the steering shaft.

Under the influence of the sun and heat, the glove compartment cover can be deformed. Replacing a new one without a “strengthening” plate will help not for long - until the first “heat”.

In winter, when cold air flows occur in the cabin, it is necessary to check the anther of the gearbox and RC lever. It probably broke and will have to be replaced.

Air conditioning and heater

Oiling of the air conditioner compressor is possible due to leakage of the injection tube. It should be tightened carefully - the bolt can burst with a small effort. After the “mud bath” can make noise bearings air conditioner.

According to the owners, in winter, not enough heat gets to the legs of the rear passengers. If the stove is not working, you need to check the valve control cable.

The radiator of the heater (1-2 thousand rubles) begins to leak after 100-150 thousand km. To replace it, the front panel must be dismantled.

The heater pipes will need to be replaced after about 200,000 km.

The heater motor can fail after 100-150 thousand km (2-5 meters).

Electrician.

When running more than 100-150 thousand km fail relay wipers and turn.

One of the famous tricks, "dumped" Chevrolet Niva - the inclusion of ignition without keys when turning on dimensions and passing beam. The secret is in the button of inclusion of dimensions and near, "planting" plus (+) on ignition.

The front panel of the Chevrolet Niva 2009 - 2020

The fuel level indicator may fail after 60-80 thousand km.

Over time, a coolant temperature indicator is also handed over, showing inflated values. Its readings are reduced when additional electric consumers are included.

The staff key fob of the central lock sometimes begins to work poorly, and soon completely fails. The reason is poor soldering of the elements of the keychain circuit, which soon begin to fall off.

The standard generator on the 80A does not draw the load well, causing a quick discharge of the battery. A good alternative to it will be about 4000 rubles in the face of a generator for 115 A (6-9 t).

Poor contact in the assembly unit causes melting of 2 fuse sockets - heating of the rear window and mirrors, and the fan of the stove. And poor contact of the lamp of the overall light causes the cartridge to burn and the plastic melting of the reflector of the front headlight.

Engine

• If the engine after a long parking stop immediately stalls after start-up, then most likely you will need to replace the sensor of the position of the throttle (DPDZ - 300 rubles).
• Replacement of high-voltage wires may be necessary after 60 – 80 thousand km.
• Soon there may be a knock of hydrocompensators.
• This can lead to breaking the thread under the hydraulic compensator, wear of the skewer and burning of the valves, which in turn will reduce compression in the cylinders.
• To avoid ailments, car service providers recommend keeping the oil level closer to the MAKS mark.
• If the knocking has not stopped, then the hydrocompensators are better replaced.
• The oil pump was replaced by a few miles.
• The need for its replacement will prompt floating turns of idling.

The GRMA chain

• Replacement of the GSC may be needed after 50-100 thousand km (from 800 rubles).

Cooling system

• Replacement of pumps may be necessary after 100-150 thousand.

Transmission

• The peculiarity of the Chevrolet Niva transmission is unregulated backlashes in sled joints, manifesting themselves as knocks.

ICSW

• In the end, everything ended with the repair of the box (17-25 thousand rubles).
• If there is a problem with knocking out the 5th or rear gear, most likely, it is necessary to adjust the backstage of the gear selection mechanism.

All-wheel drive system

• Auto service providers corrected the malfunction by replacing the front cover, in which all bearings are installed.
• Leaking glands of the transfer case is a common phenomenon on the Chevrolet Niva.
• Luft and knocking in the cross between the cardan and the bridge can appear after 80-100 thousand km.

Walking

• The suspension of a light SUV does not cause problems up to 60-80 thousand km.
• Then, when passing irregularities from behind, deaf knocks may appear. Usually the source is the rear thrusts.
• On external inspection, the rubber bands appear intact, but inside are likely already worn out.
• When they are slapped, they may be slapped.
• Replacement may be needed after 80-100 thousand km (1-3 thousand rubles).

Bodywork

• It peels and begins to rust the lining between the rear bumper and the trunk. Paint swells on the arches and hood.
• Due to poor operation of the rear door lock, problems can arise with opening it.
• To do this, press the upper right corner of the door with your left hand and try again.
• The lock itself can fail due to corrosion after 6-7 years of operation.
• Often there is a backlash at the driver's door.
• To eliminate it, you need to replace the bushing of brass (600 rubles).
• Electric windows fail after 6-8 years of operation due to oxidation of contacts.

Interior

• Replacing a new one without a “strengthening” plate will help not for long - until the first “heat”.
• In winter, when cold air flows occur in the cabin, it is necessary to check the anther of the gearbox and RC lever.

Air conditioning and heater

• If the stove is not working, you need to check the valve control cable.

Electrician.

• km fails to relay wipers and turn.
• The fuel level indicator may fail after 60-80 thousand km.
• The staff key fob of the central lock sometimes begins to work poorly, and soon completely fails.

So what's the end result? Chevrolet Niva is essentially the same domestic AvtoVAZ. To hide the domestic developments behind the big American cross and failed. No magical way yellow nameplate did not affect the quality of Russian components Chevrolet Niva and the reliability of the domestic SUV. However, the problems that arise are not so fatal, and the car in any situation is able to get to the service center by its own course. It is a pity that you have to visit him quite often.

• Overview: Chevrolet Niva is an off-road vehicle belonging to the compact SUV segment.
• Engine: If the engine after a long parking stop immediately stalls after start-up, then most likely you will need to replace the sensor of the position of the throttle (DPDZ - 300 rubles).
• Transmission: The peculiarity of the Chevrolet Niva transmission is unregulated backlashes in slit joints, manifesting themselves as knocks.
• Chasing: Suspension of a light SUV does not cause problems up to 60-80 thousand km.
• Body: The lining between the rear bumper and the trunk starts to peel and rust. Paint swells on the arches and hood.
• Interior: Replacing a new one without a "strengthening" plate will help not for long - until the first "heat".
• Air conditioner and heater: Oiling of the air conditioner compressor is possible due to leakage of the injection tube.
• Electricity: km fails to relay wipers and turn.

Shows, bargaining and re-registration take time: buyers look, promise to think and disappear. Fair price after inspection closes the auction on the spot. If money is needed urgently, the purchase takes away waiting and repeat displays.

Leave a request with the car data. We will discuss the preliminary assessment and inspection. After checking the status and documents, we agree on the final price and terms of the transaction.