The truck GAZ-53 is the legendary Soviet "hard worker". The machine was mass-produced from the 61st to the 93rd year. However, despite the cessation of production in the early 90s, this machine is still found in the fleets of most enterprises. Also, private owners have this car. Due to the fact that the truck was assembled efficiently, and the same high-quality and durable parts were used for assembly, the GAZ-53 was able to survive to this day. The only thing that sometimes raises questions about Lawn 53 is the gearbox. Consider how this assembly is arranged, typical malfunctions and repair methods.
Story
On the trucks assembled among the first and marked with the “F” index, six-cylinder power units were installed, as well as a rear axle from the GAZ-51 model. The transmission was also taken from this car, but before they were upgraded. I must say that, if necessary, you can change the GAZ-53 gearbox to the GAZ-51. But not always such a replacement makes sense. The transmission, which was installed on the GAZ-51, was distinguished by other gear ratios and was created to work with engines of lower power.
The assembly of the GAZ-53F models was completed, and instead of them the GAZ-53A began to be produced. This model was equipped
with a V8 engine, so to work with this unit, the engineers had to modify the transmission and develop a new design of the rear drive axles. The old units in the tests showed weak results and could not cope with the loads.
In the early batches of the GAZ-53, the gearbox was equipped with synchronizers, which were supposed to make the shift smoother. In later versions, it was decided to abandon this - engineers began to consider them archaism.
Gearbox GAZ-53
A mechanical four-speed transmission (the only one for the GAZ-53) was installed on the truck. The gearbox was equipped with five speeds - four front, one rear. Inside there are three shafts.
The unit consists of a cast-iron housing, a cover equipped with forks for switching, shafts, gears. The device also has a gear block for reverse gear and bearings. The design has a coupling for connecting the fourth and third gears.
Principle of operation
The GAZ-53 gearbox operates as follows. The front of the input shaft is locked in the crankshaft bearing. The input shaft is connected to the secondary rear through a needle bearing.
Torque is transmitted through the countershaft. Each gear has a different gear ratio. Thanks to this, speed and traction change. Direct transmission to the GAZ-53 checkpoint is the fourth, as on most vehicles.
How does the gearbox work?
When the lever is moved to the left from the neutral, it moves the shift fork and the rod with its lower part, which forces the gear of the first gear to move back and engages it with the gear responsible for the first gear. The latter is mounted on an intermediate shaft. When the clutch is engaged, the torque through the gears, which are constantly engaged, is transported towards the secondary shaft towards the intermediate shaft.
To enable the third speed, the selector is moved from neutral to the right, and then forward. Under the influence of the plug, the synchronizer clutch will begin to move back, after which this mechanism will begin to act on the synchronizer. In this case, the torque comes from the gearbox input shaft through gears that are constantly engaged. The moment is transported through the intermediate to the secondary shaft of the box.
To enable the fourth speed, the selector must be moved from neutral to the right. Then the lever is moved back. The clutch will move forward, and the synchronizer lock ring will engage with the input shaft. Then, after balancing the speeds, the transmission will engage.
To engage reverse gear, the force of the safety system must be overcome. The lever must be moved to the right.
Synchronizer device and principle of operation
As already noted above, the GAZ-53 basic gearbox is installed in the first samples. Its device includes synchronizers. Consider how they work and how they are arranged.
With the help of a synchronizer, third and fourth gears are engaged. This mechanism is a hub, which is mounted on the secondary shaft of the gearbox. On its outer surface, slots are made along which the coupling moves. The latter is driven by a fork. In the grooves of the hub are blocking “crackers” and retaining springs. Locking rings made of bronze are located on the sides. An inner cone is made in the rings, a gear rim is made on the outside. Special taper surfaces are made on the gear wheel of the third gear and on the gear wheel of the input shaft. When switching, the locking rings are found on these surfaces, and then friction occurs between them. Due to this, the speed of rotation of the shafts and gears is equalized. Gears shift more smoothly.
Technical specifications
We examined how the gearbox GAZ-53 is arranged. Her characteristics were pretty good. Consider the power of transmission.
The unit is equipped with a three-way lever, and the transmission has speeds for moving forward and one reverse gear. The weight of the unit is 56 kilograms. Oil in the GAZ-53 gearbox is poured into a special 3-liter capacity.
Consider the gear ratios of this transmission. For the first gear - 6.55. For the second - 3.09. Third gear has a gear ratio of 1.71. The fourth speed is direct and the gear ratio is 1. Rear speed has a parameter of 7.77.
Signs of transmission failure
On the GAZ-53, the gearbox is infrequent, but fails. Faults can be identified by some signs. Failures are accompanied by noise and extraneous sounds during operation of the unit.
Noise will be indicated by noise near the place where the unit is installed. Sometimes the transmission cannot be turned on. And if it turns out that a serious effort is required, this is also a sign of failure. If any one gear doesn’t work and doesn’t turn on, the speed take off, you should examine the transmission in more detail. Also, noise during the movement reports a breakdown. Often on the GAZ-53, the gearbox did not allow the lever to translate into neutral. Because of this, it was impossible to turn off the transmission.
About the causes of malfunctions
Often the main reason for all breakdowns in this box is due to insufficient gear oil or none at all in the gearbox mechanism. Also often the cause of the malfunction is the improper use of the mechanism. Often, breakdowns are associated with the natural wear of gears. Less often - with factory marriage (since in the USSR they did it “for centuries”). If the truck is operated in extreme conditions for a long time, then this also leads to the failure of the unit.
Extraneous sounds during operation of the unit
The gearbox can make various sounds depending on the mode in which it operates. If an extraneous sound is heard only when the clutch is fully depressed, the cause is the bearing. It is located on the input shaft of the transmission. If you turn the gear on and move, the rattle indicates broken or worn teeth on the gears of the gears.
Extraneous sounds when the fourth gear is engaged indicate wear on the primary shaft, as well as bearings on this shaft and on the secondary. If there is no oil in the unit, then the transmission will make noise regardless of the operating conditions.
Disassembling the GAZ-53 gearbox with subsequent troubleshooting and replacing parts will help to identify the exact cause of the sounds. However, it is sometimes difficult to identify a failure during inspection. Maximum attention is paid to the element next to the noisy transmission. Often the box howls. This is especially pronounced when driving at reduced speeds. For the 53rd LAWN, this sound is quite normal.
Bad gears
Often, if the gears turn on badly, the fault is not the gearbox mechanism, but the clutch. The first thing that is diagnosed is the clutch parts, and also make sure that the pedal is squeezed out normally.
If the third and fourth gears are not engaged, then often the cause is a malfunction of the synchronizers or clutch in these gears. Speeds will turn poorly if there is no oil.
Failure or wear of the gear selection mechanism will interfere with the normal operation of the transmission. Often the cause is rod wear. It is also worth checking the springs. Repair involves disassembling and replacing worn or damaged spare parts - GAZ-53 spare parts, despite their age, can still be purchased.
Gears fly out
This can happen for a number of reasons. The first is one of the commonplace. If there is severe wear on the gearshift fork, then the gears will not turn on completely - then they fly out. The second reason is the significant wear of the gear seats on the secondary shaft. The gear itself often wears out a lot. This is the cause of the malfunction. To restore the operation of the box, it will be enough to replace the failed elements.
Gearbox Repair
In fact, it is not difficult to repair the box, but a professional will do it faster. Self-repair is also possible if there are spare parts. GAZ-53 is a very maintainable car. Find parts for him now is not a problem, but you can buy them in the markets at an affordable cost.
Often, unit repairs can be expensive. In this case, you can save by replacing the box with a used one. The modern car market offers a ton of options. It is recommended only to agree in advance on the possibility of a return in the event of a malfunction.
The plant has produced many transmissions for these cars. Therefore, finding a used unit is not difficult. Affordable prices. You can also install a transmission from a GAZ-63 truck. It is completely identical and interchangeable.