The fuel-air mixture during combustion emits a huge amount of heat. Accordingly, for normal engine operation, a good heat sink is needed. This function is performed by the cooling radiator. VAZ-2106 is also equipped with it. But sometimes it happens that the part fails. How to determine the breakdown and replace this element yourself? Let's consider.
Why does this happen?
The main reason that the VAZ-2106 radiator has become unusable is leakage or breakdowns inside the element. If you notice that the antifreeze level has started to fall, and after a short stop under the car a pool of liquid has formed, most likely a breakdown has occurred in the cooling system. Riding with such a malfunction is not recommended. Some owners prefer to repair the old element with argon welding. But not in all cases this is possible (especially if it is a copper radiator VAZ-2106).
And not every master will guarantee trouble-free operation of the restored heat exchanger. Therefore, the best way to solve the problem is to replace the radiator. VAZ-2106 is a very maintainable car. Therefore, it is easy to repair it yourself. Below we will tell you how to do it.
Instruments
What tools do we need to replace? To remove and install the radiator, we need a “10” head, extension cord, ratchet, Phillips and flat head screwdriver. The presence of a viewing hole is not necessary.
Step 1 - drain the antifreeze
The first step is to drain the old coolant. An important point - to carry out the draining of the coolant is required only "cold". If the car has recently gone before, wait until the engine cools down. So, install the car on a flat surface (you can with a slight slope up). In the cabin, we close the faucet that supplies the antifreeze to the heater radiator. VAZ-2106 continues to stand still. After that, open the hood and unscrew the cap of the expansion tank. This is necessary in order to eliminate the vacuum in the system. Then we substitute a 5-7 liter capacity under the drain hole. You can use an ordinary basin, as in the photo below.
We turn off the plug (it is located in the area of the cylinder block) and wait until the antifreeze completely leaves the engine. It will take about five minutes. After that, screw the lid and other holes. Go to the next step.
Step 2 - dismantling the SOD fan assembly with an electric motor and a casing
This is a mandatory step. How to extract this mechanism? For convenience, first remove the terminals and take out the battery. After that, disconnect the wiring harness in the area of the left headlight. We take out the power block. We get the holders of the sensor for turning on the fan. To do this, squeeze the part with your fingers on the sides and take it out of the hole in the casing. We unscrew the bolts of the casing itself. The last element is taken out together with the fan (goes right up). Often it is contaminated, so its cleaning will be useful.
Step Three - Remove the Attachment
Now we need to remove all the attachments. So, we need to loosen the hose clamp of the expansion tank hoses and pipes that go to the car engine.
Usually they are twisted with a Phillips screwdriver. If the compound has oxidized, a small ring spanner can be used. First, we take out the hose of the expansion tank, then the upper radiator pipe. Now you need to disconnect the wires from the fan enable sensor. After this, use the open-end wrench or wrench to unscrew the bolts that secure the radiator itself. The element is attached to the left and right. Now you can safely pull the VAZ-2106 radiator out. In its place we install a new heat exchanger. Try to place it as carefully as possible so as not to damage the copper or aluminum honeycombs. Otherwise, a breakdown of the radiator will occur even before it is installed on the car. Assemble in the reverse order.
Fill antifreeze back
Now it remains only to fill the system with new coolant. To do this, unscrew the cap of the expansion tank and, with the help of a technological watering can, fill the antifreeze back. Try to dispense a stream of liquid. Do not pour too much antifreeze at once - there is a risk of air jams. Also, to avoid airing the system, sequentially press the bypass and outlet pipe.
Topping up antifreeze to the desired level, screw on the lid and start the engine. Warming up to operating temperatures, the fan should turn on. If it does not spin, check that it is installed correctly. After a day, check the level of antifreeze. If necessary, add it to the desired mark. If one is not available, dilute it with distilled water (but do not mix different types of coolant).
Useful Tips
It often happens that if you install a new radiator, the VAZ-2106 begins to lose antifreeze. Moreover, it follows not because of a breakdown, but because of poorly fixed pipes. Experienced car owners recommend processing the pipes with silicone sealant and installing them on new clamps. By the way, the hoses themselves should not be hard or pinched. If so, it is better to replace them with new ones. Also, cracks in the nozzles are not allowed. Repair kit is inexpensive, so it is better to stock up on new items in advance. Also, during the replacement of the radiator, it is recommended to check the condition of the heat exchanger supports. If they are badly worn, replace them too.
What to do if antifreeze turns brown?
In addition to leaks, owners are faced with a phenomenon such as discoloration of the coolant. What is the reason? Should I change the radiator VAZ-2106 again? The reason is the low quality of the antifreeze itself.
The color change indicates that there are no special additives in the liquid - corrosion inhibitors. Such a liquid is falsified and cannot be operated. Buy only high-quality antifreeze.
Conclusion
So, we found out how to replace a cooling radiator on a VAZ-2106 car. As you can see, this procedure can be performed independently with a minimum set of tools. By the way, the cost of a new radiator for the Six (aluminum, manufactured by DAAZ), together with clamps and pipes, is no more than 2.5 thousand rubles.