Vehicle Segment:
Compact, all-wheel-drive utility vehicle, known for its off-road capability and ruggedness
Target Audience:
Owners seeking to perform maintenance and repairs themselves, or professional mechanics working on Lada Niva vehicles
Niche Market:
The Niva occupies a unique niche as an affordable, highly capable off-road vehicle, often compared to early Land Rover Defenders or Suzuki Samurai in terms of utility, though with a distinct Russian heritage.
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides a cost-effective alternative to expensive dealership servicing and empowers owners with knowledge for maintaining and repairing their Niva.
Manual Advantage:
In-depth, factory-level information with detailed illustrations significantly reduces guesswork and potential for errors in repairs.
Engine:
Detailed procedures for engine disassembly, assembly, inspection, and repair for all Niva engine variants (e.g., 1.6L, 1.7L petrol, diesel options if applicable)
Fuel System:
Carburetor and fuel injection systems, fuel pump, fuel lines, fuel filter replacement, and troubleshooting
Cooling System:
Radiator, water pump, thermostat, hoses, coolant specifications, and leak detection
Ignition System:
Spark plugs, ignition coils, distributor (if applicable), timing adjustment, and troubleshooting
Exhaust System:
Exhaust manifolds, pipes, mufflers, catalytic converter (if applicable), and gasket replacement
Transmission Manual:
Manual transmission disassembly, assembly, clutch replacement, gearshift mechanism, and maintenance
Transfer Case:
Detailed procedures for the Niva's iconic 4WD transfer case, including disassembly, inspection, and repair
Drive Shafts Axles:
Front and rear drive shafts, universal joints, CV joints, and axle shafts
Suspension Front:
Independent front suspension components, springs, shock absorbers, control arms, and alignment specifications
Suspension Rear:
Solid rear axle, leaf springs (on some variants), shock absorbers, and bush replacement
Steering System:
Steering column, steering box/rack, tie rods, and power steering system (if equipped)
Braking System:
Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes (common configuration), master cylinder, brake lines, calipers, wheel cylinders, and bleeding procedures
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system (alternator), starting system (starter motor), lighting, fuses, relays, and wiring diagrams
Body And Chassis:
Body panel removal/installation, door mechanisms, glass replacement, underbody protection, and chassis integrity checks
HVAC System:
Heater core, ventilation controls, and blower motor maintenance
Maintenance:
Routine maintenance tasks such as oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, spark plug replacement, and belt adjustments
Troubleshooting:
Systematic diagnostic procedures for identifying and resolving common and uncommon issues
Repair:
Step-by-step repair instructions for component removal, overhaul, and reinstallation
Disassembly Assembly:
Complete step-by-step instructions for major component disassembly and reassembly, including engine and transmission
Torquing Specifications:
Precise torque values for all critical fasteners
Wiring Diagrams:
Detailed electrical wiring diagrams for all vehicle systems
Special Tools:
Identification and usage instructions for any specialized tools required for specific repairs
Depth Level:
Factory-level detail suitable for experienced mechanics and advanced DIY enthusiasts
Diagnostic Information:
Comprehensive diagnostic trees and symptom-based troubleshooting guides
Rebuild Procedures:
Detailed rebuild instructions for major mechanical components like engines and transmissions
Illustrations Photos:
Hundreds of detailed illustrations and photographs guiding each procedure
Engine Type:
Inline-four cylinder, naturally aspirated petrol engine (most common)
Displacement Common:
1570cc (1.6L), 1690cc (1.7L), and later 1774cc (1.8L) depending on year and market
Horsepower Typical:
Approx. 75-85 hp for 1.6L/1.7L variants (varies by specific engine code and tuning)
Torque Typical:
Approx. 120-130 Nm for 1.6L/1.7L variants
Fuel Delivery Early:
Carburetor (e.g., Weber, K-Jetronic on some export models)
Fuel Delivery Later:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) for later models (e.g., Bosch Motronic)
Octane Rating:
Unleaded gasoline, 91 RON (Regular Unleaded) typical requirement
Length Typical:
Approx. 3,740 mm (147.2 in)
Width Typical:
Approx. 1,690 mm (66.5 in)
Height Typical:
Approx. 1,640 mm (64.6 in)
Curb Weight Typical:
Approx. 1,150 - 1,250 kg (2,535 - 2,756 lbs)
Towing Capacity Typical:
Up to 600 kg (1,323 lbs) unbraked, 1,200 kg (2,646 lbs) braked (check specific model)
Engine Oil Change:
Typically every 5,000 - 7,500 km (3,000 - 5,000 miles) or 6-12 months, depending on driving conditions.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 - 20,000 km (9,000 - 12,000 miles) or annually.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 20,000 - 30,000 km (12,000 - 18,000 miles).
Transmission Oil Change:
Every 30,000 - 40,000 km (18,000 - 25,000 miles).
Engine Oil Type:
API SG/SH/SJ, SAE 10W-40 or 15W-40 common (verify with specific manual/engine type).
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze, mixed 50/50 with distilled water. Specific Lada coolant or equivalent recommended.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 glycol-based brake fluid.
Common Wear Items:
Clutch wear, exhaust system corrosion, suspension bushings, universal joints, and radiator leaks.
Electrical Quirks:
Can be prone to minor electrical issues (e.g., grounding points, switch failures) due to age and original build quality.
Carburetor Tuning:
Carburetor-equipped models may require periodic tuning and adjustment for optimal performance and emissions.