Muffler VAZ 2114 - a new model with old problems

VAZ-2114 is a restyling version of the “nine”, which appeared on Russian roads in the mid-nineties. Aesthetics and dynamics made the car popular among domestic car enthusiasts. The elements of the body and the external design have changed, and many components and assemblies have undergone modernization.

The exhaust gas removal system was not affected by the alterations - the design was inherited from the updated car from the previous model.

Despite its simplicity and reliability, it can cause some problems for the car owner.

Exhaust system VAZ 2114-2115: what you need to know

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First of all, the exhaust (exhaust) system of a car is a solution to reduce noise levels and remove exhaust gases. This system has a number of component elements, and their condition directly affects the quality of work and the overall performance of the car engine.

Special requirements are put forward for the main components of the exhaust system, since the system operates under certain loads, constantly cools and heats up, experiences vibration, condensation accumulates inside, when driving, residual fuel can burn out in the exhaust, moisture and reagents affect the elements from the outside, mechanical damage cannot be ruled out impact, etc.

To secure the muffler pipes, the bolts are made of special alloys that are resistant to high heat. Note that the muffler on the VAZ 2114 is also attached to the car body using bolted connections and is supported by rubber hangers in order to reduce vibration levels.

Simply put, the muffler is bolted to the exhaust manifold. The middle part of the muffler is also secured with bolts. As for the resonator and exhaust pipe, they are suspended on hooks. These hooks are part of a rubber suspension that is attached to the bottom of the car. At the same time, the suspensions themselves are quite easy to both remove and put on, but they hold the elements securely even when traveling the most difficult sections.

In general, the entire VAZ 2114 exhaust system consists of:

• bracket for fastening the exhaust pipe;
• gaskets;
• clamping device for bracket;
• additional muffler;
• suspensions for muffler;
• main muffler;
• clamp for connecting the muffler pipe;
• catalyst (catalytic converter);
• hinge seal rings;
• oxygen sensor (lambda probe)
• muffler exhaust pipe;

The difference between a direct-flow muffler and a conventional one

A straight-through muffler is the same muffler, but without baffles to dampen low-frequency noise. It may contain mineral wool padding, which dampens high-frequency noise but allows low-frequency noise to pass through.

The diagram shows that the direct-flow muffler does not have transverse partitions.
The standard muffler consists of a rather complex system of pipes and grilles in which noise is dampened. Parts of the exhaust system on a modern car also include a lambda probe, a catalytic converter, and an exhaust gas temperature sensor. Thus, a standard muffler compared to a forward flow muffler is a slightly more complex system.

The standard muffler consists of a complex system of pipes and grilles

Direct-flow muffler device

For proper tuning of the exhaust system, it is advisable to install a different, improved exhaust manifold in combination with forward flow, remove the catalyst and install a receiving pipe of increased diameter. After all, in a tuned exhaust system, all obstacles that stand in the way of exhaust gases have been removed.

A straight-through muffler is made so that its throughput is higher than that of a standard muffler, and it more freely removes exhaust gases from the engine. As a result of such tuning, cylinder purging improves, less carbon deposits on the pistons and valves, which, in turn, increases the life of the power unit. Its power increases by about 15%.

A related factor is a slight deterioration in noise performance compared to the standard muffler. The straight-through muffler has a harsh roar that can attract the attention of the traffic police, cause a fine, or provoke the anger of neighbors when a tuned car revs under their windows early in the morning.

When installing an improved exhaust system, these factors should also be taken into account, otherwise tuning may cause pointless costs in the future. The absence of internal partitions and noise-absorbing padding makes direct flow relatively simple to manufacture.

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Standard and direct-flow mufflers with remote “labyrinth” and noise absorbers

What does direct flow give?

A significant improvement in the power performance of a car with the installation of a direct-flow muffler occurs when the power unit is fully operational, maintains normal compression, is little worn, and even better - if any of its components have been modified. Thus, forward flow will increase power if the cylinder head, the intake system have been tuned, or the cylinder block itself has been bored to a larger volume. If the car owner has not yet taken on serious modifications to the engine, but wants to spend money on exhaust tuning, then by doing so he will still increase the power of the power unit, receiving in addition a bass rumble, making the car a little more dynamic.

The filling of the cylinders with the air-fuel mixture depends on the nature of the exhaust gases. However, changing the sound in a “sporty” direction is sometimes enough for a car enthusiast, as it gives the car a certain style. It is worth moving on to any change in the design of a car with the utmost seriousness, since all systems and assemblies in it are interconnected. If you do not properly modify the exhaust system, you can end up with a very roaring car, the ride in which will become unbearable for both the driver and passengers.

Muffler 2114: replacement and repair

In turn, the main muffler is usually the first to fail. As a rule, this will be indicated by increased noise, the appearance of ringing and rattling, the smell of exhaust in the car interior, etc.

As a rule, the easiest way is to replace the muffler with the original one, which is installed from the factory. Such mufflers are reliable, there are no problems with installation (if the products are truly original, since there are many fakes on the market).

It is quite possible to choose an analogue solution, but not all mufflers are of high quality and can be installed on the car without modifications. For this reason, you need to take into account all the nuances before purchasing.

Experts also recommend changing the fastening bolts, choosing the original or high-quality analogues. If you skimp on bolts, they will stick to the bottom, after which problems will arise when you try to remove them. Let us also add that if a knocking sound from the muffler appears, the rubber hangers may require replacement.

Having prepared all the parts, you should also have the necessary tools: a pair of open-end wrenches 13, a hammer, a chisel, brake fluid or WD-40, and a flat-head screwdriver.

The replacement process itself generally suggests the following:

• The car is driven into the pit and raised on a lift;
• If this is not possible, you should jack up the car or drive it onto an overpass, and then install wheel chocks;
• Having climbed under the car, you should treat all joints of pipes and bolts with WD-40, leave the lubricant for 15 minutes;
• Afterwards, you can try to unscrew the bolts; if this fails, then cut them off using a chisel or hammer (when doing this, avoid hitting the bottom);
• Having unscrewed the pipe, the element is removed from the rubber hangers, lifting the part (in the case when the rubber is “hardened”, you can pry it off with a screwdriver). The muffler itself on the VAZ 2114 and 2115 is attached to 5 hangers;
• After dismantling, you can repair the old muffler or install a new one.
  Having completed the work, you should proceed to installing the part on the car; Before installation, it is advisable to clean all parts and mounting points of the muffler on the bottom from rust and dirt, lubricate it, and treat it with anti-corrosive, if necessary.
• When installing, you must first tighten the muffler 2114 or muffler VAZ 2115 under the car body and place it in the same way it will be installed on the car. Next, the exhaust pipe and resonator are hung on rubber hangers. Afterwards the quality of fastening is checked;
• Having installed all the elements, you can begin to twist the nuts on the bolts, tightening them tightly, but being careful not to overtighten the threads.

At this stage, the work of replacing the muffler is considered complete. All that remains is to start the engine and check the tightness of the exhaust system, making sure there is no noise. They also make a test drive to make sure that the muffler does not catch anywhere and does not knock while swinging on the suspensions.

Repair. Is it possible or not?

One-piece exhaust manifold with equal pipe lengths

Replacing the muffler is more of a last resort, since often the old unit is still quite viable. It just needs to be repaired.

• First, remove the element, clean it and carefully inspect it from all sides;
• Some damage has irreversible consequences, so repairs will be impossible;
• If the inspection shows that the repair is real, get a repair kit;
• If there is damage to the metal body of the muffler, but the strength of the material is preserved, welding work is performed. They will require a semi-automatic device and a plate up to 2 millimeters thick;
• Make the seams strong and thick so that a new burnout does not form in the near future;
• Small cracks are treated with silicone sealants that can withstand temperatures up to 1000 degrees Celsius;
• Some use fiberglass, which is coated with epoxy resin with heat-resistant additives. If you used this method, after the repair, start the engine and let it run for an hour. This will allow the epoxy to set properly.

It is obvious that the muffler plays a serious role in the operation of the VAZ 2114 car. Therefore, you should listen to its condition and take timely actions to repair and replace the unit.

Do-it-yourself exhaust system and muffler repair

As a rule, the main reason for muffler failure is that it burns out and holes appear in the housing. Also, the enemy of the muffler is corrosion, mechanical damage, etc.

Moreover, even if the muffler 2115 or 2114, as well as other cars (both domestic and foreign cars) looks normal on the outside, it is also destroyed on the inside. When the engine is running, you can hear ringing and rattling in the muffler, especially when revving the engine. If the problem is not in the suspensions, then this indicates the destruction of the internal partitions.

Occasionally, mistakes can be made when repairing the exhaust system, that is, a knock appears after replacing the resonator or exhaust pipe. In this case, you need to make sure that gaskets, connections, etc. are installed correctly.

For example, pipes are connected using a clamp, while there is a spherical ring inside. This connection is not flexible. In this case, you can change the angle between the pipes, thereby changing the center of gravity. You can also change the slope of the pipe arc, moving it away from the fuel tank. In fact, with such simple manipulations you can already get the desired result.

• Let us also add that during operation, dirt may accumulate in the muffler. Over time, this soot and dirt clogs the muffler. In this case, the exhaust does not come out in full, there is no normal ventilation, and the car begins to “stupid” when accelerating.

So, you can clean the muffler by removing it from the car. The element is tapped, etc. However, in reality, it is better to immediately replace such a muffler with a new one, since often a clogged muffler still has other defects, and more serious ones.

By the way, it also happens that the catalyst is clogged, the partitions in the muffler have fallen off, etc. In this case, the main problem is the catalyst and you need to start from there, removing the catalyst, after which either a new element or a flame arrester is installed.

We also recommend reading the article about what a lambda probe decoy is and how to install a lambda probe decoy (oxygen sensor). From this article you will learn about the types and types of oxygen sensor deceptions, as well as what you need to consider when choosing and installing certain solutions.

It is also not uncommon for the thermal insulation of the muffler to burn out. In practice, the resonator coating must be sealed. In this case, it is often enough to change the insulation to put the exhaust system in order. By the way, if the burnout is not removed, the muffler may also fail.

To replace the insulation, you need to remove the remnants of the old layer or simply stick a special thermal tape (heat-resistant fabric) on top. This coating is available for sale in automotive markets or specialized auto stores. The result of using the canvas will be noise reduction, tightness of joints, etc.

• Another problem with the muffler is its burnout. Also, holes in the muffler appear as a result of corrosion of the “can” body. In this case, relatively small diameter holes can be welded by installing a patch. In this case, before welding, it is necessary to treat the metal at the defect site, remove rust, clean it and degrease it.

Next, the patch is welded in place of the hole, and the size of the patch should be twice as large as the diameter of the hole. To fix the patch, you need to grab it on all sides, and then apply a weld.

Also, after cooling, the welded area is cleaned of slag, after which it is advisable to paint it using a special heat-resistant paint. This will protect the treated area from corrosion and increase the service life of the patch and the metal next to it.

Of course, it should be understood that such repairs using welding disrupt the molecular structure of the metal. This means that the place where the patch is installed will be more actively affected by corrosion, the resistance of the metal to high heat and temperature changes will deteriorate, etc.

However, in some cases, muffler repair allows for a fairly long period of time to restore normal operation of the exhaust system without replacing individual elements.

What's the result?

Taking into account the above information, it becomes clear that on the VAZ 2114 the exhaust system is not particularly complex in design. We also note that if you need to replace a VAZ 2114 muffler, the price of new system elements (both original and analogues) is at a completely acceptable level.

We also recommend reading the article on how to repair a muffler yourself. From this article you will learn about the features of muffler repair, as well as what subtleties and nuances you should pay attention to during this procedure.

As for replacement and repair, all the work can be done with your own hands in a regular garage. If you have a welding machine and experience in performing welding work, then the entire system can be comprehensively repaired without the need to visit service stations or auto repair shops.

The main thing is that when choosing exhaust system parts (especially among analogues), you should pay attention and purchase only aluminized mufflers, which are the best solution in terms of quality and price. It is also advisable to study in advance the reviews of car enthusiasts for a particular brand and manufacturer before purchasing. This will allow you to buy a muffler that is most durable in terms of service life.

Further more

The exhaust pipe turned out to be at least as much trouble, if not more. As you remember, there are two of them here and both need to be bent so that they do not limit the movement of the steering linkage. And there is very little space there. As a result, we had to make very complex pipe bends in several planes and then connect them into one with a diameter of 51 mm. Immediately after this connection, U-Power specialists introduced a corrugation, which provides the outlet with the necessary mobility.

Further along the course of the play, that is, the movement of the exhaust gases, there is a main route with a resonator and thus a quarter-wave filter. It is usually designed in such a way that the additional closed pipe is oriented towards the rear of the car. But since the design of the Zhiguli assumes only a single possible location of the resonator near the rear axle, the pipe had to be turned in the opposite direction towards the engine. The cross-section is still the same - 51 mm. Interestingly, for the manufacture of pipes and elements with a large number of bends, U - Power uses AISI - 321 steel with the addition of titanium, which makes it more elastic, while the straight sections of the exhaust system are made of AISI - 304 steel, which is cheaper and less ductile .

And finally, the main muffler with the so-called “goose” - a section of the exhaust pipe that passes over the rear axle and therefore has a characteristic bend. The muffler itself, which turned out to be much larger than the previous one, and even more so the standard one, was still able to be mounted on standard mounts. The experience and professionalism of U-Power specialists is visible even in such small details. A polished steel pipe with a diameter of 70 mm was chosen as a decorative nozzle.