1996 Lada Niva tourist from Australia and New Zealand - Comments

The lug on the back of the cam chain adjuster snapped off where the

tensioner pushes.

Diff seal went.

Snapped a shock.

And driver seat latch broke.

My Lada is very thirsty on fuel

but that's the price you pay for an awesome 4wd.

I've found the parts to be reasonably cheap in New Zealand which is a bonus.

I plan to put heavier suspension in it as I wasn't happy about breaking a shock, so I am going to put a 30ml lift with heavy munroe shocks.

Hi:) Don't tighten up the suspension or it will drive like a Suzuki:P It's an awesome ride with the ones it comes with! Just make its own suspensions more durable with some iron corners:) The Niva is like the scarab... it offers freedom and many unbelievably nice times up the mountains and where you go meet the nature to anyone for such a low price... who cares about expensive SUV's and "HARD BESTIAL 4x4's" owners that make fun of it... it will always make YOU smile and that's what matters:) Hail COMRADES! Hehe.

Hi, just follow up on your comments...

Lug on the cam adjuster will break off if chain not adjusted every 10,000kms.,

diff.seal, can leak on anything...,

shock broken??,mounting brackets will break if gas shocks fitted, far too hard/heavy.

Seat latch??,not a common problem...

Thirsty-make sure you use only premium/high octane unleaded, works out much cheaper to run the car, better power/performance etc.,

suspension lift,-don't waste your money, will stuff your off roading, traction, centre of gravity etc..

Parts:best people I have found to look after you with parts is gee motors in napier, great people.

We have had nivas for years, most of the problems you hear about are through neglect/abuse, and we haven't had half the problems, and ours get used & abused here in australia.

Hope this helps

andy.

Hi All - aren't these websites handy for sharing useful tips, as well as a bit of enthusiasm? Can somebody take me through the procedure of repairing or replacing the cannister (in the cabin somewhere)which collects petrol vapour? I recall reading something about it being the cause of fumes becoming noticeable, should it not be sealing 100%.

Also, what's the best quantity of oil to keep in the gear case? 1.5 to 2L is what I have heard, but the manual refers to rather less, at 1,35 litres?

For reference, my Niva is a '91 1600 with 5 speed.

Cheers, and happy motoring.

The Niva, in order to comply with emission control standards, utilizes an evaporative system. There is a fuel vapour separator box situated on the side (R.H.S.) of the car, adjacent to the back seat. Remove the back seat (easy - just 4 bolts) as well as the one-piece plastic trim along that side of the car. Inspect the hoses running to and from the vent box. Make sure all hose clamps are tight. Inspect nozzles on the box - are they intact? If required, take the box out and inspect it for cracks and leaks. There may be a tiny crack - the size of a pinhead - often along the seam of the unit (weakest point). Pressure builds up and this is what may cause the split in the box. Best to re-new it. If your Niva is fitted with a one-way valve in the vent pipe (which runs from the separator box to the charcoal canister up the front), make sure it`s opening - and not allowing too much pressure to build up in the separator (vent) box. If need, re-new it as well. Also, check all connections associated with the petrol tank - make sure all hose clamps are tight. Check sensor unit for leaks. Also make sure your petrol cap is the right one i.e. it has a pressure relief valve - and is not a completely sealed unit.

With regard to the gearbox, the 5 speed box MUST have at least 1.6 L transmission oil to ensure that the 5th gear is properly lubricated. You can safely put up to 2.0 L. in. In order to get the extra oil in - run the front L.H.S. wheel of the car up a small ramp. This has the effect of tilting the car to one side, and thus allowing you to insert the extra oil through the filling hole in the gearbox (underneath the car). I use a large syringe (60mls.) with a plastic tube attached. Easy. The 1.35 L. capacity indicated in the Niva manual is O.K. for the 4 speed box.

Hope all this helps. Cheers, from a 1997 Niva enthusiast.

Thanks for all the information - exactly what I needed. One other thing; Penrite recommend HPR 30 for Niva engines. That's equivalent to a 20/60, which is probably perfect for a hot climate. However, the local agency here in NZ says just use a quality brand of 20/50. An ex-mechanic at work says stick to 15/40 as the additive package is superior to 20/50, as indicated by the rating. I suspect that any of those options would be fine...what's your opinion?

Thanks again - Bazza.