photo of VAZ-2104 "Universal"
VAZ 2104- a Soviet passenger car with a station wagon body type, developed at the VAZ plant. Serially produced from 1984 to 2012. The model was developed as a replacement for the outdated 2102 station wagon. For some time, 2102 and 2104 were produced at the plant in parallel. When creating a new model, the plant followed the path of least cost and used the VAZ 2105 as the base model. All spare parts were subject to maximum unification. To add rigidity, stampings appeared on the roof of the new model. Unlike the 2102 model, the “four” was equipped with a heated rear window as standard. From the mid-1990s, a rear windshield wiper was included as standard. The base model received the interior from the 2105. The station wagon's load capacity was 455 kg, almost double the maximum load capacity of the 2102. The model inherited the rear door design from its predecessor. Its edge coincided with the floor level, which made loading and unloading luggage easier. The rear seat folds down to create a huge loading area.
photo trunk of VAZ-2104
Modifications of VAZ-2104
The following models were produced: - 21041, 21043 and 21043-07, distinguished by 1.2 liter, 1.5 liter engines and a “seven” interior, respectively. In 1994, the VAZ-2104 with a 1.3 liter engine was discontinued. Today, the base model is the VAZ 21043 with a 1.5 liter engine and a five-speed manual transmission, which makes the VAZ 21043 AW car more dynamic and enjoyable to drive. Not long ago, a modification of the VAZ-21045 appeared with an atmospheric (non-aspirated) diesel engine produced by Barnaultransmash, with a volume of 1.52 liters.
| VAZ-2104 | VAZ-2105 engine, 1.3 liters, carburetor, with 4-gearbox), base model |
| VAZ-21041 | VAZ-2101 engine, 1.2 liters, carburetor with 4-speed gearbox. Not serially produced. |
| VAZ-21042 | VAZ-2103 engine, 1.5 liters, right-hand drive |
| VAZ-21043 | VAZ-2103 engine, 1.5 liters, carburetor with 4- or 5-gearbox, in versions with electrical equipment and interior from the VAZ-2107 |
| VAZ-21044 | VAZ-2107 engine, 1.7 liters, single injection, 5-speed gearbox, export model |
| VAZ-21045 | VAZ-2107 engine, 1.8 liters, single injection, 5-speed gearbox, export model. Not serially produced. |
| VAZ-21045D | engine VAZ-341, 1.5 liters, diesel, 5-gearbox |
| VAZ-21047 | VAZ-2103 engine, 1.5 liters, carburetor, 5-speed gearbox, improved version with interior from VAZ-2107. Export modifications were equipped with a radiator grille from the VAZ-2107. |
| VAZ-21048 | engine VAZ-343, 1.8 liters, diesel, 5-gearbox |
| VAZ-21041i | VAZ-21067 engine 1.6 liter injector, 5-gearbox, interior and electrical equipment of VAZ-2107 |
| Export names VAZ-2104 | |
| Lada Riva | UK and mainland Europe |
| Lada Nova | Germany and mainland Europe |
| Lada 1500 or Lada Signet | Canada |
| Lada Laika | Brazil |
photo of VAZ-2104 rear view
photo of VAZ-2104
Interior and control design
Generally design of the VAZ-2104 model, like all classic models, ascetic. But the interior of the car can be different depending on your desire. A more economical option involves a standard panel with a minimum required set of switches and instrumentation, upholstery and seats with standard artificial leather headrests, and rubber floor mats. If you want more comfort, then you are offered an improved interior, an original steering wheel and instrument panel with an additional center console, which has an expanded set of function keys and control equipment. The improved interior includes seats upholstered in brushed jersey (front ones with a high backrest), doors with integrally molded pads, and brushed floor mats. This version of the “four” will allow you to feel comfortable even on a long trip.
photo interior of VAZ-2104
VAZ-2104 engine and its features
Engine 2104-1000260 can be used for installation on VAZ 2103, 2104, 2106, 21053, 2107 cars.
Initially, the VAZ 2104 engine was produced only in a carburetor version. Subsequently, it was modified to use a fuel injection system and received the designation VAZ 2104-21.
The VAZ 2104 engine was created on the basis of the previous model - the VAZ 2103. The design used: a cylinder block, a connecting rod and piston group, a timing drive and a crankshaft from the 2103 engine.
photo VAZ-2104 engine
Cylinder block from a VAZ 2103 engine. Cylinder diameter - 76.00 mm. The accepted overhaul dimensions are 76.40 and 76.80. The engine is equipped with a 2103 crankshaft or an interchangeable model 21213 crankshaft.
To ensure the operation of the injection system, it was necessary to install components and parts from other engines, which were originally developed for an injection fuel supply circuit. A new camshaft drive cover is used, on which there is space for installing a sensor that controls the position of the crankshaft. It was necessary to install cylinder head 2104-1003015, an original design, with enlarged areas for the intake manifold. The design of the head provides for the installation of nozzles. The camshaft, valves and springs correspond to those installed on the VAZ 2103 engine. The installation of hydraulic supports for the valve levers is not provided.
The timing drive is carried out from a double-row bush-roller chain 2103-1006040. The chain tensioning mechanism is mechanical, similar to the device on the VAZ 2103 engine.
A pulley with a damper and a drive disk 21214-1005058-11 is installed on the crankshaft. To drive the generator, a belt 2107-1308020 is used (length - 944 mm). The injection modification 2104 has an original power system. The system includes an electric fuel pump with a fuel level indicator sensor, fuel lines, a fuel filter, a fuel rail with injectors, an air filter, air supply hoses, a throttle valve and a fuel vapor recovery system. To clean the air entering the engine, an air filter model 2112 is installed. A receiver model 2104 or model 2123-1008027 is installed together with the intake manifold. To regulate the volume of incoming air, a throttle pipe 2112 is installed.
The electric fuel pump module 21073-1139009 is installed in the tank and provides fuel supply to the fuel rail and injectors. The original fuel rail 2104-1144010 is used, box type with pressure regulator and return drain pipe. Injection is carried out using four nozzles of pair-parallel action. It is possible to install nozzles BOSCH 0 280 158 502 (black, thin), SIEMENS VAZ 6393 (beige, thick) or other types with the appropriate parameters.
The ignition system includes: a Model 2112 ignition module mounted on a special bracket on the cylinder block, spark plugs and high voltage wires. The ignition module includes two ignition coils and two electronic control devices. In accordance with control signals from the control unit, the ignition module generates and supplies high-voltage pulses to the spark plugs.
Ignition control is assigned to the electronic engine management system. This system controls the amount of air and fuel supplied to the cylinders, controls the operation of the fuel pump, controls the supply of high-voltage pulses from the ignition coil to the spark plugs and adjusts the ignition timing, regulates the crankshaft speed at idle. The main control element of the system is the electronic control unit (ECU)-controller.
The engine complies with EURO-2 toxicity standards.
Production of the VAZ 2104 car began in 1984. The model was created on the basis of the VAZ 2105. For its creation and development, the following principles were taken into account: minimal production costs, as well as satisfying consumer desires.
As a result of minor changes, the body of the car was lengthened, a more spacious trunk appeared, the total load of the car became equal to 455 kg, and even more with the rear seats folded. In addition, it became possible to install another long roof rack for not very heavy loads. All this and many other details have given consumers confidence for many years that the VAZ 2104 is a good car.
The technical characteristics of the VAZ 2104 (including the VAZ 21043 and the VAZ 2104 diesel) are as follows: five-seater station wagon, engine capacity 1.5 or 1.7 liters, four-speed manual transmission. The trunk volume is 375 liters, with the rear seats folded down 1340 liters.
Design and dimensions of the VAZ 2104: length is 4115 mm, width 1620 mm, height 1445 mm. 
Numerous reviews about the car, although not always positive, confirm that this car is truly popular and affordable. In addition, the VAZ 2104 can be serviced and repaired independently with minimal financial costs. And how many options for tuning a VAZ 2104 with your own hands over the years of its operation have been demonstrated by various craftsmen, from upgrading the engine to converting the body into a convertible or limousine.
And the easy operation of the car provides plenty of scope for experimentation and improving your skills.
26.09.2012
September 17, 2012 will remain a memorable day in the history of the domestic automobile industry: AvtoVAZ put an end to the history of its “classic” models. On this day, the last car from the “classic” series was released - LADA-2104. Before this, the “classics” were produced at the facilities of the Izhevsk Automobile Plant. It was IzhAvto that transferred the production of this entire line of VAZ cars.
After Togliatti stopped its own production, the Izhevsk automobile plant became the only one where “classic” LADA models were assembled. The first Togliatti car that “moved” to Izh-Avto was the “six” - VAZ-2106. Then, gradually, more and more VAZ models found their new “home”. The VAZ-2106 was followed by the LADA-2107, and then the LADA-2104. It was the “four” that lasted the longest on the production line. Well, to replace the series that has gone down in history comes a new budget VAZ model - Lada Granta, which has already been produced at IzhAvto since the summer of 2012.
However, the fact that “classic” VAZ models are no longer produced does not mean that the owners of these cars are left with nothing. IzhAvto does not stop servicing and supporting these models for at least the next 36 months. A wide range of spare parts for the VAZ-2104 and other “classics” will also be produced.
Despite the cessation of production of “classics”, in Avto-Alliance stores you can find the entire range of spare parts for the LADA-2104, as well as for other AvtoVAZ models. Having large warehouse areas, the company can offer you the largest selection of spare parts for cars and other equipment. Here you can find both branded VAZ spare parts and products from other factories.
While leading automobile corporations are trying to create some kind of publicly available ultra-cheap model, such a car is coming off several assembly lines in Russia and Ukraine in thousands of copies. Not only is this not a frail three-meter “super compact”, but a full-size car, it also has a station wagon version.
Of course, by European standards, the “four” is a frankly archaic car: an angular body, a noisy engine, and unfashionable rear-wheel drive. Modern foreign analogues are more dynamic, more economical, more beautiful, and more comfortable... But for those buying a utility vehicle, the significant difference in prices between domestic and foreign station wagons is much more important.
When choosing a used Four, you should look for corrosion around the perimeter of the fifth door, in the other four, as well as on the front fenders and in the corner niches of the trunk.
Over almost a quarter of a century of production, the car has “acquired” a whole galaxy of modifications, most of which related to the power unit. At first, the basic one was the VAZ-2104 with a carburetor “five” engine (1.3 l, 64 hp) - the first mass-produced domestic engine with a camshaft belt drive. In 1994, this engine gave way to a 1.5-liter “three” unit (1.5 l, 71 hp), and the base model received the index “21043”. It was this model, equipped with a manual 5-speed gearbox, that was produced in Izhevsk (Russia) and Cherkassy and Kremenchug (Ukraine).
Both the “five” (pictured) and the “seven” dashboards squeak shamelessly on bumps.
The “five” dashboard is not equipped with a tachometer, but it is easy to control the speed without it - the engine can be heard in the cabin.
Over the years, versions with other engines were also mass-produced: 1.6 liters (carburetor, index IZH-VAZ-21041), 1.7 liters (single injection, index VAZ-21044 and distributed injection, index VAZ-2104121). Since 2000, a diesel modification of the VAZ-21045D with a one and a half liter naturally aspirated engine of Togliatti design (53 hp) has been produced in batches of several thousand units in Togliatti and Syzran. Since March 2006, the carburetor has retired - all “fours” have become fuel-injected. Export modifications of the model were called Lada Nova Break, Estate and Family. Usually they were equipped with more powerful engines, 5-speed gearboxes, and a “seven” interior. The right-hand drive versions found in Ukraine, even those converted for left-hand drive, are “calculated” by a different location of the wipers or “extra” holes for them. The interior of most cars is lined with easy-to-clean leatherette, but the VAZ-21047, along with the “seven” dashboard, received a fabric trim. After the transfer of the main production of the model from Togliatti to Izhevsk (2003), the station wagon began to be equipped with front seats from Oda, and some batches of cars were also equipped with plastic bumpers from the Seven. Ukrainian-assembled cars are equipped with the same seats and a “seven” dashboard, and in the luxury version (VAZ-21043-02) the entire interior is borrowed from the VAZ-2107 sedan.
A significant drawback of the ventilation system in urban conditions is the lack of air recirculation mode.
In passenger “mode” three people can ride in the back seat, although it will be a bit cramped for large people.
The main advantage of the “four” is the body, and it is also the main danger for the buyer of a used copy. The Togliatti “trailer” is spacious - the cabin can easily accommodate 5 people, and the luggage compartment can accommodate 455 kg of cargo with a volume of 630 to 1230 liters. Unfortunately, the backrest of the rear sofa only folds entirely. True, such spaciousness provokes owners to overload, which can cause the geometry of doorways to be disrupted, the central pillars and rear side members to crack. At the factory assembly line in Izhevsk, where all bodies are produced, the metal is primed using outdated technology, so when used on “salty” roads, rust on it is not uncommon. The car requires additional anti-corrosion protection, although both “purely” Izhevsk and Kremenchug cars had thresholds and other volumes “blown out” at the factory. In any case, if the condition of the body is constantly monitored, the metal can last up to two decades. Comfort in the “four”, according to current standards, is modest: the engine sound insulation leaves much to be desired, due to the uncomfortable seating position on long trips the driver’s legs and back become numb, and the heavy steering wheel is difficult to turn in a parking lot. But the pedals are distinguished by their informativeness, and the gearbox is distinguished by the clarity of switching.
To increase capacity, the rear seat folds down (only the whole one), and there is a niche under the floor for a spare tire and accessories.
All engines that have ever been equipped with “fours” were created on the basis of the “penny” engine of the 1971 model. These are the simplest designs, which is what ensures their longevity. They consume at least 9.5-10 l/100 in city mode, but this could be the cheaper A-92 or even the A-80. When created, these units were designed with a small design life by today's standards - 125 thousand km before overhaul. But the plant allows four such overhauls! The cost of work and spare parts is low - using mid-level components, you can spend 1500–2500 UAH. However, with proper operation and high-quality lubricants, many engines can easily reach a mileage of 200 thousand km. Both carburetor and injection power units require a high-quality air filter. Otherwise, the Solex’s idle jet will often become clogged, and the injector’s idle will “float.” If the injection machine is used a lot on country roads, it is recommended to change the air filter more often than scheduled - every 10 thousand km. The injection system will not require repairs up to 100 thousand km, if you do not drive with a half-empty tank and clean the injectors every 20–30 thousand km, and after 30 and 70 thousand km change the fuel filters - respectively, the main filter and in the fuel receiver. Since cars of this class are not always “fed” with high-quality gasoline, it is recommended to change the spark plugs of any engine after 10–20 thousand km. The distributor, like the timing chain, easily lasts up to 100 thousand km, and the timing belt of pure “five” engines needs to be changed after 50 thousand km along with the roller. None of the engine modifications were equipped with hydraulic valve compensators, so their clearances need to be checked every 10 thousand km. The cooling system does not tolerate operation on water and mixtures of different antifreezes - this leads to corrosion of aluminum parts and premature leakage of the pump. An invaluable common advantage of “classic” power units, including injection ones, is that service workers in any remote area know all their features thoroughly. There is no experience in operating diesel modifications in our country.
“Fours” with a front longitudinal engine arrangement have a drive to the rear wheels (that’s why it’s a “classic”), to which a driveshaft with an intermediate support extends from the gearbox (4- or 5-speed). With reasonable use, the clutch lasts up to 80–100 thousand km – when it comes time to change the release bearing and driven disc. The basket, provided there is no manufacturing defect, “survives” several disks. Many mechanics consider the gearboxes of Soviet-era cars (usually 4-speed) to be more durable than their later counterparts. Possible problems with the latter are “knockout” of gears, difficult switching, bearing noise. The same opinion exists regarding the rear axle gearbox, which signals a malfunction with a whine in one or another driving mode. It is noted that high-quality oils cannot always extend the life of “classic” transmission units. But these components should not bother you until 100–120 thousand km.
The chassis of the VAZ-2104 could be more durable and simpler in design, but it absorbs well all the unevenness of domestic roads and is inexpensive to repair.
To increase the load capacity, many business owners raise the rear of the car by placing spacers under the springs.
A cardan transmission installed on a car at the factory can last 70–80 thousand km, but finding a high-quality cardan in spare parts is not easy. The issue can be resolved by competently replacing the crosspieces, if possible, followed by balancing. When purchasing, you should also check the play in the cardan splines, since you can completely get rid of it only by replacing the shaft assembly. Nine levers The suspension is spring, at the front - independent on two levers, at the rear - dependent, also lever. The chassis is energy-intensive, absorbs bumps well, providing good comfort, for which it is so respected by residents of the province with its broken roads. The first ones to “give up” are the ball joints and silent blocks of the front levers – at around 30–40 thousand km, later – the shock absorbers and stabilizer bushings. Severely worn ball joints can break while driving. The original silent blocks of the rear last up to 80–90 thousand km, after which the suspension will start knocking when starting off. But even earlier, due to the wear of the mentioned “rubber bands” and the misalignment of the rear axle, the car will begin to pull to the side. “Native” shock absorbers last at least 50 thousand km. The uneven quality of the spring by 150 thousand km causes a violation of the “posture” of the car. Spring sag is not always explained by overloads.
Compared to the McPherson, the VAZ multi-link is difficult to repair, but can withstand driving over uneven surfaces.
The rear suspension of station wagons is often “exhausted” by constant overloads, but its repair is simple and inexpensive.
The chassis is highly maintainable, and spare parts and repair technologies are available and inexpensive. Six hinges The steering of the “four” is one of the relics of the past. The worm-roller type mechanism creates a lot of resistance on the steering wheel, does not provide clear feedback, and there is no amplifier provided in it at all. But it does not transmit wheel impacts on uneven surfaces to the steering wheel, and the play and knocking that occurs due to wear are eliminated with a special adjusting screw - and this has to be done every 50-70 thousand km. The bushings of the pendulum arm of the steering linkage also require control, although less often. The degree of tightening of them determines the play of the steering wheel and the force on it. Some owners, instead of the standard pendulum assembly (45 UAH), install a bearing one, which reduces the force on the steering wheel, but after wear it is replaced only as an assembly (85 UAH). The steering linkage of the “four” (like all “classics”) has six hinges, the outer ones wear out first - after 50–60 thousand km.
The braking system with front disc and rear drum brakes, although it does not have such modern improvements as ABS, ventilated discs, etc., generally meets the dynamic capabilities of the car. It has no characteristic weak points, except for the difficulties caused by stuck caliper guides when replacing pads.
Yes, the VAZ-2104 is by no means ideal. But the “four” is not so far from it, judging from the point of view of a summer resident or private entrepreneur who needs an unpretentious “workhorse”. The model clearly doesn’t qualify for five points on the good old school rating scale, but it certainly deserves a solid “four”.
VAZ 2104 is a classic 5-door, 5-seater station wagon, produced by the Volzhsky Automobile Plant. It is worth noting that in addition to the VAZ, the Quartet was produced at IzhAvto (2002-2012), as well as in Syzran, Kremenchug, Lutsk and even in Egypt. In total, the model was produced from 1984 to 2012. Its appearance was caused by the obsolescence of the “two” design (by the way, it was produced in parallel from 2104 to 1985). Since a station wagon based on the luxury “troika” did not exist, it was decided to produce it on the basis of an already produced one (yes, the 2105 model appeared earlier than the 2104 - this is normal practice at VAZ).
The appearance of the updated classic is completely different from its predecessors. The very first, striking difference is the straight chopped shapes, instead of the usual rounded ones. The second is the absence of chrome parts, they were replaced by plastic ones. The “face” is completely from the 2105 sedan - front block headlights with combined turn signals, side repeaters are also rectangular. The taillights were 90-degree rotated taillights from the 2105. It retained the wagon's 2102 955kg payload capacity. At the same time, it also retained the main drawback of this cargo platform - the rear suspension “cups” protruding inward. The fuel tank is the same as in 2102, on the left side. The roofs of classic station wagons had 2 parallel stampings that served as reinforcements.
Interior
The interior has also been completely changed compared to the previous station wagon. The interior was installed from 2105 - new door cards, seats, dashboard. The luggage space was now separated not only by the back of the rear seat - now there was a shelf installed there, similar to hatchbacks.
| Type | Volume | Power | Torque | Overclocking | Maximum speed | Number of cylinders |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol | 1.5 l | 53 hp | 96 H*m | 23 sec. | 125 km/h | 4 |
| Petrol | 1.2 l | 58 hp | 84 H*m | 18 sec. | 140 km/h | 4 |
| Petrol | 1.3 l | 64 hp | 92 H*m | 18 sec. | 137 km/h | 4 |
| Petrol | 1.5 l | 71 hp | 104 H*m | 17 sec. | 143 km/h | 4 |
| Petrol | 1.6 l | 74 hp | 116 H*m | 17 sec. | 145 km/h | 4 |
Many power units were installed on the car. At the beginning of production, engines familiar to many were installed: “three”, 1.5 liter, 77 hp. and, new at that time, a VAZ 2105 rotary engine with a volume of 1.3 liters. Later versions were equipped with VAZ 21067 and 21073 injection engines, 1.6 and 1.7 liters, and even a VAZ diesel engine. It was combined with the classic 4-speed "", and later versions with a 5-speed. It is interesting that the car was equipped with a “sedan” main pair 3.9, or a 4.1 different from 2102.
Suspension
The suspension was inherited from its predecessor - a reinforced classic one. Namely, the front is independent, on levers with springs, and the rear is dependent, also with springs.
Since they were discontinued late, many cars remain in excellent condition today. Although, it is worth recognizing that the quality of the latest cars is much worse than the cars of that era. VAZ 2104 was exported under the name Lada Riva. There were also right-hand drive versions. Export cars were equipped with a speedometer graduated in miles. The Quartet has become perhaps the most popular domestic station wagon. It is actively used in Russian Post, having the appropriate coloring and a white-moon beacon on the roof.
