Medium-tonnage Gorky dump truck GAZ-52, technical characteristics

Car history

The late 1950s and mid-1960s were management plans at the conveyor plant to produce three generations of trucks, which were unified among themselves. The base car was considered to be the new GAZ 52, which became the successor to the GAZ-51A truck, which also had a 4x2 wheel formula and a load capacity of 2,500 kilograms.

When creating the car, we tried to take into account that the main area of ​​application of the truck would be urban transportation and operation in rural areas. Taking these points into account, the design features of the car should have ensured good maneuverability and fairly good cross-country ability along with a smooth ride, because asphalt roads were quite rare to find.

The creation of small and medium-tonnage trucks was necessary for the entire country, since it was undergoing a full-fledged process of restoring the national economy, which was destroyed during wartime, and also required the active construction of residential cities. There were simply very few cars that could operate in the city, and freight transportation as part of a road train did not develop either.

Therefore, the design staff was instructed to develop a project for a truck, which was initially intended for transporting various goods in the city and rural areas. There were versions of the GAZ 52 dump truck and on-board vehicle. Thus, a new model GAZ-52 was created on the GAZ 51 A platform, which had been produced since 1955.

A little later, the car was able to successfully replace the previous family. The new car stood out with a different cab, the design solution of which was somewhat similar to American trucks of the 1950s. In those years, many did not even imagine that this design would be in demand during all this time, and this is not much - no less - 30 years.

General information about the 52 model

GAZ 52 is a two-axle truck with a small load capacity. In the back of this dump truck model you can transport loads weighing no more than 2.5 tons. But this drawback did not prevent the car from occupying the position of leader in the automobile industry for several decades. It was this small truck that made up the lion’s share of the truck fleet in Russia and the former Soviet republics.

To this day, GAZ 52 trucks are often found in settlements where the road surface is not of high quality or there are no roads at all. Along with their low cost, trucks are valued for their reliability, good maneuverability and the ability to easily replace parts.

Appearance

The developed all-metal cabin for a small truck, which had a hood layout, was equipped with an improved windshield. Compared to the flat V-shaped windows that were installed on its predecessor, the new one provided the driver with panoramic visibility. The cabin was made for a couple of people.

The new cabin was supposed to be unified for all bonneted trucks of the Gorky Automobile Plant, and the external differences were only in a few elements. Moreover, not such a large number of people might know about them, because quite often the GAZ-53 car could be confused with which, by the way, most of the most important components of the car were unified, and the GAZ-52.

The debut cars of this family were quite similar to the previously produced ZILs - the sidelights were located at the bottom, and the headlights stood strictly above them. When 1975 came, the company's management decided to modernize the appearance of the cabin, which is why the sidelights moved upward, and the appearance of the radiator grille began to resemble a “smile”.

Nine years later, from 1984, the lining of the radiator grille of GAZ 52 trucks was further changed - its openings were slightly extended, and the turning lamps were moved to the sides. Having a similar appearance, the 52nd models were produced in a conveyor type until the 1990s, after which they were replaced by the restyled GAZ-3307.

Out of ignorance, you can quite easily confuse the GAZ-52 and GAZ-53 trucks, because they have a lot of similarities, especially in appearance.

Models of the debut years of production had only one single round mirror, located on the left, which was installed on a single bracket. This mount cannot be called reliable, since due to vibrations it became weak, the mirror began to shift and tremble while driving. A little later it was changed to an oval type, its dimensions increased.

The mirror was installed on a triple bracket, which reduced its vibration. They installed something similar on the right side, which increased visibility. The main colors for the cabs were sand and protective khaki. In the 1960s and 1970s, the color options were expanded to include aqua and café au lait.

1978 allowed the release of cars with a blue cabin color. The same year marked the presence of stamped stiffeners, by which most car enthusiasts could distinguish between the 52nd and 53rd cars.

The wheel rims for the pair of cars also differed - the tires for the 52nd model were narrow and had 6 ventilation holes, while the 53rd had 3 holes, and they were located at an angle of 120 degrees. However, despite the slight differences in appearance, the main difference between these cars was the power unit.

Cabin interior

It is clear that the cabin was not large, but the most necessary things were there. On two doors the glass could be lowered and raised, and the windows could be turned. During movement, the air flow could be directed in any direction. Among the features of the cabin are the ability to blow hot air from the heater onto the front glass, as well as the ability to install vacuum windshield wipers driven by a special pump.

The instrument panel looked quite simple, but for those years it was quite functional and fulfilled its direct duties. The instrument panel had a fuel level indicator, coolant temperature, oil pressure, speed sensor and ammeter. There was also an ignition switch nearby.

Today, instrument panels have huge dimensions, but the GAZ-52 received a small, but quite informative one. A little to the side there was a place for the glove compartment. The turn switch lever has already been installed on the steering column, which is very convenient, especially considering that on the previous model the switch was placed on the dashboard, so it was still necessary to reach it, and this caused some difficulties, and the driver could be distracted from driving the truck.

However, the entire front panel was made of iron, which also applied to the door panels. There were no separate armchairs, only a full-fledged sofa was provided, the back and seat of which were raised, which provided the opportunity to store various spare parts, parts and tools.

Diagnostic work

After disassembly, the degree of wear and the suitability of the parts for further use are determined. Each component of the GAZ-52 engine is measured. The procedure is carried out without fail; the group of pistons and the crankshaft are carefully measured. The motor is visually inspected for deformations, chips, cracks and other mechanical damage. Afterwards, displacers are selected based on measured dimensions and weight. In this process, the main thing is to select pistons based on the repair size (82.5-83mm). If the values ​​go beyond a larger value, there is no point in boring the core, since only installing sleeves will help in the situation.

Specifications

Power unit

The cars that were built between 1958 and 1959 were equipped with a prechamber-torch internal combustion engine. It is this power unit that is considered the advantage of the 51st model.

Back in 1937, specialists working at the Institute of Chemical Physics and the Central Institute of Aviation Engine Engineering began to develop and implement options for more productive combustion of gasoline in an internal combustion engine with an external mixture formation system, where there was a lean combustible mixture in the pre-chamber.

A little later, this work was already carried out on cars from the Gorky Automobile Plant. The engine platform of the 51st model made it possible to design the GAZ 52 engine, where the cylinder head was modernized and where there was an overhead valve arrangement. In addition, the cylinder head was equipped with a prechamber for each cylinder.

The gas distribution system had a chamber valve through which an air-combustible mixture was injected, which was lit by an ordinary candle. After this, the torch ignites the entire mixture in the main chamber. This technical process allowed saving up to 20% of fuel, as they believed then.

It also seemed that in this way it would be possible to significantly increase the power of the power unit along with torque. But, as tests showed, the GAZ 52 engine was difficult to start, it was also impossible to save fuel, and in general, the unit functioned unstably. Moreover, problems were created by the carburetor, which even at the enterprise itself, even competent specialists could hardly somehow regulate or configure.

However, such failures did not stop the specialists, and they still brought the power unit to the desired state. The result was a 3.4-liter 85-horsepower engine with a torque of 22.5 kg/m at 3,000 rpm. This GAZ 52 engine made it possible to significantly increase the dynamic component and make the car more economical.

GAZ-52 consumes about 24 liters per 100 kilometers. Years later, in the 1990s, car enthusiasts noticed trucks that ran on diesel fuel. Many drivers began installing brand new GAZ 52 diesel engines, which were notable for their low maintenance costs.

The GAZ-52 power unit turned out to be easy to repair and unpretentious to maintain, which cannot be said about many other cars.

Transmission

The new power unit has been synchronized with a reliable and quiet five-speed manual gearbox. It had synchromesh in 3rd and 4th gear. The clutch is single-disc and dry. Example photo below.

Suspension

They decided to install it as a spring type, and later it was subject to modernization. The design staff decided to change the method of fastening the springs - after the improvement, the fastening was carried out together with rubber cushions. As a result, it was possible to reduce the pressure on the main sheets while twisting the springs.

The front suspension was on longitudinal semi-elliptical springs along with hydraulic telescopic shock absorbers. The rear suspension had only longitudinal semi-elliptical springs with additional springs. A dependent suspension was installed both front and rear.

And in order to increase the cross-country ability of trucks on bad roads, the engineering staff developed and implemented the latest rear axles, which had a cam differential. This made it possible to more confidently pass difficult areas of the road.

Brake system

It has a hydraulic drive and a hydraulic vacuum booster. Only drum brakes are used on all wheels. There is a working and parking system.

Steering

The steering mechanism is of the globoid type. Globoid worm together with a double-ridge roller. There is no hydraulic power steering.

Modifications

Over 29 years of mass production based on the standard version, many varieties were produced that were used in various sectors of the national economy:

• 52F is an experimental version of the family, which was equipped with the previous generation engine. Over the course of a year, an industrial series came out of the Gorky enterprise’s workshop, which did not pass some tests;
• 52G is a car with a wheelbase extended to 3.7 meters. Due to the increase in weight, the maximum load capacity was increased to 4 tons. The development did not reach industrial production;
• 52A is the first version with a new generation power unit. With an extended base, the carrying capacity was 3 thousand kilograms. During 1959, designers assembled several copies;
• 52P - a truck-type tractor with an old power plant, which was produced in a limited edition;
• 52Ya is a flatbed truck with a lifting platform. Serial production was not carried out;
• 52-01 - chassis for installing various superstructures, most often used for assembling buses and special-purpose vehicles. Produced from 1969 to 1993 with a 75-horsepower engine;
• 52-02 - standard platform for installation of dumping equipment;
• 52-03 - on-board vehicle with a new generation power plant;
• 52-04 - classic transport with a wheelbase of 3.3 m;
• 52-05 - cargo taxi, made on the basis of the previous modification;
• 52-06 - truck tractor with a standard wheelbase;
• 52-07 - model 52-04, in which the use of gasoline was replaced by liquefied gas. The car developed power up to 73 hp;
• 52-08 - a variation of the 52-01 model, which used liquefied gas as fuel;
• 52-09 - cargo-type taxi using liquefied gas;
• 52-27 - a freight transport that ran on compressed natural gas. The transport developed up to 65 horsepower and accelerated to 70 km/h;
• 52-28 - chassis for installing superstructures with an extended wheelbase and a compressed natural gas engine;
• 52-50 - variety 52-01 for delivery to countries with tropical climates;
• 52-54 - modification 52-04 for export to areas with tropical climatic conditions;
• 52-70 - standard 52-01, which was sent to neighboring countries;
• 52-74 - classic 52-04, intended for export to other countries.

Various equipment was installed on the chassis, resulting in fuel trucks, fire trucks, dump trucks and much more.

Advantages and disadvantages

Pros of the car

• Good maneuverability;
• Good ride height;
• No problems with purchasing spare parts and components;
• Good maintainability;
• Low price of a truck;
• Small dimensions;
• Designed for rural areas;
• Unpretentious car;
• Clear controls;
• Soft sofa;
• Not a loud gearbox.

Cons of the car

• Outdated cabin design;
• There is not enough free space in the cabin;
• Low load capacity;
• Weak power unit;
• High fuel consumption;
• Oldest year of production;
• No hydraulic power steering;
• The hood interferes with good visibility.

Let's sum it up

Despite the fact that the GAZ 52 car was made for the twentieth century, it is still often used in various industries today. Yes, the level of comfort may not be at a high level, and there are no new technical bells and whistles, but the car copes well with its direct responsibilities.

It has small overall dimensions, which allow it to function even in urban conditions as transport for housing and communal services or in agriculture. Moreover, the latter reveals all its good qualities, because it is not afraid of bad roads and has a good ground clearance, which is very important.

The conditions inside the cabin are not ideal, but do not forget in what years this truck was created and for what purposes - the country was being built, and it was important to improve agriculture. The GAZ-52 is perfect for work, since it can be repaired without any difficulties, the mechanisms are quite simple, and parts and spare parts can be found in almost any automobile market.

We advise you to read the article: GAZ - the history of car production

Motor repair

Since the GAZ 52 power plant is no longer produced, most of the products used need to be repaired. The advantage of the unit is that the device is restored on its own; of course, for some operations you will have to turn to knowledgeable people. The overhaul procedure for the device is identical to the procedure carried out for most six-chamber in-line engines. If you analyze the financial part of the issue, the cost of restoration is not small and this is another reason to make the engine yourself.

First, the traction unit is removed from the machine and disassembled. To do this, auxiliary mechanisms, the head, are removed from the engine, pistons and shafts are removed.

Motor disassembly:

GAZ-52 photo

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