GAZ-53: technical characteristics

For use in agriculture and forestry, industry and transport, the Gorky Automobile Plant produced more than 4 million GAZ-53 units. Based on the chassis of models 53F, 53A and 53-12, trucks for various purposes were produced: fire engines, vacuum trucks, milk tankers, sewage tanks, vans and buses. GAZ-5319 and 5327 operated on liquefied and compressed gas. The GAZ-53 dump truck was produced in 1966-74, was labeled GAZ-SAZ-53B and was intended for transporting bulk materials on various roads.

About the areas of application and modifications of the GAZ-53

On its not particularly powerful shoulders, the GAZ-53 nevertheless “rolled” at least half of the entire economy of the Country of Soviets. It's hard to find where this ubiquitous truck has NOT been used. From the “gait” for emergency crews and the “paddy wagon” for criminals to mobile fuel tankers and truck tractors that hauled containers - everything that was not installed on the GAZ-53 chassis!

These cheap, simple and unpretentious trucks have become widespread in agriculture. In the 70s/early 80s of the 20th century, on the average Soviet collective farm, 80% of the truck fleet consisted of GAZ-53. Only in the second half of the 80s did this ratio begin to change towards an increase in the share of ZIL-130, which, by the way, in Soviet times did not cost much more than GAZon.

GAZ-53 of the 60s and 80s both look noticeably different from each other, and in a technological sense these are two quite different trucks. Not only are their engines completely different, but also many other design elements.

After all, over the years of production, the GAZ-53 has experienced three major and many minor upgrades and improvements. The Gorky Automobile Plant tried to promptly respond to “signals from the field” and eliminate problems identified during operation.

Thus, already in the first years of the distribution of the new truck model across the country, it became obvious that the axles from the previous generation - GAZ-51, were no longer suitable for the 53rd, and the 82-horsepower engine from the 51st GAZon, although forced, did not respond the increased needs of the new machine. During 1964/65, serial production of the GAZ-53 was launched, equipped, instead of an in-line six-cylinder engine, with a V-shaped eight (115-horsepower ZMZ-53 engine), as well as modified and reinforced axles.

An interesting, half-forgotten fact: the cladding and, accordingly, the appearance of the GAZ-53 of the first releases were very noticeably different from the appearance of the car we are accustomed to. For example, the headlights were located above the direction indicators. However, unfortunately, not a single original LAWN of that very first generation has survived to this day. But he remained captured on film in some famous films of that time, in particular “Happy Troubles” (1964), “Foreigner” (1965), “Beware of the Car” (1966), “Three Poplars on Plyushchikha” (1967).

GAZ-53F (1961—1967)

By the way, a curious film curiosity is associated with the GAZ-53, which has already become familiar to everyone. In the famous film “The Meeting Place Cannot Be Changed,” in the episode when gang members are driving Volodya Sharapov in a GAZ-AA bread van through Moscow at night, a green GAZ-53 was inappropriately included in some shots. (The film takes place in 1946).

"GAZ-53A" (1965–1983)

Three main, basic modifications of the truck rolled off the assembly line under the following factory indices:

GAZ-53F (1961-1967) - flatbed truck and universal chassis with a forced in-line 6-cylinder GAZ-51 engine with a power of 82 hp.
GAZ-53A (from June 1965 to 1983) - flatbed truck, dump truck and universal chassis with a ZMZ-53 engine - V-shaped 8-cylinder, 115 hp.
GAZ-53-12 (from 1983 to January 1993) - flatbed truck, dump truck and universal chassis with an eight-cylinder V-shaped engine ZMZ-53-11 with a power of 120 hp.

According to the power, the load capacity of the three generations of the 53rd LAWN also differs. The GAZ-53F was declared to have a 4-ton capacity, although in fact it only carried 3 tons on board, and 4 tons was an almost unbearable load for it. The GAZ-53A became a real four-ton truck. The power of the GAZ-53-12 engine already allowed it to freely carry not only the 4.5 tons declared by the manufacturer, but also 5 tons “with kopecks”.

GAZ-53-12 (1983-1993)

In addition to the basic ones, there are dozens of modifications and versions of the GAZ-53 made on their basis, intended for use for specialized purposes. Among them -

Military modification of the GAZ-53N with an additional 105 liter fuel tank, a pre-heater and a set of additional equipment.
The widely used KAVZ-685 and Kuban based on the GAZ-53. They were produced on the GAZ-53-40 chassis, equipped with softer springs and telescopic shock absorbers, a fuel tank from the GAZ-66, a modified brake system and electrical equipment.
GAZ-53-02 – dump truck.
A special chassis designed for the GAZ-SAZ dump truck (SAZ-3503).
GAZ-53-05 is a truck tractor (it was not widely used, because any of the three engines of the 53rd GAZon was too weak for such “exercises”).
GAZ-53-19 and GAZ-53-27 - versions developed in 1984, running on liquefied gas; with engines of 105 and 100 hp. respectively.

GAZ-53 trucks were exported to almost all socialist countries, and from capitalist countries to Finland and Belgium.

Serious assembly production of these trucks, from Soviet vehicle kits, was organized in Bulgaria and Cuba. Moreover, the Bulgarian enterprise Madara produced the GAZ-53 from 1967 to 1991, increasing production volume to 3,000 cars per year in the 80s. And already from the beginning of the 70s, it equipped them with Bulgarian-made engines.

Export versions of the truck were produced with the factory designations GAZ-53-70 and GAZ-53-50 (especially for the tropics). As already noted, the number of specialized versions based on the GAZ-53 chassis is difficult to calculate. These include mobile repair shops, fire trucks, truck cranes, ladder trucks, garbage trucks, loader cranes, fuel tankers, etc. and so on.

Model 53 12

The truck is designed to transport cargo weighing up to 4,500 kg on asphalt and dirt roads. The machine allowed operation at temperatures from +40 to -40º C.

Option 53 12 is a deep modernization of the 53A model with better indicators in terms of fuel economy, repair regulations and safety.

Increasing the power of the power plant and the use of new radial tires made it possible to increase the dynamics and cross-country ability of the vehicle.

Cars of the 53 27 and 53 19 series ran on compressed and liquefied gas.

The ZMZ-53-11 power unit received a sectional oil pump, a full-flow filter device, new cylinder heads with an increased compression parameter, and the crankcase ventilation was switched to a closed circuit.

The car had strengthened: spring suspension, frame elements, cross member (beam) of the axle. It was possible to reduce exhaust toxicity by 19%.

In the future, the car will be equipped with a front-view triplex, a contactless ignition system, new lighting equipment, emergency signals, and a hydraulic vacuum booster with brake pressure distribution along the axes.

Do you know the technical characteristics of the Ural-5557 dump truck, successfully used in agriculture and other areas of human activity? This review examines the basic model and varieties of the UAZ-3303.

At this address: https://spez-tech.com/tehnika/gruzovie-avto/ural/6464-osnovnyie-harakteristiki-ustroystvo.html you will find a description of the main technical characteristics of the Ural-6464 car.

About the history of the legendary truck and its features

Unlike all previously developed trucks of the Country of Soviets, the GAZ-53 was originally created purely for the needs of the national economy. In case of war, it was not planned to mobilize it into troops and use it to transport guns, transport ammunition, wounded, etc. army needs. In this regard, the GAZ-53 can rightfully be called the first domestic “NOT dual-use” truck.

This explains the “cheerful” colors of the legendary car. If previously all trucks of the Soviet Union were painted only in a dark green protective color, then the 53rd from the very beginning was distinguished by a very diverse range of colors: its cabs were painted in blue, gray, blue, beige, red, green, yellow, orange and some others colors.

The direct “relative” and “ancestor” of the GAZ-53 was another all-Union hard worker - the GAZ-51 truck. The development of a new generation truck was led by the chief designer of the Gorky Automobile Plant, Alexander Dmitrievich Prosvirnin (1914-2005). By the way, he was in 1946-1947. participated in the development of the GAZ-51, then still in the role of an ordinary designer.

During the summer/autumn of 1961, a pilot batch of GAZ-53F trucks was subjected to serious tests, the main of which was a motor rally along the route Moscow - Tashkent - Moscow, with a total length of ten thousand kilometers. The trucks were driven intensively along country roads and real deserts, steppe sands, marshy soils and mountainous areas. The culmination of the route in Central Asia was the Shahristan pass, in Tajikistan, located at an altitude of more than 3.2 thousand meters above sea level.

At the same time, 2 GAZ-53Fs were mercilessly exploited in the Moscow region, in off-road rural conditions, and 4 more were driven along the Moscow-Gorky highway back and forth until the figure of 15,000 km was reached on their speedometer, testing reliability on main lines. In total, each of the vehicles performed 18 flights.

By the way, the “sibling” of the 53rd GAZon, the GAZ-52, also deserves kind words. Also a bestseller, with a circulation of more than 1 million units. This is practically its “twin”. Since the only reliable difference between these models is the model of the installed engine: on the 52nd there is a six-cylinder in-line, on the 53rd there is a more powerful eight-cylinder V-shaped.

By the way, according to the observations of experienced GAZON drivers, the 52nd was distinguished by slightly better cross-country ability in severe off-road conditions or deep snow. The more powerful and resourceful GAZ-53 was more likely to bury itself in mud, snow or sand where the 52nd was slowly passing on its own.

Externally, it was possible to distinguish the GAZ-52 from the GAZ-53 by the wheel rims: the GAZ-52 and modifications had smaller rims, with 6 ventilation holes and narrower tires. The GAZ-53 has wider (and, accordingly, more “load-bearing”) tires; wheels of a larger diameter, with three holes placed at an angle of 120 degrees. However, the rims on the 52nd and 53rd GAZon are interchangeable.

Maintenance and repair

Due to long-term use, wear and depreciation of parts, the truck may fail and require restoration measures. Repair work is carried out at a service station or independently if you have knowledge of the mechanics and kinematics of trucks, as well as in accordance with the operating manual.

Engine malfunctions and repairs

Routine repair of the GAZ-53 engine is carried out for the following malfunctions:

knocking in the engine;
reduced compression in the cylinders;
malfunction of one of the cylinders (motor trouble);
water pump noise;
coolant leak from the control hole;
rapid overheating of the unit;
increased oil consumption;
low or high oil pressure.

Overhaul of the engine is carried out at the end of its service life or wear of parts. The overhaul includes:

boring the crankshaft to fit the dimensions of the liners;
replacement of worn-out spare parts;
grinding and grinding of valves;
inspection of the cam camshaft, connecting rod and piston group, gear connection of the oil pump, clutch disc.

The service life of the motor depends on the quality of the parts being repaired and the correct running-in of the rubbing surfaces.

Pump repair

Repair of the GAZ-53 pump is performed if the following symptoms are present:

coolant leaking through the water pump impeller seal;
large shaft play in bearings;
boiling of liquid when the engine is running for a short time.

Malfunctions are eliminated by replacing the sealing washer, oil seal seals and roller bearing.

Adjustment of valves

Adjustment of the GAZ-53 valves is carried out when fuel consumption increases, engine speed decreases and characteristic noise is detected in the carburetor and exhaust pipe. As the load increases, the clearance on the camshaft valve becomes larger. To adjust the valves, you need to pull the piston of the first cylinder to top dead center (TDC) using a gear pointer. The recommended gap is 0.25-0.3 mm. The process is carried out using an adjusting screw and a 0.25 mm probe.

Carburetor adjustment

Adjusting the carburetor on your own consists of measuring and checking the gaps between the throttle and air dampers and their bodies, low crankshaft speed when the engine is idling, and adjusting the opening angle of the throttle valve with the air damper completely closed.

How to set the ignition

Unstable operation of the ignition system leads to such malfunctions as:

The coil is heating up.
Breakdown in high voltage cables.
Burnt cover on the transfer case.
Shot of candles.

If popping sounds appear in the intake manifold, it is necessary to set the ignition to GAS according to the marks. Instructions for installing the ignition on a GAZ-53 look like this:

The piston in cylinder 1 is installed at TDC and the marks are aligned.
The crankshaft is turned counterclockwise until the “9” mark on the indicator aligns with the line on the pulley.
Unscrew the bolt of the upper element of the manifold.
Connect the first control cable to the body, the second to the breaker.
Turn on the ignition.
The breaker is turned until the contacts open.
Tighten the mounting bolt, install the cover and rotor.
On the opposite side, the spark plug on cylinder 1 is connected to a high voltage cable, the remaining wires are connected according to the diagram 1-5-4-2-6-3-7-8.

To set the ignition correctly, use the electrical diagram of the ignition system.

How to install a gas installation

Installation of gas equipment:

The gas cylinder is installed under the body.
Attach the reducer and multivalve so that the mark is directed straight up.
Connect the tubes connecting the cylinder to the filling container, as well as the cylinder to the reducer. To prevent air etching, the ends of the tubes must be pressed tightly against the mechanisms.
The cooling system is connected to the gearbox via tees.
Install the gasoline valve.
Install a carburetor gas supply mixer.
A gas hose is connected from the reducer to the mixer and a power register is installed.

Replacing the oil filter

To replace the oil filter, you must perform the following steps:

disconnect the filter, fitting, spacer;
install the spring on the central rod of the upper cap and the o-ring;
put on the washer, tighten the nut;
insert a paranitic gasket onto the connecting fitting;
install a spacer on the manifold;
tighten the fitting;
oil the ring;
install a filter.

How to bleed the brakes

The main malfunctions of the brake system are wear of the pads and air ingress. If air gets in, bleed the brakes and top up with fluid through the reservoir, detaching the metal tube.

The brakes are adjusted while simultaneously pumping the pedal. First, the pressure is diagnosed, the circuits and the shut-off valve are checked. Problems with hydraulic boosters can be corrected by replacing and further adjusting the hydraulic system.

Take into account the pumping rule: pump the brakes until the rod begins to move normally when you press the pedal without effort.

Repair of the main brake cylinder is carried out when the cuffs, rubber sealing rings, pistons and their heads, and the working surfaces of the crankcases wear out.

How to separate the pads

Experts recommend changing brake pads every 6-8 thousand km. If they jam, it is necessary to separate the pads on the GAZ and repair the brake system. The parts are positioned so that they are attracted to the brake drum as they rotate forward. To do this, they are turned down, turning the wheel, left and right until it stops.

How to adjust the clutch

To repair the clutch, find out the cause of the breakdown. It can be:

defects in the main and working cylinders;
lack of adjustment of the clutch basket feet;
broken paws;
clutch disc breakage;
wear of the linings.

Old paws and forks are replaced. If a squeak is detected in the clutch, lubricate the clutch bearing or install a new one. Clutch adjustment is carried out using a tape measure: the full pedal stroke is measured (standard - 145-160 mm), then the free stroke (12-28 mm). If there is a deviation from the norm, the pusher is adjusted by scrolling the eye with pliers to the desired parameter. When the clutch is pressed, check the stroke of the working cylinder pusher. If the parameter is less than 14 mm and the pedal stroke is normal, air is removed from the hydraulic system.

How to disassemble a wheel

To disassemble a GAZ-53 wheel, it is necessary to perform a number of operations:

Raise the truck using a jack.
Unscrew the mounting nuts and remove the wheel.
Lower the tube slightly and tighten the bead ring with the tire.
The wheels pass through the resulting gap along the entire perimeter.
Use a fork blade to lift the side ring up, and remove it straight from the lock groove.
Turn the wheel over and remove the tire bead.
Place the wheel vertically and remove it from the tire; separate the rim and tires.

Transmission repair

Gearbox repair is done if:

noise in the box;
spontaneous or difficult gear shifting in the gearbox;
oil leak.

The car is placed on a viewing hole and the box is disassembled.

Adjusting the rear axle consists of adjusting the parameters of the bearings, the contact engagement of the main gear gears and the lateral clearance in the engagement of the drive and driven gears.

Adjusting the steering gear

When adjusting the steering gear, check the installation of worm bearings and rod joints, and adjust them if necessary. For this:

remove the steering mechanism;
drain the oil fluid from the crankcase;
clamp the gearbox in a vice;
remove the lower crankcase cover;
separate the paper gasket;
put the cover in place and check the axial movement of the worm;
remove the bipod shaft;
check the tightness of the bearings;
regulate the engagement of the worm with the roller.

Wheel toe adjustment is adjusted by the length of the tie rod. It is necessary to unscrew and unscrew the nuts of the coupling clamps of the tips. By changing the length, adjust the toe.

About the technical characteristics of the GAZ-53

Having looked at photographs of other cars of the late 50s/early 60s, we can rightfully say that for its time the appearance of the cabin and its interior of the GAZ-53 looked very progressive.

A one-piece lining of the radiator grille was made, into which the headlights and sidelights were organically integrated. The driver and passenger seats, according to the canons of those years, were a single “sofa”. However, the ergonomics of the workplace were better thought out than in the GAZ-51.

According to its class, the GAZ-53 belongs to the family of universal medium-duty multi-purpose trucks. The GAZ-53 truck has a frame structure, the wheels are driven to the rear axle.

dimensions

Length – 6.395 m; width – 2,380 m; height (in the cabin, without load) – 2,220 m
Chassis base – 3,700 m; front wheel track (on ground) – 1,630 m; rear wheel track – 1,690 m
Ground clearance: 265 mm. In this case, the lowest points with full load are: 265 mm (rear axle housing) and 347 mm (front axle).
Dimensions of the cargo platform: length – 3,740 m; width – 2,170 m; side height – 0.68 m.
The turning radius along the track of the outer front wheel is 8 m.

Performance characteristics

Wheel formula: 4x2.
Curb weight: 3.2 tons.
Load capacity: 4 tons for GAZ-53F and GAZ-53A; 4.5 tons - for GAZ-53-12.
Tire size: 8.25-20 inches.
Maximum permissible weight of towed trailer: 4 tons.
The GAZ-53 cabin is metal, two-seater, two-door.
Maximum speed with full load on a horizontal highway: 90 km/h.
Fuel tank capacity: 90 l (in the military version of the GAZ-53N - 105 l).
Fuel consumption from 24 liters of gasoline per 100 km.

A few words about the characteristics of the GAZ-53-02 version (dump truck). The LAWN dump truck was produced with a frame shortened by 27 cm at the rear. The wheelbase remained the same. Was equipped with a power take-off shaft.

The platform was equipped with a gear-type hydraulic pump, which, through a system of control valves, ensured the operation of a three-link hydraulic cylinder for lifting the body. The capacity of the all-metal body platform is 5 cubic meters; body lifting and unloading are provided both backwards and sideways.

GAZ-53 engines

8-cylinder 4-stroke gasoline carburetor engines ZMZ-53 and ZMZ-53-11 have a V-shaped cylinder arrangement. The working volume is 4,254 cubic centimeters. Power, at 3200 rpm per minute is: 115 (ZMZ-53) and 120 (ZMZ-511) horsepower. Cylinder diameter – 92 mm; piston stroke – 80 mm. The average compression ratio is 6.7. The maximum torque at 2000-2500 rpm is 29 kg/cm. The cylinders operate in the following order: 1—5—4—2—6—3—7—8.

The engine cylinder block is made of casting from Al-4 alloy, and after casting it is sealed by heat treatment and impregnation with synthetic resin. This is a classic monoblock V-shaped design with an angle along the cylinder axes of 90 degrees.

The cavities of the block and cast iron liners for the pistons form the water cooling jacket of the engine. The possibility of repair replacement of sleeves is provided (5 groups with letter designations). The clutch housing is secured to the end of the block with threaded rods.

Pistons are also divided into five repair groups according to their diameter (letter marking), and into four groups according to the diameter of the piston pin holes (color marking). The piston group is cast from aluminum alloy “Al-30”. The piston has a classic round shape with a flat bottom; three grooves are cut along its diameter for oil scraper and compression rings.

The block heads are made of Al-4 alloy. The valve seats are made of cast iron, and the guide bushings are made of copper-graphite ceramics. The block and cylinder heads are connected by threaded rods through gaskets made of asbestos cardboard reinforced with steel. The crankshaft is cast from cast iron, on which the connecting rod journals, bearings and counterweights are formed.

The crankshaft went through a series of mandatory dynamic and static balancing. Axial movement of the crankshaft is eliminated by two washers installed on either side of the first journal support. It is sealed in the block using oil-squeezing grooves, oil seals and asbestos packing.

The gas distribution mechanism, with overhead valve installation, ensures the intake of the fuel-air working mixture into the cylinders and the exhaust of exhaust gases.

This device consists of: camshafts and gears, pushers, rocker arms, rods, valves, guide bushings and springs. The camshaft is forged from steel. It has 5 bearing journals, cams, a gear drive for an oil pump and an ignition distributor.

The device for preparing the gasoline-air mixture is a K-126 carburetor. The ignition system is contact. Spark plugs – A11-U.

The lubrication system supplies oil to the contacting parts of the engine both under pressure and by gravity. The oil pump is gear-type, driven by a camshaft, the oil filter is full-flow, serviceable.

The air preparation filter is also serviceable, inertial, with the settling of polluting particles in an oil bath. Cooling system – with a water pump, closed type, liquid. It consists of a water jacket of the cylinder block, radiator, pump, thermostat, shutters, fan, fan casing, radiator cap and connecting hoses. Capacity – 22 liters.

The engine of the third modification of the 53rd GAZon - ZMZ-53-11 differs from its predecessor in new cylinder heads with increased compression parameters; a sectional oil pump, a full-flow filter device, and crankcase ventilation switched to a closed circuit.

Gearbox, transmission, brake system, chassis, steering

The gearbox consists of four forward “speeds” and one rear. By its design, the GAZ-53 gearbox is a three-way gearbox, with synchronizers in third and fourth gears. The clutch is single-disc, dry.

The cardan transmission is open type, has cardan shafts with needle bearings. The main gear of the drive axles is a conical, hypoid type, with a gear ratio of 6.83. Differential - gear, cam, bevel, limited slip.

Springs – 4 pcs., longitudinal semi-elliptical, ends embedded in rubber supports. The rear suspension has additional springs. Shock absorbers – hydraulic, telescopic, double-acting.

Foot brakes - shoe brakes, 4 wheels. The brake drive is foot-operated, hydraulic, with a hydraulic vacuum booster. The hand brake is central, drum type, mounted on the driven shaft of the gearbox. The type of steering mechanism of the GAZ-53 is a globoidal worm with a 3-ridge roller.

Electrical equipment GAZ-53

The GAZ-53 truck uses a single-wire wiring system with a connection between the negative terminal and ground. The mains voltage is 12 Volts. The brand of the “native” battery is 6-ST-68-EM (“6” is the number of batteries connected in series in the battery, “ST” is the starter battery, “68” is the battery capacity A/h, “EM” is the battery material “miplast” ").

Generator brand, power 350 W – G130-G; relay regulator – PP130. The electrical system of the GAZ-53 truck also includes a B13 ignition coil, with additional resistance; breaker-distributor P13-B; single-cylinder air-cooled compressor; ST130-B electric starter with remote activation.

Differences between the 53A line and the 53

The car models have the following differences:

reinforced front axle;
new cardan design;
more reliable steering gear design;
new radiator grille;
turn signals are duplicated by repeaters on the wings of the cabin;
the presence of electric windshield wipers;
cabin heating.

In 1973, model 53A was awarded the USSR State Quality Mark. Expanding the functionality of the vehicle, the production of chassis 53 01 for covered bodies and special equipment was launched.

Chassis 53 02 was a platform for the use of a dump truck body and was equipped with a power removal device for a hydraulic pump.

Trucks of models 53 50 and 53 70 were exported. The vehicles were readily purchased in Belgium, Finland, and in socialist countries. In Bulgaria and Cuba, trucks were assembled from kits supplied from GAZ.

Model 53 12 was produced from 1983 to 1992, as a further development of the 53rd line. The truck was equipped with an eight-cylinder ZMZ-511 engine.

Power parameter is 120 hp. With. made it possible to increase the load to 4.5 tons, and the speed indicator to 90 km/h.

Gasoline consumption increased to 30 liters, but provision was made for installing equipment for refueling with liquefied or compressed gas.

Technical characteristics of the basic on-board vehicle GAZ-53:

Index	Unit change	Meaning
Production period	1964-1983
Limit dimensions (length, width, height)	mm	6 395, 2 380, 2 220
Fuel consumption	l/100 km	24
Total places	3
Load	kg	4 000
Fully loaded weight	kg	7 400
Base between wheel axles	mm	3 700
Ground clearance is minimal	mm	265
Speed	km/h	up to 85
Power unit	ZMZ-53
Clutch mechanism	one disk, dry type, with lever drive
checkpoint	by four steps
Rear axle main gear	single, conical, hypoid
Steering column	globoid worm and three-comb roller
Tire size	8,25-20
Brake device	drum-type mechanism on all axes, with hydraulic drive

Cabin GAZ-53

“A comfortable 2-seater closed cabin, convenient location of controls and instruments, good visibility, reliable brakes, and the presence of powerful lights ensure ease of driving and safety at high speeds at any time of the day,” this is how the GAZ-53 information album described “ VneshTorgIzdata" in 1968.

Well, as they say, what to compare with. From the perspective of our time, the cabin of the GAZ-53 is more than ascetic and spartan.

However, compared to the same GAZ-51, which did not have synchronizers in the gearbox, the clutch had to be depressed 2-3 times before engaging, and the cabin was cramped and poorly heated, the 53rd was simply the pinnacle of comfort!

The two-seater shared sofa seat, covered in faux leather, could easily accommodate three people if desired. The only point: the one who got the seat in the middle could interfere a little with the driver by touching the gearshift lever with his feet. There was also ample space in the cabin for the “creativity” of tuning enthusiasts: Soviet-era drivers decorated their GAZ-53 cabs as best they could.

There were also craftsmen who made homemade insulation and soundproofing of the cabin: they filled it with foam plastic, lined it with felt, achieving amazing silence and comfort in their workplace.

Options and prices

The presence of problems and the cessation of production 20 years ago did not affect the functioning of this truck. On the motor transport market, lovers of products of the Soviet automotive industry can buy a truck, the cost of which starts from 60 thousand rubles. This is the price of a GAZ 53 dump truck, which is in poor condition, and the most expensive GAZ model 53 trucks equipped with tanks cost up to 300 thousand rubles.

GAZ dump trucks, with a diesel engine, are essential trucks for agricultural work due to their advantage of easy off-road driving. Spare parts for the GAZ 53 can be easily purchased on the motor transport market due to the large volume of serial production of these trucks, and the ease of operation allows low-skilled drivers to work on vehicles of this model.

Modern cars are equipped with diesel engines that meet the requirements of Euro-3 standards, and in 2011 modifications are expected to appear that will work with the production of Russian diesel engines and Chinese models.

Reviews from drivers and owners of GAZ-53

By the way, what do people who have had the opportunity to work on the main medium-tonnage truck of the Union republics and socialist countries say? What advantages and disadvantages will they highlight in this car?

Of the advantages, the first place is the simplicity of the design and direct operation of the machine. On the second - amazing maintainability. To eliminate any minor or major breakdown, no special devices, equipment or tools are required; you don't need to be a qualified specialist. To completely overhaul the engine and gearbox, a couple of days will be enough.

Another undoubted advantage is the durability of the machine during its “killer” operation in extreme conditions. Extremely strong chassis: everything around can “rot” and crumble from old age, but the GAZon hubs and bridges will remain.

“The rear axle is a part that has never been repaired at all, and no one has ever changed the oil there since 1984,” shares his impressions of the owner of a GAZ-53, who to this day uses it (already converted to gas) in his farm, there is practically no corrosion, everything is intact.”

Indeed, one can only speak in superlatives about the quality of the metal of LAWNs produced in the 80s. On the next generation of trucks, the metal was much worse, much more susceptible to corrosion and less durable.

In general, the average period of active operation of a truck could be different - depending on the conditions in which it had to work and the total mileage. On collective farms, where perhaps the most significant part of the 53s “served,” the truck worked for an average of 12 years before being written off.

The capabilities of the GAZ-53 engine were very limited, and it really could not carry more than the 4-4.5 tons required by the passport. Although, naturally, they tried to overload it often, everywhere and everywhere.

For example, with extended sides, grain was loaded from a combine up to seven tons at a time (instead of four and a half). But with great difficulty the engine power was enough to cope with the high load. A lawn that is loaded “to the fullest” or “with allowance” pulls very poorly, even up a not very steep hill you need to “climb” in first gear, and the engine also begins to overheat.

Under conditions of merciless operation, GAZ-53 engines operated for only 100-150 thousand kilometers before the first major overhaul; where conditions were more favorable - and 400 thousand. The engine overhaul could be done at least three times.

The weak point in the LAWN design is the clutch disc; the splines are only enough for one season of intensive work. The support bearing in the crankshaft also did not always last more than a season; Problems with the release bearing are also noted.

The steering is mechanical, tight, and sometimes hits your hands. But there was no talk of any amplifiers in those days. Another disadvantage - high fuel consumption - was also insignificant in the Soviet era.

Now it’s hard to imagine, but then gasoline was cheaper than mineral water: in the 70s, 6-8 kopecks per liter; in the 80s it was already more expensive, but even then the absolute maximum cost of gasoline was 30 kopecks per liter. Therefore, GAZ-53, converted from gasoline to gas, has already become the “child of perestroika.”

Dump truck

The truck was produced for transporting bulk cargo in the interests of agriculture and industry. Due to the hydraulic system, the unloading process was mechanized.

The capacity of the all-metal body platform is 5 cubic meters. A special mechanism allows mechanical unloading on one of the working sides.

The dump truck was produced on the GAZ-53 02 chassis with a frame shortened by 270 mm at the rear. The wheelbase remained the same. Equipped with a power take-off shaft.

The platform was equipped with a gear-type hydraulic pump, which, through a system of control valves, ensured the operation of a three-link hydraulic cylinder for lifting the body.

The rear hitch and towing devices have been moved to the sides of the frame.