ZIL-5301 “Bull” was the first “swallow” of the Likhachev plant, which had not produced cars of this class before. The new car was released in the series in 1995 and was produced until 2014. During this time, the device ZIL 5301 learned not only by experts, but also the ordinary owners of these cars. The scheme of repair of this car is quite simple, so it is not difficult to do in garage conditions.
The history of the development and appearance of the car ZIL-5301
The management of the ZIL plant, noting how popular T2 Mercedes trucks are popular in Russia and the world, decided to release its own version of the famous car. Having bought several Mercedes trucks, the factory designers were given the task to produce such a car as soon as possible, making it as less expensive as possible in production.
Seeing that the German design scheme is simple, soon there were about 50 prototypes of the new model at the entrance of the plant. Although the bull is built on the basis of a Mercedes, it has its own characteristics and diseases.
In order to simplify and reduce the cost of production as much as possible, it was decided to install elements from other factory models on the new ZIL. The cab "Goby" got from the ZIL-4331, for this reason, its size seems too large.
The springs at ZIL-5301 are located on both axles, the ZIL-5301 brake system is a combination of discs on the front wheels and drums on the rear ones. Disc brakes are quite reliable and equipped with a pneumatic booster.
Not without innovation. For the first time in the history of Russian low-tonnage trucks, power steering was used. Thanks to the power steering, the steering wheel began to turn much easier.
ZIL-5301 specifications
The engine for the ZIL-5301 was selected diesel, produced by the Minsk Motor Plant. Its volume is 4.8 liters, with a power of 105 horsepower. This engine is widely known for its tractors "Belarus", and its performance characteristics have long found fame outside of Belarus. As it turned out later, the tractor engine is not the best solution for urban use, so the plant has mastered the small-scale production of cars equipped with imported engines. However, these engines did not win popularity with customers, as they were very expensive to repair, and it was very difficult to fix them myself.
The first ZIL "Bull" was a chassis that was equipped with a van, platform or body. The body of the ZIL-5301 was isothermal. Three years later, "Bullhead" received a metal body, designed to carry 3 tons of various goods.
A year later, another model "Bull-horse" appeared with a cargo compartment equal to 10 cubes, as well as an extended version of 20 cubes. The capacity of the long model is smaller, but it allows you to carry more bulky cargo.
Since the simple construction of the “Bull” can easily make the “tuning” of the ZIL-5301, many companies that are engaged in re-equipment of cars for special equipment, began to acquire the chassis “Bull-calf” for conversion. There was even a special electric vehicle based on the ZIL-5301, capable of driving about 70 kilometers without recharging. Unfortunately, this prototype turned out to be too expensive, and its operation in our realities is practically impossible.
Buses on the basis of ZIL "Bull" and dump truck ZIL-5301
Dump truck on the basis of "Bull" has gained popularity among companies and utilities who had to work in cramped conditions. Due to the narrow gauge and turning radius, the ZIL-5301 drove easily where the big dump trucks did not turn around.
In the early 2000s, special buses based on the "Bull-calves" were launched, which were quickly ousted from the regional PAZiki routes. The appearance of a wide bus body, in which the seats stood in four rows, helped the ZIL to gain a foothold in this niche for a long time.
Unfortunately, the lack of reliability of the rear axle of the ZIL-5301 and the general policy of the plant, which did not pay attention to customer comments, put an end to these cars.
The scheme of breakdowns ZIL-5301 and how to eliminate them
Since the ZIL-5301 is a Russian car (albeit copied from a Mercedes), it traditionally has a whole bunch of various sores and flaws. For two decades, the number of identified defects and ways to eliminate them has become so huge that it is possible to compile whole volumes of practical repairs. Of course, all faults cannot be considered, we will try to consider some of the most popular ones:
- A lot of problems can be delivered by the rear hub. It does not receive lubrication from the gearbox, so it has to be lubricated manually. Those who do not know this feature often have to change the rear wheel hubs;
- Painting ZIL traditionally "reliable". It was necessary to tint a cabin after the first 2-3 months of operation. Bare metal rust almost on the eyes. The painting scheme is quite simple. Many owners simply blow out the cleaned and puttied places from the can;
- Often fails the generator. Usually the problem lies in the different closures, after which the generator does not work. Another generator may fail due to breakage of the excitation winding. Breakdown of diodes or their aging will also bring the generator down. In order to repair the generator you will need a circuit. The best repair option would be to replace the generator with a more reliable model;
- A lot of trouble can deliver a filter. And it does not matter whether it is an air filter or a fuel one. If the filter becomes clogged, it will be problematic to start the engine, so if you cannot start the engine, first check the air filter, then the fuel filter;
- Coupling ZIL-5301 is not reliable. Many owners constantly complain that it "burns", and the bracket just pulls out.
Although spare parts for ZIL-5310 are more expensive than for other ZILs, they are still cheaper than spare parts for foreign cars.
In general, the ZIL "Bull-caller" is a fairly durable machine, but the abominable resistance (rather its absence) to corrosion reduces the number of these trucks on our roads year after year.
