ZIL-158 - city bus of the Soviet period

2024 Author: Erin Ralphs | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-19 11:42

The city bus ZIL-158 was produced from 1957 to 1960 at the Likhachev plant. From 1959 to 1970, production continued at the Likinsky plant in Likino-Dulyovo, Moscow Region. ZIL-158 was the most popular model of the Soviet era; almost all bus fleets of the USSR received it according to the order. One plant could not fully meet the needs of the country, but the pace of production was good. 9515 ZIL-158 machines were produced at the Moscow plant named after Likhachev.

Change plant

In 1957, on the opening day of the VI World Festival of Student Youth, 180 cars were assembled and tested. The annual production of buses after the transfer of production to Likino-Dulyovo was 213 vehicles in 1959, 5419 units in 1963, 7045 units in 1969. In total, about 50 thousand buses were produced at the Likinsky Bus Plant in ten years. The production of the ZIL-158 model (Li AZ-158) continued until 1971, in small batches - until May 1973, when the final copy was assembled, which became an exhibit of the industry exhibition of the same year under the auspices of NAMI.

Improvement

The ZIL-158 bus was a continuation of the modernization of the ZIS-155 model. Its body has become longer by 770 millimeters. Passenger capacity increased to sixty seats, 32 of which were seated. The exterior design of the 158th model was also noticeably updated, the windows took on a different shape, the front panel became more modern, the rear received a somewhat angular outline that corresponded well to the fashion of that time. ZIL-158, the photo of which is posted in the article, was updated on time. The modernization also affected the power plant, the engine became more powerful by 9 percent.

Road train

In 1960, the ZIL-158 "Aremkuz-2PN" bus train, consisting of a trailer and a ZIL-158 tractor, entered production in a small series. The train received a somewhat strange name "nephew" and began to run along the streets of Moscow. After two years of operation, this form of passenger transportation had to be abandoned, since the road train was fully loaded only at rush hour, the rest of the time it went empty. However, the idea was not completely forgotten, and was further developed in the form of an accordion bus.

In 1960, the modernized ZIL-158 bus was put into production at the Likinsky plant. The car differed from the basic version with a simplified clutch, single-disk, dry. The clutch basket has become much lighter, and the assembly itself has become more reliable. A gearbox from a ZIL-164 car with a modified gear ratio was installed on the car.

Upper hatches were removed from the updated model, which made no sense in urban use, since side windows could be opened in hot weather.

Application in television production

The ZIL-158 model turned out to be quite versatile, and mobile stations for television were created on its basis. These complexes were successfully operated until 1980. The spacious cabin easily accommodated all the necessary accessories, stationary equipment, a relaxation area and an editorial module for operational work and live broadcast.

The power plant at the ZIL-158 bus is located in front, in the center. In winter, the engine cover is used to heat the cab and the front of the passenger compartment. The middle of the passenger space and its rear part are also heated by hot air coming from the engine forcibly through special air ducts using a powerful fan.

Chassis

The drive to the rear wheels transmitted rotation from the motor through the cardan shaft on two outboard bearings. Suspension, both rear and front, spring. All wheels were equipped with lever shock absorbers. At the end of production, new hydraulic shock absorbers were installed on the car for some time. Outside, the body was sheathed with metal sheets on rivets. With high-quality painting, the sides looked quite modern.

Decommissioning and disposal

ZIL-158 buses were operated in all regions of the Soviet Union and were considered convenient modern transport. However, the service life of the machines did not exceed 8-10 years, since the body could no longer withstand. Metal fatigue and susceptibility to corrosion affected. In 1973a new model, the LiAZ-677, came to replace the ZIL-158, and the 158th was gradually removed from flights and written off. At first, the old cars had nowhere to go, the buses stood in the open and rusted. But soon the heads of enterprises realized that there was an opportunity to buy a comfortable bus almost for nothing, and began to apply for the purchase of cars that had served their time.

Massively obsolete buses were disposed of in the second half of the 70s of the last century. In 1976, the 158th left the streets of Moscow, in 1977 - from the streets of Minsk, in 1978 left the routes in Leningrad. In the early 80s, there was practically no ZIL-158 left on the territory of the USSR, which would be used as a passenger transport. Decommissioned buses, if their technical condition allowed, were transferred to enterprises and departments, overhauled and continued to serve for many more years.