CVT Transmission

[widman]

I would only go CVT in engines 3.0 and lower unless they were torodial. Nissan and Audi have been working on some nice torodial CVT's that can handle the higher torque, and actually coupling two of them together for better performance.

Quote:
There are no belts in the CVTs in ours. Gears only.

I think you missed something. Call them belts, chains, or whatever, you can't get continuous variation with gears.

 

[JTK]

Wildman, from what I've seen online, the Toyota Prius "CVT" doesn't use belts. Google it for some pics.

OTOH, I do truly love the CVT in my Subaru. Like said, I much prefer it over something like a busy 6spd auto.

Joel

 

[widman]

This has a good description and why it isn't what we traditionally call a CVT
The Prius "Continuously Variable Transmission"

En excerpt, but read the entire article. It is an interesting transmission
Quote:
CVTs have been around for a while and at first it doesn't seem that Toyota has broken new ground here. This, however, is entirely false, because the ECVT in the Prius works in a completely different manner from any other CVT put into a production car. It is so different, that calling it a CVT is misleading. However, using this semi-familiar term at least explains why the pitch of the engine sound doesn't rise as you accelerate.

 

[The Critic]

Originally Posted By: Trav
I never owned one and probably never will but a google of Nissan CVT problems comes up with a lot of problems, a lot more than the usual complaining.

The early ones did, but most have been pretty good overall.

The fluid is around $15/qt but is lifetime fill usually. You check the deterioration value via the Nissan Consult-III scan tool. 30k services are only needed if you choose the optional "Premium Maintenance" schedule.

 

[JTK]

Originally Posted By: The Critic
..The fluid is around $15/qt but is lifetime fill usually.


It's pretty steep in Subaru world too. For the Aisin built Subaru CVT's, I believe the CVT oil can only be had in 5 gallon buckets. Not a whole lot of maintenance info available on them since they've only been on the Legacy and Outback since 2010. They do have real easy to get to, drain and fill plugs though.

Joel

 

[Trav]

For the JX its 30K. Dealer price is $600 to do it, its not worth it to him considering how weird it drove with the transmission.
If they even offered a normal automatic transmission they would have sold that car on the spot.

 

[demarpaint]

I'll pass on CVT for as long as possible. Hopefully it isn't another technology forced upon me in a few years.

 

[Kiwi_ME]

Originally Posted By: widman

The Prius "Continuously Variable Transmission"
That's an absurdly obtuse description of the Prius "CVT"!
It simply uses electronic power conversion between the two motor/gens to effect a gear ratio across a planetary gearset, that's all there is to it.
It certainly has no connection with the mechanical CVTs being discussed, although it is likely to be far more reliable.

 

[JTK]

Originally Posted By: Kiwi_ME
That's an absurdly obtuse description of the Prius "CVT"!
It simply uses electronic power conversion between the two motor/gens to effect a gear ratio across a planetary gearset, that's all there is to it...


LOL! That's the truth.

I looked at it up, down and sideways trying to relate it to the write-up. It's as simple as you say.

Joel

 

[Anthony]

Originally Posted By: Trav
For the JX its 30K. Dealer price is $600 to do it, its not worth it to him considering how weird it drove with the transmission.
If they even offered a normal automatic transmission they would have sold that car on the spot.


Someone is feeding you false info.
The fluid is $20 a quart at the dealer ,but there's no way they are charging $600 for a fluid change.

Some opt for a flush which is around $250 ,but a occasional drain and fill is more than adequate. And most can go well over 60k between changes.

I personally go no more than about 25k between drain and fills on my moms 07 Altima. The CVT has been awesome in her car so far. Currently at 85k. Really great mid range and passing power with the 4 cyl.

My friend also has a 07 Maxima with 140k with no CVT problems to report.
It has only had one drain and fill that I did around 120k.

 

[widman]

Quote:
Someone is feeding you false info.
The fluid is $20 a quart at the dealer ,but there's no way they are charging $600 for a fluid change.


I pay just under $15 a gallon (in drums). Sell it for $9 a qt including freight, duties and 16% taxes. + $10 labor/machine use to change it.

 

[Trav]

That was in a magazine review and confirmed with the Infiniti dealer with "that sounds about right".

Are you sure this is the same transmission as the 07 Altima?
Does it have a drain plug?
Are you sure about the service interval?

 

[The Critic]

Originally Posted By: Trav
That was in a magazine review and confirmed with the Infiniti dealer with "that sounds about right".

Are you sure this is the same transmission as the 07 Altima?
Does it have a drain plug?
Are you sure about the service interval?


https://owners.infinitiusa.com/iowners/c...nance-guide.pdf

Per the 2013 guide, CVT fluid on the JX is required every 60k while towing but should otherwise be a lifetime item (or per deterioration value).

30k interval is only if you are doing the optional premium maintenance upgrade.

Also, the 2013 JX specs the new Nissan NS-3 CVT fluid, not the common NS-2.

 

[Trav]

Quote:
Replace (not just inspect) oil/fluid if towing a trailer, using a camper or a car-top carrier, or driving on rough or muddy roads

Page 23 30k full change not just drain and fill. The premium is for the automatic, this car would have been towing small stuff like 2 sea doo and snowmobiles.

Seems the infiniti dealer was telling it right. He has to pay dealer prices for service.

 

[The Critic]

Originally Posted By: Trav
Quote:
Replace (not just inspect) oil/fluid if towing a trailer, using a camper or a car-top carrier, or driving on rough or muddy roads

Page 23 30k full change not just drain and fill. The premium is for the automatic, this car would have been towing small stuff like 2 sea doo and snowmobiles.

Seems the infiniti dealer was telling it right. He has to pay dealer prices for service.


Again, that is not correct. There is an addendum to that requirement on page 12. It clearly states that the interval is every 60k for the JX.

Visually inspect for signs of leakage at
specified intervals. If towing a trailer,
using a camper or car–top carrier, or
driving on rough or muddy roads, replace
the transmission fluid/oil at every
30,000 miles or 24 months
(60,000 miles for JX35 CVT fluid).
7-speed automatic transmission fluid
is maintenance free.

 

[Trav]

I cant find it but i'm sure its there.
Its not an issue anyway the guy doesn't want the car and i cant say i blame him.

This is a new transmission in a new model with previous versions having a bad rep when hooked up anything bigger than 2.5 ltr.
He is looking at German now.

 

[raffy]

So how long do CVT's typically last? Do modern CVT's typically last 200,000 miles? Like others, I've heard of a number of vehicles having serious problems with CVT's (the 4-cylinder Saturn Vue with the infamous Hungarian CVT comes to mind), so are the newer ones as durable as conventional automatics, on average?

 

[PZR2874]

I had 175K on my 05 Murano and never had any issues with it.

 

[JTK]

Originally Posted By: raffy
So how long do CVT's typically last? Do modern CVT's typically last 200,000 miles? Like others, I've heard of a number of vehicles having serious problems with CVT's (the 4-cylinder Saturn Vue with the infamous Hungarian CVT comes to mind), so are the newer ones as durable as conventional automatics, on average?


Some have been real bombs for sure. Especially the AWD Saturn VUE CVT you listed.

I know Subaru has put a lot of faith in their Aisin built, chain drive CVT, but I think I've only read of owners with 70-80Kmi on them at most so far since they've only been out since 2010. Subaru trusts them enough to give the Outback CVT towing capacity. That same CVT is used in the Legacy, where the new Impreza uses a smaller, lighter version.

Joel

 

[Anthony]

Originally Posted By: Trav
That was in a magazine review and confirmed with the Infiniti dealer with "that sounds about right".

Are you sure this is the same transmission as the 07 Altima?
Does it have a drain plug?
Are you sure about the service interval?
Originally Posted By: Trav
That was in a magazine review and confirmed with the Infiniti dealer with "that sounds about right".

Are you sure this is the same transmission as the 07 Altima?
Does it have a drain plug?
Are you sure about the service interval?


It's not the same trans but it's close enough in the design. The JX might not have a drain plug. I heard Nissan stop installing drain plugs because to many people were attempting to change their own fluid using the wrong stuff.

My moms Altima does have a drain plug.