The big issue with CVT's

That is not restricted to CVTs. Internal parts availability is not a CVT-specific issue at all :sneaky:
I rebuilt a Jatco CVT from a generation 1 Murano in 2021. The local Nissan dealer didn't even list the external oil filter element, they did show the assembly for over $300. They also had no break down showing any of the internal parts, SO THIS HAS ZERO TO DO WITH PARTS SUPPLY ISSUES. They did show I think it was a $3000. or $5K, (I forget the actual price) for a reman replacement unit that of course would have needed the same parts that I was looking for (when it was remaned) so parts exist. This is the same issue I just found out with Honda there are no parts books with internal CVT parts. If you want them you just spend the 3 to 5 K for a new one. My whole cost for parts and a few special tools I needed was around $1300.

The above prices are for transmission only. My family member was quoted 6 to 7 K from an indy to do the transmission purchase and replacement for that Murano. Yeah tons and tons of searching for parts, and I reused the push belt, it had 130 k miles on it, pulleys were almost perfect, so they (JATCO) got their metallurgy correct on those parts. Main failure mode was the flow control valve, the guide or variator slide balls were on the way out as well.

I bet Subaru does not have a parts book break down for their transmissions either.

Oh and worn and burned Jatco differential bearings where the biggest issue to deal with, had to machine the wrong one to fit.
 
da stuff.

If you think Honda's CVT is bad, check out Subaru! They have much more widespread CVT problems, and if you want to change the fluid yourself, you need a flat surface and a scan tool to read the transmission temperature, and Subaru only sells the CVT fluid in 5 gallon buckets (though aftermarket fluids in the green color are available). Subaru also likes to pretend that it's lifetime fill.
I think the dealer needs to know temp of the fluid. They need to do this in a hurry with cars/fluids at different temps, but you?

Can’t you park the car in the garage over night with your new fluid next to it? Then tomorrow your tranny and new fluid will be the same temp and volume. Drain, measure and refill with the same volume of same temp new fluid.

Why can’t this work?
 
If you think Honda's CVT is bad, check out Subaru! They have much more widespread CVT problems, and if you want to change the fluid yourself, you need a flat surface and a scan tool to read the transmission temperature, and Subaru only sells the CVT fluid in 5 gallon buckets (though aftermarket fluids in the green color are available). Subaru also likes to pretend that it's lifetime fill.
When I bought my '12 Legacy in '21, I noticed a slow leak in my driveway, by the time I had it road worthy. I confirmed the leak was from the used CVT, the input shaft seal to be exact. After some research, this was considered to be a common failure point with the TR690. The leak also confirmed that a universal CVT fluid had been used (red). On a level surface, with a scan tool, I corrected the fluid level at the appropriate temperature and the leak stopped.
 
I rebuilt a Jatco CVT from a generation 1 Murano in 2021. The local Nissan dealer didn't even list the external oil filter element, they did show the assembly for over $300. They also had no break down showing any of the internal parts, SO THIS HAS ZERO TO DO WITH PARTS SUPPLY ISSUES. They did show I think it was a $3000. or $5K, (I forget the actual price) for a reman replacement unit that of course would have needed the same parts that I was looking for (when it was remaned) so parts exist. This is the same issue I just found out with Honda there are no parts books with internal CVT parts. If you want them you just spend the 3 to 5 K for a new one. My whole cost for parts and a few special tools I needed was around $1300.

There was a team of engineers, both US staff and Japanese, who travelled out of the HQ to every Murano with a failed CVT. First year, there were plenty. Software fixes improved the situation significantly for the 2nd year. This false sense of security led to the all adoption of CVT later in the decade. Big mistake.
 
I think the dealer needs to know temp of the fluid. They need to do this in a hurry with cars/fluids at different temps, but you?

Can’t you park the car in the garage over night with your new fluid next to it? Then tomorrow your tranny and new fluid will be the same temp and volume. Drain, measure and refill with the same volume of same temp new fluid.

Why can’t this work?
The engine needs to be running and transmission fluid within ~90 to 115 F. The transmission needs to be taken through its motions and fluid needs to be added until it starts dribbling out.

If the vehicle was running fine prior to a spill and fill, then adding the equivalent of drained quantity should be alright, but you would not know if the transmission was under-filled. For example, I drained ~4.7 quarts out of my 17 Outback and filled back ~5.6 quarts while the fluid temperature was at ~95 degree F and the engine running.

Separately, the Subaru CVTF-II and CVTF-III are available in quart size containers from Subaru. I bought 6 quarts of CVTF-III a few months ago for my 21 Crosstrek.

IMG_6696.webp
 
The engine needs to be running and transmission fluid within ~90 to 115 F. The transmission needs to be taken through its motions and fluid needs to be added until it starts dribbling out.

If the vehicle was running fine prior to a spill and fill, then adding the equivalent of drained quantity should be alright, but you would not know if the transmission was under-filled. For example, I drained ~4.7 quarts out of my 17 Outback and filled back ~5.6 quarts while the fluid temperature was at ~95 degree F and the engine running.

Separately, the Subaru CVTF-II and CVTF-III are available in quart size containers from Subaru. I bought 6 quarts of CVTF-III a few months ago for my 21 Crosstrek.

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I am amazed at how complicated modern life has become…..but then I drive manual transmissions.
 
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