How is the pulley diameter changed in a CVT?

Each pulley is made up of two pieces, which can move closer together or farther apart. As they do, the pulley’s diameter changes, with each pulley becoming progressively larger or smaller to offset the other and keep the belt tight.

How does a CVT provide variable ratios?

A CVT, or continuously variable transmission, seamlessly changes through an unending range of effective gear ratios while you drive, whereas other kinds of mechanical transmissions offer a fixed number of gear ratios and have hard shifts between each as explained by Certified Transmission Repair.

What is a variable diameter pulley?

The variable diameter pulley CVT A CVT transmission consists of a driving shaft and a driven shaft, each of which has a pulley splined onto it. Each pulley comprises two conical sheaves that face each other. A metallic pushbelt runs in the V-groove between the two conical sheaves of each pulley.

What fluid does a continuously variable transmission use?

Valvoline’s CVT fluid is designed for today’s technologically advanced variable transmissions. It is formulated with full-synthetic, premium base oils, long-life friction modifiers, unique anti-wear additives and shear stable viscosity modifiers that help prevent oil film breakdown.

How does a variable speed pulley work?

The variable speed pulley is mounted on a sliding plate, which moves the pulley toward the engine or toward the transmission. As the pulley moves toward the engine, the transmission belt gets tighter. This forces the sliding plate in the variable pulley to squeeze the engine belt.

What is the difference between CVT and Xtronic CVT?

In a sense the XTRONIC CVT is an automatic transmission, but it differs in that the CVT does not have fixed gears like an automatic transmission does. The XTRONIC CVT uses two pulleys with a steel belt running between them. Additionally, the XTRONIC CVT has less moving parts than a traditional automatic transmission.

Does a CVT transmission have fluid?

Believe it or not, the transmission fluid plays a major role in ensuring the belt or chain remains in contact with the pulleys without slipping. That’s why CVTs require specialized CVT transmissions fluids, and not the traditional automatic or manual transmission fluid you probably have in your garage.

What is the difference between CVT and eCVT?

When driving a CVT-equipped vehicle the driver pushes on the gas pedal and the CVT adjusts to keep the engine at its most efficient rpm through the entire acceleration process. Instead, an eCVT uses electric motor/ generators to control the speeds of planetary gearset components.

Is CVT transmission fluid different than regular transmission fluid?

The CVT transmission uses fluids that are designed with friction modifiers which provide sufficient friction to ensure chain or belt grip while providing protection and performance enhancement. So the difference between ATF and CVTF fluids is fundamentally in the way their respective gearboxes work.