A continuously variable transmission (variator) differs from other power transmission options in that it more effectively realizes the engine's potential in terms of traction. This increases efficiency and reduces emissions. Other parameters of the transmission are also important - its reliability and service life. The article will focus on the CVT of the Japanese brand Nissan.
Nissan CVT
General information about the variator
The differences between a variator and other types of gearboxes are fundamental. The defining feature is the ability to adapt to the current conditions in which the moving vehicle is located. The box also constantly determines the desired gear ratio. The gear range is limited by the design features of the transmission, but within it the number of variations is almost endless. It is this feature that helps save fuel and optimize energy costs.
There are V-belt and toroidal variators. The first ones are installed on most cars. .
How does a V-belt continuously variable transmission work?
Structurally, the CVT V-belt box is represented by two pulleys - driving and driven. The master is connected to the car engine, the slave is connected to the wheel drives. The shafts are connected using a belt or chain.
Scheme of operation of a V-belt variator
The peculiarity of the pulleys is that they look like two halves of a conical shape, their vertices directed towards each other. The divergence and convergence of the cones changes the diameter of the single structure.
The operation of the CVT is as follows. When the car starts moving, the motor experiences a load. To reduce it, the cones of the drive shaft diverge and the diameter decreases. The opposite changes occur on the driven pulley - the cones converge, the diameter increases. As a result, the number of revolutions of the internal combustion engine becomes optimal.
Scheme of operation of a V-belt variator
An increase in speed has the following effect: the diameter of the drive pulley increases, and the diameter of the driven pulley decreases. The traction force is reduced, the operation of the motor is smooth. The electronic control unit (ECU) is responsible for the convergence/divergence of the bevel pulleys. The simplicity of the design makes the CVT powertrain less expensive than other transmission options.
DIY JF017E repair
To independently repair the Jatco JF017E variator, you need to know the structure and operating principle of the transmission, as well as have practical experience in disassembling the unit. You can repair the main components of a continuously variable transmission with your own hands.
- Repair of hydraulic unit. To restore functionality, the unit must be completely disassembled and each plate washed. If there are metal shavings in the oil, the solenoids must be replaced.
- Transmission repair due to overheating. The cooling system needs to be cleaned. The radiator is dismantled for cleaning. To prevent overheating, it is advisable to install an additional radiator and change the oil more often.
- Planetary gear repair. To replace or repair a unit, the unit is removed from the car and disassembled. Typically the input shaft or sun gear needs to be replaced.
- Torque converter repair. The pump wheel breaks. It is necessary to cut the body along the weld seam. After replacing parts, the body is welded.
- Adjusting gear ratios. After repair, the JF017E unit must be filled with oil and the transmission calibrated in order to shift gears correctly. All sensors and settings of the control unit are first reset. Next, the car accelerates and the gas is released to reduce speed. You do not need to press the brake pedal for successful calibration.
Repair operations for the Jatco JF017E variator are best entrusted to our experienced specialists at the auto center, who guarantee the quality and accuracy of the work.
Technical elements of V-belt CVT
The elements of a V-belt variator include:
CVT design
- clutch, which is responsible for connecting the engine with the transmission;
- torque converter;
- tapered pulleys;
- connecting chain (belt);
- an oil pump that creates the required pressure (in some cases, the operation of the cone elements is provided by hydraulics or a spring);
- a hydraulic unit that supplies oil to various parts of the drive and driven shafts;
- filters;
- radiators that take heat from the box;
- control system connected to the car's ECU;
- reverse device.
CVT service
Correct operation of the Nissan Teana 2 variator or other versions of the car implies following the manufacturer's recommendations.
Basic tips:
- Warming up the variator and engine before driving in cold weather.
- Protection from loads in off-road conditions.
- The frequency of oil changes is every 50-60 thousand kilometers for new cars and 30-40 thousand for cars that have higher mileage.
- Replace the fine filter along with the oil.
- Washing the magnet necessary to catch metal elements.
- Clean the radiator every 6 months.
- Rinsing the coarse filter.
To eliminate problems in the future, it is important to monitor the temperature of the variator, which is monitored by a special sensor. If this parameter is exceeded above the permissible norm, an error appears on the dashboard.
Continuously variable transmission Nissan (Jatco)
The Nissan automobile concern has developed Jatco boxes, which are now installed not only on brand models, but also on cars from other manufacturers. There are quite a lot of cars on the Russian (secondary) automobile market with a Jatco CVT, so it’s not difficult to get information about the reliability of the gearbox and their service life.
CVT Nissan
Statistics from official and independent service centers allow us to evaluate the reliability and service life of variators, the cost and feasibility of repair work, and the availability of spare parts.
When considering boxes, the emphasis will be on the CVT Nissan Qashqai, other models will also come into view. This will answer the question of whether the Nissan CVT is reliable.
CVT Nissan Qashqai j10, X-trail T31 (T32), Murano (Z50 and Z51), Teana
Jatco models JF010E and JF011E represent the second generation of continuously variable transmissions. The second is combined with 2 and 2.5 liter petrol engines, the first comes with a 3.5 liter engine. There are no differences in design; the first variator only has reinforced elements for higher torque.
Jatco JF010E
The JF011E variator was installed on the Qashqai and X-Trail crossovers of the penultimate generation, as well as on the Mitsubishi Outlander (the last two generations). JF010E went to the Murano crossover (Z50 and Z51) and the Teana sedan.
The reliability of the Qashqai variator is beyond doubt, since the gearbox family in question is not distinguished by the presence of characteristic sores. The resource is about 150-200 thousand km. Once a Nissan CVT reaches the end of its life, its components are already critically worn out.
The advantage of CVTs is their maintainability. The cost of the latter is 150-180 thousand rubles. The concern produces a valve body or variator assembly for the spare parts market. You can find some spare parts on the market, others can be repaired. A new continuously variable transmission costs 200-230 thousand. If the resource allows, you need to choose this option.
Jatco JF011E
When compared with the first generation boxes, it turns out that the new generation is almost twice as inferior in terms of service life. Manufacturing savings and simplification play a role, which affects the reliability of the latest versions of transmissions.
Nissan (Renault) variator for small engines
Atmospheric internal combustion engines with a small volume received the JF015E power transmission. The specified CVT was installed on the Qashqai and Capture crossovers, as well as on Renault Fluence with a 1.6-liter engine. A design feature of CVTs for small-volume internal combustion engines is a two-stage planetary gear. The reduced cones were good in a theoretical sense, but in reality the result was a design that reduces its service life and affects reliability.
Jatco JF015E
Answering the question about how long the Nissan variator of this family lasts, it is worth noting that the natural wear and tear of elements due to ill-conceived technical solutions occurs earlier than planned. The resource of the variator is up to 120,000 km.
Repairing the box comes down to grinding the drive and driven shafts. The requirements for grinding equipment and the experience of the craftsman are high, so the life of the repaired part may not be long.
CVT Jatco JF15
The oil pump here is the same as on the JF010E and JF011E versions. In general, we can say that a continuously variable transmission for small cars is not very reliable, has a short service life and is prone to breakdowns.
CVT8 for Qashqai j11, X-Trail T32
The CVT8 series replaced the tenth family of Jatco CVTs. Models JF016E and JF017E are based on the technical solutions of their predecessors. The engine combinations also turned out to be inherited: the X-Trail and Qashqai CVT gearbox – JF016E. The JF017E model went to Murano and Pathfinder.
Jatco JF017E
In terms of design, the representatives of the series have acquired differences. Boxes for high-volume engines required a pin belt; for cars with a smaller volume, it was decided to leave the previous option - a plate one.
Malfunctions of the Nissan variator are associated with the complication of the control system in tandem with the hardware of the old base. The service life of the units has decreased, and their reliability has come into question. The advantage of the design is its maintainability. Restoring functionality costs 150,000 rubles, which is cheaper than it was before. The essence of the repair work is similar to that which was typical for CVTs of the tenth family. The similarity of the pumps used makes it possible to replace a failed pressure relief valve.
Jatco JF015E
What is better: repair or replacement of the Nissan Teana CVT gearbox
If we compare what is more profitable, replacing the variator with a new or used device or repairing it, then it is worth taking into account the complexity of the repair, the need to install new parts and their price. For example, repairing a CVT can cost about 25,000 rubles, depending on the complexity of the work.
For comparison, buying a used CVT will require expenses of 40-60 thousand rubles. For a new unit you will have to pay 200-220 thousand rubles plus installation, which is beyond the means of many Nissan Teana owners.
How many kilometers until the first maintenance?
As indicated in the vehicle passport, the service life of the Nissan X-Trail CVT before the first major scheduled maintenance is about 100 thousand km. It is recommended to change the transmission oil every six months. In fact, the resource of the Nissan X-Trail CVT is unlimited with proper use and timely maintenance.
Abrasion of the pulleys with proper operation is minimal; the transmission chain should be replaced as needed, on average once a year. Vehicle and automatic transmission diagnostics are carried out every six months. Choose service stations that work with the Nissan X-Trail automatic transmission.
The CVT on the Nissan X-Trail is not the first series of gearboxes with a smooth transmission. Early versions of the variator were tested, studied in various situations and modified. The Nissan X-Trail gearbox is the result of serious improvements and design upgrades that make user errors less critical.
We understand Nissan X-trail engines T30, T31, T32
Nissan X-trail engines have several generations and modifications. These units are of considerable interest to car enthusiasts both before and after purchasing this car. The most frequently discussed issues are reliability, service life, technical characteristics and efficiency. Over their history, which began in 2000, the motors have earned a reputation as reliable, unpretentious and easy to repair. In addition to the X-trail, they were installed on Nissan Teana, Premiere, Qashqai and others.
The line of crossover engines can be divided into three generations. Modifications with the QR index were installed on the first generation X-trail in the T30 body. At the time of its production, this unit was a fairly modern engine that incorporated the most necessary and proven technologies. Next in the model range there was a modification MR20DE for the T31 body, which was replaced by the MR20DD, with direct injection, meeting modern requirements for environmental friendliness, power and fuel consumption.
Separately, there are two diesel engines in the line, which attract car enthusiasts with some features, but are not without drawbacks, and are much less common than their gasoline counterparts.
How often do you visit a car service center?
How many times do you need to change the oil and what is the service life of each change? According to the manufacturer's recommendation, the Nissan X-Trail transmission fluid should be changed every 100,000 km.
In Russian conditions, oil changes, diagnostics and maintenance are required more often due to extreme driving conditions. When changing the oil, each time the filter is changed and the trap and coarse filter are washed. The coarse filter is a container into which coarse mechanical particles, shavings, and metal filings fall. The coarse filter reduces the depreciation of the automatic transmission and increases the service life.
List of conditions recognized as extreme
- Temperature below 0 degrees. In our area, such “extreme” temperatures can last for six months.
- Frequent starting and stopping of the engine and idling. Traffic jams and traffic lights contribute to such “extreme” in any large city.
- Dust in the air.
- Trailer towing, full load, taxi, mail, courier delivery service, any commercial operation.
With increased use, the service life of the automatic transmission decreases. If the car drives on Russian roads, it is advisable to undergo maintenance more often.
Mistakes made by experienced drivers
An experienced driver, when getting behind the wheel, automatically warms up the engine and oil by pressing the gas pedal. Warming up is carried out until a light signal appears on the control panel.
Metal variator belt
In the case of a CVT, pressing the gas pedal causes the steel transmission belt to rub strongly against the cones. This leads to damage and abrasion of the belt. A torn or damaged belt is the most common reason for calls to service centers. In addition, metal shavings and belt debris clog the system, rendering it unusable. To save the system, at a minimum, you urgently need to change the oil and filter. The problem is eliminated by installing additional oil heating in the automatic transmission. The ready-to-use indicator lights up almost immediately.
Who to order the service from?
If CVT repair on a Nissan X-Trail is required, then the motorist has three options:
- Find a private auto mechanic.
- Contact a car service.
- Restore the box on your own.
It is best to contact service station professionals. Then the owner of the car receives a guarantee that the work will be done efficiently. The price of restoring the box in car service centers is high. If your budget is limited, then it is better to find a good private master. If you have knowledge of the structure of the car and the design of the variator, and the skills to carry out repair work on a Nissan X-Trail, you should try to restore the box yourself.
Approximate price
In Russia, repairing a Nissan X-Trail CVT costs approximately the following amount of money:
- Replacement of bearings - from 35,000 rubles .
- Flushing valve body valves with oil change – 6,000-8,000 rubles .
- Restoration of valve body elements – 40 000-45 000.
- Replacing valve body valves - from 10,000 to 13,000 rubles .
- Replacing the entire hydraulic unit – 20,000-25,000 rubles .
- Major type of repair, taking into account the cost of spare parts - 120 000-150 000.
- Major repairs excluding the price of spare parts - about 10,000 .
- Oil change – 1000 rubles .
- Diagnostics – about 1000 rubles .
Advantages and disadvantages
The main advantages of the variator are:
- general provision of favorable engine operating conditions;
- unlike a conventional stepped automatic, the variator does not put shock loads on the engine when switching to a lower gear for intense acceleration;
- due to smooth speed control, good fuel efficiency is ensured;
- With a working variator, the Qashqai practically does not slip on slippery or sandy soils.
However, along with the positive aspects, the variator also has weaknesses:
- complexity and relatively high cost of box maintenance;
- impossibility of using CVTs on powerful engines (more than 200 hp);
- not suitable for those who like aggressive driving;
- the variator is equipped with a complex electronic system with a large number of sensors and connectors, so the output of at least one of them puts the box into emergency mode;
- To service the box, you need to use only original oils and parts.
But if all the rules are followed, the Nissan Qashqai will show itself as a reliable and trouble-free unit.
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