Continuously Variable Transaxle (CVT) Operation

See the parts of a CVT in operation:
TIMELINE:
0:00 Introduction
0:15 Drive pulley
0:20 Driven Pulley
0:23 Steel push belt
0:30 Input shaft
0:40 Reverse clutch
0:48 Forward clutch
1:03 Output shaft
1:20 CVT operational theory
1:30 Low gear ratio (pulley ratio)
1:55 High gear ratio (pulley ratio)
2:45 MUST SEE! CVT Operational demonstration
2:48 Underdrive ratio (2.6 to1) demonstration
3:00 Overdrive ratio (0.4 to1) demonstration
4:15 Variable ratio and direct drive (1 to 1) discussion
4:50 The eCVT difference

Questions for Teachers:
1. List the three major components of a CVT transmission
2. What is the purpose of the forward clutch? 
Use the "," and "." keys to step frame by frame through the video as necessary for the next three questions.
3. Is the CVT shown at timestamp 2.52 in under-drive, direct-drive, or over-drive mode? How can you tell?
4. Is the CVT shown at timestamp 3.29 in under-drive, direct-drive, or over-drive mode? How can you tell?
5. Is the CVT shown at timestamp 3.34 in under-drive, direct-drive, or over-drive mode? How can you tell?
6. What are some advantages of a CVT?
7. Are CVTs used in small cars or larger cars and trucks? Why?
8. What are some disadvantages of a CVT?
9. Tell me one thing you learned or found interesting in this video.

ABOUT US:

This video helps satisfy 2017 NATEF MAST Task A2.C.4. "Describe the operational characteristics of a continuously variable transmission (CVT)", a priority 3 task.

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[HerculeanPearl]

Very interesting indeed. First time I've seen a CVT demonstration without using a computer-generated animation. Really helps, thanks.

[MrWilliam.Stewart]

The best explanation of a Continuously Vulnerable Transmission ever.

[TheBitGuy]

I would have liked to see a close-up of that belt. I'm curious what it is made of that it can withstand the stresses it must endure both with the tension and with the bending it probably deals with between those cones.

[KevinATJumpWorks]

The great thing about those things is that you use centrifugal forces to change the transmission ratio so that, for example, the motor always operates in a high-power rpm-band. Most non-electric scooters use such a system. You can adjust the target motor rpm by changing the weights of the centrifugal assembly.

[bullmooseathletics]

This is one of the best, most concise, clear, and quick explanations of a very complex assembly. Great job

[AramK]

Out of everything I’ve seen so far, this video explains the best. Thank you.

[carlossansberro]

I was -thinking- how to explain cvt to a friend. Didn’t google it, didnt speak out loud, I just thought about it. And now is the second video on YouTube suggest list. And I think that’s very good service

[Landrew]

Of all the videos and animations I've seen, this is the one that makes the most sense to me.

[Opalivian]

I love buying the most reliable Nissan that always appreciates in value. It is such good quality and has so many features. - Literally Nobody

[LuisRamirez-lncj]

Wow. This is the video I needed. A CVT in action. It doesn't get more clear or simple than this. Thanks for this video. Amazing.

[johnsonx]

And with multiple languages in the captions, guys you are amazing.

[TheTexican]

For any CVT owners watching this, change your CVT fluid EARLY and often, using the dealer supplied OE fluids. I recommend every 30-35k miles for most drivers.

Some OEs state longer, but they aren’t the ones paying for your $5k USD transmission if and when it fails.

Keeping clean fluid with the correct formula and viscosity is about the only thing you can do to try and prolong the life of these things.

Honda and Toyota, two of the most highly regarded brands for reliability, have had a hell of a time producing a CVT that can consistently make it to the 100k mile mark. Nissan’s CVTs…I won’t even comment on here.

Buyer beware when you’re shopping for your vehicle. CVT is becoming the norm behind 4-cylinders, and it’s still a mixed bag with an unproven record in 2023.

Thank you guys for putting this video together! I will share it with friends and customers to help them better understand. 🍻 ✌️

[jerryg]

It is amazing how such a thin and small belt can transfer enough force to drive a vehicle that weighs thousands of pounds. These transmissions are amazing that they work so well. I realize there are long term reliability issues with CVTs.

[Taweyaa]

شكرا جزيلا شرح ممتاز القناة الوحيدة التى شرحت عمل قير السي في تى بشكل واضح

[Ratlins]

This is by far the best video, clearly showing how the cvt transmission operates. Great job

[crochetgottaloveit]

This is so cool! I always wondered what a CVT transmission actually looked like! I was looking for an exploded diagram but I found your video instead. Now I know why I never feel the gears shift in my automatic now.
Thank you for producing this video. :)
Great technology!

[Soma-]

this is the best demonstration of CVT. thank you

[xn]

Wow, this is the first video I've watched specifically on how a cvt works but I am glad I chose this one. That was so informative and I'm so impressed by that transmissions range of motion

[Goyxrd]

Thank you for actually showing how a cvt functions! Most videos just explain without demonstrating!

[MegaGuitarpicker]

I had one of these on a mini bike 45 years ago. Worked pretty good.