It's far from a curiosity anymore. This type of transmission has found both its fans and haters. Despite all its inherent disadvantages, such as: expensive repairs– they are still gradually increasing their share in the new car market, because has very tangible advantages (smooth running, consumption, etc.).

To the question: is it necessary to change the oil in the variator, the answer is unequivocal - it is necessary! However, some manufacturers claim that there is no need to change the oil in the variator (i.e. it is maintenance-free). In turn, service specialists say otherwise and recommend replacing the oil if the original oil is lost. appearance and when transmission deterioration occurs. If you answered yourself that you need to change the oil, then you will have next question: How to change the oil in a variator?

Changing the oil in the variator can be complete or partial.

You can change the oil in the variator either with your own hands (which will require an in-depth study of the issue) or with the help of service centers. However, it should be borne in mind that there are two ways to change the oil in a variator; let’s look at them in more detail.

Complete oil change in the variator, what is it?

Filling oil into the variator

Not taking into account the fact that the structure of the variator is very different from other types of transmission, it, like its counterparts, requires an oil change. Most often, this procedure is done at a service station, since there is a need for special equipment. The essence of a complete replacement is to connect special device to the system oil cooling, which, by creating pressure in the system, expels old oil from it and replaces it with new one. This is how it is produced complete replacement. As a rule, before a complete replacement, the entire system is flushed, which makes it possible to remove various deposits.

Partial oil change in a variator or the opportunity to become a car mechanic?

This method is possible both with your own hands and in service center. If you want to make the replacement yourself, then you should know how to properly check the oil level in the variator.

The basic rules for measuring the oil level in a variator include:

• the machine must be on a flat surface without slopes;
• Check the oil level only when the car is warm.

Partial oil change in the variator implies that only the oil that comes out of the drain hole. The oil remaining in the radiator, inside the shafts, couplings and other things will remain. And then new oil is only added to required level. That's all partial replacement butter!
If you decide not to get your hands dirty and give the car to specialists who know exactly how to change the oil in a variator, then you will be interested in the price for changing the oil in a variator. Changing the variator oil is a relatively inexpensive procedure: about 1000 rubles. However, given the cost of the oil itself, as well as other related work, the price can increase several times.

Changing the oil in the variator

The question remains particularly relevant: The choice of oil for the variator is extremely simple, because The design of variators can be very, very diverse, so you should choose the oil that the manufacturer recommends. Because only the manufacturer knows exactly what capabilities the variator oil should have. Moreover, you should buy it only in trusted stores or from an official dealer.

CVT oil and when to change it?

The next question on the agenda: when is it necessary to change the oil? Everything is very simple: either during regulated maintenance, or during notification with a special icon on dashboard about the need to change the oil.

How often to change the oil in the variator is decided by the car owner himself.

If you want to prolong your quiet life iron horse and yourself, then you should not ignore the timing of the oil change in the variator and the “signs” that the car gives you, and if the situation is unclear, it is better to play it safe. This can greatly help you save stress, time and money.
However, after changing the oil in the variator, many owners complain that the car jerks (kicks). The occurrence of various kinds of troubles after an oil change may be due to underfilling or overfilling. Therefore, after changing the oil, you should always check the oil level in the transmission.

If you decide to change the oil in the variator yourself, but don’t know how to do it, watch the video on our website!

The CVT helps save fuel and improve driving comfort. It is also easier and cheaper to manufacture than conventional automatic transmissions. However, continuously variable automatic transmissions have failed to take over the market. Not everyone is satisfied with the way the variator works, and - what's even worse - sometimes they break.

CVT is an abbreviation for English Continuously Variable Transmission, which means continuously variable transmission. The CVT is an unusual transmission in many respects. Instead of classic gear wheels it uses a steel belt or chain that runs between two pairs of bevel wheels forming a pulley.

The wheels are mounted in pairs on the input and output shafts. Each conical pair can move closer to each other or diverge, due to which the radius of the pulley changes infinitely, and a smooth change in the gear ratio is achieved. In this case, torque is continuously transmitted from the engine to the wheels.

When driving at a constant speed, the motor operates at an unusual speed. low revs, which helps reduce fuel consumption and increase the level of comfort. Users of cars with CVT emphasize the exceptional smoothness of movement - without jolts or jerks when starting. CVTs are usually smaller and lighter than classic automatic transmissions. Therefore, they are often used in small city cars, especially Japanese brands.

But if everything is so good, then why is the share of cars with CVT so small? Select main reason pretty hard. But many drivers are not satisfied with the specific operation of boxes of this type. You add gas, and the engine, howling loudly, goes to high revs without noticeable acceleration. It only becomes quiet when moving at a constant speed. Car enthusiasts who like to press the gas pedal harder to the floor, similar behavior passenger car annoys. However, this is mainly the case with continuously variable transmissions from the 80s and 90s.

About 10 years ago, CVTs with so-called virtual gears began to appear on the market. In this case, each gear is assigned a certain relative position of the bevel wheels. Choose necessary transfer it is possible, for example, using steering wheel paddles (oars).

This solution has been used since 2005 in Audi cars, equipped with a continuously variable transmission Multitronic. In normal mode, the box behaves like a classic CVT, i.e. Maintains high revs during acceleration. And the CVT simulates the operation of an automatic transmission only after switching to sports mode.

Design features

CVTs, conditionally, can be divided into two groups: with a steel belt and a chain. Continuously variable transmissions also have a torque converter. It is needed, first of all, for starting from a standing start. Remarkably, Multitronic does without it. These boxes use a clutch pack and a dual-mass flywheel.

The variator has a number of serious limitations that engineers have not yet been able to overcome. For example, for design reasons, neither a chain nor, especially, a steel belt is able to transmit high torque. Because of this, the scope of application of CVT is currently limited to the maximum engine torque of 350-400 Nm. However, this threshold overlaps the indicators of many modern engines. However, Audi is already beginning to abandon the use of continuously variable “Multitronic” gearboxes.

At the same time, other manufacturers are working hard to improve the design of the variator. This is how Subaru demonstrates all new models equipped with gasoline engines turbocharged, all-wheel drive And stepless gearbox CVT (for example, Linear tronic for Levorg).

Durability

ABOUT Audi problems with Multitronic gearboxes produced by Luk has probably been heard by everyone who is at least a little interested in cars. In the old type CVT (1999-2006), the control electronics constantly fail, the mechanical part fails and the circuit wears out prematurely. It is noteworthy that the chain was used precisely to transmit higher torque, but the engineers miscalculated its strength. Over time, the Germans have significantly improved their boxes, but problems still occur. Other German CVTs are also not credible, for example, ZF VT 1-27T, used in the Mini R50/R53, and Mercedes 722.7/722.8 for A/B-class models.

Japanese designs cause much less trouble. Although, the Jatco CVT used in various models Nissan (for example, Qashqai) also belongs to the risk group. a common problem CVT boxes are due to the limited availability of spare parts and the reluctance of some mechanics to deal with CVTs. The undisputed leader in terms of reliability - Toyota CVTs(Lexus).

A continuously variable automatic transmission, despite its relatively simple design, is quite complex and expensive to operate. In addition to electronics and belt/chain faults, there are also premature wear flywheel. It is worth noting that the dual-mass flywheel is used only in some cars with CVT (Audi).

Conclusion

The most important thing is not to forget about regular replacement oils Unfortunately, not all manufacturers recommend it. If the service center tells you that you don’t need to change the oil in the variator, then just look for another workshop.

When operating a car equipped with a CVT, there is not much difference from a conventional automatic transmission. The only noticeable thing is the so-called “freezing” at fixed speeds, when the torque and speed are regulated exclusively by V-shaped pulleys.

From a mechanical point of view, this is an ordinary unit in which lubricant used not only for direct purpose(reducing friction), but also as a hydraulic fluid.

Only, unlike a classic “automatic” with a torque converter, oil is used not to move the switching mechanisms, but to create required pressure between the pulley halves.

Changing the oil in a variator (or CVT box) is done in almost the same way as in an automatic transmission, only the types of fluid are incompatible with each other. To understand the difference, let's figure out how the variator box works.

CVT - design features

Instead of a three-dimensional set of shafts, gears and rocker arms, the variator consists of two pulleys with variable gear ratio. By the way, compactness is the main virtue of this type of gearbox.

The operating principle is as follows: From the engine to drive shaft(in other words, directly to the wheel hubs), torque is transmitted using a specially designed V-belt.

Some experts call this belt chain drive. In part, they are right, since it is a set of metal links connected to each other in a special way.

The gear ratio (which changes the speed of rotation of the transmission shaft) varies due to synchronous changes in the diameters of the pulleys. The figure shows that by moving and spreading the “cheeks” of the pulleys, it is possible to regulate the speed of the wheels with high precision.

But to compress and hold these halves, transmission oil specially designed for CVTs is used.

The liquid is pumped into cylinders located on the same axis with the pulleys and compresses the halves with monstrous force. At the same time, the amount of oil in the second cylinder is reduced to just enough volume to ensure compression force and geometry.

In addition, this entire structure must be continuously lubricated at the points of contact between the belt (chain) and the pulley. At the same time, cooling is provided: the constant friction of metal on metal greatly heats the variator mechanism.

To be fair, one gear pair is still present. This is the activation mechanism reverse. No separate lubrication is required - the unit is “bathed” in the common transmission.

Frequency of oil change in the variator

Due to increased loads(especially temperature), Maintenance in this gearbox it is carried out more often. The problem is that as you use it, physical characteristics CVT oils are changing rapidly.

In the control program mechanical part CVT, there is a linear correction “for aging” of the fluid. An internal meter gradually increases the pressure in the compression cylinders to compensate for lost hydraulic properties.

Learn more about the oil aging counter in the radiator in this video

The specific period for changing the oil in the variator is determined by the manufacturer of the car (or gearbox, if it is installed under a contract agreement). Typically this figure ranges from 50,000 km to 90,000 km, and does not depend on the period of use.

For information

The engine oil is changed either at a certain mileage or upon reaching the deadline (6-12 months), whichever comes first.

For a variator, the duration of time is not so important: transmission, unlike motor lubricant, practically does not interact with air. IN sealed housing“aging” of liquids occurs only due to mechanical and thermal wear.

Of course, mileage between services is a rather arbitrary figure. If your main route is a country road, you can follow the factory recommendations.

And if you spend most of the journey with your car in the crush of city traffic jams, you should boldly divide the mileage in half. Replacing the transmission every 30,000 km is common for a city car.

As is the case with a traditional “automatic” or “robot”, the variator’s lubrication can be updated partially, or with a 100% update. Moreover, both methods can be used both in a specialized car service center and at home (in the garage).

Partial oil change in the variator

The first option is simplified

This way you will replace 30% - 40% of the oil. Therefore, this is not even a replacement, but a so-called “refreshment” of the composition. Of course, it is necessary to select exactly the same liquid that was poured.

The second option is correct (relatively)

After each “topping up”, the percentage of fresh oil increases. You can repeat the procedure as many times as you like, based on common sense. Gradually, the amount of fresh consumables will approach the cherished 100%.

Naturally, the material side of the issue makes this method irrational. However, many car owners do just that.

Complete oil change in the variator

Let’s immediately separate the “proprietary” and “amateur” methods. The service station uses a special liquid pumping and injection station. The procedure is clean and quite fast. Of course, not free for the car owner.

At the same time, you need to understand: no matter how presentable the “super-mega” installation for vacuum (turbocharged, etc.) replacement of a transmission looks, it is nothing more than a pump and two cans.

Sometimes, for clarity, a banal water meter is installed (sorry, a device for measuring the amount of leaking oil for a variator). No technical frills: you just need to know where to insert the receiving tube and hose.

One way or another, first the operator pumps out almost 100% of the waste, then fills fresh oil. After draining the variator, it would not hurt to remove the pan, inspect the internal cavities, and replace the filter (it is inside the pan).

Replacing the filter

Of course, all these procedures can be performed in a garage.

• You can pump out the liquid using a pump/syringe/plastic bottle;
• To unscrew the pan and inspect it, you also do not need to graduate from an automotive college;
• replacement oil filter no more complicated than a similar procedure for motor oil.

The only operation that cannot always be carried out independently is resetting the electronic oil “aging” counter. Above in the text we said that the electronics changes the pressure in the pulley cylinders as the oil characteristics deteriorate.

When conducting routine maintenance The service interval must be reset to “0”. To do this, use a dealer scanner, or its Chinese equivalent, which is in the garage of any driver who independently maintains his car.

Step-by-step instructions for changing the oil in a Nissan Tiana variator - video

The number of cars with a variable speed transmission (CVT) on Russian roads is growing every year. Accordingly, the question increasingly arises of what kind of oil to pour into the variator so that the transmission lasts a long time and does not create problems.

IN modern cars install a CVT box designed to perform certain actions:

• Lubricates pulleys;
• Lubricates the differential;
• Removes heat;
• Maintains normal temperature in the automatic transmission.

The lubricating fluid for the variator is made in the same way as engine oil. Usually using oil hydrocracking technology.

Properties

Any mixture for CVT provides the following basic qualities:

• Anti-seize. The pulley and differential are protected from scuffing;
• Viscous. Oil thickens when elevated temperature and becomes quite liquid at sub-zero temperatures.

The lubricant in the variator box requires timely replacement, he is aging too quickly. Oxidation occurs base oil, the viscosity coefficient changes. In addition, original additives have their own resource. They can also oxidize and begin to break down. Their longevity is also affected working temperature and the resulting pressure.

All of the above factors affect the properties of additives. With the onset of cold weather, the mixture begins to thicken. As a result, it happens increased wear details. When heated too much, the oil becomes too liquid, which prevents the formation of an oil film. Scratches appear on the surface of the parts, and it begins to foam.

Types of CVT oils

Idemitsu CVTF

For the manufacture of transmission oil CVTFs were used Newest technologies Idemitsu company. It can be used in any modern models cars equipped with a CVT.

It is based on a basic high-quality motor oil and a package of unique additives. Thanks to this composition, gear shifting occurs silently and smoothly, regardless of driving style, even the most aggressive.

Reliably protects the pulley, plate belt, as well as parts included in the hydraulic control unit from wear.

Intended for Jatco type CVTs installed in cars:

• Nissan;
• Mitsubishi;
• Peugiot;
• Citroen;
• Dodge;
• Renault;
• Suzuki;
• Infinity.

It practically does not oxidize, so the viscosity coefficient remains stable. The viscosity parameters are not affected by increased contact temperature, as well as heavy loads.

CVT TYPE-2

Special oil designed for use the latest CVT Honda HCF-2 0.946l. IN European countries the lubricant became known as CVT TYPE-2.

Starting in 2015, the liquid began to be used in CR-V CVTs. This oil is suitable for all new Honda cars, equipped with a 2.4 engine. The type of fluid suitable for the box can be determined by the inscription on the dipstick.

The manufacturer prohibits the use of other brands instead of such lubricant, for example, HMMF, Honda CVT. They were used on outdated CVTs, and their properties do not meet the requirements of modern boxes.

CVT fluid Green1

Transmission lubricant is intended for Japanese variators Suzuki CVT fluid Green1. Not applicable for motorcycle equipment. It has properties inherent to lubricants manufactured in Japan, namely Nissan NS-2, Mitsubishi J1.

Pentosin CVT 1

100% synthetic. Compatible with fluids intended for CVTs:

• Mercedes;
• Audi;
• Subaru;
• Toyota.

Can also be used in other CVT gearboxes. The exception is the toroidal models that some Nissan cars are equipped with:

• Cedric;
• Gloria;
• Skyline.

The lubricant can also be used in chain variators, increasing their friction properties. Today from Japanese market CVT oil has ceased to be supplied to Russia for Toyota cars. Pentosin CVT 1 is considered an excellent replacement.

When did the first variator appear?Subaru

Fuji Heavy Industries, the manufacturer of Subaru automobiles, began to deal with CVTs in the mid-1980s; in 1984, the first electronically controlled V-belt variator, the ECVT, began to be installed on the Justy subcompact car. Subaru engineers were already able to win main drawback variator - fragility. The Justy variator did not have an elastic belt, as on cars of other companies, but a pusher belt made of metal links. The variator was controlled hydraulically and used electronics and sensors.

In 2009, Fuji Heavy Industries announced the Lineartronic CVT, which is based on LuK technology. On international motor show models were presented to the public in New York Subaru Outback and Legacy 2010 model year, equipped with CVTs.

LuK currently supplies the Subaru Lineartronic CVT with chain and guides. In it, 150 axes connect more than 900 plates according to the principle of a bicycle chain, only in a more complex sequence. A chain differs from a belt in being much more flexible and allows the use of pulleys of a smaller radius. At minimum bending radii, the chain experiences lower internal stresses than a reinforced belt, the parts of which rub against each other during deformation. Therefore, a V-chain variator is more efficient and reliable than a V-belt one.

Types of Subaru CVTs

Subaru's CVT is not coupled with a conventional clutch, but with a torque converter, which is usually combined with traditional planetary automatic transmissions. When starting from a standstill, the torque converter ensures a smooth start to movement, a confident start uphill and comfortable “crawl” movement in city traffic jams.

Lineartronic CVTs are currently available in two types: old version, which is now used for turbocharged engines - TR 690 (Generation I or generation 1), a new version CVT installed on Subaru cars with new naturally aspirated engines - TR 580 (Generation II or generation 2). Data on the variator can be viewed on the plate of the central pillar, if you open driver's door. For turbo versions, Subaru uses the TR 690 CVT with a new torque converter and valve block.

Do I need to change the oil in the variator?

Initially, in the manuals for using Subaru cars with a CVT under gentle operating conditions, changing the oil in the CVT was not regulated until the mileage was 120,000 kilometers. Then, in some cases, Subaru began to recommend an oil change at 90,000 km, and a special letter from the company was distributed about this. At harsh conditions operation: at temperatures below -30ºС; in mountainous areas; when towing a trailer; when driving on sand, or equivalent to them, you may need to change the oil in the variator even earlier - after 45,000 kilometers.

Features of oil for Subaru CVTs

There are special requirements for CVT oil, and it differs markedly from oil for conventional mechanical transmission, and from oil for automatic transmissions. Under heavy load, the oil turns into a thin film capable of transmitting torque, and under other conditions it performs normal functions - lubricating or ensuring the operation of the clutches. Until the 1980s, there was no oil that, under pressure, could increase rather than reduce the coefficient of friction.

In addition, the variator creates hard temperature conditions work, and the result is actively wearing out and contaminating the liquid. Fluid aging for a variator is even more critical than for automatic transmission. Still, in automatic transmission it transmits torque friction discs having a good adhesion coefficient. And CVT fluids work in a metal-to-metal friction pair, which determines slightly different requirements for them.

CVT oils are a separate type of oils that should provide not only lubrication, but also prevent slippage. That is, the same liquid must simultaneously act as a heat sink, lubricant, and friction enhancer between the belt and pulley to avoid slipping. It would seem that one excludes the other, but these are the characteristics inherent in CVT oils. And that is why they are so unique.

What oil can I use?

For Subaru cars with a Lineartronic CVT, not just any oil for CVTs, and not even any oil for Subaru CVTs! Only oils are suitable for chain variator transmissions that are specified as compatible with Subaru Lineartronic CVT.

Previously, the official Subaru service recommended for cars with naturally aspirated engine and TR 580 variator, use SUBARU CVT Oil Lineartronic oil, article number K0425Y0710 (available only in 20 liter containers). Now this oil has already been discontinued; instead, SUBARU CVT Oil Lineartronic II article K0425Y0711 is used for maintenance (only for cars with naturally aspirated engines, variators TR 690 and TR 580). The color of Lineartronic ll oil is green and is available only in 20 liter containers.

For turbocharged versions with the TR 690 CVT, oil for turbo versions is used - SUBARU High Torque CVT Fluid article K0421Y0700, available only in 20 liter containers, the color of the oil is red. This fluid allows the variator to withstand more torque. Only this liquid can be poured into a CVT installed on a turbocharged Subaru car; it can also be suitable for all CVTs installed on Subaru with a naturally aspirated engine.

Subaru still has another type of CVTs installed on small cars. Subaru cars R1, R2, etc. It is important not to mix it up and not to pour Lineartronic into the CVT. Subaru oil i-cvt (K0415YA090) or Subaru i CVT-FG Fluid (K0414Y0710), which is only suitable for small cars.

How we looked for fluid for the variator

Since the liquid recommended official dealer Subaru is expensive and sold only in 20-liter containers, and our customers need to change the fluid in the variator more and more often, so we started looking for analogues.

Initially, we studied reviews and messages from Subaru car owners on the Internet and tried to find out from official representatives who the real manufacturer is SUBARU fluids CVT Oil Lineartronic II. There are rumors that Subaru does not produce CVT fluid on its own; according to unconfirmed information, these oils are produced by Idemitsu.

As a result of our searches, we selected four companies to which we contacted with a request regarding the presence in their range of oil suitable for Subaru Lineartronic CVT variators - these are the companies Idemitsu, Motul, Nippon and Liqui Moly. We did not consider other options due to availability negative reviews, lack of approval in the technical specifications for Lineartronic Subaru chain variators and the ability to purchase this oil in Russia.

We invite you to familiarize yourself with the results obtained

Company	Result of contacting the manufacturer	Result of contacting the Russian representative office	conclusions
Idemitsu Kosan (Japan)	The request was sent through a form on the website http://www.idemitsu.com/, from the company IDEMITSU KOSAN Co.,Ltd. the answer was received that suitable oil no and take advantage of the advice original liquid Subaru company.	Employees of the official Russian representative office responded to the request with the following: “Unfortunately, our Idemitsu CVTF does not cover the requirements of Lineartronic chain variators. There is no analogue."	Idemitsu had Idemitsu oil Extreme CVTF is similar to SUBARU CVT OIL FOR LINEARTRONIC K0425Y0710, but this oil has now been discontinued. Modern oil Idemitsu CVTF is not suitable for Subaru CVTs.
Liqui Moly (Germany)	A request was sent to the company's e-mail and a response was received that Liqui Moly did not have a suitable oil in its assortment.	A request was sent by email official representative, no response was received. The site recommends going to the forum where information is found that Liqui oil Moly Top Tec ATF 1400 is suitable for Subaru Lineartronic-CVT TR580 Gen II CVTs, this is also indicated in the technical specifications of the oil	Due to the fact that conflicting information was received, we decided to take into account the response of the manufacturer, and not the representative office, and refuse Liqui Moly.
Motul (France)	A request was sent to the company's e-mail, but no response was received.	A request was sent to the official representative's e-mail, and a response was received that there is a liquid in the line that corresponds to the Subaru part number K0425Y0710, called Multi CVTF.	Taking into account the feedback, the response from the official representative office of the company and specifications, this oil can be used for Subaru TR 580 and TR 690 CVTs installed on cars with naturally aspirated engines.
Nippon Oil (Japan) oil is produced under the ENEOS brand	The request was sent through a form on the website http://www.noe.jx-group.co.jp/english/ a response was received through a Russian representative that ENEOS Premium CVT Fluid oil is suitable for Subaru Lineartronic CVT	In response to the request, technical characteristics of ENEOS Premium CVT Fluid and a proposal for cooperation were received.	We decided to stop at ENEOS oil Premium CVT Fluid and offer campaign to change the oil in the variator together with the Russian representative office of Nippon Oil .

Official representatives of Subaru do not recommend changing the oil yourself, since when changing it, a number of conditions must be met - the oil temperature must be 35-45ºС, the replacement must be carried out under the control of a diagnostic monitor. It is important to remember that when changing the oil yourself or using non-original oil Without strict compliance with the requirements of the instructions, you are taking a certain risk.