CVTs are becoming more common today. Despite the fact that they began to be used for a long time, now they are appreciated. Like all devices, they are prone to breakdowns.
Particular attention should be paid to the features that should be considered when replacing variator belts. Their sizes depend on the purpose of the product. The most widespread models with heights and widths within 20 mm and 45 mm, respectively.
What you need to know
Work is done in a timely manner using certain tools. A belt with a high output will not properly transmit torque to the pulleys, which causes power loss. Replacement is recommended in specialized workshops by trusted specialists, but in the absence of such an opportunity, this can be done independently.
CVT belt: design
The design includes steel strips covered with wedges. On average, a belt is replaced every 200-250 thousand km. If the operating rules are not followed, damage may occur due to metal fatigue. The material is stretched, and the distance between the plates increases, which leads to a break. In this case, towing the car is undesirable, since the elements of the crumbling belt can damage other parts, such as pulleys or gears.
Serious consequences can even be caused by a breakdown of the speed sensor if it fails during fast movement and the electronic control unit puts the pulleys in emergency position. In such a situation, the variator belt can both deform and tear. If the car moves at medium speed, then the load on the belt will be minimal. Since the sensor is made according to the Hall principle, such situations often occur. When buying a used car, it is recommended to change the sensor first. This will not be difficult, since it is mounted on top of the housing. Also, the variable speed belts of snowmobiles can be damaged at a low speed, for example, when hitting the curb during reverse.
Work
To replace the belt, you will need an impact screwdriver, several clamps, a hammer, keys, a clean surface of the desktop and several empty containers for storing removed small parts. It is recommended to place the containers in a convenient order as you remove the parts, and record special moments or take a photo. All this reduces the risk of errors when assembling the variator, because the structure is disassembled in one day, and assembly can only be started after a week.
First, the camshaft cap bolts are unscrewed, there must be at least six, after which the cap itself is removed. The helical gear is removed, all seized parts are folded into previously prepared containers, after which the box should be turned over and a part of the housing together with the shaft should be removed. Next, the bolts on the perimeter are loosened, the lid is gently tapped with a hammer and carefully removed. Also do not forget about the gear. The pump mount is carefully unscrewed and the chain with the gear pulled out. Now the pump cover can be easily removed, for this you need to grab the shaft and gently pull up.
Reassembling is also not difficult. Dismantling of this side of the variator box is completed, it is necessary to put it to the side for a while and proceed to unscrew the cover. It is fixed tightly enough, so it needs to be wrung out, for this you need a regular screwdriver. After removing the cover, the main elements of the variator will open: two shafts and a variator belt. With the help of clamps (plastic will become the best option), the belt is compressed, this will prevent its destruction during further analysis. The belt is pulled out along with the pulleys from the variator, while making sure that nothing extra gets into the openings. After that pulleys are removed from the belt. It remains only to replace the variator belt with a new one and reassemble all the parts.
Features
It is worth paying attention to the material used. The thing is that an ordinary rubberized textile belt, which is used for an air conditioner or generator, is not suitable for work, as it is characterized by quick wear.
The variable speed scooter belts, having a special structure, are devoid of these disadvantages. In CVTs, a wide metal chain consisting of plates is also used as a belt. To lubricate it, it is recommended to use a special fluid that does not allow the chain to slip.