DIY nissan ikstrail variator repair

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A common problem in Nissan Qashai is CVT noise at speeds of 40-60 km / h or more. A variator in a car is still much less common than a traditional gearbox. Therefore, many legends have developed around the repair of the variator. Using the accumulated experience, we will try to dispel one of them, namely: "the variator cannot be repaired on its own." We are just sharing our experience out of respect for competent motorists who want to fix the problem with their own hands.

What do we need: Keys for 10-11-14, impact screwdriver, hammer, 6 clamps, spacious and clean work table, any camera.

An important point: You will need plastic bowls for storing removed parts. Each bowl, as it is filled, should be placed in the order of the chronological sequence of dismantling, inscribed, important points should be photographed. This will help to accurately reassemble the variator consistently.

This is how the removed Nissan Qashai CVT looks like. Let's go first! Start by unscrewing the 6 bolts of the transfer case cover.

Using a screwdriver, carefully pry off the cover of the dispenser and remove it. Isn't it getting interesting?

And that's okay: a conventional tapered roller bearing. We take out the "piece", it turned out - a two-bearing helical gear. We place all this in the first bowl together with 6 bolts and label it.

We turn the box over, take out the shaft together with part of the box body. We unscrew the bolts around the perimeter.

Using a hammer, gently tap the lid around the perimeter, removing it from the guide axes. This is what a semi-disassembled variator looks like. This moment is worthy to be recorded on the camera.

We remove two gears. Do not forget that we put everything in separate bowls according to the principle of belonging to one assembly unit and label it.

We unscrew the screws securing the pump casing. Remove the gear with the pump chain.

Now the oil pump cover can be easily removed. Grab the pump shaft end, pull it up and remove it. Nothing complicated! It will also be easy to assemble in the reverse order, if you remember to photograph and arrange the bowls with the recoverable parts in chronological order.

We take out the shaft behind it. Everything, we have coped with this side of the variator box. We turn the box over again and unscrew the fastening elements of the lid.

The cover sits tightly on the guide axes, gently squeeze it around the perimeter with a screwdriver. And remove the cover.

Before us is the main assembly of the variator - 2 shafts and a belt. Actually, this is an automatic variator, a device for continuously changing the gear ratio between two shafts.

He's from a different angle. But this is not our ultimate goal, although it becomes more and more exciting.

Using ordinary plastic clips, we tighten the belt in several places so that it does not crumble during subsequent dismantling.

Carefully remove the pulleys with a belt from the body. Needless to say, when dismantling, nothing foreign should get into these mounting holes?

We put the pulleys on a flat surface and by force (that's why we pulled the belt with clamps!) We pull the pulley, as shown in the photo. And we free the pulleys from the belt. The pulleys of interest to us on the table

Try to grab the outer race of this bearing and wiggle it slightly. Perceptible and uneven backlash! The source of the hum was found - bearing wear. Here we have a sense of satisfaction from a job well done.We did it!

After replacing the bearing, the assembly is carried out in the reverse order. It's simple, because all the bowls with the knots removed are inscribed and are in chronological order. Before assembly, all internal parts of the box must be thoroughly rinsed with gasoline. And for ourselves we draw a conclusion: the "japanese mother" is not so scary as she is painted!

Variable speed gearbox is a popular technical solution for equipping the transmission of cars of different categories. In particular, for more than a decade such a gearbox (CVT) has been installed on the Japanese off-road vehicles Nissan X-Trail. How the Nissan X Trail variator behaves, the reliability of this gearbox

The X-Trail T31 model can be equipped with Jatco CVTs type RE0F06A or a modified box RE0F10A (also referred to as JF011E. The box is devoid of some design flaws).

In the automotive community, there is a strong prejudice against CVT gearboxes: it is believed that the gearboxes are short-lived, break down quickly, demanding operating conditions and unsuitable for installation in cars with a powerful engine. Nissan has tried to dispel this prejudice by putting a CVT box in a fairly powerful X-Trail SUV.

Interesting: according to the technical data sheet, the variator should work up to 100 thousand km without breakdowns before the first "serious" maintenance. mileage. And with the timely replacement of the transmission oil and other service procedures at the Nissan X Trail, the CVT resource is theoretically unlimited.

If the gearbox is operated correctly, the pulleys are subject to minimal abrasion, the gearbox chain must be replaced at intervals of about once a year, and the diagnostics of the machine, including the gearbox, should be carried out every six months.

There are two main reasons why a particular automotive solution gains a reputation for being unreliable:

• improper operation;
• design flaws made by the developer, as a result of which the parts experience increased wear, or the driver gets the opportunity to operate the units in non-standard modes, harming the box and the engine.

In practice, drivers who are not familiar with the rules for operating the box complain about the "unreliability" of the variator. This is especially true for fans of fast, sharp driving, and street racing: among the latter, the "unreliability of the variator" has become the talk of the town.

The reason for this is obvious. With a sharp start with a slip and a roar of the engine, when the box is operated in extreme mode, which is part of its design, the steel belt slips on the pulleys, damaging and scratching the metal. Further, in the course of fast driving, the formed metal shavings enter the oil, without having time to settle in the filter of the box, it penetrates the channels and mechanisms of the box, disabling it completely. So you can "kill" even an almost new box, with an incompletely developed resource.

Newbie motorists are more lucky with CVTs, who, as a rule, carefully study the instructions for the car and the rules for operating the box. Their box can "walk" for decades, passing periodic scheduled maintenance.

Continuously variable transmission is not a new idea, and has been known since the Middle Ages. In particular, it was reflected in his drawings by Leonardo da Vinci. And the CVT box embodies these ideas in a modern, high-tech design.

The Jatco variator on the Nissan X Trail began to be installed about 10 years ago, and since then the manufacturer, auto services and motorists have already accumulated solid experience in operating these boxes, repairing and eliminating various problems.

The Nissan variator is based on the principle of a V-belt transmission: in the box there are pulleys consisting of two cones, connected by a special belt, which is responsible for the transmission of torque.The gear ratio of the box changes by changing the distance between the driving and driven pulleys, which is done by a special stepper motor of the box. In addition, the CVT gearbox includes planetary gears that respond to reverse gear.

There are several basic elements hidden in the body of the CVT box from Jatco:

• variator pulleys;
• a steel belt connecting them;
• valves and solenoids of the box;
• planetary gears;
• packages of clutches for reverse gear and Drive mode;
• high pressure pump;
• control block of the box.

In an extremely simplified way, the variator can be compared with a bicycle chain drive, where there are drive and driven sprockets connected by a chain, only instead of sprockets there are pulleys, and instead of a chain there is a box belt.

The input pulley of the box is connected to the engine in the form of a clutch that always works in mode D. The secondary shaft of the box is pushed during operation by the primary due to the force transmitted by a special belt.

The belt of the box consists of many steel segments connected to each other by a dense steel tape.

Important: the belt of the box is a pushing one. This means that the force transmitted by it from the primary pulley pushes the secondary, and does not pull it along.

It is assumed that the transmission belt is subject to little wear, since the steel is very strong and does not compress. The entire belt element of the box works as one steel body, transmitting torque.

If you need to change the gear ratio, the transmission control module (TCM) changes the distance between the gearbox pulleys, resulting in:

• the primary pulley of the box rotates more slowly - the gear is reduced;
• faster - it rises.

If you need to switch to reverse, the planetary gear of the box is activated (in normal driving mode it is passive). At the same time, the possibility of changing the gear ratio by the gearbox is blocked for safety reasons - to avoid accidental acceleration when reversing.

It is imperative to create high pressure in the box to avoid belt slippage and damage to metal surfaces. For these purposes, special technological methods and special transmission fluids are used.

The nominal pressure developed by the oil pump of the box is 55 bar, and the maximum possible pressure is up to 60. Several regulators are used in the CVT box, which provide indicators:

• maximum 4 bar - for the lubrication and cooling system of the box;
• up to 10 bar - for the torque converter unit;
• up to 15 bar - for gearbox clutches.

CVTs on the X-Trail are characterized by a number of typical malfunctions, some of which are purely "age" or associated with poor maintenance of the box.

This is due to wear and tear on the box bearings. When this happens, the driver hears a hum from the box. This usually happens with a mileage of about 50 thousand km, and is eliminated only by replacing damaged elements.

The box bearings can become unusable if wear products (metal shavings and other foreign matter) get into the system. Therefore, it is advisable to change the oil in the box on time.

Important: together with the bearings of the box, it is desirable to replace the belt, for preventive purposes.

The consequences of the destruction of the box bearings:

This indicates an old oil in the box that has not been replaced for a long time. There is only one elimination recipe - change the fluid in the transmission as soon as possible, with a complete flushing of the system and cleaning the box from wear debris (metal dust, shavings).

This can mean a wide range of problems, from gearbox oil leaks to physical damage to CVT components. You need to make sure that there is oil in the box, and then try to find a car service specialized in variators for a full diagnosis. You may need to repair or even replace the box.

One of the common reasons is box overheating.A special sensor is responsible for temperature control, which switches the box to emergency mode when the threshold values ​​are exceeded.

Sometimes the box is capable of "kicking" like a classic malfunctioning hydromechanics, especially when driving with cruise control on. As a rule, this indicates a malfunction of the gearbox hydraulic valve, which requires a visit to the service station and expensive repairs. The pressure reducing valve of the gearbox pump that maintains the oil pressure, under the influence of wear products, begins to "wedge" in certain positions, the pressure ceases to correspond to the standard, as a result - the rotation of the driving and driven pulleys is mismatched, the gearbox belt slips.

In these cases, it is advisable to apply for the repair of the box as early as possible, this will help to avoid replacing the pulleys, it will be enough to do with grinding and repairing the box valve with replacing the belt (the latter will have to be done in any case, since the box belt has already begun to collapse).

This problem awaits those who like to "rock" the car with fast mode switching. Such manipulations with the box lead to rapid wear of the planetary gear couplings and their replacement.

One of the atypical problems is the burnout of the electronics of the box, but it happens quite rarely.

For replacement, it is advisable to use the gear oil recommended by Nissan for CVTFluid NS-2 variators:

For a complete replacement, you will need 2 four-liter canisters - with a small margin.

When to change the oil in the X-Trail variator
On average, changing the oil in the Nissan X Trail T31 CVT is recommended after 50-60 thousand km. mileage. Some drivers are trying to prevent possible box malfunctions by changing the fluid after 40-50 thousand km, but this measure seems unnecessary.

It is obligatory to change the oil in the box during any service and repair operations on it.

Ideally, change the oil in the X Trail variator should be at an authorized service center, where there is the necessary equipment and professionals with the skills and knowledge in servicing Nissan boxes. But in order to save money, some car owners venture into an independent procedure.

On the Nissan X Trail, changing the oil in the variator will require:

• CVT oil recommended by Nissan for gearboxes;
• a new filter for coarse oil cleaning of the box (part number 32101EE) and fine filter (2824A006);
• oil cooler gasket (its number 2920A096) and box pan (313971XF0C);
• capacity from 8 liters for waste liquid and rags for cleaning the box.

Before changing the oil in the automatic transmission Nissan x trail t31, you should make a short trip by a car for a couple of kilometers, or just warm up the car so that the oil and the gearbox are at operating temperature.

After warming up, the car is driven onto a lift, overpass or inspection pit. Further sequence of actions:

• A prepared container is placed under the drain hole of the box.
• The hole plug is unscrewed.
• Oil is carefully drained into the container from the box, making sure that the heated liquid does not fall on open parts of the body.

• At the next stage, the sump is dismantled and the rest of the liquid is drained.

It needs to be cleaned of metal waste and dust accumulating on the bottom of the box pallet, which is magnetized specifically to capture foreign particles.

• The old gasket is changing.
• Next, the old box oil filter is removed and a new one is installed.

• After the filter is installed, it is reassembled.

Important: in addition to the rough, it is always recommended to change the oil cooler filter.

Removing and replacing it is a little more difficult. For this you need:

• Remove the left wheel, remove the caps with a screwdriver and bend the interfering wheel arch liner.

• Free access to the oil filter under the hood by removing the battery, dismantling its mounting platform and removing the air filter box.

After removing the fender liner, you can unscrew the third bolt, disassemble the oil cooler and remove the filter from it:

• Next, the filter (number 2824A006) and its sealing gum change.

• Filling with oil is done through the hole in the dipstick of the box. It should be poured as much as it was drained when removing the old oil, as a rule, this is about 7.5 liters. When the oil is filled, the system is assembled, the car starts up and a test drive is made for a couple of kilometers, after which the oil level should be checked and added to the box if necessary.

The key point in the long and flawless operation of the X-Trail CVT is compliance with the operating rules, timely change of transmission fluid and accurate, without "extreme" and off-road voyages, driving. In this case, the box can last for decades, delighting the owner with reliable performance. Failure to comply with the same rules will lead to costly repairs.

The main problems with a CVT engine are associated with improper behavior of drivers who are accustomed to a different type of gear change. The variator principle of Nissan X-Trail engines allows you to shift gears softer, start the Nissan X-Trail without warming up, and it is better to start in cold weather. Premature repair of the Nissan X-Trail variator can be prevented by carefully reading the technical manual.

Repair or replacement of damaged parts of the Nissan X-Trail, replacement of the belt, bearings, grinding of damaged pulleys, can be performed in specialized workshops with experience in working with modern variator motors.

Many drivers treat the car as affectionate as a pet. They perceive the problems of their "swallow" as "manifestations of character." It seems to adults and quite reasonable people that it is enough to say something gentle or strict to a faulty car, and it will stop "behaving badly." Severe men ignore malfunctions and emergency signals for educational purposes, believing that the car will cease to be capricious and demand increased attention. Unfortunately, this is not so. Technique has no character, only technical features. Ignoring the problems of the Nissan X-Trail variator leads to breakdowns and a capital increase in the cost of repairs.

Variable speed transmission or CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) is characterized by the ability to smoothly change gear ratios. This allows you to realize the traction capabilities of the engine with maximum completeness.

The transmission gears are replaced by a double pulley belt. The variator pulley is a cone of variable diameter. The convergence and divergence of the cones changes the radius along which the metal belt moves.

This is the main design difference that allows you to abandon the usual gear shifting.

The steel belt is a vulnerable part of the system and must be replaced periodically.

Variable transmission metal belt

The oil pump is made in the format of a single unit with a chain drive and must be replaced if the pressure reducing valve is damaged.

Oil pump for Nissan X-Trail CVT

The first mass-produced CVT engines were installed on Nissan Qashqai vehicles. The X-Trail models are equipped with new engines with a number of structural improvements and protection against user misconduct.

Driving with a faulty car leads to the destruction of the mechanical part. This is especially true for variators. Abrasion of bearings, damage to the belt, clogging of the variator with metal dust, overheating are a direct result of improper handling of the car. What are the signs of a malfunction of the Nissan X-Trail variator.

• Slipping Nissan X-Trail out of the blue. Slipping occurs when you try to get under way on a clean section of the road.
• Decrease in power Nissan X-Trail, engine hum as in neutral when throttle is pressed.
• Spontaneous braking of the car is a signal of serious problems in the mechanical part of the variator.
• The malfunction light on the Nissan X-Trail dashboard, which indicates gearbox failure, indicates a problem with the variator.
• Any noise from the Nissan X-Trail gearbox.
• Vibration of the transmission.
• Typical jolts when shifting gears.

The most common CVT problems are worn out bearings. If noise or hum is heard from the gearbox, the cause of the malfunction is most likely in worn bearings. Bearing life is about 80 thousand km with proper handling. Since most of the problems of Nissan variators are associated with driving errors, 50 thousand km should be taken as a starting point.

Broken variator cone

Repairing Nissan X-Trail CVTs with bearing replacement will cost about a thousand dollars, often more, since repairing just replacing bearings is not enough.

Worn metal parts produce abundant metal shavings, which clog up everything and lead to further damage on the increasing ...

Nissan X-Trail has special magnetic oil filters that can trap the smallest iron particles and prevent damage to the variator. But the filters have a certain power reserve, designed for a reasonable user, who, when typical problems appear, will immediately go to a car service. In this case, the repair would consist of replacing filters, diagnostics and replacement of worn parts.

Easy repairs prescribed by the Nissan X-Trail designers are extremely rare: our car enthusiasts hold on to the wheel of the Nissan X-Trail to the last, hoping that the "minor troubles" of the variator will simply pass like a runny nose. For this reason, repairing a variator usually costs a pretty penny.

Can I prevent wear on Nissan X-Trail bearings by changing the CVT oil? In a number of car services, mechanics, after thinking about the causes of damage, it is quite logical to change the transmission fluid approximately every 30 thousand km. This measure is not effective, since iron dust, which destroys the variator mechanism, appears precisely when the bearings are damaged. It is not necessary to repair or service a serviceable Nissan X-Trail variator and change a completely suitable fluid.

The problem of metal shavings and abrasion of parts affects the quality of the oil in the automatic transmission. If you observe a sudden decrease in power, do not hesitate and immediately go to an automatic transmission oil change. If you delay, repairing the variable transmission Nissan X-Trail will cost more. If you trust the service, it's a good idea to go through an engine diagnostics and find out what caused the large amount of shavings. The service must specialize in the maintenance and repair of variator motors and mechanics must have the appropriate certificates.

Most often, an alarm is triggered when oil leaks from the automatic transmission. It is worth replacing that a special oil is used in the variator, in most models. You can change its level using a special device at a service station. If the alarm is on, then the oil level is critically low, call a tow truck to the nearest car service.

Even a short-term operation of the engine without oil will lead to complete failure and repairability of the Nissan X-Trail!

Jerks and jerks when driving and changing gears are typical for automatic transmission problems. Most often, this is a malfunction of the oil pressure reducing valve. The valve slightly wedges in intermediate positions, resulting in transmission misalignment.

For Nissan Qashqai, this problem manifests itself in the cruise control mode. The Nissan X-Trail is largely immune to these issues after extensive redesign of the oil pump and drive pulleys.

CVT base: cones (pulleys) and metal belt

What is the danger of this malfunction. Twitching of mismatched transmission pulleys causes the metal lamellar belt to slip over the surface of the pulleys. Needless to say that, in addition to direct damage to the pulleys, as a result of friction, metal shavings that are destructive for the mechanisms are formed?

The repair consists of grinding the pulleys for minor damage and replacing the Nissan X-Trail belt.

Licensed car dealers have now withdrawn themselves and do not repair CVT engines. Even the warranty repair consists in replacing used blocks. At the same time, it is rather difficult to prove that the damage is of a warranty nature, and is not the result of improper handling of the car.

The repairs really have to be done on their own. Responsibility for improper repairs is also borne by the owner, if he fails to prove the opposite, which is technically quite difficult.

At ordinary car services, there are certain, well-established repair schemes with characteristic signs of malfunctions.

The noise of a faulty CVT often sounds like the noise of the front hubs. In this case, the repair is carried out incorrectly, the hubs change, and the faulty Nissan X-Trail engine continues to self-destruct.

In large cities, dozens of car services have already appeared, specializing in repairing Nissan with CVTs, from Qashqai to the more modern X-Trail. The car can receive competent maintenance, timely repairs and appropriate consumables.