I Teardown my Nissan CVT Transmission

This is a CVT Transmission out of a 2015 Nissan Rogue. The concern was humming noise that would increase with speed. Bearing failure found.

[@oscarcuevassn95saleemzr12]

Wow man thanks for the vid and all the info. Also the comments were great, I have one 197,000 ml and all suddenly it started jerk to were I made a stop and it didn't go no more had to replace. By the way never was serviced, didn't know or have the knowledge on these CVT trans. Thanks again 👍👍👍🙋‍♂️

[@Manvscars]

Well you made it much further with yours then we did lol. I Appreciate the response man.

[@agoodneighborautorepair2176]

Very nice information and explanation.

[@Manvscars]

Hey thank you!

[@frosthoe]

I was gonna comment that hoprfully you repaired it by throwing it in the garbage. But well, I guess it lives to plague another day. My condolences on owning a CVT. And my future condolences to the drive belt that needs to be replaced every 25,000 hard miles.(they may work longer , but they're toast.

[@Manvscars]

Yep! I agree. I think the manufacturers cutting costs will come full circle eventually. The only way vehicles seem to be reasonably priced anymore is if they’re absolute garbage quality.

[@omegaman7241]

I really love the 2.5 engine, I have two. They are so smooth with the counter balance shafts .. so beautiful. After 250,000kms my engine works perfect. I bought another car just for a back up but will not need it, I can use it later. Plus parts are so cheap.All I did in 10 years was brakes and calipers and fluids, one headlight blub, one marker bulb. and tires. I have been using the mobil extended life oil at 10,000 km and will try the platinum plus I got on sale at cdn tire.. plus good mobil oil filters. Also I did the shocks and springs, the rear springs most cars are weak. They are cheap and easy to change.

[@Manvscars]

Yeah the engine in mine is holding up great. Oil changes, flushes, plugs, filters. The basics. My opinion on the CVT however (and this goes for any car equipped with one) is poor. It’s very clunky, fluid overheats easily you get the point obviously. But hey economy car at the end of the day and it did last us a decent amount of miles.

[@omegaman7241]

@@Manvscars how much did it cost you to replace the tranny? Did you remove it yourself? There are places that rebuild these and you can buy parts to rebuild them, there are several videos on here but the dealer won't have the parts, but the tranny parts places will. Perhaps your old tranny is worth something to these rebuilders.

[@Ecksterphono]

Got to love CVT shudder NOT!!!. Great video

[@Manvscars]

Right! 😂🤣 Thanks!

[@thes2kguy]

Wow, didn't know you could make a CVT out of a bicycle chain and a bungee cord

[@Manvscars]

Right!

[@bobhebblewhite1685]

i will pay that.

[@johndaniels651]

JATCO makes them out of cat guts, like a tennis racket, only cheaper.

[@ivanihirwe]

Very nice And I want to know what u do when the customer told you that gear has refused to engage

[@thomasmeisch5692]

just knowledge, CVT transmissions are fine but there not made for heavy throttle starts, towing in my opinion, fluid should be changed every 30,000 miles. 210,000 0n my 2013 Pathfinder and 133,000 on my 2015 Rogue wife and I drive just over100 mile round trip to work daily. Dealers will tell you that the fluid in these are design for the life of the transmission but I don't think people understand that life of a vehicle is considered 100,000 miles for most manufacturers. Car industry needs to be more clear on maintinance and use of CVT's

[@Manvscars]

Good point. Manufactures know the cycle of vehicles which isn’t a negative thing. In the rust belt your lucky if the vehicle needs a transmission before it rots out with all the chemicals that go on the roadways. Lol

[@johnnypolex]

120k on our 2012 Nissan Quest with the RE0F09B. Makes a really loud cyclical rough “bearing” noise. I can tell it’s in the transmission bc i can stop each front wheel and the noise continues. It’s loudest at low speeds. I took off the bellhousing cover and everything looked fine. It’s probably one of the 3 bearings on the side with the 2 pulley’s. I plan on using a stethoscope from harbor freight to help narrow down which bearing it is. Nice to see that the rear cover can be sort of easily removed to access the 2 outer pulley bearings. Seems like Tri-City Transmissions and WhateverItTakes can get/sell upgraded bearings and other parts for these. WIT also sells good used parts and assemblies.

[@johndaniels651]

Just curious how often you change the fluid, screen, and cartage filter. I have an Altima with 91K miles, I do mine about every 30K but I'm quite worried, especially every time I climb a hill, and the temp skyrockets!

[@johnnypolex]

@@johndaniels651 it’s my brother’s Nissan Quest that I’ve been helping maintain only recently. Im pretty sure he never changed the CVT fluid until I came along at 115k lol. The CVT never had any issues other than that side cover/case bearing, which was probably due to design tolerances more than anything else. I think if you’re changing the CVT fluid every 30k already then that is about as much as you can do. I don’t think the screen filter really needs replacing since it has a lot of surface area that would likely not be clogged. We had a couple golf balls worth of steel bearing material in it and it still was probably filtering just fine. Over 80% of the screen was still pretty clean. I didn’t check the cartridge filter, just replaced it. It’s possible the cartridge filter could clog with smaller particles but I wouldn’t really know for sure. I’m aware that some trucks with well over 100k on original ATF can easily overheat under load. I believe the heat resistance of these fluids degrade in a logarithmic fashion. It’s probably great until roughly 60-90k and then starts deteriorating significantly, then it’s almost gone by about 150k or so. That’s when most traditional auto transmissions start to go if the fluid is never replaced.

[@johnnypolex]

@@johndaniels651 Is it the CVT fluid that you’re seeing heat up? Or engine oil or coolant? If it’s the CVT fluid then I would consider adding a transmission fluid cooler/radiator. That’s the consensus for extending the life of some slushboxes, especially if climbing hills or towing.

[@johndaniels651]

@@johnnypolex I hooked up ScanGuage II from Liner Logic, which is a really cool contraption that monitors all sorts of stuff (entertaining on long drives) and it lets you read the trans temp sensor in real time. Its rather interesting what causes it to heat up (not intuitive) but weight seems to be the factor. If I'm by myself, it rarely gets above 207 in freeway driving, but if I've got 3 passengers on board and luggage, the smallest incline can easily send it to 220. Once with a full tank of fuel (100lbs) 3 pax and luggage, it ran up to about 245 on a very long, steep grade, in about 80 degree weather.

[@johnnypolex]

@@johndaniels651 nice! Good useful info. That essentially backs up my one time where i blew the slushbox on my 96 3rd gen 4runner. I had probably super old ATF in it and was doing some highway hills with it packed full of stuff during a move from Atlanta to Austin. The light even went off for fluid overheating on the dash shortly before it locked up. Unsurprisingly, I’m a true believer of replacing the transmission fluid since then. I also use a very affordable app called Car Scanner on my iPhone + VeePeak bluetooth dongle. It reads trans temp in my BMWs when I’m doing fluid changes. We have 3 w/ about 200k shifting and running very smooth. Changing the fluid on those has always made shifting smoother. Most of those BMWs also most likely had the same fluid for about 80-100k before and would start to shift a tad rougher, not a lot. Those were not CVTs, however

[@omegaman7241]

Nissan and other car makers screwed up, they said their trannies were not to be serviced. it was a bad move. Even now if you call the dealer they say they don't do fluid changes and argue. My dealer didn't even know about the paper filter. I had to show them. But other makers did the same thing, like VW, Toyota etc... all guilty of this. It's a shame. Also if you want to try something really really good. See if you can find Power Up lubricants additive. It's so good. I used a little in my whiny tranny. It really works for these applications as it is a boundary lubricant for roller bearings. It is truly amazing.

[@Manvscars]

Power up? Never heard of that. Is that like Lucas additives?

[@rishijai]

CVT should have been called CTF - Complete Transmission Failure

[@Manvscars]

lol

[@alanchantiefighterskuanlia627]

Give it 2year top or warranty expired. The accuracy is magical. The dealership is making more $ due to constant monthly oil change on the cvt. Conpared to manual is 80k to 100k before oil change is required.

[@Manvscars]

Totally agree

[@stanleysabara]

Has Nissan improved CVT reliability recently compared to previous years?

[@omegaman7241]

I like the valvoline synthetic cvt fluid

[@Manvscars]

I’ve always gone with OEM fluid. What’s the cost of the valvoline?

[@omegaman7241]

@@Manvscars there is also a paper filter to change in a housing on the right side of the car, they are at rockauto for cheap, like $5, . and when you fill the tranny it should be about halfway on the cross hatch marks when hot on the dipstick. For drain, I just use a suction and take a few liters from the dipstick tube and measure it

[@alanchantiefighterskuanlia627]

Nvr once u have a failure with a manual trans. Cvt is ticking timed b. Metal rubbing metal, as soon as the 2year warranty ran out, the whole unit trashed.

[@Manvscars]

Yeah they aren't cheap to replace. I did the labor myself but a used unit costed me $1500 plus the fluid isn't the cheapest. Cars right...

[@manickbarry]

1:38 what happened there do you release it’s spirit 😮

[@dks13827]

How many miles on it ? Ever change the trans fluid ?

[@Manvscars]

95k, fluid was changed twice with Nissan fluid. Found a TSB for this exact issue. Cars right…

[@sep-bu2ef]

I from europe her have Nissan xtrail (rogue) we bought New and waranty is 7 Years and 100k miles or 170k km price is 35k € we must waiting 6 Month to car come from japan.question are your waranty was out and how much cost your to change transmision Best regards a lot of miles

[@Manvscars]

A new transmission was $4000, however it was on back order. I ended installing a used one myself.

[@zygi22]

Everyone claims it’s planned obsolescence with the CVTS. Wrong! The car companies have their hands tied by the government/the EPA fuel economy mandates. This is the core issue. Not some “planned obsolescence” bs that doesn’t mean anything.

[@Manvscars]

Yeah for sure. The government is a MASSIVE factor in re-design.

[@roberts1159]

Interesting to see the internals of this transmission. Wish you would have removed the drain pan and given us a look at that.

[@Manvscars]

If I remember correctly, I already had it drained before I decided to film. Next time.

[@roberts1159]

@@Manvscars No problem, appreciate the video.

[@alferfoot1861]

Why does nissan continue with that shitty gearbox. Don't they have board meeting to discuss and analyse this kind of stuff...Don't they see the complaints of customers and see the failure of that product..do they have any success rate with those gearboxes..

[@Manvscars]

Pretty sure their suggestion box is just a trash can 🗑. Lolol

[@justsumguy2u]

The reason that Nissan CVT's have always been so bad is because they're always vastly undersized for the application. You can't use a CVT fit for a Versa and put it into a heavy Maxima (or Rogue)---it's just not going to last

[@Manvscars]

Agreed.

[@jonmo2694]

@@Manvscars They know everyone is stupid

[@atikovi1]

They don't last in a Versa either.

[@johndaniels651]

You do realize that the Versa, Altima, Maxima and Rouge each used completely different versions of the Jatco CVT transmissions right?

[@justsumguy2u]

@@johndaniels651 No they didn't---that was the problem

[@owensrayfeilds6800]

can you do a 2014 chevy spark transmision,,,,,slipping

[@Manvscars]

If I get my hands on one for sure!

[@kennysakala4839]

I have a Nissan xtrail t30 and it can't change gears I don't know what wrong with it. I had to buy another gear box but also can't change gears, I was told to buy a speed sensor, can this sensor help with the changing of gears in an automatic engine?

[@alanchantiefighterskuanlia627]

Buy a manual car.. the end. Problem solved forever

[@alanchantiefighterskuanlia627]

Gear change issue were apparant even with automatic and even worse with cvt unit.. go back to manual and got my Freedom back America.

[@missing1person]

Dose the newer Nissan cvt have a launch gear like toyota ?

[@Manvscars]

I think Nissans launch gear launches you to a repair shop. 🤣

[@JaygeSattler]

God you look handsome.

[@Manvscars]

Mmhmm, comes from years and years of drinking chemical filled tap water.

[@blaze2051]

i dont trust cvt because you cant repair those, you have to replace the whole thing 4-5k at least

[@randyhernandez6519]

Owner of the infamous CVT, does changing the tranny oil help the life?

[@Manvscars]

We changed it twice with Nissan cvt fluid. Bought it new. Hard to say if it made it last any longer. It’s a car at the end of the day so something is guaranteed to go at some point right? Lol. The bulletin on the specific bearing says the case was built with a tight tolerance that accelerates the wear. 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@omegaman7241]

where the tranny cooler is undersized it's good to change fluid more often, just suck some out and put back what you took out, I do a few liters every 30k or after inspecting color

[@Manvscars]

Valid point!

[@dks13827]

Well, what is a decent used 4 door car for a person 6'2 ???

[@Manvscars]

Haha.. good question! I’m 6’2” and struggle with that same issue! 🤣

[@atikovi1]

Checker Marathon

[@engineshorts7432]

waw nice

[@RJL1983]

Did you ever change the cartridge filter on the cooler?

[@Manvscars]

Yeah every flush I do.

[@RJL1983]

@@Manvscars ah ok, I just did mine other week. How many miles you put on CVT before failure?

[@Manvscars]

@@RJL1983 95k

[@RJL1983]

@@Manvscars Damn, I'm at 86K on my CVT

[@aeroetter]

What are you going to do with this transmission?

[@Manvscars]

Junk it. Do you want it? lol

[@TheJonathanc82]

I made the mistake of buying an Altima with a CVT. Never again. Started to fail within 2 years.

[@Manvscars]

Yup, sounds about right. What year was it?

[@TheJonathanc82]

@@Manvscars 2020 AWD. I was very disappointed when it started to happen. I should have done more research before every buying that car.

[@spol1622]

I owned 08 Altima for 8 years. It was the best car that I've ever owned when it comes down to reliability. I sold it to a guy at work and he still drives it today.

[@blaze2051]

@@TheJonathanc82 2020 omg damn Nissan and their cvts

[@dks13827]

I am looking for a used car....... suggestion please ?

[@chrissolar8938]

No oil caused that noisy bearing to wear. Looks completely bone dry that transmission!

[@Manvscars]

The oil was drained prior to disassembly. There is a bulletin on this model for that exact bearing failure problem. Tsb reference number: #NTB15-102b

[@johnnypolex]

@@Manvscarsyep. It’s a known issue and I think WhateverItTakes sells upgraded bearings.

[@ElPalo.]

Wow so they expect this to last over 100k lol

[@Manvscars]

Lol no, just needs to last long enough to get out of that warranty date.

[@omegaman7241]

there is some truth to driving differently for more life, the tranny is run by computers, so I just start lightly and let them tranny do it's thing. I am sure many people get in the car and just jam it. Most users of cars know squat about how things work

[@Manvscars]

Agreed!

[@FentoZ]

My ford fiesta has likely a control lodule problem, I am never buying ford or nissan agaim

[@alanchantiefighterskuanlia627]

Cvt is METAL RUBBING METAL. pls go back to manual for the love of God. I have owned and run several cvt machines for the past 15 years. All trashed.

[@Manvscars]

Manual is KING!!

[@TOMLINBISH]

A massive amount of time & resources have been wasted designing & manufacturing this & other crappy CVT transmissions! 🙄

[@Manvscars]

Right, I think it all comes down to profits TBH.

[@engineshorts7432]

paraic nambar

[@jonmo2694]

Are we.dumber now?

[@Manvscars]

Huh?

[@chrisczarnik3439]

Basically heap of JATCO junk.

[@rennrodriguez8909]

What a piece of Junk... Crap.. don't buy it not even for a Dollar .....

[@lrcreamer]

Never buy any CVT vehicle

[@Manvscars]

Little too late, we bought this one. Lol

[@crow_2k11beatsbydre8]

Toyota, Honda, Subaru dont have any serious CVT issues, Nissan CVTs 2020 and newer are improved. CVT is way of the future and you see now with the new 2023 Acura integra has a CVT and it cost 30k plus......

[@rickhibdon11]

Nonsense. I have a Honda PCX150 scooter that works perfectly! hehehehehe

[@Manvscars]

@@rickhibdon11 Lolol probably can’t go wrong with that. 😁

[@HailAnts]

@@crow_2k11beatsbydre8 - CVTs are *NOT* the way of the future. CVTs are a scam perpetrated by the govt to force car makers to squeeze every drop of mileage out of their cars. CVTs get about 5-8% better fuel mileage, which is meaningless on an individual basis, you'll never notice it. But the govt and car makers can boast that they've saved the country billions of barrels of oil because of them. CVTs are belt driven. Before the 2000s the only thing they were in were snowmobiles. They do not belong in automobiles, they're not strong enough..