Is the Elantra CVT transmission equipped with a steel belt or a chain?
2 Answers
The Elantra CVT transmission uses a chain. Here is relevant information about CVT: 1. The principle of CVT involves an input shaft on one side and an output shaft on the other, connected by a pressure steel belt in the middle. By adjusting the working radius of the pressure steel belt, different transmission ratios are achieved. The pressure steel belt operates between two sets of cone pulleys, with one half of each cone pulley capable of slight movement. When the cone pulleys move inward, they squeeze the pressure steel belt, increasing its working radius and enabling continuous variable transmission. 2. The pressure steel belt consists of hundreds of special high-strength steel plates arranged horizontally and connected by two sets of high-strength flexible steel belt rings. This design ensures both flexibility and rigidity during rotation. In fact, power transmission relies more on thrust rather than tension, and the horizontally arranged steel plates provide sufficient friction. Combined with the strong squeezing force of the cone pulleys, this effectively ensures power transmission. 3. The engine can maintain the most fuel-efficient speed continuously, while the CVT transmission adjusts the output shaft speed without interrupting power transmission like traditional gearboxes that shift gears to change the gear ratio.
I drive an Elantra, and this car's CVT transmission uses a chain. I remember the salesperson mentioning when I bought the car that Hyundai chose the chain for better durability and reduced risk of slippage. The chain design handles load better, and in daily driving, power delivery is smooth without any jerking. Compared to the older belt-type CVT, the chain is also quieter and less demanding in maintenance—just regular transmission fluid changes, roughly every 50,000 kilometers. Once at a repair shop, the mechanic said chains have a long lifespan and are unlikely to break under normal driving conditions, but aggressive driving or frequent overloading can accelerate wear. I find it quite suitable for daily commuting, with costs lower than expected, so there's no need to worry too much. Overall, the chain was the right choice, making the driving experience more hassle-free and reassuring.
