Is the Hyundai CVT transmission using a steel belt or a chain?
2 Answers
Hyundai CVT transmissions use a steel belt. The principle of a CVT involves an input shaft on one side and an output shaft on the other, connected by a pressure steel belt in the middle. Different gear ratios are achieved by adjusting the working radius of the pressure steel belt. Below is some relevant information about the pressure steel belt: 1. The pressure steel belt is composed 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 during rotation and rigidity during power transmission. 2. Power transmission relies more on thrust rather than tension, and the horizontally arranged steel plates provide sufficient friction. Combined with the strong squeezing force from the conical pulleys, this effectively ensures power transmission.
I've been repairing Hyundai vehicles for many years and often encounter questions about whether their CVT transmissions use steel belts or chains. In current Hyundai models like the Elantra or Kona, chain designs are predominantly used because they're more durable than belts, especially when handling high-torque engines—reducing risks of slippage or breakage. While older models may have belts, chains optimize efficiency, enable smoother gear shifts, and provide more seamless acceleration in daily driving. For maintenance, it's recommended to change CVT fluid every 60,000 km to keep the system clean and avoid aggressive starts to prolong lifespan. Overall, Hyundai's choice is quite sensible—it minimizes common issues like jerking or overheating risks, ensuring greater peace of mind during highway driving.
