Is the Wanliyang CVT25 using a steel belt or a chain?
4 Answers
Wanliyang CVT25 uses a steel belt. The basic parameters of Wanliyang CVT25 are an axial length of 365mm, a center distance of 197mm, and a dry weight of 84.5kg. The maximum torque is 250N·m. Here is an introduction to CVT transmissions: CVT refers to a type of automotive transmission, also known as a continuously variable transmission. The difference between CVT and stepped transmissions is that its gear ratio is not a series of discrete points but a continuous range of values, which results in excellent fuel economy, power performance, and smooth driving experience, while also reducing emissions and costs.
Wanliyang CVT25 adopts a steel belt transmission structure. The belt consists of hundreds of V-shaped steel plates stacked together, connected into a flexible whole by two sets of special steel rings. This design is quieter and smoother than chains when transmitting power between the cone wheels, with a larger friction area, which helps improve transmission efficiency. The steel belt can easily handle a maximum torque of 250 Nm, making it suitable for the economical positioning of family cars. However, it is important to avoid aggressive driving, as sudden acceleration may cause deformation at the edges of the steel plates. For daily use, it is recommended to check the condition of the transmission fluid every 50,000 kilometers, as fluid degradation can accelerate belt wear. The choice of a steel belt is mainly a balance between cost and comfort, as chain transmission, although stronger in torque resistance, is not suitable for ordinary sedans due to noise and weight issues.
Owners who have driven cars with the CVT25 transmission report that it utilizes a steel belt drive system. The steel belt structure ensures exceptionally smooth acceleration, eliminating the shift shock commonly experienced with traditional AT transmissions. Daily commuting fuel efficiency is approximately 10% better than comparable models, as the steel belt exhibits high friction efficiency at low speeds. However, drivers in mountainous areas should avoid continuous full-throttle acceleration during prolonged uphill climbs, as this may cause the steel belt to overheat. The maintenance manual recommends replacing the dedicated CVT fluid at 40,000 kilometers, though personal experience shows that exceeding 60,000 kilometers without an oil change may result in slight hissing sounds from the belt. A mechanic friend mentioned that the steel belt's lifespan typically exceeds 150,000 kilometers, making it significantly more reliable than earlier CVT models.
From the technical drawings, the core transmission component of Wanliyang CVT25 is the steel belt provided by Bosch. This push-type steel belt consists of over 400 precision steel laminates, each with a thickness of 0.18mm. Compared to chain drives, the steel belt is lighter and quieter, making it suitable for matching small-displacement engines like the 1.5T. The Chery Arrizo series uses this system, with tests showing a 2dB reduction in transmission noise at 80km/h cruising speed. However, the steel belt has one drawback: aggressive driving can easily generate metal debris, necessitating the use of specialized CVT fluid for cleaning and filtration. The salesperson specifically reminded during purchase that a 1-minute warm-up is required for cold starts in winter to protect the steel belt's lubricating oil film.
