Why does a CVT transmission have jerking sensation?
2 Answers
Jerking sensation is caused by automatic gear shifting. In fact, the so-called automatic transmission operates on the same principle as a manual transmission, both involving the conversion between large and small gears. Therefore, the process of switching between the sun gear and planetary gear ring in an automatic transmission is similar to shifting gears in a manual transmission, which inevitably results in a jerking sensation. Vehicles with dual-clutch transmissions or continuously variable transmissions do not experience this jerking sensation. Additional information: 1. CVT: Continuously variable transmission is a type of automatic transmission system that can continuously obtain any transmission ratio within the range. It achieves the best match between the transmission system and engine conditions. Common types of continuously variable transmissions include hydro-mechanical CVTs, metal belt CVTs (VDT-CVT), and variable geometry CVTs. 2. Transmission: A device that changes the speed ratio and direction of motion. Used in automobiles, tractors, ships, machine tools, and various machines to alter the torque, speed, and direction of motion transmitted from the driving shaft to the driven shaft under different working conditions. Gear-driven transmissions generally consist of a housing and several gear pairs.
I recently experienced some jerking sensations while driving my CVT vehicle, especially at low speeds or during acceleration, where the car body felt unsteady with intermittent jerks. This could be due to dirty or insufficient transmission fluid, as aged fluid loses its lubricating effectiveness, leading to belt slippage or impaired control unit operation. I also noticed that keeping the accelerator pressed for extended periods in traffic can cause the transmission to overheat, worsening the jerkiness. Once, after changing to fresh transmission fluid, the situation improved. It's advisable to regularly check the fluid condition and level, avoid sudden acceleration, and prolonged high-load driving. If jerking occurs frequently, it's best to have the internal components inspected at a repair shop to prevent minor issues from escalating into major repairs, affecting daily driving experience. In short, timely maintenance is key—don't overlook these minor problems.
