Have you ever felt a shuddering sensation when driving your vehicle? If so, chances are you’ve experienced CVT judder.
Regarding your car’s transmission, a CVT judder can be a real pain. This phenomenon, which is also known as ‘gear slip’ or ‘torque converter shudder,’ occurs when the continuously variable transmission of your vehicle experiences sudden slipping motions, resulting in a noticeable and unpleasant jerking sensation. With this being such an uncomfortable experience for drivers, many are left wondering how they can fix the CVT judder in their vehicle – but the good news is that many solutions are available!
This post will discuss how to fix cvt judder on your own car or truck. We’ll cover what causes this phenomenon and go over some simple steps you can take to diagnose and solve the problem. Keep reading to learn more!
What are the Causes of CVT Judder?
CVT judder can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
1. Worn or Damaged CVT Components: The most common cause of CVT judder is worn or damaged components within the transmission. This can include parts such as clutches, bands, and bearings that have been used for an extended period of time and have become eroded over time.
2. Low-quality or Incorrect Oil Type: If the wrong type of oil is added to the transmission, it can cause juddering. This is especially true of low-quality oils, which can degrade quickly and cause the transmission to jerk or shudder as it shifts gears.
3. Overheating: If the CVT becomes overheated, it can also cause juddering as it tries to shift gears. The more heat that builds up in the transmission, the harder it has to work to get through each gear change – resulting in an unpleasant feeling for drivers.
Overall, the CVT judder is due to the transmission not being able to keep up with the demands of shifting gears. Whether this is caused by worn components, low-quality oil, or overheating, it’s important to identify and address the problem as soon as possible.
10 Easy Steps on How to Fix CVT Judder
Step 1. Check the Transmission Fluid Level:
The first step to take is to check the transmission fluid level. This can be done by looking at the dipstick and seeing how much fluid is present in the pan. If you find that there isn’t enough, then you may need to add more before continuing with other troubleshooting steps.
Step 2. Change the Transmission Fluid Type:
If the transmission fluid type is incorrect for your vehicle, this could be causing a CVT judder. It’s important to ensure that you’re using an appropriate oil for your car model. If not, replace it with one specifically designed for your vehicle type.
Step 3. Inspect Clutches & Bands:
Worn clutches and bands can cause juddering in the transmission. Check these components to see if they’re worn down or damaged. If so, replacing them should help reduce the juddering sensation.
Step 4. Replace Worn Bearings:
Worn bearings are another potential cause of CVT judder, as they may be unable to keep up with the transmission shifts. Try replacing any worn bearings, and check how this affects your car’s performance. If this doesn’t work, then you may need to move on to the next step.
Step 5. Check for Overheating:
Overheating can be another potential cause of CVT judder. Check the temperature gauge and see how hot your car is running. If it’s too high, then you may need to address this issue before continuing with other troubleshooting steps.
Step 6. Check for Air in the System:
Another common cause of CVT judder is air in the system. To check for this, look for bubbles coming from the transmission fluid pan, or try taking a sample and inspecting it closely for any signs of air bubbles. If there are, then you may need to bleed the system before moving on to other steps.
Step 7. Service/Replace Torque Converter:
The torque converter is responsible for how the transmission shifts gears. If it’s worn out or damaged, then this could be causing your CVT judder. Have a mechanic inspect and service/replace the torque converter as necessary. It may be necessary to replace the torque converter entirely in order to eliminate juddering.
Step 8. Check Component Mounts:
Checking the component mounts is another way to diagnose and fix the CVT judder. Make sure that all mounts are securely tightened and in good condition before moving on to other steps. Be careful not to overtighten them, as this could cause more damage.
Step 9. Adjust Band Tension:
If you find that your bands are too loose, then this can cause juddering in the transmission. Adjust the band tension as necessary to help reduce any jerking sensations when shifting gears. Don’t forget to check the other bands for proper tension as well.
Step 10. Replace CVT Unit:
You may need to replace the entire CVT unit if all else fails. If you find that none of the above steps could address your juddering issue, then it’s best to have a mechanic take a look and determine if this is necessary. You can also take the vehicle to a dealership for further diagnosis.
Overall, fixing cvt judder can be complicated and time-consuming, so it’s important to diagnose the issue correctly before trying any repairs or replacements. By following these ten easy steps, you should be able to identify and repair your transmission issues quickly and effectively.
6 Additional Tips and Tricks
- Check the CVT filter for signs of clogging or contamination. If this is blocked, it will reduce how much transmission fluid can flow through and cause juddering.
- Look at your spark plugs to make sure they are in good condition and not causing any misfiring issues, which could be contributing to juddering in your CVT system.
- Make sure that all the pulleys in the drivetrain are tightened correctly, as any slackness here can also contribute to juddering in the CVT system.
- Inspect your drive belt for any signs of wear and tear which might be causing a loss of power from the CVT system.
- Check the transmission fluid level and top it up if necessary as this can also cause juddering in your vehicle.
- Make sure to have regular services done on your car – even though it might seem unnecessary, staying on top of maintenance is key for maintaining the smooth operation of any vehicle, including those with CVTs. Taking care of problems early will save you time and money later on down the line!
By following these tips and tricks, you’ll be able to diagnose cvt judder in no time at all! After making sure everything is in working order and well-maintained, you should be back on the road in no time.
6 Things You Should Avoid
- Don’t ignore the warning signs of CVT judder. If your vehicle is jerking or stuttering during acceleration, it could be a sign that your CVT needs attention.
- Don’t use cheap engine oil, as this can often lead to poor lubrication and increased wear on the transmission.
- Don’t rely solely on diagnostic software to determine why your CVT is juddering – while it may provide you with a basic understanding of what’s going wrong, it won’t tell you how to fix it correctly.
- Avoid attempting DIY repairs unless you are an experienced mechanic – incorrect repair or installation methods can result in more damage being done than good!
- Do not drive your car if the transmission is juddering, as this can cause further damage to the system.
- If the issue persists, contact a professional mechanic for advice on fixing cvt judder effectively.
These simple steps can help you take care of your CVT and avoid judgment. Be sure to keep an eye on how your car is running, and always pay attention to any signs that something may be wrong. With regular maintenance and proper repair procedures, your car will continue to run smoothly for years to come!
Conclusion
Overall, it is clear that judder from a CVT can be a concern for some car owners and drivers. Although it is not the fault of the CVT itself, judder can be indicative of underlying transmission problems that should not be ignored. Fortunately, there are numerous ways to fix this issue and keep your car running smoothly.
With simple preventative measures such as disposing of old fluid, periodically replacing the fluid and filter, steering wheel alignment, suspension adjustment, wheel balancing, and reconditioning, as well as replacing damaged components when necessary, judder caused by a CVT can be significantly reduced or eradicated altogether without any major repairs involved. While learning more about the technical aspects of a CVT may be intimidating at first, taking good care of your vehicle’s transmission components will go a long way in helping you stay on top of any potential problems in the future.
Hopefully, the article on how to fix cvt judder has been helpful in giving you a better understanding of how the CVT works and how to keep it running smoothly. Thanks for reading!