06/24/2021
We recently rebuilt the CVT transmission in this 2015 Subaru Forester with All-Wheel Drive. A traditional transmission, shown in the third picture, has clutches and gears. The CVT (continuously variable transmission), shown in the fourth picture, has a chain that propels the transmission. A traditional transmission has a broad variety of complex parts to shift between an array of certain gears, while the majority of CVT systems work because of a pulley system that is connected to the chain.
An interesting little historical fact: the CVT was first designed all the way back in 1490 by Leonardo DaVinci but was never officially patented until 1886. The CVT didn’t enter the mainstream until the late 1980s, and funnily enough, it was because of Subaru (like the car we’re working on).
Although the CVT is more modern than a traditional transmission, it is much more complicated to work on. They are also more expensive than traditional parts, for both the whole system and to have it repaired. Since CVTs are unable to handle high horsepower, they aren’t used in performance and sports cars.
