The "Behind the Wheel" magazine has thoroughly studied the Chinese WLY CVT18 CVT, which will be installed on LADA Vesta and LADA Iskra in the future. For comparison with the Japanese Jatco JF016E, the unit was disassembled and analyzed. In general, these two CVTs have a lot in common: they are equipped with the same hydraulic units and paper elements of the fine filter, and also do not have a stepper motor. The oil pump in the WLY CVT18 is the same as that of Jatco.
However, despite the external similarity, the Chinese CVT has a number of problems that the Japanese counterpart does not have. One of the main weaknesses of the WLY CV18 is the bronze bushing in the input shaft hub, which can wear out after 30-40 thousand km. While the Jatco JF016E does not have this problem - even despite the fact that the Japanese unit has a softer aluminum bushing.
As the magazine's experts explain, the bushing in the WLY CVT18 "wears out to zero", while the shaft itself "wears out". This leads to the fact that the seals stop working effectively, and the oil pressure in the system decreases. As a result, the driver is forced to press the gas pedal harder, which accelerates the wear of the friction rings in the package located further along the shaft.
Analyzing the causes of rapid bushing wear, experts point to two key problems. Firstly, Chinese engineers made the hub and shaft 5 mm longer compared to Jatco, which changes the geometry and increases wear even with slight misalignment. Secondly, the Chinese CVT has a worse bushing lubrication.
Nevertheless, it is possible to extend the service life of the Chinese CVT. To do this, it is recommended to install a repair bronze bushing with notches similar to those used in the Japanese model yourself. This will help improve oil circulation and reduce wear.
Read materials on the topic:
Russian engine, Chinese CVT, natural super-leather - what's inside the new Lada Aura
AvtoVAZ announced what will be installed on LADA Granta instead of the Jatco automatic transmission