The effect of ZDDP in CVT fluid on increasing the traction capacity of belt‐drive continuously variable transmissions

Belt-drive continuously variable transmissions are already being increasingly used in Europe and Japan for small vehicles, but midsize vehicles will require greater torque capacity. This paper discusses the effect of ZDDP as an additive on increasing the traction obtained at the sliding interfaces between the elements and pulleys of a belt-drive continuously variable transmission (B-CVT). This effect stems from the higher friction coefficient at the sliding interfaces. Friction coefficients were measured in rig tests in which test pieces cut from actual CVT elements were slid against a disc in different types of CVT fluid (CVTF). After the tests, the adsorbed films on the specimen surfaces were investigated with electron probe microanalysis (EPMA), and compared with pieces cut from elements subjected to a high torque test conducted with the B-CVT. The experimental results indicated that the higher friction coefficient at the sliding interfaces was due to the shearing of the tough adsorbed film. The film was blue in colour, and consisted mainly of zinc precipitated from the ZDDP additive.