CVT Gearbox query

P reg 460 with CVT automatic gearbox.

Gear box has failed, and repair is more than the car is worth. These boxes are like hen's teeth in the breakers yards. Anyone know if it is possible to fit the "normal" 4 speed auto box?

[ebdl]

Can you give any more detail on what exactly has failed in the CVT transmission? Are they significantly different to the units in 300 series cars? (No info on CVT transmission in the Haynes 400 series manual)

Cheers, Ed

Bearing has failed, and I think the debris has damaged other parts of the gearbox internals.

Gearbox specialist has advised replacement rather than repair. He isn't sure whether the standard 4 speed auto will fit. I was hoping it may be a case of changing the bellhousing and gearlever, but I don't know.

I think I will have to source a "normal autobox and go and do some careful measuring.

[gemini]

Hi we had a cvt gearbox that failed after 73000 that is normally their lifetime we were told at suffolk transmissions they would put a new one in for 800 but said they would only guarantee it for a year we asked about putting a normal auto box in and he said you can not do it on the 440s!!! so we got shot of ours quick before it became undrivable. It was mainly the 1.8 that have these boxes. We now have a 2.0 glt auto and its totally different it has p.r.n.d.1.2.3.
Sorry for the grim news

[shimon340]

Hi!

The 440 CVT is rare and quite an interesting car to have

The gearbox is called 'transmatic' and unlike the CVT in the 300s and the Dafs it is a sealed unit ( looks like a normal gearbox ) and contains variable pulleys just like a 300 CVT BUT... the belts are metal and are bathed in lubricating oil as the whole unit is sealed.

The cars are rare so thats prob why you cant find a replacement. However, yes, a standard auto box from another 400 series will fit. I know the 400 series came with conventional automatic gearboxes also so yes, you can fit one of those.

As Ive never seen either an auto or a CVT 400 in detail my only concern would be if the CVT and the Auto have different driveshafts. Being front wheel drive the diff and the gearbox are one unit on the 400 series.

If you can get a donor auto or manual you should be sorted....

Just to note... This gearbox was the subject of a big court case between Volvo and Van Doorne Transmissions ( the company that owned the rights to the CVT designs of Daf after Volvo bought the car division.. Van Doorne was the family that started Daf ). Volvo developed this Transmatic CVT for the 400 series and Daf sued them saying they never sold them the rights for 'transmatic' gearboxes ie metal belts. Van Doorne maintained Volvo only had the rights for the rubber belt CVTs. Daf won and the 440 CVT was withdrawn. Only producted for 2 years I think...

The new S40 almost had a CVT from ZF ( used by Ford in the C-Max )....

[shimon340]

please keep us posted with any developments

shimon340@hotmail.com

[shimon340]

also.... forgot to say...

the 400 shares gearboxes with renaults. I dont know unfortunately which cars it shares with apart from the clio i believe has the same manual boxes.

try www.volvo300mania.com as there are some renault guys on there

it is most likely any renault using the 1.7, 1.8 or 2.0 engine - ie same as 400 series, will use the same 'boxes.. this could help your search for parts.

Ive also been told, by a volvo mechanic ( private garage) that the whole front subframe unit on the 400 series is identical as the renault ?? dont know the model but look for ones with the same engines.

driveshafts maybe a prob but you could get a box from a renault...

[shimon340]

Info from http://www.ciao.co.uk/Volvo_440__Review_5494492 notes that auto boxes share with Renault. 4 speed Zf auto unit

CVT shares with Rover’s old Metro and 100 series though used Volvo’s VT-1 CVT transmission apparnantly.......

Finally located gearbox in a breakers yard, only 14000 miles. Turned out the original problem was a broken bearing which took the oil pump with it, and sheared the shaft on the pump. Box completely kaput.

Now repaired and running ok. Engine and gearbox both have Renault symbols on them ,and after reading previous posts this may help others to locate a suitable box.

Regards,
Nick

I have had my 440 1.8 CVT from new. Hasn't put a foot wrong until now (86K miles)
On holiday suddenly started making a whining noise. This is engine speed dependant and seems load related. (noisier under acceleration)
Which bearing failed in your unit and what were the symptoms?