Chattering CVT?

synaps3 · Post by **synaps3** » Mon Oct 17, 2011 5:06 pm

My Buddy 125 has about 12000 miles on it. I bought it about 500 miles ago, and have noticed something in the drivetrain chattering at initial acceleration. Acceleration isn't smooth until about 15mph, but is fine after that. In addition, when I slow down, I can really feel when the drive disengages -- much worse than with the other two Buddys I've owned.

I'm thinking the variator or rollers might need replaced, but I wanted to check with you guys before I bought anything. Any ideas?

viney266 · Post by **viney266** » Mon Oct 17, 2011 5:17 pm

I would guess rollers, or maybe a broken spring. With 12K on it, I"d just do a new belt and rollers, or open it up and see whats worn. They are pretty easy to work on. But rather than pull it apart twice. I'd just get a new belt, rollers (DR pulley if you like) and check the spring while its apart, unless you want a tighter one. Put all new bits in. Do an oil change and have a new scooter

.

Tocsik · Post by **Tocsik** » Mon Oct 17, 2011 5:32 pm

sounds like:

worn rollers
worn belt
dirty CVT
some combination of the above (most likely culprit is dirty and worn rollers)

Post by **ericalm** » Mon Oct 17, 2011 5:35 pm

I'd replace those rollers and the belt ASAP. If you keep running bad rollers you can damage the variator.

synaps3 · Post by **synaps3** » Mon Oct 17, 2011 8:13 pm

Okay, cool. Any recommendations on the rollers, or should I just go stock? The Buddy will be used for one-up riding only, with the rider under 160lbs.

Post by **ericalm** » Mon Oct 17, 2011 8:20 pm

If you're happy with the performance when it's running right, I say stick with stock.

Like a lot of things, finding a roller or slider combo you're happy with can be a slippery slope—lots of trial and error.

Tocsik · Post by **Tocsik** » Mon Oct 17, 2011 8:55 pm

ericalm wrote:If you're happy with the performance when it's running right, I say stick with stock.

Like a lot of things, finding a roller or slider combo you're happy with can be a slippery slope—lots of trial and error.

Amen.
I have been using Dr. Pulley sliders for a long time now and I like them better than stock rollers. They work just fine in the stock variator.
I just switched to 13 gram but think I am going back to 12 gram.

Silver Streak · Post by **Silver Streak** » Mon Oct 17, 2011 10:01 pm

Sounds more like a very dirty or glazed clutch to me.

Post by **ericalm** » Mon Oct 17, 2011 10:06 pm

Silver Streak wrote:Sounds more like a very dirty or glazed clutch to me.

At 12K without a transmission service, all of the above!

synaps3 · Post by **synaps3** » Tue Oct 18, 2011 6:56 pm

I'll get some stock rollers on order then. I gotta take the whole scooter apart to repaint soon, so while I have the whole thing apart, I'll go ahead and check the drive faces, belt, and pulleys...

I've heard a lot of people mention the DR pulleys, and a quick search turned them up for only $25, where the stock rollers are around $20. Once I get the transmission open, I'll see what needs replaced and go from there. I'll probably order the 11g DR pulleys, they're closest to stock and I don't want to bother to upgrade the springs to use a 12g pulley set.

Post by **ericalm** » Tue Oct 18, 2011 7:10 pm

There are apparently counterfeit Dr. Pulley sliders being sold on eBay and elsewhere online. Beware! Buy only from reputable retailers who get them from the distributor.

synaps3 · Post by **synaps3** » Tue Oct 18, 2011 7:12 pm

Okay, thanks for the warning. I'll probably order from Scooterworks then, they're $28 there, but I'll pay a bit extra for peace of mind. I might check my local scooter shop too, I've been trying to support them some.