Abstract
The metal to metal friction coefficient of lubricants for continuously variable transmission (CVT) application is an important part of design for the automobile manufacturer employing the CVT. A reciprocating test method, using the CVT element, provided a way to evaluate the metal to metal friction of a range of CVT fluids as a function of linear sliding speed and applied load. The test method proved a useful tool to discriminate friction characteristics among fluids. The method allowed the estimation of fluid friction change after shearing and oxidation.