CVT questions

[Rockhoundrob]

Rogue SL 2009
I got car at around 115,000 miles and when I checked it out, the transmission fluid was a NICE clear blue. No dark color.
I assumed transmission must have been replaced recently.

It is now around 210,0000.
I drain and filled transmission fluid every 30,000 miles. Each time, the fluid was OK... just somewhat darker.
But now I found out there is a transmission filter on the passenger side.

1) How important is it to change this filter? Do I need to change filter every drain and fill, or is every 60,000 miles OK?
What about the filter that requires pan removal? How often does this need to be changed?

I watched a few videos and I am tempted to change both filters, just to be on the safe side.
2) Is there anything I need to watch out for or be aware of?

3) What about drain and fill, then drive around for 30 mins.
Then drain again, change both filters, then fill 2nd time and be done?

[VStar650CL]

Changing the filter in the pan is pointless because it isn't a filter, it's a screen. Blow it clean and call it good. The paper filter under the beehive is usually good for life because on CVT's the fluid in the pan is very slow-moving, which means the majority of shavings and clutch material fall out in the bottom of the pan. But the TC and F/R clutches do wear (albeit slowly), so at 210K it wouldn't hurt to change it. The biggest thing you'll probably find is a thick layer of black gunk on the bottom of the pan. It's scary-looking but it's really just spent clutch material and varnish, every CVT collects it by about the first 30K. Just clean it out. The progressively darker fluid is normal too, it happens because a standard spill-and-fill only voids about half of what's in there. That means the half that's left has a progressively higher percentage of contaminants, so it basically becomes a slightly darker "dye" with every change. The fresh charge has plenty of film strength to protect what needs protecting, so it isn't a big worry, but if it bugs you, three spills in a row plus a pan drop will void about 90% of the old fluid and leave it pretty much like new.

[Rockhoundrob]

Now that you put it that way, I guess when it's time for the 30K trans drain/fill, I will drain and fill.
Then drive around for 15-30 minutes, then drain, drop the pan and clean the pan, then fill.
That should be 75% new fluid, correct?

I guess I won't worry about the paper filter unless I see a leak from the 0-ring, then I will change it since the filter housing would have to be removed.

[VStar650CL]

I'd give it several hundred miles instead of doing the second change right away. While CVT's don't make ATF soup like a regular A/T, they can and do build up significant varnish. The detergence of the fresh fluid will cut and suspend most of it. Giving it a little time to do the job before swapping more will leave things cleaner.

[Rockhoundrob]

Good idea... So I will drain and fill one weekend.
Then drain and fill the following weekend.

And maybe not worry about dropping and cleaning the trans pan?

[VStar650CL]

The crap in the bottom of the pan never goes anywhere, so yah, that's pretty much optional.

[D1dad]

I’ll be doing a pan drop and filter change as soon as it isn’t 12 degrees outside. I’ve done that stupid cartridges filter one time, @75k. If I knew then what I know now, I’d have just left it. The top bolt is impossible and the filter was discolored but no debris. I’ve been over the top with drain and fill and my 18 with 120k runs flawless. But, it’s winter and I’m bored. If your rogue is an awd, I’d be just as concerned with the transfer case as I would be about the cvt. Another genius engineering marvel of Nissan. It holds about 13-14 ounces of fluid and turns to raw sewage in less than 15k.

[V6er]

from my experience - transfer fluid is AWFULLY smelling after 30kmiles.
cartridge, aka fine filter, after 120kmiles (when I did first replacement) - was black as something really black. and smelly.
bolt IS possible (though first time I broke that aluminium/siluminium cap, because I was somehow sure that there are just 3 bolts. but yes - for designer of that bolt - I would send him to hell to unscrew and put it back until end of the days. and make him forget how to do it - after each time. I think I used that elastic extension for 1/4 drive. that way it was most easier way.