Ford CFT30 CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) · Ford/Lincoln · Expert rebuild service since 1987. Lifetime warranty. Free diagnostic.
2005–2011 Ford Freestyle; 2005–2007 Ford Five Hundred; 2008–2009 Ford Taurus (X); 2005–2007 Mercury Montego; behind 3.0L Duratec V6
| Configuration | Continuously variable (belt-and-pulley), equivalent range approx 3.5:1 to 0.47:1 |
|---|---|
| Gear Ratios | CVT — no fixed gear steps; variable ratio from 3.5:1 (low) to 0.47:1 (high overdrive) |
| Fluid Type | Ford-spec CVT fluid (Mercon CVT or equivalent) |
| Fluid Capacity | 8.5 qts total, 4.0 qts service refill |
The CFT30 uses a steel push-belt running on variable-diameter pulleys. The belt wears and stretches at high mileage (100k+), causing RPM flare without speed increase — the classic CVT slip signature.
Symptoms: RPM rises without corresponding speed increase; shudder under acceleration; whine at high speed
The primary pulley's hydraulic actuator controls ratio selection. Actuator seal failure causes the CVT to stick in a fixed ratio or hunt erratically between ratios.
Symptoms: Stuck at a single ratio (feels like stuck in gear); RPM hunts at steady speed; no ratio change on acceleration
The CVT fluid pump wears at high mileage, causing low line pressure that accelerates belt wear and pulley actuator failure.
Symptoms: Belt slip; overheating; fluid pressure codes
CVT rebuild requires specialized tooling for pulley calibration. Belt replaced with new Bosch or OEM unit. Pulley actuator seals replaced. Pump inspected and rebuilt or replaced. Full CVT soft parts kit. Fluid flushed with Ford-spec CVT fluid.
Ford CVT fluid every 30,000 miles — do not use conventional ATF in the CFT30. The belt-and-pulley CVT requires fluid with specific viscosity and friction properties. Extended fluid intervals are the leading cause of CFT30 belt failure.
It has a mixed reputation. With proper fluid maintenance (every 30,000 miles), it's reasonably durable. The most common failure is belt wear at 100k+ miles due to neglected fluid service.
Classic belt slip symptom. Start with a fluid service; if RPM flare continues, the belt is worn and needs replacement. Driving on a worn belt damages the pulleys.
Ford-spec CVT fluid — not regular Mercon or Dexron. Using the wrong fluid destroys the belt and pulleys quickly.
$2,200–3,200. Belt replacement alone (if pulleys are good) runs $1,200–1,800. 3–4 day turnaround.
Yes — we have CVT rebuild experience and tooling. The CFT30 is a less common unit but we carry belt and pulley kits.
Free diagnostic, written estimate, lifetime warranty. Chicago's CFT30 rebuild specialists since 1987.
