the invention relates to a device for controlling the contact pressure of a transmission element of a continuously variable transmission , especially the traction element of a flexible drive for motor vehicles . the inventive device is provided with at least two levers as the transmission elements that provide the contact pressure depending on torque and ratio . said levers are pivoted to the driving transmission elements and to the driven transmission elements and act upon an axially displaceable transmission element that indirectly or directly exerts the contact pressure via at least one rolling element each . the lever length effective to exert the contact pressure can be varied in accordance with the selected transmission ratio .