Abstract: A face spline coupling for transmitting torque between a wheel end unit and a driven shaft arranged in a longitudinal axis of a drive-wheel arrangement for a motor vehicle includes a first face spline formed in the wheel end unit and a second face spline formed in the driven shaft. The first face spline is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and faces the driven shaft, and the second face spline is also generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and faces the wheel end unit. The first and second face splines are meshed together and detachably coupled by inter-fitting teeth of each of the first and second face splines. In addition, the teeth in each of the first and second face splines are formed in a helical configuration.

Abstract: A drivetrain assembly for a motor vehicle including a venting system. The drivetrain assembly includes an output shaft from a vehicle prime moreover component such as a transmission or transaxle. The output shaft is coupled to a propeller shaft through a constant velocity joint (CVJ) assembly. A flexible sealing boot encloses the CVJ between the output shaft and the propeller shaft. Internal components of the CVJ are vented by a first longitudinal passageway exposed to the internal volume of the CVJ extending longitudinally along the output shaft. A second radial passageway joins the longitudinal passageway and extends to the radially outer surface of the output shaft forming a second aperture. The passageways combine to provide pressure equalization between the CVJ internal volume and the atmosphere. An optional semi-permeable membrane may be mounted at the second aperture.

Abstract: A grease-retention assembly for a drive shaft assembly with a tubular shaft connected to a joint includes an outer race and a cap for grease retention and venting arranged in an inside diameter section of the outer race. The cap includes an outer annular rim with an annular indentation. The outer race includes a radial abutment shoulder extending radially inward and defining an axial end position of the rim of the cap, and a radial annular rib extending from the inside diameter section. The rib partially fills the annular indentation of the rim when the cap is in the axial end position. The cap further includes a central portion with a hollow air cavity extending across the cap between two radially extending walls, an axial hole through one of the two radially extending walls, and a radial annular groove communicating with the air cavity.

Abstract: A cap acting as a grease retention feature and venting system allows crash optimization of a propeller shaft with a plunging constant velocity joint. The cap is located between a constant velocity joint and a tube of the propeller shaft system. The cap includes: a rim sealed against the inner diameter of the constant velocity joint, an interior vent chamber, a vent hole facing the interior components of the constant velocity joint and leading to the vent chamber, and an annular radial groove along the entire circumference connected to the vent chamber. The outer race has a hole perpendicular to the joint axis to complete venting to the atmosphere. In the event of a vehicle crash, the constant velocity internal joint components contact the device, causing the device to dislodge from its fixed position, contact the friction weld curls and fracture at a determined load.