Abstract: A vehicle component includes an opening that receives a plug. A relief valve is mounted to the plug and has at least one elongated passage extending through a flexible membrane that is movable between a venting position and a sealed position.

Abstract: A center support assembly includes a bearing that supports a driveshaft for rotation about an axis. A shield is fixed to the bearing and a seal is positioned between the shield and the bearing. The shield and seal cooperate to retain lube within the bearing and prevent external contaminants from entering the bearing. A lube passage is formed between an outer surface of the bearing and an inner surface of the shield. At least one externally accessible fitting is in fluid communication with the lube passage and is used to supply additional lubricant to the bearing when needed.

Abstract: A center support assembly includes a bearing that supports a driveshaft for rotation about an axis. A shield is fixed to the bearing and a seal is positioned between the shield and the bearing. The shield and seal cooperate to retain lube within the bearing and prevent external contaminants from entering the bearing. A lube passage is formed between an outer surface of the bearing and an inner surface of the shield. At least one externally accessible fitting is in fluid communication with the lube passage and is used to supply additional lubricant to the bearing when needed.

Abstract: A vehicle component includes an opening that receives a plug. A relief valve is mounted to the plug and has at least one elongated passage extending through a flexible membrane that is movable between a venting position and a sealed position.

Abstract: A yoke assembly for a vehicle driveline includes a first component and a second component that are welded together. The first component comprises a yoke with an internal pilot surface. The second component comprises a tube or shaft having an external surface that abuts against the internal pilot surface. A single weld is then used to secure the yoke to the tube or shaft.

Abstract: A seal assembly includes a shield that is mounted to an outer race on each side of a self-centering bearing and a resilient seal that is mounted between a bearing inner race and a shield on each side of the bearing. The shield and seal form a protected annulus volume adjacent the outer race and ball bearing in which grease is packed.

Abstract: A sealing assembly for a slip shaft drive assembly includes a generally resilient seal and a substantially rigid cover which is mounted at an end of a slip yoke. The cover includes an axially extended stop portion which is of an axial length to provide contact with a flange of a splined shaft prior to an end of the splined shaft contacting a plug. The stop portion defines the minimum length to which the slip shaft drive assembly may be collapsed and thereby eliminates the possibility of the plug being dislodged during shipping and/or handling.

Abstract: A sealing assembly for a slip shaft drive assembly includes a generally resilient seal and a substantially rigid cover which is mounted at an end of a slip yoke. The cover includes an axially extended stop portion which is of an axial length to provide contact with a flange of a splined shaft prior to an end of the splined shaft contacting a plug. The stop portion defines the minimum length to which the slip shaft drive assembly may be collapsed and thereby eliminates the possibility of the plug being dislodged during shipping and/or handling.

Abstract: A driveline assembly includes a shaft that is rotatably supported on a bearing assembly within a drive axle. The shaft has a first mount portion with a threaded exterior surface and a second mount portion with a splined exterior surface. A retaining ring is threaded onto the first mount portion to engage and retain the bearing assembly at a proper location. A yoke member with a splined inner bored is mounted on the shaft in engagement with the splined exterior surface. The yoke member can easily be connected and disconnected from the shaft without having to remove the retaining ring. The yoke member also includes a quick disconnect device that simplifies removal and re-assembly of the yoke member from the shaft.

Abstract: A grease lock seal with sealing lips angled inwardly towards the internal bearing components is press fit into a bearing cup assembly to prevent grease from being purged due to centrifugal forces introduced during the rotational operation of the system. As the plurality of sealing lips retain grease in the system, the system does not have to be re-greased. If one desires to re-grease the system, the grease lock seal can further include a plurality of grease purge channels which create a path for used grease to be purged. As internal pressure increases during regreasing, the used grease flows through the grease purge channels and out of the system. However, the grease purge channels are small enough so that grease does not escape from the system during normal operation.

Abstract: A universal joint bearing assembly incorporates a thrust washer molded from plastic. The plastic thrust washer eliminates the metal galling and metal debris that have been found in prior art universal joint bearings. A support notch is formed at radially outer surfaces to support an inner end of needle bearings. Resilient members bias the notch against the needle bearings such that the needle bearings are supported on the notch and against a seal at the outer end of the bearing cup. The resilient members are compressed when the universal joint is assembled such that the needle bearings operate properly. A central dome extension on the thrust washer insures that the thrust washer is not improperly mounted within the bearing cup. An outer face of the thrust washer is formed at an angle such that central portion extend further towards the trunnion than radially outer portions.