Abstract: A constant-velocity joint includes an outer race, inner race, end cap, and seal. The outer race defines a cavity, an opening to the cavity, and a through hole configured to receive a fastener. The inner race is disposed within the cavity and is rotatably connected to the outer race via a plurality of ball bearings. The end cap is secured to the outer race and covers the opening. The seal is disposed between the outer race and the end cap. The seal defines a channel that is in fluid communication with the cavity and the through hole. The channel is configured to vent air between the cavity and through hole.

Abstract: A driveshaft includes a shaft defining a passageway and a constant velocity joint defining an interior and having a cover defining a hole. A grommet is disposed in the hole and defines a fluid passage into the interior. The CV joint is coupled to the shaft such that the shaft is disposed against the grommet with the passageway and the fluid passage in fluid communication to vent air from the interior into the passageway.

Abstract: A constant-velocity joint includes an outer race, inner race, end cap, and seal. The outer race defines a cavity, an opening to the cavity, and a through hole configured to receive a fastener. The inner race is disposed within the cavity and is rotatably connected to the outer race via a plurality of ball bearings. The end cap is secured to the outer race and covers the opening. The seal is disposed between the outer race and the end cap. The seal defines a channel that is in fluid communication with the cavity and the through hole. The channel is configured to vent air between the cavity and through hole.

Abstract: A driveshaft includes a shaft defining a passageway and a constant velocity joint defining an interior and having a cover defining a hole. A grommet is disposed in the hole and defines a fluid passage into the interior. The CV joint is coupled to the shaft such that the shaft is disposed against the grommet with the passageway and the fluid passage in fluid communication to vent air from the interior into the passageway.

Abstract: A center-bearing assembly includes an annular housing having a circumferential wall with a lip extending radially inward and includes a flange outboard of the circumferential wall. A roller bearing is sized to encircle a vehicle driveshaft and is disposed within the housing between the lip and the flange. An annular retainer is connected to the flange and includes an annular notch configured to shear in response to impact to the driveshaft allowing the bearing to release from the housing.

Abstract: A center-bearing assembly includes an annular housing having a circumferential wall with a lip extending radially inward and includes a flange outboard of the circumferential wall. A roller bearing is sized to encircle a vehicle driveshaft and is disposed within the housing between the lip and the flange. An annular retainer is connected to the flange and includes an annular notch configured to shear in response to impact to the driveshaft allowing the bearing to release from the housing.

Abstract: A constant velocity (CV) joint and, more particularly, a retaining ring for a CV joint and a method of assembling a retaining ring on a CV joint. The tripod constant velocity joint may be assembled by placing a retaining ring in alignment with a trunnion head, applying a force to the aligned retaining ring to expand the diameter of said retaining ring so that a fracture area on the retaining ring fractures. After the fracture area fractures, the retaining ring is displaced into a retaining groove on the trunnion. The retaining ring includes an outer surface, an inner surface, a first notch extending from one of the inner and outer surfaces to the other of the inner and outer surfaces, and a fracture area extending from the first notch to the other of the inner and outer surfaces.

Abstract: An anti-shudder constant velocity universal joint of the tripod type is provided having an outer joint member including three circumferentially distributed, axially extending longitudinal tracks formed therein, and an inner joint member having three circumferentially distributed radial journals arranged to engage the longitudinal tracks when the joint is assembled. The end of each journal is mated with and supports rotation of a roller bearing assembly, while rotating and pivoting within the roller bearing assembly upon articulation of the joint. This reduces the frictional forces on the roller bearings created by maintaining the roller bearings in a relatively proper/parallel orientation within the tracks by allowing the journal ends to freely rotate and pivot therein. A spherical-to-spherical contact surface is provided between the journal ends and an inner ring of the respective roller bearing assemblies to lower Hertzian stresses by distributing forces over a larger region of contact.

Abstract: An anti-shudder constant velocity universal joint of the tripod type is provided having an outer joint member including three circumferentially distributed, axially extending longitudinal tracks formed therein, and an inner joint member having three circumferentially distributed radial journals arranged to engage the longitudinal tracks when the joint is assembled. The end of each journal is mated with and supports rotation of a roller bearing assembly, while rotating and pivoting within the roller bearing assembly upon articulation of the joint. This reduces the frictional forces on the roller bearings created by maintaining the roller bearings in a relatively proper/parallel orientation within the tracks by allowing the journal ends to freely rotate and pivot therein. A spherical-to-spherical contact surface is provided between the journal ends and an inner ring of the respective roller bearing assemblies to lower Hertzian stresses by distributing forces over a larger region of contact.