Abstract: A universal joint has a primary seal and a secondary seal. The universal joint includes a cross and a bearing cup with the cross having a body and a trunnion and an annular shoulder with an adjacent surface of circular cross section at the juncture of the body and the trunnion. The open end of the cup has at least one leg extending outwardly therefrom. The primary seal comprises a resilient sealing member having spaced lips engaging the cup and the cross. The secondary seal is spaced outwardly from the primary seal and has a ring with a leg extending outwardly therefrom. The leg of the secondary seal is in overlapping relationship with the leg of the cup. The ring has a tight fit with the adjacent surface of the cross body, with a top of the ring engaging the shoulder of the cross. The secondary seal is spaced slightly from the cup to enable lubricant flushed past the primary seal to escape.

Abstract: An intermediate bearing support for a drive shaft of a vehicle is required when three or more universal joints are embodied in a driveline between a transmission and a differential. Special bearings of particular dimensions and having wider inner races than outer race have heretofore been employed for this particular application. Such bearings are substantially more costly than standard ones. The new drive shaft support uses standard bearings with special adapter components for use with the supports. The adapter components include special adapter rings located between the inner race of the bearing and the shaft being supported. In most instances, adapter rings are also located around the outer race between the outer race and a grease retainer and rubber mounted block of the support.