Abstract: A slip joint, such as for use in a vehicular driveshaft assembly, includes a first member having a plurality of male splines provided thereon and a second member having a plurality of female splines provided thereon. The male splines cooperate with the female splines so as to connect the first and second members together for concurrent rotational movement and for relative axial movement. A wedge member is disposed between portions of the first and second members to take up looseness therebetween and to adjustably control the amount of force that is required to be exerted in order to effect relative axial movement. The wedge member includes a body portion having a plurality of leg portions extending therefrom. The wedge member is positioned such that the leg portions are received within an annular space between the first and second members.

Abstract: A locking cover is designed to protectively enclose a lubricant fitting mounted on a cross of a universal joint and cannot be removed after installation without damaging or destroying the locking cover. The locking cover includes a first half and a second half that are joined together by a hinge. Each half includes a generally U-shaped body portion defined by a central web and a pair of opposed leg portions. The first leg has an outwardly extending tang formed thereon having an outwardly extending barb. The second leg has an opening formed therein that terminates in a shoulder. A cover panel extends between the first and second legs defining a partial cavity therebetween. A pair of posts are provided on the cover panel and extend inwardly into the partial cavity defined by the first and second legs and the cover panel. When the locking cover is closed about the lubrication fitting, the tangs are received within the openings such that the barbs engage the associated shoulders.

Abstract: A seal assembly and seal guard are provided for a bearing cup positioned on a trunnion of a universal joint. The seal assembly includes a support ring and an elastomeric seal. The support ring is generally L-shaped in cross section, having a lower radial flange that is connected to an axial portion. The axial portion of the support ring is press fit within an inner bearing surface of the bearing cup. The support ring flange extends radially outwardly adjacent the open end of the bearing cup. The elastomeric seal is disposed within the support ring axial portion. An annular elastomeric seal guard is removably secured to the seal assembly. The seal guard is generally funnel shaped. The seal guard has an upper body with an annular interior groove. The interior groove has a diameter slightly larger than the diameter of the support ring flange. Thus, the seal guard can be secured to the support ring flange. The seal guard has a lower body inclined radially inwardly from the upper body.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for positioning a bearing cup with respect to a universal joint having a yoke. The apparatus includes a base. A support is connected to the base and disposed at a distance therefrom. A spacer connects the support to the base and fixes the distance. A ram is mounted on the support. The ram is movable relative to the support and toward the base. Movement of the ram is adapted for positioning the bearing cup with respect to the yoke.

Abstract: A universal joint assembly includes a yoke having a recess formed in an arm. A bearing cap is rotatably mounted on a trunnion of a cross and received in the recess of the yoke arm. The bearing cap includes an outer circumferential surface engaging the recess, an end surface and at least one axially extending protrusion formed in the end surface. A retainer strap is secured to the yoke arm to retain the bearing cap in the recess. A slot is formed in the retainer strap which receives the protrusion of the bearing cap to prevent rotation of the bearing cap relative to the yoke.

Abstract: A cross member for a universal joint includes a body portion having at least one trunnion extending radially outwardly from the body portion, the trunnion including an outer bearing surface. A bearing cup having an open end and an inner bearing surface is mounted on the trunnion such that the inner bearing surface of the bearing cup is disposed co-axially about the outer bearing surface of the trunnion. A bearing is disposed between the inner bearing surface of the bearing cup and the outer bearing surface of the trunnion to enable rotation of the trunnion relative to the bearing cup. A trunnion bore is positioned within the trunnion and it communicates with the bearing to enable lubricant within the trunnion bore to reach the bearing. A lubrication conduit communicates with the trunnion bore to supply a lubricant to the trunnion bore. A retention valve is positioned within the lubrication conduit for preventing drainback of the lubricant within the lubrication conduit.

Abstract: A universal joint includes a pair of half round yokes, a cross member and retainer straps. The retainer straps include a main body portion and two end portions, where the end portions have retainer faces for mating with the yoke faces, where the main body portion has a curved inside retainer surface positioned between the end portions and adapted to conform to the shape of the bearing cup and to cooperate with the yoke surface to retain the bearing cup. The retainer strap has a curved outside surface which extends from one end of the retainer strap to the other to provide extra strength at the end portions of the retainer strap.

Abstract: A slip yoke assembly for a vehicle drive train assembly includes a yoke shaft having a shaft portion with a plurality of external splines formed thereon. A hollow transition member having a plurality of internal splines is connected to the yoke shaft for rotational driving movement, yet is permitted to move axially relative thereto. A hollow weld ring is secured to the yoke shaft for rotational movement therewith. The weld ring extends co-axially about the splined connection between the transition member and the shaft portion of the yoke shaft and provides an exterior surface to which one or more balance weights may be secured. The weld ting also provides an annular space to retain a quantity of lubricant for the splined connection. A flexible convoluted boot is provided to seal the splined connection between the transition member and the shaft portion of the yoke shaft. A first end of the boot is secured to the weld ring, while a second end of the boot is secured to the transition member.

Abstract: A seal and guard assembly for a bearing cup assembly in a universal joint includes an annular seal assembly provided about the open end of a bearing cup. The seal assembly includes a metallic support ring and an elastomeric seal. The support ring is generally Z-shaped in cross section, having upper and lower radially extending flange portions which are connected together by an axially extending intermediate portion. The intermediate portion of the support ring is press fit within the inner bearing surface of the bearing cup. The upper flange portion of the support ring extends radially inwardly from the intermediate portion. The lower flange portion of the support ring extends radially outwardly from the intermediate portion adjacent the open end of the S bearing cup. The elastomeric seal is disposed within the intermediate portion of the support ring and is attached thereto. An annular seal guard is removably secured to the seal assembly.

Abstract: A combined seal and boot assembly for protectively covering a telescoping connection between two shaft members in a steering shaft assembly includes a cylindrical body portion, a flexible boot portion, and a pair of sealing lips. The body portion is frictionally mounted on the end of the female splined steering shaft member. The flexible boot portion is formed from a plurality of alternating inwardly and outwardly extending corrugations. The sealing lips extend inwardly into resilient engagement with the splines formed on male splined steering shaft member. The metallic band is provided to maintain the resilient engagement with the splines formed on male splined steering shaft member. The sealing lips are urged into engagement with a higher friction portion of the male splined steering shaft member during normal use, wherein only a small amount of relative axial movement occurs between the male and female splined steering shaft members.