Abstract: A frangible grease cap for use in a collapsible constant velocity joint. The frangible grease cap includes a body generally having a circular shape. The frangible grease cap includes an orifice through a center section of the body. The grease cap also includes at least one reduced thickness groove on a surface of the body of the constant velocity joint grease cap. The grease cap has a circumferential flange extending from an end thereof. The grease cap includes reduced thickness grooves having predetermined shapes which will peel or rupture when a predetermined axial load is applied thereto. The grease cap is secured to an inner surface of an outer race through any known securing method which also influences when the grease cap will fracture during or completely release during a crash event when a predetermined axial load is applied thereon.

Abstract: To protect a joint from exposure to contaminants and loss of lubricant disposed within a joint a traditional joint includes a sealing system. Typically the sealing system includes a boot and a boot cover. To produce a more effective joint, the sealing system of the present invention further includes a shield to protect the boot and the boot cover from exposure to contaminants by providing a barrier therebetween. The joint of the present invention includes a shield having several embodiments including an elastomer sleeve, a rigid cylindrical tube and a thermoplastic second boot.

Abstract: A frangible grease cap for use in a collapsible constant velocity joint. The frangible grease cap includes a body generally having a circular shape. The frangible grease cap includes an orifice through a center section of the body. The grease cap also includes at least one reduced thickness groove on a surface of the body of the constant velocity joint grease cap. The grease cap has a circumferential flange extending from an end thereof. The grease cap includes reduced thickness grooves having predetermined shapes which will peel or rupture when a predetermined axial load is applied thereto. The grease cap is secured to an inner surface of an outer race through any known securing method which also influences when the grease cap will fracture during or completely release during a crash event when a predetermined axial load is applied thereon.