Abstract: A boot assembly for a constant velocity joint includes a boot having a neck portion arranged to be received over a shaft that is coupled to the constant velocity joint, and a retainer or insert which may include a vent. The retainer or insert may be carried by the neck portion and has at least one flex feature to facilitate flexing thereof. The insert may have at least one projection that extends radially inwardly from the neck portion and defines part of an inner surface of the boot, or at least one vent path defined therein to facilitate venting of one or more chambers defined at least in part by the boot.

Abstract: A boot assembly for a constant velocity joint includes a boot having a neck portion arranged to be received over a shaft that is coupled to the constant velocity joint, and a retainer or insert which may include a vent. The retainer or insert may be carried by the neck portion and has at least one flex feature to facilitate flexing thereof. The insert may have at least one projection that extends radially inwardly from the neck portion and defines part of an inner surface of the boot, or at least one vent path defined therein to facilitate venting of one or more chambers defined at least in part by the boot.

Abstract: A vibration isolator assembly, such as an isolator bushing or cradle mount, includes a housing and an isolator connected to the housing. A shaft assembly includes first and second mating components, the first component being connected to the elastomer and having a cavity of a first dimension for receiving the second component having a different, second dimension therein. The differing dimensions alters the stress characteristics of the vibration isolator assembly. According to a preferred method of altering stress characteristics of a vibration isolator assembly, the method includes the steps of forming a cavity in the shaft and varying a dimension of the shaft to alter the spring rate characteristics. In the preferred arrangement, the shaft assembly includes a split, first component and a second component is inserted between the split portions to relieve tensile stress in the isolator and, if desired, to impart a compressive stress in the isolator.

Abstract: A vibration isolator assembly, such as an isolator bushing or cradle mount, includes a housing and an isolator connected to the housing. A shaft assembly includes first and second mating components, the first component being connected to the elastomer and having a cavity of a first dimension for receiving the second component having a different, second dimension therein. The differing dimensions alters the stress characteristics of the vibration isolator assembly. According to a preferred method of altering stress characteristics of a vibration isolator assembly, the method includes the steps of forming a cavity in the shaft and varying a dimension of the shaft to alter the spring rate characteristics. In the preferred arrangement, the shaft assembly includes a split, first component and a second component is inserted between the split portions to relieve tensile stress in the isolator and, if desired, to impart a compressive stress in the isolator.