Abstract: A constant velocity joint for use in a prop shaft of an automotive vehicle includes an outer race. The constant velocity joint also includes an inner race arranged within the outer race and a rolling element arranged between the outer race and the inner race. A cage is arranged between the outer race and the inner race such that the cage positions the rolling element therebetween. The constant velocity joint also includes a flange contacting the outer race. A plurality of sleeves are arranged between the constant velocity joint outer race and the flange. A plurality of fasteners will secure the outer race to the flange.

Abstract: A propeller shaft assembly (10) comprising a constant velocity universal joint (12) including a hollow shaft (20) and a connecting shaft (18) is provided. The hollow shaft (20) includes an outer joint part (23) having an outer race surface (31) that includes an outer forward portion (32) and an outer rearward portion (34). The connecting shaft (18) includes an inner joint part (25) having an inner race surface (33) that includes an inner forward portion (35) and an inner rearward portion (36). The connecting shaft (18) further includes a recessed surface portion (38). A ball cage (26) that has a plurality of torque transmitting balls (28) is included. During a collision, the torque transmitting balls (28) translate off said inner race surface (33) and drop into the recessed surface portion (38) allowing the connecting shaft (18) to collapse into the hollow shaft (20).

Abstract: Durability of elastomeric bellows-type suspension and drivetrain components, particularly constant velocity joint boots, is improved by coating the elastomeric boot with a thin, flexible, and lubricious coating formed by curing the admixture of epoxy resins, curing agents, an unsaturated polymerizable monomer, a free radical polymerization and/or grafting initiator, and a non-fugitive solid lubricant. The coating strongly adheres to the elastomer and greatly increases the longevity under severe operating conditions.

Abstract: A constant velocity joint has an encapsulated spring to aid in the resistance to centrifugal forces generated during high speed rotation. The encapsulated spring has first and second mating housing portions and a coil spring biasing the housing portions with respect to one another and the interconnecting shaft with respect to the joint.

Abstract: A boot for a high speed constant velocity universal joint having an articulation accommodating portion attached to the outer joint member of the universal joint and a contiguous linear displacement accommodating portion having its end connected to the inner joint member shaft. The junction between the articulation and linear displacement accommodating portions is reinforced to form a boot stabilizer at a point intermediate its opposite ends which inhibits eccentric spinning of the boot at high rotational speeds. The articulation accommodating portion has a first plurality of annular convolutes, the diameters of which diminish as a function of their displacement from the outer joint member. The linear displacement accommodating portion has a second plurality of annular convolutes having substantially equal diameters.

Abstract: A clamp and method enabling the tightness established by a clamp connection to be checked after installation. The clamp consisting of a band member formed with diametrically opposite eyelets which are engageable with a spanner tool, which in turn is engagable with a torque wrench to enable the tightness of the clamped connection to be checked by applying a torque sufficient to just slip.