Abstract: An abrasion-resistant protective cover, in the form of a sock, fitting over a drive axle joint seal of a vehicle. The sock is formed of abrasion-resistant material to extend the operation of the seal by extending the amount of wear and tear that the seal can withstand. The sock may be pre-assembled about the joint seal during assembly of the drive axle shaft and joint. The sock is attached at one end to the drive axle shaft and at the opposite end to the joint. The sock may also be assembled about the joint seal after assembly of the drive axle shaft and joint. The sock is wrapped about the joint seal and held in place by clamps around the drive axle shaft and the joint. The sock may be fabricated with any one of several abrasion-resistant materials and may include a flexible material to allow the sock to be tightly fitted about the joint seal without limiting movement of the joint seal around the drive axle shaft.

Abstract: A drive axle joint seal sock for extending the operation of the joint seal and protecting the joint seal against high heat conditions. The sock comprises an elongate cylindrical housing having an aperture at each end and formed of a heat-resistant material. Clamping structure, such as adjustable clamping rings, extend about each aperture and clamp the sock about the drive axle shaft and the joint, respectively. The sock housing comprises an expanded central area of uniform profile to facilitate movement of the joint seal within the sock. The sock encloses the joint seal and protects the seal against exposure to heat from the engine, exhaust system or atmosphere.