Seals & Clamps

The rear axle shaft tripod joint seals on the wheel drive axle are made of a thermoplastic material. The clamps on the rear wheel drive axle seals are made of stainless steel. The seals provide the following functions:

1. Protection of the internal parts of the axle shaft tripod joints. The seals protect the grease from the following sources of damage:
   • Harmful atmospheric conditions, such as extreme temperatures or ozone gas.
   • Foreign material, such as dirt or water.
2. Allows the angular and the axial movement of the rear axle shaft tripod joints.

Protect the seals from sharp tools and from the sharp edges of the surrounding components. Any damage to the seals or the clamps will result in leakage. Leakage will allow water to leak into the rear axle shaft tripod joints. Damage will also allow grease to leak out of the axle shaft tripod joints. Leakage and the loss to grease may cause noisy axle shaft tripod operation and eventual failure of the internal components. The clamps provide a leak proof connection for the axle shaft tripod joints at the following locations:

• The tripod housing.
• The axle shaft bar.

• Abusive handling.
• Damage from sharp objects, such as tools or sharp edges of the surrounding vehicle components.