Seals And Clamps

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 Pontiac Montana, 2002 Oldsmobile Silhouette, and 2002 Chevrolet Venture. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

The rear wheel drive shaft tri-pot 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:

Protection of the internal parts of the wheel drive shaft tri-pot 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.
Allows the angular and the axial movement of the rear wheel drive shaft tri-pot joints.

IMPORTANT: 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 wheel drive shaft tri-pot joints. Damage will also allow grease to leak out of the wheel drive shaft tri-pot joints.

Leakage and the loss to grease may cause noisy wheel drive shaft tri-pot operation and eventual failure of the internal components.

The clamps provide a leak proof connection for the wheel drive shaft tri-pot joints at the following locations:

The tri-pot housing.
The wheel drive shaft bar.

The thermoplastic material performs well under normal conditions and normal operation. However, the material is not strong enough to withstand the following conditions:

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