Seals And Clamps

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Pontiac Vibe. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

The front wheel drive shaft constant velocity joint and the front wheel drive shaft tripod joint seals in the front wheel drive axle are made of a thermoplastic material.

The clamps on front wheel drive axle seals are made of stainless steel.

The seals provide the following functions:

Protection of the internal parts of the front wheel drive shaft constant velocity joint and the front wheel drive shaft tripod joint.
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 front wheel drive shaft tripod joint.
Allows angular movement of the front wheel drive shaft constant velocity joint.

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 front wheel drive shaft tripod joint and the front wheel drive shaft constant velocity joint. Damage will also allow grease to leak out of the front wheel drive shaft tripod joints and the front wheel drive shaft constant velocity joints.

Leakage may cause noisy front wheel drive axle operation and eventual failure of the internal components.

The clamps provide a leak proof connection for the front wheel drive shaft tripod joint and the front wheel drive shaft constant velocity joint at the following locations:

The housing.
The front 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.