Seals & Clamps
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Pontiac Aztek, 2003 Buick Rendezvous, 2002 Pontiac Aztek, 2002 Buick Rendezvous, and 2001 Pontiac Aztek. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
NOTE:
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 axle shaft tripot joint and the front axle shaft constant velocity joint. Damage will also allow grease to leak out of the front axle shaft tripot joints and the front axle shaft constant velocity joints. Leakage may cause noisy front wheel drive axle operation and eventual failure of the internal components.
The front axle shaft constant velocity joint and the front axle shaft tripot 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 axle shaft constant velocity joint and the front axle shaft tripot joint. The seals protect the grease from harmful atmospheric conditions, such as extreme temperatures or ozone gas. Protection is also provided against foreign material, such as dirt or water.
- Allows the angular and the axial movement of the front axle shaft tripot joint.
- Allows angular movement of the front axle shaft constant velocity joint.
The clamps provide a leak proof connection for the front axle shaft tripot joint and the front axle shaft constant velocity joint at the following locations:
- The housing.
- The front axle 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.