Seals & Clamps

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Pontiac Vibe. 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 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 rear axle shaft tripod joint seals on the axle shafts are made of a thermoplastic material. The clamps on are made of stainless steel. The seals provide the following functions:

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

The clamps provide a leak proof connection for the axle shaft tripod joints at the following locations:

The housing.
The axle shaft.

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 sharp tools or any sharp edges of the surrounding components in the vehicle.