GKN Driveline has announced the development of a new design of flexible sealing and protection “boots” for constant velocity joints (CVJs) which it says significantly increases component protection and life.
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GKN Driveline says the new plunge boots, made from Thermo-Plastic Elastomers (TPE) offer smaller overall dimensions while increasing wear resistance for the CVJ through features such as:
— High operating temperatures up to 140 degrees Celsius
— Resistance to high-velocity impacts, e.g. from stones
— Superior crack resistance
— High-speed spin stability
— High resistance to inner pressure changes
The company also says TPE gives added protection during transportation and vehicle assembly, plus more consistent material quality, over conventional rubber boots.
Recycling of TPE during production is common practice.
Rob Rickell, driveshaft engineering director for GKN Driveline, said: “The sealing system of a CVJ is the most susceptible product within the driveshaft. Its key function for the lifetime of our new CVJ products requires careful attention to design and material selection, always taking into account the interactions between the CVJ and the boot. Introducing TPE boots for sealing our plunge joints will allow us to exceed today’s highest performance requirements and be ready for our customers’ future needs. This follows fast on the heels of our countertrack and crosstrack breakthrough technology, important advances of which we are very proud.”
