News Article
GKN Driveline Develops New Sealing Concept
January 2006
GKN Driveline has developed new flexible sealing and protection ‘boots’ for constant velocity joints (CVJs) that significantly improve component durability and life.
Following fast on the announcement of the company’s “breakthrough countertrack™ and crosstrack™ technology” for constant velocity joints (November 2005), GKN Driveline announces the development of a further new generation drivetrain product.
Made from Thermo-Plastic Elastomers (TPE), GKN Driveline’s new plunge boots are smaller and more durable than conventional rubber boots.
GKN Driveline’s TPE sealing system features include:
- 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
Other benefits of TPE include added protection during transportation and vehicle assembly, more consistent material quality and increased recyclability when compared to conventional rubber boots.
The right ideas at the right time
Rob Rickell, driveshaft engineering director of GKN Driveline said: "The sealing system of a CV-Joint 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 CV-joint 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.”
TPE in Production
Several global vehicle manufacturers have already adopted the new technology across the world. It is applied in various market segments. There are many other applications to be announced soon from customers in Europe, Japan and the USA.
