Patent ID: 7204760

Claim:
A venting constant velocity joint system, comprising: constant velocity joint disposed between and connected to a first shaft and a second shaft, wherein the constant velocity joint includes an internal cavity that receives a portion of the first shaft and the constant velocity joint includes a vent plate defining a vent aperture in communication with the internal cavity; and a vent valve receivable in the vent aperture, the vent valve comprising: a body portion having a first end and a second end and at least one escape pathway extending therebetween; and a flexible retention cap extending from the body portion; wherein the retention cap includes a downwardly extending, planar portion that includes an uninterrupted periphery that is larger than an outermost periphery of a remainder of the vent valve and wherein the retention cap is operative in a normally closed position to cover the at least one escape pathway and seal the joint from external contaminants, and in response to internal pressure created in the joint cavity functions to open and expose the at least one escape pathway to permit air to escape from the cavity.