Patent ID: 8157657

Claim:
A constant velocity joint assembly having a longitudinal axis, comprising: an outer race including a first axial end and a second axial end, the second axial end disposed axially relative to the longitudinal axis of the constant velocity joint between the first axial end and a flexible boot; an inner race supported within the outer race; a shaft engaging the inner race; a rolling element disposed between the inner race and the outer race; an end cap mounted to the first axial end of the outer race, the end cap including an inner surface and an outer surface, the inner surface disposed between the shaft and the outer surface, and a first axial end arranged adjacent the first axial end of the outer race and an opposite second axial end; a selectively expandable and contractible barrier membrane operatively mounted to the inner surface of the end cap, the barrier membrane is a flexible seal having no openings therethrough and being responsive to changes in pressure of a fluid during operation of the constant velocity joint assembly, wherein the entire barrier membrane is disposed axially relative to the longitudinal axis of the constant velocity joint between the first and second axial ends of the end cap; wherein an outer peripheral edge of the barrier membrane is attached to the inner surface of the end cap; and wherein the outer peripheral edge of the barrier membrane is displaced axially away from the outer race.