28 replies to this topic

[cooperd70]

So I fitted new gaitors back in April 17 and the car is just going for an MOT and they need replacing again. Is this usual? The car is only a sunny day vehicle, so can't believe they rot in that length of time...maybe I'm wrong.

[MikeRotherham]

There are lots of messages on this forum about the quality of rubber components and the short life of them.

 

But less than five months seems to be a new record.

 

Did you have them stored for a while before fitting although that being said these things should last years.

 

I would think by now the main reputable suppliers are aware of this problem but don't seem to care.

Edited by MikeRotherham, 09 September 2020 - 06:44 AM.

[1314cc]

I had the same happen too!
Quality nowadays isn't as good. My current ones are ok after 1 year but can't remember where a purchased them from. Possibly Minispares.

[Benoit_Dupont]

yep, rubber is terrible those days: I've to replace some engine mounts almost every year... 

[Spider]

10 year + for the originals wasn't out of the question.

 

I have a locally manufactured pair on a Rack that I built 8 years back and pretty much look and feel like the day I fitted them, only somewhat dirty now.

[sonscar]

It is often said the rubber is poor,this is not so as manufacturers manage it OK.The problem is the rubber used by Mini suppliers is poor.It obviously is possible as my wife's Kia is 14 year old on all its original rubber.Steve..

[paulrockliffe]

Is there anything in production that has close enough CV joint and drive shaft dimensions?

[andyapanel]

I find they are psychic, like CV gators. Generally they fail the day before MOT. They often conspire with the number plate bulbs.

[cooperd70]

They were purchased from a very reputable seller of spares here in the UK and were put on the car as soon as the order arrived...hoping this next pair last longer!

I know Somerford Mini sell the higher quality Japanese ones, tho couldn't have got them in time for the MOT...I'll maybe order some of those ready for next time ?

[sonscar]

Some while ago the balljoints from a well respected player fell off due to perishing after no road use and 6 months in a darkened garage.Expecting a battle to get them replaced I girded my loins and was met with "no problem we will send you some new ones".I took from this that it was not unusual.If you could recover the fitting cost  and inconvenience costs from the supplier might they be more diligent?Steve..

[MikeRotherham]

They were purchased from a very reputable seller of spares here in the UK and were put on the car as soon as the order arrived...hoping this next pair last longer!

I know Somerford Mini sell the higher quality Japanese ones, tho couldn't have got them in time for the MOT...I'll maybe order some of those ready for next time

That is pretty disgusting. You need to contact your supplier and get a refund.

 

I really don't get it, they must know there is a problem but seem unwilling or unable to do anything about it.

 

As sonscar has stated modern rubber seals, etc still last.

 

If it costs more to produce longer lasting rubber components then so be it. Most reasonable owners will pay up.

[mini-mad-mark]

So I fitted new gaitors back in April 17 and the car is just going for an MOT and they need replacing again. Is this usual? The car is only a sunny day vehicle, so can't believe they rot in that length of time...maybe I'm wrong.

 

There are lots of messages on this forum about the quality of rubber components and the short life of them.

 

But less than five months seems to be a new record.

 

Did you have them stored for a while before fitting although that being said these things should last years.

 

I would think by now the main reputable suppliers are aware of this problem but don't seem to care.

I think the OP may have meant April 2017 not April 17th (this year) ? - but please confirm

 

If so they've lasted about three and a half years - pretty average these days I guess 

 

I had one go in 14 months from just before one MoT and was gone at the next MoT - the tester was quite apologetic as he knew I had changed the pair last time and then the next MoT for one to be gone already.... 

[cooperd70]

So I fitted new gaitors back in April 17 and the car is just going for an MOT and they need replacing again. Is this usual? The car is only a sunny day vehicle, so can't believe they rot in that length of time...maybe I'm wrong.

There are lots of messages on this forum about the quality of rubber components and the short life of them.

But less than five months seems to be a new record.

Did you have them stored for a while before fitting although that being said these things should last years.

I would think by now the main reputable suppliers are aware of this problem but don't seem to care.

I think the OP may have meant April 2017 not April 17th (this year) ? - but please confirm

If so they've lasted about three and a half years - pretty average these days I guess

I had one go in 14 months from just before one MoT and was gone at the next MoT - the tester was quite apologetic as he knew I had changed the pair last time and then the next MoT for one to be gone already....

mini-mad-mark - you are quite correct...2017. So that's average these days. Would have thought they'd last longer than that. Thanks for the info

DC

[MikeRotherham]

I didn't spot that it was April 2017 though the op meant April 17th.

 

Three and half years is still pretty poor though.

[andyapanel]

Why are mini ones so poor? I have never changed a gaiter on either of my wife's Golfs in 10 years.