28 replies to this topic

[mini-mad-mark]

CV boots not much better - on the other mini I had both go in two years (same MoT guy - he must love me...!)

 

I must remember to at least look under the car before I take it... 

[cal844]

I've had a CV gaitir last 18 month (QH branded part).

Replacing these wasn't too much of an issue as the old Gaitors weren't too old as we fitted a drum to 7.5inch disc conversion kit. If I had to do this on an older kit it would have been a ball ache.

[IntMilkBrilliant]

My current set are have been only nearly 2yrs and still going strong. The best we have available here typically last 8-10yrs.

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

[Lplus]

I noticed mine were going round the ends on the new rack I purchased not long before.  It seems it was because I pushed the outer ends back up to the thinner part of the track rod thinking they should be there.  I  moved the outer ends outwards until the gaiter was at it's "natural" length with the wheel straight.   So far so good (fingers crossed, wood touched etc)

[phillrulz]

During my apprenticeship ( instrumentation ) i was always told if somethings not super toxic its no good. Guess they're not using the good stuff anymore 

[Richard_]

If you look on Ebay etc there are loads of 'universal' gaiters made from silicone - has anyone ever tried these?

[bpirie1000]

Dangerous game with universal fit.....

[cal844]

Dangerous game with universal fit.....

I agree

[Ethel]

I don't think there'd be much room for anything bigger between the floor & subby & anything that's universal is pretty much bound to be a larger diameter. Ebay's a great place to search for info though to find something that may fit.

[ECRyder]

Just changed my steering gaiters which had split on the outer end near the clip, where they "turn" 90 degrees. I suspected it was because that end of the gaiter was under maximum strain on full lock, rather than a continuous up and down movement when driving. I set the outward end of the gaiter about a quarter of a inch further inwards before tightening the clip, rather than locating in the usual spot, where the "ridges" are. We shall see........

[Icey]

I’ve seen some original parts taken from a 1960s Mini that were perfect, compared to modern parts that last 6 months before failing . Best advice is to find good, used OEM parts (or NOS) or buy a Valtain parts (if available).

Edited by Icey, 26 September 2021 - 06:02 PM.

[mab01uk]

Japanese Mini rubber parts seem to be high quality reflected in higher prices.....Somerfords sell some Japanese items under the Valtain brand name.

Somerford, type 'Valtain' in search box for Japanese Mini parts:-
https://www.somerfordmini.co.uk/

 

Minispares have recently improved a few rubber parts like Knuckle gaiters (see below) and petrol tank neck rubber seals recently.

POLY UPGRADE TRACK ROD END/KNUCKLE GAITER
Minispares Part No. 21A425EVO
Polyurethane upgraded gaiter for all knuckle joints and many track rod ends
(For standard rubber versions see 21A425)
Please note- this does not fit all track rod ends as so many genuine and aftermarket parts have been supplied in 55 years. It does however fit every suspension knuckle ball joint GSV1118 ever made.
https://www.minispar...|Back to search



GENUINE MINISPARES FUEL FILLER NECK GROMMET
Genuine Mini Spares product. The seal that goes on the neck of petrol tanks as protection against water intrusion and to also to make the hole look neater, so replace them when they crack or shrink through heat. This is the original fatter type as used pre 1997 and made in the UK using high quality EPDM for better looks and longevity. Worth the extra money for looks and quality alone. £8.69
https://www.minispar...057GENUINE.aspx
or pay £2.40 for the poor quality item.....
https://www.minispar...ic/14A7057.aspx

Edited by mab01uk, 26 September 2021 - 06:25 PM.

[mab01uk]

 

Type 'Valtain' in search box for all there Japanese Mini parts:-

https://www.somerfor...ers-5-long-pair

Edited by mab01uk, 26 September 2021 - 06:26 PM.

[Spider]

There is a Steering Rack Gaiter I've been buying from one of our local suppliers going back to the early 80's, and found them to be quite good and very long lasting (20 years +). I don't know who makes them, they come in a clear plastic bag with no markings at all, but appear very similar to the Unipart types, though there are small differences.

In that time frame, I did also try some Unipart types (about 15 years ago) and found them also good, but I understand that those particular ones aren't made anymore.
 

Japanese Mini rubber parts seem to be high quality reflected in higher prices.....Somerfords sell some Japanese items under the Valtain brand name.

Somerford, type 'Valtain' in search box for Japanese Mini parts:-
https://www.somerfordmini.co.uk/

 

 

Minispares have recently improved a few rubber parts like Knuckle gaiters (see below) and petrol tank neck rubber seals recently.

POLY UPGRADE TRACK ROD END/KNUCKLE GAITER
Minispares Part No. 21A425EVO
Polyurethane upgraded gaiter for all knuckle joints and many track rod ends
(For standard rubber versions see 21A425)
Please note- this does not fit all track rod ends as so many genuine and aftermarket parts have been supplied in 55 years. It does however fit every suspension knuckle ball joint GSV1118 ever made.
https://www.minispar...|Back to search

 

I do like Somerfords, but I can't say I like their new website, I feel from their previous, this one is a backwards step, it's slow and clunky to find parts.

 

 

I've fitted a few of the Mini Spares EVO Knuckle Joint Boots and found them - so far - to be really good. They stay on over the lip of the cup, have a decent feel about them and I doubt they'll turn to dust like the other after market replacements.