As the title suggests, scammed another MOT today after a bit of fuss about a tiny hole in a steering 'gearbox' gaiter. Fitted my gen Leyland spare and retest ok. And I just managed to get the running wheels/tyres fitted and the 'MOT set' ( ) packed away and the car back in the garage before the heavens opened! The question is though - does anyone know where I can get a decent replacement gaiter for my stock, one that won't fall apart in a few months use?? Or - any advice where NOT to buy will also be appreciated!
That one was far too long for a Mini Dennis! The Minor boot has 9 convolutions - the Mini only 8 - that one you sold is much longer - maybe for the Metro or Marina - something like that. Thanks for that neoprene link 'taupe' - a two year guarantee....hmmm that's not much! But maybe very conservative - I'll see what else turns up!
Still need to pop it off the steering arm though..and that was the longest part of yesterday's job - finding the ball joint splitter! Thanks for the confirmation of the neoprene parts. Anyone tell me (by PM if you like) where NOT to buy?
No need to redo the wheel alignment though I stand to be corrected, but my understanding is that ALL of the gaitors available for Minors specifically (obviously not NOS) are from the same source, and thus are rubbish.
I was in the same predicament as you, so cunningly plumped for the 'universal' kit (UB414). IIRC I had to cut the large end down by one graduation (each end is stepped so you can cut down to fit as reqd). Mine have been on for a year and are filled with oil and showing no sign of leaking.
The gaiters supplied by ame353 (Andrew Eggleton) seem to be of reasonable quality - certainly far better than some very thin floppy rubber ones I previously fitted that only lasted about 6 months!
bmcecosse wrote:Still need to pop it off the steering arm though..and that was the longest part of yesterday's job - finding the ball joint splitter! Thanks for the confirmation of the neoprene parts. Anyone tell me (by PM if you like) where NOT to buy?
Which is ok if you keep your thumbs out of the way...... The ball splitter is much nicer/easier - I just hadn't seen mine for a LONG time, since I gave up Minis 8 years ago! It was of course in my 'handy tools' box - the last place I looked..... :Thanks for all the tips and leads. The MOT wheels are standard wheels with very good 145 tyres...the 'running' wheels are Van type with 155 tyres with rather less tread (but still legal) which I am trying to wear out! If I leave them on for MOT I get an 'advisory' because they want to sell me new tyres!
) packed away and the car back in the garage before the heavens opened! The question is though - does anyone know where I can get a decent replacement gaiter for my stock, one that won't fall apart in a few months use?? 
Or - any advice where NOT to buy will also be appreciated!
I stand to be corrected, but my understanding is that ALL of the gaitors available for Minors specifically (obviously not NOS) are from the same source, and thus are rubbish.
