Steering rack gaiters

[jagnut66]

Hi,
I've just replaced mine (along with my track rod ends) and I notice that the new ones seem to be of considerably softer (thinner?) rubber than the last ones I bought (I still have an unused good one to compare the latest ones against - it seems thicker / less pliable / tougher), anyway I've fitted them now, I was just wondering whether anyone else has fitted these softer ones and what they're like for durability etc.?? (And if this means I'm going to be replacing them again sooner than I'd hoped!)
Are these just another example of our main parts suppliers quality going down the toilet??
Many thanks in advance for any responses.
Mike.

[nick88highline]

Yes, I had the same problem with the boots only lasting a few months. It's not a job that you want to do before every MOT so I hunted around and found a company called Bailcast who manufacture "generic" boots which fit quite easily and are much better quality. The part number you need from them is DBSR200. I believe there are other manufacturers who can supply good quality boots as well and this may have been discussed recently so try using the search.
Nick

[jagnut66]

Thanks for that, I've saved them in 'my favourites', though hopefully I won't be needing them too soon....time will tell......

As an aside one of my original boots doesn't seem to be split, though I shall examine it more closely later, as there was a leak on both sides, these came with the replacement steering rack when I bought it a few years ago but were held in place by zip ties, so maybe in this case the zip tie wasn't tight enough (or the plastic 'aged')......

My replacements are held on by jubilee clips, I think they may last better than the plastic zips bit I shall have to smear grease on them occasionally to stop them rusting solid!
Any more thoughts / experiences about the latest steering rack gaiters, anyone??...................
Best wishes,
Mike.

[aupickup]

well originally they were held on with small thin jubilee type clips

[M25VAN]

I see Bull Motif plan to sell Nitrile gaitors soon. That might be what you have got?
http://www.morrisminorspares.net/news_item.php?id=145
Maybe suppliers are getting the message....

[jagnut66]

Worth noting, however the ones I'm talking about here came from the Morris Minor Centre Birmingham (David Manners), I shall inquire what they are made of with them.............