Drive shaft gaiter repair

[Taffyrhys]

Hi All

Just spotted my front drive shaft gaiter has got a small hole about 4mm Dia at the small end of the drive shaft. It look like its been knawed at, but looks repairable as its on the small end that doesn't flex that much.

Does anybody know what type of repair patch i could use for this hole ? I suspect a cycle repair patch isn't man enough.

Cheers

[CitroJim]

No, I tried a cycle repair patch once and it didn't last long at all..

Sadly, replacement is the only answer really and not with one of those glue-together boots. Tried one of those once and they truly are a complete dead loss...

[411514]

I have recently tried the stretch boot type repairs, which mean that you dont have to split the cv joint or even remove the driveshaft, which saves on gearbox oil and a bit of labour.
I have been quite impressed with it. Only a few quid of ebay, including the cone to fit it with. I only fitted it as I couldn't get hold of the proper parts I needed in time for the MOT and intended to replace the driveshaft complete shortly after, however it has now been a few months and is still holding up fine no loss of grease.
To install you just whip of the driveshaft nut and pull the hub off, using the cone the boot slides over fairly easily.

Sam

[CitroJim]

Stretchy ones are great Sam and I have a pukka cone for fitting them in my toolkit. The ones I meant that are not worth the bother are those that have a 'zip' down them that is glued up with superglue and boast that no dismantling at all is needed to fit them...

[411514]

Yes I know the ones you talk of Jim. I had considered them before the stretchy type as obviously it means you dont even have to bother removing the hub, but I had heard that they often failed pretty quickly and glueing was a bit messy.

The hardest part of the stretchy boots was actually fitting the bandclips. To tighten them you really the need proper tool (not sure of its name), as its hard to get a really tight fit otherwise. I had to resort to bodging it with electrical wire strippers as these were the only 'pliers' I had with a thin enough edges.

Sam

[citronut]

i prefer the non stretchy tailor fit C/V boots,
not keen on the stretchy ones, because if a C/V boot is split wide open it will have allowed grit and s*h*i*t/dirt into the C/V joint,
if you now fit a stretchy boot you will trap this all inside the joint,

i will only resort to a stretchy one if a cant get the joint apart

[411514]

Malcolm I agree that stretch boots are a bit of a bodge, I really didn't want to use one but I was in a rush for the MOT.

But there's not necessarily any reason why it would trap dirt inside the joint. I removed all the old grease with a brake cleaner aerosol till the joint was absolutely clean, not a speck of the old grease and then fitted the new one and packed the joint with new grease.
Surely that is no different to splitting the joint and fitting the proper boot.

My only real aversion to fitting the stretch boot was worries over its quality and longevity, especially since you have to stretch a 1" diameter hole to about 4-5"; however as I said it has been fine till now.

I'm not sure if it is against forum rules (if so mod's please delete), but the kit I used was off ebay J&R cv joints and included everything needed and the boot seemed really decent quality.

Sam

[CitroJim]

I'm not sure if it is against forum rules (if so mod's please delete), but the kit I used was off ebay J&R cv joints and included everything needed and the boot seemed really decent quality.

No, that's absolutely fine Sam. Always pleased to hear of recommendations like this.

[citronut]

Sam i was not speaking specifically of your use of the stretchy boot, but in general,

sounds like yours was not split wide open anyway,

no disrespect to your self,
but i dont think it possible to wash/clean all the grease out in situe and still attached to the shaft,

when i remove the joint i fully dismantle it balls an all wash it out in petrol, then re/assemble it

[KennyW]

That's where I get my stuff from J&R CV joints,never had any bother with them. I got the wrong CV joint wth ABS and they sent out a new one immediately. I returned the wrong one great service.

Kenny

[Harlequin]

I also got a stretch boot kit from J&R , about £5 posted I think? went onto the 806 anyway and I assume its done its job (well passed the mot and its now long gone)

[kenhall1202]

Hi all,

I have successfully repaired small stone nicks in drive shaft gaiters by gluing on small patches (cut from an old butyl rubber inner tube - bike or car type) with superglue - fiddly but effective.
Obviously it is essential to remove all traces of leaked grease followed by abrading the surfaces. Apply firm pressure whilst the superglue cures carefully avoiding gluing your fingers to the boot! The repairs have been durable and no comments have been made at MOT time.
Don't forget a top up of new grease if necessary.

Ken

[dnsey]

Would a dab of silicone do the trick for now (following careful degreasing, of course)?

[Taffyrhys]

I may give it a go by using a patch and see how it goes but if i have to remove the hub, what size socket do i need for the hub nut, i have Y reg 110 HDI estate?

[411514]

35mm socket. You will need a good long breaker bar if not an impact wrench to remove it.

Sam