Driveshaft gaiters split

[go-for-it1]

I have splits in both driveshaft outer CV gaiters. Car is a 2004 Golf Mk5 GTTdi and the MOT is due. There is no knocking from driveshafts so I don't suspect the joints to have failed but if it fails MOT on these two items, can these gaitors be replaced without having to buy complete new driveshafts? If so, how much time and cost price should I be looking at for VW to change?

[Doctle Odd]

It will fail the MOT if the boots are damaged. They cost maybe 15 each and take about 2 hours to do both. A good indie will be half the price of a VW garage

[JMR1]

Even if it was not due an MOT,,,split gaiters will allow water and God knows what else into the CV ball cage itself, with predictable consequences,, IE new CV joints.

[Crasher]

The best boots are the genuine Hytrel polyester elastomer versions, VAG part number 1K0 498 203 A which are £24.89 genuine. These do require special clamp setting grips to be able to set the grip correctly so as it is not too lose that it leaks or so tight it splits the plastic. We sell the Febi version of these kits for £17.36 and they are indistinguishable from genuine.

[zollaf]

or fit universal stretchy boots for a fiver each, held on with zip ties. get you through the mot and go again in 6 months, but they do save a few quid...

[Crasher]

or fit universal stretchy boots for a fiver each, held on with zip ties. get you through the mot and go again in 6 months, but they do save a few quid...

[Doctle Odd]

Or, the OP could save even more time and money by buying a universal split boot and just glue it on

[Crasher]

Or, the OP could save even more time and money by buying a universal split boot and just glue it on

[zollaf]

tester cannot fail them if he can't see they are split, so something wrapped round them, like an old inner tube or carrier bag will do. a good tip for split balljoint boots is a big dollop of grease smeared round them, or fill the split with instant gasket...

[Crasher]

You and me are going to fall out....