SOCTFL Advisory: Front Strut Gaiters (138748)

[Philip Wardle]

If you are planning to buy front strut gaiters (138748) SOCTFL recommends members to inspect the available parts as follows before purchase: -

• It should be possible to stretch the gaiter from its “at rest” length of about seven inches to its “fully extended” length of about ten inches by hand, and without using excessive force. If this isn’t possible, e.g. the bellows are too shallow or the rubber appears “rigid” rather than flexible, the part will soon tear itself apart whilst in service.

• During expansion and compression in service the air trapped inside the gaiter is vented in and out. Look for two neatly punched round holes at both top and bottom. Irregular jagged holes or slits are unacceptable as these constitute stress points from which splits may radiate.

[martin]

Thanks for both posts Philip, well worth knowing. One question, where can I get gaiters that last more than a couple of months ? Cheers, Martin.

[rare1]

its called cheap rubbish yet again

[Philip Wardle]

Sorry Martin, but if SOCTFL were to give recommendations in a public forum the suppliers selling the not-so-good parts could be identified by implication and this would constitute 'name and shame' - also the source(s) of the best parts can change over time and the post would become out-of-date. If you follow our advisory post you should be ok.

[DaveB]

Thanks for both posts Philip, well worth knowing. One question, where can I get gaiters that last more than a couple of months ? Cheers, Martin.

Martin,
The gaiters i purchased recently are flexible and have the vent holes. If you pm me i'll let you know where i got them.
Cheers
Dave

[Goldstar]

Dave I'm also about to buy som e of these (as well as drive shaft gaiters) and have sent you a PM

Cheers

Paul

[martin]

Sorry Martin, but if SOCTFL were to give recommendations in a public forum the suppliers selling the not-so-good parts could be identified by implication and this would constitute 'name and shame' - also the source(s) of the best parts can change over time and the post would become out-of-date. If you follow our advisory post you should be ok.

I know Philip, it was mostly bitter, and rhetorical. Martin.

[Philip Wardle]

Oops, sorry Martin I'm slow to catch on sometimes !

[dasadrew]

Oops, sorry Martin I'm slow to catch on sometimes !

he's all gas and gaiters

[ChasR]

That is a relief! Mine are as spec, giving me a little more confidence for when I change my springs .

[Ian Durrant]

Phillip,

This is excellent stuff. These advisories ought to have a place in the magazine for the non internet people!

I'll be checking the pair I have at the weekend!

Kind regards
Ian