Steering rack gaiters: rubber VS elastomer

Feeniks · Post by **Feeniks** » Sun Oct 01, 2023 4:29 pm

First in the series of Feeniks' n00b questions. Feel free to talk to me like I'm a 5-year-old - in fact I encourage it, as that's about the level of my vehicle knowledge

Needing to buy a set of steering rack gaiters to replace the split ones. A rubber set on eBay is £30, while elastomer options elsewhere are only about a tenner or less.

Is it worth getting the rubber ones? I don't mind investing a few more dahlars, if it makes any noticeable difference to longevity, handling etc.

If you also have any specific brands to recommend buying/avoiding, any tips will be gratefully received.

Post by **vanzep** » Sun Oct 01, 2023 6:36 pm

i would just stick with rubber - dont get universal ones that you have to trim to fit or ones that you glue together.
blueprint or febi are generally good options for rubber parts.
should be about one hours labour at the garage to do both sides

Post by **vanzep** » Sun Oct 01, 2023 10:41 pm

Link to febi ones on ebay - you might get them cheaper from local motor factor
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/183438842797 ... R6SN4dLdYg

Feeniks · Post by **Feeniks** » Mon Oct 02, 2023 2:46 pm

Thank you very much @vanzep for the tips and the link!

89 UKDM BA4 4WS (resto job!) · Post by **wurlycorner** » Mon Oct 02, 2023 8:06 pm

Seconded for febi or ADL Blueprint as a recommendation.

(nb: They are also available OEM and not horrendous price at approx £35 each)

Feeniks · Post by **Feeniks** » Mon Oct 02, 2023 8:25 pm

wurlycorner wrote: ↑
Mon Oct 02, 2023 8:06 pm
Seconded for febi or ADL Blueprint as a recommendation.

(nb: They are also available OEM and not horrendous price at approx £35 each)

I ordered this rubber kit, which seemed like a good halfway between the plastic cheapos and the branded but pricey options.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/253972622240

Post by **vanzep** » Tue Oct 03, 2023 12:23 am

Feeniks · Post by **Feeniks** » Wed Oct 04, 2023 12:43 pm

vanzep wrote: ↑
Sun Oct 01, 2023 6:36 pm
should be about one hours labour at the garage to do both sides

First quote received: £331.24

whocanfixmycar.com appears to be a joke...
Thanks for also advising on the expected difficulty level of the job, so I know to look out for jokers like this!

Scott560 · Post by **Scott560** » Wed Oct 04, 2023 1:37 pm

Any garage that can do an alignment would most likely be able to replace the gators for you for. I'd go for the tyre and alignment places, and just ask if they can do an alignment but replaced the (supplied) gators at the same time.

Feeniks · Post by **Feeniks** » Wed Oct 04, 2023 1:52 pm

Scott560 wrote: ↑
Wed Oct 04, 2023 1:37 pm
Any garage that can do an alignment would most likely be able to replace the gators for you for. I'd go for the tyre and alignment places, and just ask if they can do an alignment but replaced the (supplied) gators at the same time.

Great shout, thank you so much!