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Repair of steering gaiter for MOT
SteveWallace - 20/5/17 at 09:29 AM

I was giving the Viento a once over prior to taking it for MOT and I've found a hole in one of the steering rack gaiters. This isn't the usual split in the concertina bit of the gaiter due to perished rubber, but an oval hole (about 5mm) in the part of it that doesn't expand and contract. Looks like its been caused by a stone or something taking a small chunk of the rubber out.

Holes in gaiters are MOT failures, but given that its in the bit that doesn't flex, I was wondering if I could simply stick a bicycle inner tube repair patch over it. This would be a lot easier that splitting the ball joint etc, replacing it, and making sure that I don't mess the tracking up in the process.

If there are any MOT testers on here, would this pass?

ian locostzx9rc2 - 20/5/17 at 10:32 AM

If it's clean and not leaking then there should be no reason to fail it

CosKev3 - 20/5/17 at 11:36 AM

I would put some sealer in it,something like Tiger seal

myke pocock - 20/5/17 at 11:56 AM

Seems a bit penny pinching to me. Why not just replace it and the jobs sorted?

loggyboy - 20/5/17 at 11:57 AM

quote:
Originally posted by ian locostzx9rc2
If it's clean and not leaking then there should be no reason to fail it


Unlike a cv boot there isnt a caveat for if its leaking.
Simple reason for rejection is :

d. an insecure, split or missing steering rack gaiter

SteveWallace - 20/5/17 at 12:08 PM

quote:
Originally posted by myke pocock
Seems a bit penny pinching to me. Why not just replace it and the jobs sorted?


Its not penny pinching - I actually have one to hand already. If anything its laziness and the fact that its raining all the time and I cannot get to that corner of the car very easily whilst its in the garage.

I might do the inner tube repair but take the new one with me and just ask for half an hour to replace it at the end of the test if it turns into a failure

[Edited on 20/5/17 by SteveWallace]

rusty nuts - 20/5/17 at 01:57 PM

Apply a bit of silicon sealant ,

chris - 21/5/17 at 03:46 PM

i have used the puncture patches on gaiters and never been failed on it or ever picked up on it at the end of the day there is no hole and it isnt leeaking grease

SteveWallace - 23/5/17 at 03:12 PM

I ended up replacing the gaiter just to be sure. However, the tester said that given where the hole was it would probably have only been an advisory anyway. He said that he would have accepted sealant or an inner tube patch.

The car passed its MOT, which I was pleased about as it was its first official inspection after IVA three years ago.