anyone bought these?-

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=180670606185&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

both outer boots on mine are beginning to perish ( no splits/leaks yet), and these look to be the easiest/cheapest option!

Don't do it.

They are crap. Get the OEM ones from a dealer, and fit them, they are infinitely better than ANY pattern or generic ones, and if you've seen what happens to stretchy rubbish ones at speed, then you'll know why they are no good. It's not a difficult job - by the time you've got the shaft end out ready to fit the CV boot and the old one off you're only a minute away from getting the joint off and fitting it properly anyway. OEM ones fit perfectly and last a long time. Pattern ones don't, and they flap about like buggery. Stretch ones are an even worse idea.

Oh, and last time I bought an OEM one they were about £4, so they're cheaper too.

Don't do it.

It's not a difficult job - by the time you've got the shaft end out ready to fit the CV boot and the old one off you're only a minute away from getting the joint off and fitting it properly anyway.

+1

It's just a horrible messy job - whichever way you do it.

i always use genuine ones too, the pattern ones are crap and they never fit properly..

ok, just checked with local dealer-about £12 each.

had a look on "jorily`s" website-£4.50-it says they are "oe" quality so i assume "pattern".

had the motor almost 8 yrs and i only average 2,500 miles per year (mainly shopping trips) and the boots have only been changed once(4 yrs ago)

the other thing to watch out for if you are fitting them yourself is what type of clips do they come with? on some types you need specialist tools to crimp the securing clips, the genuine skoda ones come with the one-use buckle type which you need a specialist pair of pliers to crimp.... you can use cable ties but recently i've heard of cars failing the mot on with them

Yes good point Tom, you will need something like Sealey VC1639

Some CV's can also be a bit#h to separate so this VS710 CVJ Removal Tool comes into it's own then, obviously you need to weigh up the costs then though as if you are never likely to use them again then the job is not much cheaper than paying for someone to do it.

Cable ties are fine on rubber CV boots, but IMO a waste of time on the OE plastic kind as they can't get enough purchase on the boot..

well, when i had been convinced to buy "genuine" you tell me i need a special tool to crimp the tie`s

in which case i think i might as well go with my original choice (given the limited mileage i do).

as long as i can get 1 or 2 more yrs out of this motor before getting something a bit more modern.

You don't need "special" ties. I've never had a car fail an MOT when using cable ties, and there's no legislation in place AFAIK that could make that happen; certainly the rally car passed OK with all 8 ties in place in February. All OEM Skoda boots, all of them tested severely in the past...

Oh, and here is the Jones Motorsport-approved CV removal tool. You may already have one.

As long as you use a drift so the force goes to the inner part of the joint, then all is well. There is no retaining circlip to release, it is one which is done by the force of the joint, not a pair of pliers.

MOT Testers Manual E.1.e requires that the gaiters be secure. I'd suggest that you need to tighten tie-wraps right up, and then clip the loose end back to the ratchet bit. There's certainly nothing that explicitly bans using them though.

oh blimey, the "swingometer" is now heading back in favour of "OEM"

and plastic tie wraps it will have to be!

thanks for all your comments

Edited 13 June, 201115 yr by tibsy

I have used them split boots twice on my old car. They lasted over 10000km and were still looking good when i sold the car. If u take ur time and do a good job then they will last as well. Obv not as good as OEM, but them a lot less hassle to fit esp with the low milage u say ur doing.

just my 2c

Use correct Skoda ones, very little difference in cost (and returnable) if given incorrect CV gaiters.

We can supply OE ones if required. And all our products carry full guarantee and we also have a 7 working days returns policy.