Right, so I took my 1.4mpi fabia comfort for a service and MOT and am a bit suspicious about what it failed on.

It's the nearside front CV joint gaiter which has split....but this was the same issue the previous owner had MOT failures in July 2010 and April 2009 (I've owned it since May 2011). Given that I took it to the same garage to get done and there's an invoice from their previous repair in 2010, does that mean they did a shoddy job or is the NF CV JG something which commonly splits?

Edited 22 June, 201115 yr by fsa

Maybe a cheapy patent part...

Taking the p***. Gaiters don't split that quickly.

I would challenge the garage with the invoices - repairs should last more than a year. Gaiters rarely split nowadays.

I would challenge the garage with the invoices - repairs should last more than a year. Gaiters rarely split nowadays.

Maybe the gaiters are the type sold in two halves which get glued together. I've had them split in less than a year, easy.

funily enough, my 2005 vrs failed on a torn cv boot last week, got the part from vw and my bro fixed it

Right, so I took my 1.4mpi fabia comfort for a service and MOT and am a bit suspicious about what it failed on.

It's the nearside front CV joint gaiter which has split....but this was the same issue the previous owner had MOT failures in July 2010 and April 2009 (I've owned it since May 2011). Given that I took it to the same garage to get done and there's an invoice from their previous repair in 2010, does that mean they did a shoddy job or is the NF CV JG something which commonly splits?

Garages usually give a 12 month guarantee on their own work carried-out, my local independent garage does.

With last receipt and previous receipts for same job, query with them as to why this is happening.

If not happy change garages, but keep a closer look on this annual failure problem, and check monthly.?

theres a saying for this...

guy jerry tackle

Ill take the receipts and previous MOT failure printouts to challenge them...but how would I check the gaiter monthly without jacking the car up and removing the wheel?

Ill take the receipts and previous MOT failure printouts to challenge them...but how would I check the gaiter monthly without jacking the car up and removing the wheel?

(1) Flat surface, open area. ie (car park), turn wheels to full lock, lay on your back and look behind tyre at CV outer gaiter.

(2) Offending wheel up onto high kerb, (ensure car won't roll and crush you), lay on your back to look at offending CV gaiter.

(3) Jack car up and support, turn wheels to full lock and do same as (1)

If a correct gaiter (non glued type) is used it should last for at least 5 years and maybe up to 10 years.

DB.

Confronted them about it...they said they may have used a rubber version that gets heated to expand and fit around snugly. Apparently this takes less labour than fitting the more durable alternative. What do they use as factory standard? Seeing as the other three have lasted, I might go for that option. I was quoted £100 for the rubber version (parts and labour).......would the other cost much more?

Gaiter/ with grease about £10.00 Skoda original recommended, take about an hour for labour by garage, or 1.5 hours DIY.

DIY quite possible, with necessary jack and supports, replace new hub nut £2.50 thats it.

I am really quite frustrated now...i've now got a whole array of problems post 60k service.

The AC cuts off randomly and sometimes comes back on if I restart it. Evaporator sensor busted?

And there's been the red 'check oil level' come on, despite adequate oil levels (and the service was just last week). It goes off spontaneously. Can there still be an oil pressure problem even if there's new oil and oil filter?

I'm trying not to be cynical about the independent garage, but I'm either extremely unlucky or someone's pulling a fast one.

I am really quite frustrated now...i've now got a whole array of problems post 60k service.

The AC cuts off randomly and sometimes comes back on if I restart it. Evaporator sensor busted?

And there's been the red 'check oil level' come on, despite adequate oil levels (and the service was just last week). It goes off spontaneously. Can there still be an oil pressure problem even if there's new oil and oil filter?

I'm trying not to be cynical about the independent garage, but I'm either extremely unlucky or someone's pulling a fast one.

With regards to the CV gaiter, thought I'd put an update in case someone else has the same problem. I got them to fit the proper replacement and not the cheapie rubber one. Only costed £5 extra for the part. Will find out in the next MOT if it survives!