Drive shaft gaiter

[captain Byrne]

Just had my MOT. Thankfully passed but with a couple of advisories, the first being that all wheel bearings have a small amount of free play - no surprise there then!
The other just sounds gobbledegook. 'Drive shaft which forms part of the suspension gaiter deteriorated' So.. I'm assuming he's talking about the inner? If so, what are they like to replace?
Ta.

[CovKid]

They're ok but would be a pig to do without removing entire shaft, plus there will be grit in there if its split and you'll need to wash CV joint out (I use paraffin) then regrease. Generally if you have to replace a gaiter, its prudent to clean, check and regrease both ends.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nasSr7n-Nzk" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[captain Byrne]

Thanks for that. Good vid & looks reasonably straight forward.

[Mr Bean]

Just a point:
In my murky past I recall changing a CV Joint gaiter and suddenly finishing up with a Chinese puzzle comprising two pieces and a handful of steel balls.
Do they all do that or was I just unlucky?
CS

[itchyfeet]

Just a point:
In my murky past I recall changing a CV Joint gaiter and suddenly finishing up with a Chinese puzzle comprising two pieces and a handful of steel balls.
Do they all do that or was I just unlucky?
CS

Yes they do that once gaiter is off
made that mistake myself took me at least 2 hours to get it back together, nearly gave up

Keep them square to shaft always

[Oldiebut goodie]

Terrible when your balls drop and you are just left with a handful!

[Mr Bean]

And then... Reply interrupted on the grounds of public decency
CS

[captain Byrne]

As long as the shaft remains straight & the balls are well greased everything should be fine. I guess the worst I could do is to loose control of the grip & spill everything onto the floor.