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[RobS]

Do you need to run with the rubber propshaft gaiter in place, I've taken off my FWH so the shaft is rotating all the time, but the rubbers have cracked even though I've not run it since I've replace the propshaft about 3 years ago. It looks like it could break up at any time so would rather remove it now before it makes more mess.

Rob. 

[Calum]

The new ones are utter rubbish. If you mainly do 'clean' mileage and grease it regularly it'll be fine. My 88" hasn't had one fitted for around 8 years now, but the splines are now worn. I fitted a new prop a few years ago with what turned out to be plastic coated splines. The metal underneath had rusted and swollen the plastic so much that I couldn't move it. I managed to split it apart with a chain hoist (!!) and trimmed the plastic down so I could reassemble it. There's now a bit of play. Since I run FWH I haven't got round to fitting a new one yet 

When I rebuilt the Carawagon I refit the prop gaiter that was on it - it's at least 30 years old and I wouldn't be surprised of it was original to the vehicle. It's still absolutely fine!

Grease it regularly and it should last.

[Bradley66]

They are only necessary if you want to keep the dirt out  . Nothing to stop you running with out it but you will shorten the life of the prop shaft .

[Wittsend]

What shall we say ... If you just do road miles and the occaisional greenlane, your propshaft should be fine.
Balanced against the fact that OE (genuine) quality rubber gaiters are as rare as rocking horse droppings 
(modern "rubber" gaiters don't last 5 minutes)

If you are an adventurous off-roader type then gaiters all round !


 

[oilstain]

A torn gaiter will be noted by the MOT man
but take it off and no mention is made

[Porkscratching]

I've always pulled them off if fitted , they're mainly shredded anyway, can't see much point to them in real life...

[Debsshaun]

We've never had a gaiter on the front prop and its always been fitted with the sliding joint nearest the transfer box with no problems

[andyjb]

My propshaft gaiter had holes in. I spotted it just before it was due an MOT. I took it off and cleaned the area put on plenty of grease. MOT tester never mentioned it missing and was fine. So im just going to keep up with the lubrication.

[kevanf1]

You could always make a leather replacement 

[RobS]

Thanks for all your advise, I've taken it off and will keep the slider well greased and clean as it's very easy to work on.

Rob.

[w3526602]

Hi,

Can you mention any other 60 year old car that has (or even had) prop-shaft gaiters?

602

[Bradley66]

Hi,

Can you mention any other 60 year old car that has (or even had) prop-shaft gaiters?

602

Only cars expected to operate in dusty / muddy conditions I expect , its good practice to try exclude as much dirt as possible . 
 Leaf springs were wrapped at one point