MOT advisory advice

[Mattk]

I posted recently that my car passed its MOT with the advisory 'front constant velocity joint gaiter deteriorated'.

The advice was to get this fixed sooner rather than later so I took it in today but was told it couldn't be replaced as the drive shaft had seized.

As a rough guesstimate how easy/cheap a job is this?

Thanks.

[AlBags]

I think what they mean is the drive-shaft splined drive stub/shaft has seized into the drive flange/hub.
This means the whole lot (carrier/hub and drive-shaft has to be removed to the bench .. then freed. Then a replacement outer cv joint if damage caused) This may mean a replacement wheel bearing and maybe even a hub. Best use some heat to get separated) So this could be quite expensive. Maybe as much as £250. Sorry! Al.

[rov1100]

It should be normal to replace both gaiters as they deteriorate at the same level. If you had said a nick in the gaiter had been caused by an object allowing the packed grease to escape it would be a different matter.

[joko]

mine cost about £50

[Mattk]

Thanks all.

[methyl]

AlBags is right. It can be a dog to get the shaft out so you can replace a relatively cheap rubber gaiter. In the process you may have to replace the drive shaft itself and anything corroded into to the drive shaft.

What is the make/model/year/value of the car?
Try getting a quote from your local transmission specialist. A main dealer will just rip you off.

Or ... do what many would do and trade the car in quickly while it has a year's MOT.

[Hopkirk]

Might not be able to hide it in future - my latest MOT has the advisory on the main bit of paper, not a separate sheet.

[AlBags]

The other option is to fit a 'split boot' Not the greatest method of repair .. but they work, if you are meticulously clean on prep.
http://www.ebay.co.uk...M&hash=item336a839494

Many driveshafts are not splittable for repair these days .. although you CAN use a 'stretchy' boot to pass over the cv joint.

[chas2008]

this should solve the problem...

http://www.cprcarpart...r-boot-kit-2416-p.asp

[AlBags]

Same kit .. just £3.50 more!