Protection for rubbers and boots

[mikeonb4c]

What might we use I wonder to prolong the life of the the rubber AFT gasket, given replacements may not be available.

I use 303 Aerospace Protectant http://compare.ebay.co.uk/like/15079589 ... pla&crdt=0

You can also use it on all plastics to make them look like new and protect them from the effects of the weather

Thanks for that Poohbear, I'll follow it up

[Diplomat]

... I too have a cracked shock gaiter and will go ahead and repair it if I can, though I don't have a spring compressor so space might be tight...

Funny you should say that. I only noticed the split after the assembly had come back from the man down the road with the spring compressor (not suggesting it happened there, though). At least I was able to tape it before it went beck on the van. A lot more comfortable to work on in a well lit kitchen than up in the wheel arch!

I thought about the issue of the ball joint rubbers being stiffer after taping them but decided that it would approximate to the stiffness of the factory components whereas the replacement parts had 'rubber' more appropriate to party balloons.

Frank

[Driver+Passengers]

A lot more comfortable to work on in a well lit kitchen than up in the wheel arch!

Mine is right up near the top.

I thought about the issue of the ball joint rubbers being stiffer after taping them but decided that it would approximate to the stiffness of the factory components whereas the replacement parts had 'rubber' more appropriate to party balloons.

I guess what I was wondering is how stiff if too stiff, ie could a drop link rubber for example pull the rubber and spring clip off the body when at full deflection. Probably not though, just a thought.

Other products I've found while searching around a bit...
- Wurth Rubber Care
- ARMOR ALL Protectant
- Autoglym Vinyl and Rubber Care