I've noted that one of the swivel housings on my 91 ex MoD has a leather gaiter to protect the swivel.
As it's only on one side of the axle, I'm assuming it fell off on the other side.
Are these gaiters necessary? They don't seem to be present on later defender MYs.
Worth replacing it or just let it be?
They were only ever an optional extra although the MOD usually specified them. They don't really do much good and do have downsides, so personally I'd remove them if fitted. It make it so much easier to keep an eye on the ball.
I fitted the rubber type to my S1 86" when I rebuilt it in the 90s and they've certainly been better than the leather type, but it's impossible to say if they've been better than no gaiter. I wouldn't bother again, certainly not on a one-shot lubricated swivel. I would never bother with the leather type unless it was for a perfect resto on a vehicle which always had them.
They fail and hold cr4p against the ball and seal.
HTH Keith
+1.....
Years back with my first 90, I nailed every accessory I could to it, especially military stuff, as it has to be good, right?
the swivel gaiters.... looked great, until I had grease leaking out, due to the fact that the gaiter filled with mud and stones and just shredded the swivel seal. (and I think, ruined the chrome ball too)
Fitted to an 80" and on my 110"
Bees nees from my experience...
But i'd agree, a liability if damaged.
Ex scottish & southern 110 Td5 van (shed) with PTO driven winch (L-R special vehicles)
Before that, Disco 1, Freelander 1, 26105382 80" with a 1600cc (not much slower)
