[Dounraey]

I replaced the driveshaft boots on my car in November 2019. The right side one has failed already. Flying Spares have OEM and Aftermarket boots. I went with aftermarket before but am wondering if I might have more luck with the OEM boot. My fear is if the OEM boot has been on a shelf for 20 odd years the rubber may have hardened - I can't imagine OEM boots are still manufactured.

Which one should I go with - OEM or Aftermarket.

 

[Wraithman]

Last year I purchased a Prestige boot and when it arrived I noticed a defect along a seam and promptly sent a pic and told them I would not use it and wanted to return it. They sent me a replacement and I was told to keep the old one.

 

[Mechagon]

Flying Spares can and probably will tell you if the OEM boots are old stock. The rubber also won't age nearly as quickly in a warehouse vs. Installed condition. I'd imagine many of the replacement parts we buy for our less than 15 year old daily drivers are older than you think.

If all else fails you could take the axle to a driveline specialist and see if they have a boot matching the original specifications.

 

[Wraithman]

The output shaft boot is unique to RR and although a bit pricey at first glance, think about it this way.....value your time vs the cost of a shop at today's prices and you come out way ahead.

 

[Dounraey]

Thanks for your comments. As it turns out, Flying Spares are out of the aftermarket boots so I had to buy the OEM version anyway. It arrives Monday, so I will be able to evaluate it then. FS tell me new aftermarket boots will arrive by the end of July. I didn't want to wait that long so paid the extra 25 bucks. As always, service was great with immediate dispatch of the parts I ordered.