Rubber is shite!
Turbo Mini Forums

There's a topic on this subject csomewhere, but I thought I'd have a rant anyway.

I replaced the small rubber boots on the Hardy spicer joints just over a year ago, because they had cracked and split.

I've just looked at them today, an they have split and cracked again! The engine has not even been in the car and that car hasnt been on the road.

Rubber these days is fucking shite and I don't see how it will ever improve! Its likely all down to the EU legislation on the ban of some harmful chemical used in the manufacture of these rubber components.

New Old Stock here we come, Again!

Why not pot joints?

I didn't even realise they needed boots on them. Is it an optional thing?

could it be because they havnt been used, so they have gone stiff possibly?

one day boost will be mine!

Its for this reason I've got two brand new genuine rover ones for my pot joints, as the aftermarket ones failed in no time at all.

Oh yeah, most of the other rubber is falling apart too, would have been better off with the old stuff!

Edited by minimole23 on 7th Jan, 2012.

All of my subframe bushes had perished on the mk1 before I had finished building it.

Have to say its really annoying, especially knowing how much work is involved to redo them!

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Fusion-Fabri..._homepage_panel

www.fusionfabs.co.uk



1/4mile in 13.2sec @ 111 terminal on 15psi

Rocker cover bolt seals only ever seem to last 6 months too

I seriously doubt it!

i used poly ones once, they melted! lol

one day boost will be mine!

ill add tie bar bushes to the list too, ive split a steering rack gaiter whilst its been sat still too

Yes i moved to the darkside

Instagram @jdm_brett

Do you think this explains the rise in teenage pregnancies?

Its likely all down to the EU legislation on the ban of some harmful chemical used in the manufacture of these rubber components.

agreed colin, and andys correct.....lol

I blame cheap badly made parts. Original equipment boots and gaiters on new cars last for years till they split then we replace them with cheap replacements and they split every couple of years from then on.

Edited by dazibee on 7th Jan, 2012.

It's lack of use. The A-series engine was specifically designed to liberally coat everything in oil when in use. If you don't use the car, the rubber parts do not get the necessary coating to remain compliant.

I thought that this was common knowledge?

Fastest 998 mini in the world? 13.05 1/4 mile 106mph

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ozone_cracking

Tie bar bushes, engine steady bushes, rebound rubbers under the top suspension arms and even tires have cracked on my car! I have now rose jointed everything I can and poly bushed what I can't.

Edited by stevieturbo on 8th Jan, 2012.

9.85 @ 145mph
202mph standing mile
speed didn't kill me, but taxation probably will

Been reading up a little on this.

perished rubber component I reckon is down to two things. Ozone cracking, or poor rubber compounds.

My gut feeling is that the real problem is the rubber compounds, since why do some parts last for years, such as OEM parts on any car from when it leaves the factory. These parts are equally exposed to the same atmospheric levels of Ozone, yet are not as severely affected, if they are at all.

One thing to consider though is that Ground Level Ozone quantities are increasing. The EU has set out guidelines and targets of 120ug/m3 that must not be exceded for more than 25 days per year. Check your ara with this live data web page http://www.eea.europa.eu/maps/ozone/map

Ground level ozone is created from photochemical reactions with Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC's) and oxides of Nitrogn (NOx) So obviously winter atmospheric levels will be lower than the summer.

I'm going to keep an eye on that web page since where I live is right in the middle of the mersey heavy industrial area, with Stanlow oil refinery, Ineos Chlor and British Gypsum in close proximity.

So all in all with the increase of ground level ozone and the shite cheap rubber components, they wont last much past a year. The problem with the hardy spicer spline boot is that you can only get copies, unless you can find new old stock of course.

Just jacked my mini up to adjust the hi-lows, knuckle gator is split all round. ! year old and zero miles. Wank. Another shitty job to do before the MOT. Even less likely to make MITP now.

I've decided that in general minis are wank! I'm buyin a cortina!

If something is worth doing, it's worth doing half of.

Was only a matter of time tbh

Yes i moved to the darkside

Instagram @jdm_brett

Re knuckle joint rubbers my first set only lasted 12 months.

Main Build
http://www.turbominis.co.uk/forums/index.php?p=vt&tid=489133

Upgrade to Turbo
http://www.turbominis.co.uk/forums/index.p...tid=448367&fr=0

its because its all cheap shite made in china. just look at the shit quality of service components, eg ball joints etc
also the 'chromed' finish parts that rust and peel at the sight of water.
its all just cheap poor quality stuff...

Andy you have my sympathy. I've got to do all the rubber once again on mine. I even greased them up with special rubber grease last time.

Another reason why I rose jointed the whole front end of my car.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Fusion-Fabri..._homepage_panel

www.fusionfabs.co.uk



1/4mile in 13.2sec @ 111 terminal on 15psi

I know you just can't get any good rubber products anymore!

I have started posting on Instagram also my name on there is turbomk1golf

Nothing is impossible it just costs more and takes longer.