So, are LOBRO CV joint boots good? Mine are stored in a cool dry dark place
for already 5 years. If they aren't good where can I get original VW ones?
Is there possibility that lubricant installed at the factory  was one which
was friendlier to the boot material than the other lubricants used with
Lobro boots? I am positive that inside the boot material comes in contact
and friction takes place. If the boot isn't lubed inside friction is
harmful. I recal reading somewhere that the boot MUST be greased inside. Any
opinion?
Ark.
----- Original Message -----
From: "Dennis Haynes" <d23haynes57@HOTMAIL.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Thursday, January 28, 2010 6:35 AM
Subject: Re: Lobro CV joint boots review

> Most of the aftermarket boots (even name brands) are not as good as the
> original. Sitting on the shelf for years also makes them garbage. Proper
> packing and there should be no grease inside. They should not need to be
> serviced in 2 years/20K miles.
>
> Dennis
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
> Jonathan Poole
> Sent: Wednesday, January 27, 2010 6:38 PM
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: Lobro CV joint boots review
>
> Howdy List,
>
> I installed new cv joints and boots on my 83 westy 2 years and 22000 miles
> ago and haven't serviced them since installation so it seemed time to
> remove/inspect and change the grease.  I was surprised and disappointed to
> find that the cv joint boots were all pretty deteriorated and cracking.
> One
> had torn all the way around on one of it's cracks.  Perhaps I got a few
> boots from a bad batch or that had been sitting on a shelf for years
> before
> I installed them or something like that but in any case I had hoped they
> would last more than two years.
>
> I cleaned them up to see what brand they are and found that they are the
> Lobro units and all were cracking heavily in the seams.  Luckily when I
> installed the new Lobro boots I kept the 4 original boots that were still
> in
> good shape though I have no idea how old they are.  They don't show any
> cracking but do show some rust on the collars.  These are labelled with
> vw/audi part numbers and symbols and also have a nice lip to hold the
> grease
> in on the joint molded into the inside of the boot.  I'm not sure if these
> are readily available any longer but after this experience I will look for
> them and will be willing to pay extra.
>
> I know that this may be an isolated occurance in the grand scheme of
> things
> but thought I'd contribute my findings for the general mass of Vanagon
> knowledge that the list contributes to.
>
> Jonathan Poole
> 83 AC Westy