Skoda Octavia - failure of driveshaft gaiters - mugwump

I have a Skoda Octavia 2 (2005)TDI with 32,000 miles. I have had driveshaft gaiter failures 3 times in 4 years at MOT time. The first was at 3 years old and 17,300 miles. Are Skoda gaiters less reliable than previously? I had a Vauxhall for 10 years and 115,000 miles with no problems also an Escort for 6 years and 75,000 miles and no gaiter problems. In fact, I have had no gaiter problems with ANY car until this Octavia. Does anyone know the reason for this please? My wife has a Seat Leon TDI 2002 with 50,000 miles and has had no problem. Thanks.

Skoda Octavia - failure of driveshaft gaiters - Peter.N.

Does seem a bit odd, the gaiters on most of my cars have lasted 100,000 miles or more, but then mine are old, nothing seems to have the same quality any more. Were they genuine parts? If so might be worth trying pattern parts next time. What do Skoda say? Is there a VW equivilant?

Skoda Octavia - failure of driveshaft gaiters - bathtub tom

I fitted a pair of CV gaiters to an old car. I had to do it again within a couple of years. I complained to the supplying factors and they said there did appear to be a duff batch, affecting all cars across the range. This was confirmed by other people.

Perhaps we were just unlucky.

Skoda Octavia - failure of driveshaft gaiters - Big John

My 2001 Octavia (95k) is still on its original gaters.