A pleated, flexible sleeve installed over mechanical joints such as CV joints, steering rack tie rods, or motorcycle forks. It seals in lubricating grease while keeping out road grit, water, and debris. If a gaiter tears, the exposed joint will quickly lose lubrication and destroy itself through abrasive wear.
Heard on the job
You have grease slung all over the inside of the wheel well because the outer CV gaiter is split.
Also heard as
- boot
- dust boot
- bellows