Rubber components here we go again!

[firept]

What is it with 'modern' replacement rubber components?
I was just adjusting the rear brakes and found that both handbrake boots were completely rotted they are less than 3 years old and the car has only done about 1000 miles in that time, its normally kept in a garage which is dry and warm.
I rummaged around in the garage and found the old boots now some 30 years old cleaned them up and put them back on they were still flexible couple of small cracks but only to be expected given the age. what worries me what if any safety components are suffering from the same problem. 
I had a similar problem with my Triumph Stag I replaced the front strut rubber dust covers not a quick job, only to find in less than a year all I had was a set of 'onion rings' .
Its now got to the point that when ever I fit so called rubber parts I always sniff them...gets some strange looks but if it does not smell like rubber then in my opinion its not rubber and wont last.

Has there been some legislation that has banned the use of real rubber compounds or is it just that us classic car nuts will accept anything?
Paul

[jockduck]

Yes "rubber" parts seem to the parts that cause the most difficulties, I have had so called superior poly bushes fall apart in half the time old rubber bushes lasted. Even OEM stuff can be a disappointment, I had genuine C.V. joint boots fall apart in three years but a universal auto store boot lasted 10 years. Does the sniffing help? I wish I knew the solution.
Jock

[firept]

Hi Jock and the saga goes on:-

Now found the centre mount on the exhaust has parted company from the mount ...yes new at the same time as the dust boots when I rebuilt the car also the cotton reel rear mount has failed. How much more

Fortunately the original boots for the drive shafts at both ends were very good so I did not replace these. Now need to keep an eye on the top and bottom swivel dust boots. 
My advice to anyone rebuilding if the old rubber components are OK and still serviceable after a clean then use them they will outlast any new components.

As for sniffing to see if they are rubber ...well I find it works and can be enjoyable but then I like the smell of hot bus tyres and diesel reminds of being a lad waiting for the 68 bus in the bus station to take me home after work.

[jockduck]

I don't know if this is getting weird or not, yep old buses, half cabs, I blame the school run left me dreaming of Guy Arab Double Deckers in red.
Back to the rubber bits I think the worst on reflection are the parts sold by the classic car restorer part suppliers (Rare Spares)?
Jock

[limby2000]

Dont start me on rubber products, in the 6 years it took to fully rebuild my mini, i,m on my 3rd set of steering knuckle boots, 2nd set of front suspension knuckle boots and both lower arm bushes. Thats without even coming out of the garage, ive since changed to the orange variety, where possible as they seem hardier. My garage is,nt heated but is not open to the elements either.

[mra-minis]

I can be contacted on [e-mail]

.... poor manufacturing, its caused by the use of too much "filler" material, cheapo parts cutting corners "its only a mini" then sold off as quality

[limby2000]

I cant believe no one has made mini parts with quality rubber!, can it be that hard?.

[richard1]

Tarija and Santa Cruz, Bolivia

There are many different rubber compounds, and each has a different resistance to temperature and chemicals, greases, etc. The sellers know that most people do not know this, and buy by price. Just like oil and steel parts.
It is time that some seller told his supplier to use a compound that would resist grease, oil, flexing, etc. and specified the advantages in their product description.

I bought axle boots for my Dauphine and they deteriorated and fell apart before I finished the body work, just rolling around the body /paint shop.

You can't really legislate something like this in a world market.