Abstract: A method of installing a gaiter (10) around a joint defined between joint members of joints of vehicles, such as steering joints and constant velocity joints. The method provides a range of gaiters for use with a range of joints of different dimensions, the range of joints being greater than the range of gaiters and at least some of the gaiters (10) in the said gaiter range being stretchable to fit two or more joints of the said joint range so the said joint range can be accommodated by the range of gaiters wherein a gaiter is selected from the gaiter range to fit a particular joint.

Abstract: A protective gaiter fits around a lubricated joint such as a vehicle constant velocity joint. The gaiter is in the form of a generally conical rubber tube (10) having stepped configurations at its wider end so that it can be cut down to fit different diameters of joint members. The stepped configurations have seating areas (23 or 40-42) for a fixing strap (49) and there are flexible transitions between these areas to enable the gaiter to flex and pivot. In one embodiment the flexible transitions are inwardly directed folds (24). In a second embodiment the seating areas (41, 42) are inclined inwardly and the flexible transitions are defined by angular joints with radial linking walls (43-45).