The 'E' Type Forum

Just doing some maintenance ready for the new season and changing out my steering and front suspension ball joint covers.
On the top and bottom ball joints there are “Ball Joint Gaiter Retaining Rings” shown on my regular parts supplier website as Part Number C22970. I have got some of these clear plastic rings, but the question is are these absolutely necessary ?
My top and bottom wishbones already have a form of groove to which I have always fitted the retaining clip and to try to pass these plastic rings over the top of these castings seems very tight, if at all possible.
Just wondered, as I don’t believe these are shown in the original Jaguar descriptions, but are perhaps needed if over eager hammering to split the ball joint destroys the original groove in the casting ?
Also I have the original black rubber type of joint covers as well as some of the more modern clear plastic type. Just wondered if people thought one is more durable than the other before I choose which type to fit.
Regards,
Dave

Hi Dave.....the black gaiters I have used fit straight to the Grove in the wishbone etc.....the clear plastic gaiters have a wider top so need the retainer ring as a kind of reducer..I have used the clear ones and yes the ring is tight..it does stretch and fit..have a very close look at the ring because it fits better one way up than the other it's not a symmetrical ring if you look at it side on.. Steve