Technical Wiper Mechanism - Failed - Again!!!

[Niall_G]

Had a phone call from Mrs_G yesterday - "My passenger side wiper doesn't work".

Sure enough the mechanism has fallen apart. Unfortunatley you can't buy parts to repair the mechanism so the whole lot will have to be replaced.

This is the 2nd time this has happened. In both cases the mechanism has lasted about 130,000 miles. Strange realy as my 3.5 ton van (Iveco) seems to have a very similar system still running well at more than 300,000 miles - just down to quality of the parts used i guess.

.

 

[RichDoblo120]

130,000 miles isn't that bad for wiper mechanism.
It is a bit annoying that you have to buy the whole thing though

 

[T14086]

Does the 'punto' linkage repair kit work on the doblo??

 

[Niall_G]

I knew nothing about a repair kit, fiat dealer said I had to buy the whole thing. Worth investigating for next time - perhaps repair the existing faulty unit so I'll have a spare ready to use.

 

[T14086]

https://www.fiatforum.com/punto-technical/29022-mk2-punto-wiper-linkage-upgrade-30-20-a.html

 

[TwyRob]

I recently fixed a failed linkage. If the problem is that the plastic socket part of the joint has worn then it can be fixed using the plastic socket from a punto linkage.

I bought a punto wiper linkage from a scrappy (£30) and cut out one of the plastic 'o' shaped rings that are the equivalent to the plastic sockets on a Doblo. I removed the doblo wiper linkage unit from the car. Then I removed the plastic socket from the doblo mechanism (taking care not to damage the metal parts of the Doblo linkage.)

Having done this I removed the metal 'ball' from the affected wiper. (the one that fitted into the worn socket.) This is done by tapping it out from the rear. I filed back the punto 'O' ring to remove the lip that runs around one side (leaving a lip around the other) Then I assembled the unit so that the plastic 'o' is slotted into the hole in the linkage with the lip side down and held it against the other section. Then I tapped the 'ball' back in through the plastic 'o'.

This is not a perfect fix as it is not a ball and socket any more but it is the best that I could do. I also have another 3 plastic bits on the punto linkage left to do it again. A potential four repairs for £30 is better than the cost of a new linkage anyway.

(N.B. A punto linkage will not fit as a direct replacement)

 

[TwyRob]

I recently fixed a failed linkage. If the problem is that the plastic socket part of the joint has worn then it can be fixed using the plastic socket from a punto linkage.

I bought a punto wiper linkage from a scrappy (£30) and cut out one of the plastic 'o' shaped rings that are the equivalent to the plastic sockets on a Doblo. I removed the doblo wiper linkage unit from the car. Then I removed the plastic socket from the doblo mechanism (taking care not to damage the metal parts of the Doblo linkage.)

Having done this I removed the metal 'ball' from the affected wiper. (the one that fitted into the worn socket.) This is done by tapping it out from the rear. I filed back the punto 'O' ring to remove the lip that runs around one side (leaving a lip around the other) Then I assembled the unit so that the plastic 'o' is slotted into the hole in the linkage with the lip side down and held it against the other section. Then I tapped the 'ball' back in through the plastic 'o'.

This is not a perfect fix as it is not a ball and socket any more but it is the best that I could do. I also have another 3 plastic bits on the punto linkage left to do it again. A potential four repairs for £30 is better than the cost of a new linkage anyway.

(N.B. A punto linkage will not fit as a direct replacement)

I don't now know where "£30" comes into this but...

That repair failed a while back so I bought a new linkage while feeling flush.

That broke on Thursday in a snowstorm.

I've ordered a Wipex replacement linkage. I think that's the way to go!

 

[Ulpian]

Why can't they make a linkage that is reliable, and self cancelling indicators that work? And a uselful guarantee...

Please Fiat...

sales are well down, you do know that!?

 

[jakdelad]

i had the same problem ball and socket on the wiper
and you have to buy the whole unit
go to any one you know who is handy with a lathe get him to make you a socket
you need a bar of nylon easily got
he can make it in such a way it comes slightly over the socket you can drill it
and put a thin key through it thus it will never come off again

 

[LIFTEX]

Hi,pretty sure you can still get uprated replacement rods off e-bay,fitted a couple of sets last year and been fine,under £30 I think,both these had done 150k plus but seems pointless spending out on complete wiper system if other parts ok,hope this helps.