Hi,

Driver side windscreen wiper not working. Garage saying the whole thing needs replaces something to do with linkage.
£235 to replace

Sound reasonable?

If the whole thing needs to be replaced, that looks a reasonable price.
Usual failure is the pivot bushings.
Show them this: https://wipex.co.uk/panda-2003-to-2012.html
If that is all it needs, ask if they would fit such a thing, and get a quote.
Labour to fit the new links may add as much as the saving, as the whole thing needs a remove/refit for either repair.

Sounds like the drivers side spindle is worn. It is possible to change them, and if your handy with the spanner’s it’s not too difficult.

portland_bill said:

Usual failure is the pivot bushings.
Show them this: https://wipex.co.uk/panda-2003-to-2012.html
.

Click to expand...

Nice find, might order a set myself even though I don't have issues yet, the blades(new) are starting to judder on the upward wipe stroke, these look like they might fix that.

09 johno said:

Nice find, might order a set myself even though I don't have issues yet, the blades(new) are starting to judder on the upward wipe stroke, these look like they might fix that.

Click to expand...

Different issue. The new links will sort play in the pivots.

As the wiper blade moves across the screen, the blade itself tilts. At each end of the wipe, it has to flip to tilt the opposite way.
At the bottom of the wipe, when it parks, the blade is always tilted upwards, so on its first movement it has to flip. But sitting like that for prolonged periods causes the rubber to 'set', so it then resists the flip.
A new blade, when viewed end on, shows the edge perpendicular to its backbone. Once set, it will always be tilted.
With age, the rubber hardens, and instead of flipping over, the edge digs into the screen, causing the judder.
There's no cure, needs new blades. Don't be tempted to twist the arm, like so many do, this is just the way things are - physics/nature.

With new blades, you can prolong their life.
Frequently, if you know rain is unlikely, push the parked blade down the screen agianst the resistance of the linkage, then let go, gently. This will 'flip' the blade edge down instead of up, evening out the 'set'.
Additionally, if you are using the original type of blade, not these latest low profile things, you can slip the rubber out and put it back in the other way around. It will then try to reset the opposite way. This will not work well for an old blade that is well set.

When you buy new blades, the old rubbers can be cut down for the rear.

Could this be similar to the common issue on Punto Mk2 where wiper linkage failed? There was a fix for a new linkage at much lower cost than new parts from Fiat.

This is the repair clip for a loose ball joint
https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2380057.m570.l1313&_nkw=283704660949&_sacat=0

This is a used linkage for Panda 169.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Front-Wi...569732&hash=item1f18e50c87:g:a~oAAOSw~VhfnGVc

This is the Punto Mk2(a) linkage kit. Call them to ask if one exists for the Panda
https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2047675.m570.l1313&_nkw=153158166636&_sacat=0