Instead of making a new thread about the Punto wiper push rod problems, I would like to add another solution that is more permanent to this already excellent guide.
It is a well known problem that the wiper push rod system on type 188 (Punto Mark II) are not very durable when it gets a little worn.
The same thing happened for me last winter with my 188. The push rod i the drivers side, fell of. (why is it always the drivers side??)
After reading several threads about this problem, I found a link to Wipex, a UK company that makes OE parts including push rods to Punto Type 188.
The sleeves in their push rods are made of nylon where the original is made of rubber. The Wipex rods ARE BETTER and should therefore last longer, but no.
http://www.wipex.co.uk/Fiat Punto 2 99 04.htm
Today I had same problem again. The push rod in the drivers side, fell of again!??
The reason is the way how the joins are designed. The push rod is pushed down over a ball that sits on the wiper shaft. The Wipex system is better, but if there is a little rust on the ball, the sleeve wears out quickly and since there is no locking device, it comes of the shaft when the wipers are activated.
You can drill a hole and put a pin in it or you can do what I did.
I welded a washer to the axle and has locked the push rod in place permanently.
It is a quick fix to the problem and the whole operation from start to finish takes approx. 40 minutes.
A quick guide how to ....
1. Pull the wiper arm off the shaft
2. Remove the plastic shield under the wind shield. It is fixed with three small screws and is fixed to the rubber seal on the sides of the wind shield. To get the shield out from under the bonnet, it must bend gently in the middle.
3. Remove the two 10mm bolts holding the wiper system in place.
4. Replace or lock the rods in place with a washer and a pin or weld it.
5. Reassemble and adjust the wiper arms to correct angel.
Easy peasy