Technical Driver side front wiper not turning!

[adburns]

Hi,

I have problem with the driver-side windscreen wiper. It stopped working yesterday and from looking it seems that the wiper "column", for want of a better word, has no traction.

This is what I am refering to when I say column:

hxxp://img7.imageshack.us/img7/9811/imag0326r.jpg (wont let post full url, just replace the xx with tt)

If I remove the wiper arms I can see each column turning but if their is any force (ie. if I hold onto it while its turning) on the driver-side column it starts to slip, I'm guessing something might have sheared? I have tried turning the column to tighten it but it doesn't see to work. I'm just wondering if it will need to go to a garage?

I know it's not a problem with the linkage as I replaced this a couple of weeks ago.

Many thanks

 

[Ziggy122]

The Wiper Coloumn your On about is the Spindles for the Wiper Arms itself

Since you've got the wipers off already - Undo the 3 or 4 posi screws that hold the scuttle pannel in place
then the 3x 10 or 11mm (iirc) That hold the linkage inplace - have a look on the underside to see if there is anything wrong

Normally the Wiperlinkages Pop off first - not the spindles breaking

Never heard of it - just see if its possible to make it stick again

If its just completly "ducked" - then possibly consider just grabbing a new Wiper Unit off Ebay like such at like £60ish

Or getting a 2nd hand Unit - and Fitting some Wipex Linkages before they break (or use the 2nd hand ones till they do break)
Depends where you get the wiper linkage set from depends how much you pay
There going for like £30 used on ebay atm - but a local scrappy might be able todo it for much less

Ziggy

 

[adburns]

Thanks for the reply,

I popped everything off as suggested and there seems to be a problem with the spindle, I tried fiddling with it but there is no access to the actual spindle besides smacking it with a hammer.

I have ordered a new replacement motor from eBay.

One positive, I'm now an expert in MK2 Fiat Punto wiper assembly and can fit it resonably easily

Thanks

 

[JustAndy]

One positive, I'm now an expert in MK2 Fiat Punto wiper assembly and can fit it resonably easily

Thanks

Dont worry, youll become a part time mechanic in no time with a fiat lol

 

[Ziggy122]

Adburns - when i first brought my punto - i got the garage to replace the wiper linkages - as they were bodged up with metal plates and cable ties - cut the cable ties and the wipers didnt work - so they stuck a 2nd hand unit on for free

However 3months down the line and a heavy rainy month - the wiper stopped again

No Intermitant - no Speed 1 - Only speed 2

turns out the Motor had flooded - rust and shorted out

So i had to Garage replaced the wiper setup for me - £100 later (as i thought it was the Stalk at fault not the wiper itself)

This set seems to of lasted

Ziggy

 

[djh117]

Hi all,

Had a similar problem, wiper linkage dropped off on driver side but managed to replace it and fit a new clip to hold it in place, hadn't realised how much the wipers struggled before, must have been working its way off for a while, lightning quick now.

My big question for the pros...

When I took the plastic motor cover off and went to disconnect the motor, I found that there was another female plug (about half the size) tucked under the motor. This branched off from the plug that was connected to the motor. It had obviously been disconnected for years as it was filthy and corroded, but I can't seem to find where it would connect. has anyone seen something similar? Just seems odd to me that there would be a socket with no purpose that's obviously had water in from the tide mark on it :shrug:

Cheers!

 

[Brendan W]

I think some cars had an optional siren that used to go somewhere in that general area.

 

[djh117]

Interesting... thanks!

silly but... if this is loose and is clearly getting wet, could that introduce any problems with my electrics? I've had some... characteristic faults Would it be worth removing it and sealing the wire ends to prevent this?

 

[Brendan W]

Doubt it very much. Cars scooting around all the time with unused plugs hanging. What were your characteristic faults?