Drivers Side Wiper Goes Off Screen

[chromedome]

I have recently changed the wiper motor on my Galaxy and now the drivers side wiper runs off the edge of the windscreen but only when the wind catches it. Normally everything is fine.

 

After changing the motor I noticed a rubber block had fallen off the wiper mechanism. Does this in any way prevent the wiper from travelling too far? My only other thought is worn lever joints on the wiper mechanism itself. The wiper mechanism was overhauled whilst the motor was changed.

 

[insanitybeard]

When you fitted the replacement motor, did you refit the linkage drive arm that connects to the motor spindle in EXACTLY the same place? If the motor wasn't in park position when you fitted it, or the linkage rods moved even slightly when you did this, it could have altered the positioning. I'm assuming the wipers look like they're positioned in the right place and spaced correctly in park position and it's not just a case of moving the wiper arm back a spline on the spindle?

[chromedome]

Thanks for the reply. I pretty sure that everything is lined up correctly. Normal driving they work perfectly but if you get a strong cross wind then the wiper is "pushed" over too far. I have noticed that the driver's side wiper movement always lags slightly behind the passenger side, always has from new. I'm wondering if while the wiper is in this position it just gets pushed over a bit. It's either play in the linkage or this rubber block somehow restricts movement of the linkage. Looking at what pictures I can find the rubber black is fitted on the bottom of the linkage in a slot in the mechanism.

Edited May 13, 2014 by chromedome

[insanitybeard]

Was it a problem you ever noticed before the overhaul? If not then something must have been altered. Is the rubber block mounted on a 'flap' on the tube that links the two wiper arm spindle carriers together in the vicinity of the pressed steel plate that the motor mounts to? On my linkage, the rubber block I think you mean is sat next to the Bosch manufacturers label (with the unit part number) which itself is stuck to the aforementioned pressed steel plate. I believe this block only serves to stop the linkage vibrating against the chassis/ bulkhead when fitted. Whether you can still buy them I don't know (they may be obsolete from Ford, probably not VW) but this parts diagram shows the linkage rods (which house the nylon bushes which I assume are the most likely item to wear in the linkage) available as separate parts.

[chromedome]

I still have the block so not an issue. Just been looking at more images and noticed that the drivers side linkage goes via a swivel joint with two link arms attached. I wonder if this has come lose. Do you know how it's fixed?

[chromedome]

Just noticed that you said the rods are available as separate parts. Do you know where to get them from?

[insanitybeard]

You should be able to get them from Ford if they're not discontinued, don't rely on the part numbers given in the link I posted though. And I've no idea of price. The linkage plate you mention, at least on my linkage is riveted to the spindle it rotates with and is not detachable (normally!) from the spindle, the spindle itself runs in a cast support tube which bolts to the same pressed steel plate the motor bolts to, and is retained by a 'C' clip in the same way the wiper spindles are. There is also an 'O' ring to prevent water ingress. If your linkage is worn however, you should be able to feel rotational slop in the linkage if you lift the wiper arm from the screen slightly (whilst the wipers are off obviously!) and try to rock it back and forth manually.

[chromedome]

Just wondering if anyone on the forum has a seized wiper assembly and may be willing to part with the link arms at a mutually agreed price.

 

Thanks for all your help insanitybeard.

Edited May 13, 2014 by chromedome

[insanitybeard]

No problem, from what I've seen though there are a few different styles/ shapes of the linkage plate you speak of, so you may need to be careful if you try to source another one that it isn't subtly different. In all honesty though, that plate isn't the first place I'd be looking to locate the fault, I think it's more likely to be a worn plastic bush on the linkage rods or even a loose fastener somewhere, or a linkage that isn't set up quite right. I do have some pictures but I'd have to email them as I can't upload them here.

[chromedome]

I am leaning towards the plastic bushes in the link rods. Hopefully someone on here may help.

[chromedome]

Another quick question, sorry. Do the link rods just pop off with assistance of a screwdriver?

[insanitybeard]

They do yes, though a lever bar may be a better bet, they can take a fair amount of effort to free, and it's quite easy to mark/ distort the plastic bushes in the rods whilst levering them off- be careful what you are levering against!

[chromedome]

I have sourced another mechanism off a 2005 which looks ok. May leave the link rods in situ then while I give it a grease up. When swapped over I'll let you know my findings as to what's causing my wiper to fly away and if it's at all repairable.

 

My linkage had seized in the past and maybe the damage was already done and now it moves freely again has only exaggerated the problem. Am I pleased the linkage is not in amongst the dashboard like a lot of cars!

 

Thanks again.

Edited May 14, 2014 by chromedome

[chromedome]

Received my replacement mechanism and it's ok. The spindles move freely and there appears to be no play in any of the linkage arms.

 

I will still give it a clean and grease up so fingers crossed. Got it for

[chromedome]

The forked shaped swivel is moving about on the main wiper mechanism body, This then allows excessive movement in the driver's side wiper.

 

I have a small problem The black plastic ring that goes around the wiper spindle on the plastic fascia panel has dropped into a black hole. Does anyone know what it's called and where I can get one?

[insanitybeard]

Unfortunately I don't think you can get it as a spare part from Ford, if it was available I would have expected to have seen it either on the wiper linkage parts diagram I linked earlier in the thread or this one here, unfortunately I would say it must only come with complete with the lower windscreen cowl, unless VW list it as a separate part, which is possible, being mostly VW tech there's a good chance the spares availability from VW is better.

 

So is the swivel plate on the linkage moving excessively due to spindle wear, spindle carrier wear or is the plate itself loose on the spindle? 

[chromedome]

It's where the spindle is fixed to the body of the wider mechanism, allowing the spindle to rock in it's mounting.

[chromedome]

If anyone is breaking a Galaxy/Sharan please let me know.

[chromedome]

Had another look. The fork shaped linkage actually rocks about on the spindle causing the excessive movement. Not sure if it can be welded.