Skip Madden wrote: > > I just bot an '84 westfalia full camper. Compared to any other car I've > driven in the past decade the front wipers are pathetic. They have 2 speeds-- slow > and slower. OK in a drizzle, marginal in rain and, I'm sure, hopeless in snow. > VW tells me that there has been no upgrade for the motor installed 19 yrs > ago. I've searched the archives but find no discussion of this subject. I'd be > happy to replace the wiper motor if it'd be an improvement, but my gut tells me > that just putting another '84 motor isn't the right solution. There's gotta be > a better way to go. Can anyone help?--Skip
Hi Skip, I recently replaced the wiper motor with a new Valeo (VW OEM) motor and the speed was only slightly faster. I then replaced the spindles and linkage and they speeded up significantly. I don't think the new linkage made much difference, but the spindles were partly seized - probably through a complete lack of lubrication over 17-18 years - and were also badly worn. No surprises there! The recommended lubricant for the spindles is molybdenum disulphide-based grease as used in CV joints (the ones on the drive shafts from the gearbox to the wheels). My local (UK) auto parts store sells this "CV joint grease" in small sachets for about $2. It might be worth trying to lubricate the spindles before purchasing replacements. It can be difficult to remove the linkage from the spindles - it takes a sharp, hard pull to do it successfully. My new wipers are faster plus much quieter and smoother than before. Good luck! Tony '85 Transporter |
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