Date:         Thu, 6 Nov 2003 22:39:28 -0000
Reply-To:     Tony Polson <tp@WHSMITHNET.CO.UK>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Tony Polson <tp@WHSMITHNET.CO.UK>
Subject:      Re: windshield wiper motor
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"

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