stripped splines on wiper arm

Post by **januwan** » 04 Dec 2007, 22:33

I discovered stripped spline on windshield wiper arm (driver side) today. I tighten the nut (pilot nut would be a better design) but I am not sure how long will it last.
If my wiper fail again what should be my next step before I need to replaced the entire assembly. Are there any spline inserts?
Would Loctite help?

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 05 Dec 2007, 05:22

I would just replace the arm. FCP Groton sells them for around $35.00.

...Lee

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 05 Dec 2007, 05:37

Or one in good shape from a junk yard.

Post by **januwan** » 05 Dec 2007, 12:29

I guess, I forgot to mentioned that the mating spline (on the shaft) is also damaged so it is not only arm but the entire assembly.
How difficult it is to replace the entire assembly?

Thanks

F18 · Post by **F18** » 07 Dec 2007, 07:35

As a temporary fix...try covering the splined shaft with some layers of "Tin Foil" and then tighten the wiper arm down over it. The number of layers to get a tight fit will vary depending on how badly the splines are worn. You may have to remove some foil at the end of the shaft to make sure the arm seats deep enough. Then tear away any excess tin foil when finished.
That should keep you going in the rain or snow until you get the parts to replace everything.
Cheers,
FRED

vlv850 · Post by **vlv850** » 07 Dec 2007, 23:27

I like Fred's idea, but I think tin foil may tare and be a little bulky. Same idea, but using the white tephlon tape that's used on the male end of a garden hose spicket to keep the garden hose from leaking. Not exactly sure what it's called, but it's strong, and will fill up nooks in the splines that may have broken off. You'll probably have to put several layers as it is thin, yet customizable for thickness. Never tried it, just a thought.

icelandic · Post by **icelandic** » 08 Dec 2007, 05:20

About four years ago I had the same problem and fixed it and it is still holding up. Take out the nut holding the arm in place and take a good look at the end of the attachment point of the arm to the mechanism. Try and find a washer that is at least 1mm thick, with a diameter that exceeds the diameter of the hole on the wipper arm by about 1mm. Put it there, place the nut and tighten. The washer will force the arm assembly further down on the spindle and it will hold up nicely.

Good luck!

Icelandic

Post by **januwan** » 08 Dec 2007, 11:01

Thank you all for a good info. So far my temporary fix is holding up but I will definitely try your suggestions when the time will come.

squeaky3 · Post by **squeaky3** » 26 Feb 2008, 21:34

I'm a novice here but since I have the same problem, here's what I thought to do: use a helicoil to relace the worn spline in the arm. Actually, I think I caused the problem by not knowing how to properly remove and replace the arm. Can someone tell me how to do it right so I don't cause the same problem again, please? Thanks.

squeaky3

Post by **tailor** » 26 Feb 2008, 21:41

Look at this post for arm removal.
https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/chat/p ... hp?p=53332