Fix for slow wipers

Post by **renns** » 29 Jan 2009, 13:17

The wipers in my '94 855 have been getting slower with time. A few squirts of lubricant on the exposed shaft helped a bit, but was not a permanent solution.

Here's a few pics and procedure for doing a more thorough repair:

Tools Needed:
T25 Torx screwdriver
10mm wrench
13mm wrench
Flat screwdriver
Grease
Fine sandpaper
Cordless drill

1.) Open hood, and remove wipers - 13mm wrench
2.) Remove large black trim panel that covers wiper area - 5 sheet metal screws - T25 torx
3.) Unplug two power connectors on wiper assembly, and remove two retaining screws - 10mm wrench
4.) Wiggle wiper assembly towards driver's side to disengage pin from rubber grommet, and lift out of car.
5.) Remove plastic cover and large foam piece from around each wiper shaft.
6.) Carefully remove the retaining clip from each wiper shaft - slotted screwdriver
7.) Mark the drive link position with respect to the motor shaft, then remove its retaining nut and washer.
8.) Slide wiper shafts and associated mechanism down and out of aluminum casting. This may take some work, as one or both of the shafts are likely stuck in the casting. Mounting the mechanism in a vise, and slowly prying upwards while pivoting the housing may help. Driving the shaft through with a hammer is another alternative, but be sure to stick a nut on the end of the shaft to protect the threads. The stock nut is aluminum, so using a spare steel nut for this task is recommended if you have one available. There are washers at top and bottom of the shaft - make note of position.
9.) Once disassembled, polish the offending shaft with fine emery cloth or sandpaper. I used some 600 grit, and it worked nicely to remove the corrosion.
10.) Cut a strip of the 600 grit paper, and tape it to a 1/4" drive extension. Trim the paper so a turn or two of the sandpaper wraps around the shaft of the extension. Use this tool mounted in a cordless drill to hone out the bearing bores in the aluminum shafting. This is a quick process that cleans the contaminants off the bearings.
11.) Flush the bores with some cleaning solvent or WD40. Push a bit of rag through, and pull it back and forth to clean and dry the bores.
12.) Apply a liberal coating of lithium grease to shaft and bore, and reassemble following reverse steps to above. Don't forget the washers on the wiper shaft, as well as the large foam gasket pieces. Be sure to get the mechanism in the correct orientation - see pic below. Be sure to align the short crank link with the marks from step 7.)
13.) Re-mount the assembly in the car. Don't forget the foam rubber gasket pieces over each wiper shaft. The wiper cover trim piece pops onto the bottom lip of the windshield. Re-attach with the five T25 screws. There are two water drain hoses that will have popped of during removal. Be sure to reconnect.
14.) Enjoy wipers that once again run proper speed!

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 29 Jan 2009, 14:14

Another great one renns!

...Lee

Post by **renns** » 29 Jan 2009, 14:53

Lee,

Thanks. I've found lots of good info on this site, and like to give back when I can. This was an easy fix, less than 1hr total. I should have done it long ago, but the cold weather and unknown difficulty level put it on the back burner! I was pleased to see the elegant modular design of the wiper drive system, as well as the simple removal process. The hardest part was working the frozen shaft (driver's side wiper in my case) out of the housing.

Roger.

Post by **billofdurham** » 29 Jan 2009, 15:14

Roger,

I agree with Lee and have added this to the Repair Database.

Bill.

Post by **BEJinFbk** » 29 Jan 2009, 15:59

Excellent Writeup!
( Hope I never need it...

)

Very Nice Work.

Post by **matthew1** » 29 Jan 2009, 23:40

Roger, outstanding writeup. I made your rank "MVS Contributor."

If anyone else has done a lengthy writeup like this or donated through PayPal, and I've failed to change your rank, please email me [email protected].

Post by **anfranco60** » 20 Jun 2009, 11:22

Genius! I'm a Newbie to the site, but have been a Volvo owner from 544-850's.
Currently working on A/C & Blower fix w/ Pollen filter addition the Ol' school way.
Since I was there.....
Thanks for this info and look forward to contributing.

Post by **mwy** » 19 May 2010, 22:05

Thanks for this repair - I fixed the corroded bushing and shaft and now my rear wiper has good movement.
Is there a 'proper' way to remove the rear panel from the tailgate? it is incredibly fragile.

This seems like a common issue that spans several generations of Volvos and should be in the repair database if it isn't already!

Matt

krguy33 · Post by **krguy33** » 01 Oct 2010, 06:56

I performed this process and freed up the seized drivers side. Now my only problem is.. after re-installation, the wipers seem to be in the opposite direction when turned off. When I turn the wipers off they don' t sit at the bottom of the windshield, they sit in an upright position.

Post by **renns** » 01 Oct 2010, 08:06

Did the mechanism go back together the same way? I'm wondering if something is reversed. Otherwise, perhaps the crank link to motor shaft position is way off. I've edited the description to recommend marking the crank to motor shaft position prior to disassembly.

If the linkage is all assembled correctly, the I would think just repositioning the short crank link 180 degrees will solve your problem.