Wiper motor link arm issue

mshine · Post by **mshine** » 04 Jun 2005, 03:12

Hi,

I am new to this board, so sorry if this isn't the proper area to post this, but: I have been having this problem where my drivers side windshield wiper works (not very well mind you), but the passanger side doesn't.

I took this to a mechanic and they told me that the issue was a connecting rod between the two wipers. They proceded to also tell me that just the rod cannot be fixed or replaced, but the entire wiper assembly has to removed and a new one put in. I have been trying to harvest the internet for any info on this to no avail and was wondering if anyone on this board could either confirm or deny what I was told.

Volvo told me that the assembly I was looking for would cost in the region of $400-$500. That's a bit pricey for me, so if I DO need replace the entire mechanism do I have any other alternatives to Volvo direct?

Thanks in advance,

Matt Shine

PS - The car is a black 1995 850 wagon, if that helps

Jot · Post by **Jot** » 04 Jun 2005, 07:10

Would you explain the symptoms.Does the wiper move? Have you tightened the Nut on the shaft? Are the wipers lifting off the windshield?

VolvoFreak · Post by **VolvoFreak** » 06 Jun 2005, 09:01

If you need to replace the entire assembly, I've seen them on eBay go for between 30 and 50 bucks. You can also get them from a pull-it yard for about $50 also. It seems to be real easy to install - time consuming, but easy.

mshine · Post by **mshine** » 08 Jun 2005, 21:40

[quote="Jot"]Would you explain the symptoms.Does the wiper move? Have you tightened the Nut on the shaft? Are the wipers lifting off the windshield?[/quote]

The passenger side doesn't even twitch, but the driver's side works perfectly. No lifting at all. I think I'll just replace the entire assembly.

What would it be called on ebay or in a salvage yard database? Are there other models or years that would work?

Thanks

Jot · Post by **Jot** » 09 Jun 2005, 12:17

before I'd buy the unit take of the wiper arms and plastic cowel (torx screws) and check it out.

Black850 · Post by **Black850** » 09 Jun 2005, 19:37

Jot wrote:before I'd buy the unit take of the wiper arms and plastic cowel (torx screws) and check it out.

Will this fix wipers that show the bolts turning but the wipers aren't moving? I took of my driver side arm and the plastic housing under it was chipped and broken. Also can these be bought individually or is it the whole wiper arm that needs to be bought?... Thanks for ne help

Jot · Post by **Jot** » 10 Jun 2005, 05:20

If the shafts (bolts) are moving the nuts need to be tightened. Unlike most wipers which have splines on the shaft and arm Volvo uses tapered shaft. Adding a flat washer under the nut might help

Black850 · Post by **Black850** » 10 Jun 2005, 07:14

Jot wrote:If the shafts (bolts) are moving the nuts need to be tightened. Unlike most wipers which have splines on the shaft and arm Volvo uses tapered shaft. Adding a flat washer under the nut might help

One more follow up... I tried tighting the nuts, but it didn't really help or was inconsistent at best. If adding washers doesn't help what's the next logical step?

Jot · Post by **Jot** » 10 Jun 2005, 14:31

Try a rubber or neoprene washer under the nut

Black850 · Post by **Black850** » 12 Jun 2005, 21:02

Follow Up...

Decided to just buy new arms... 50 bucks each. Well worth it, the old ones were just warped and old and the new ones have much better performance. Definitely recommend it instead of trying a bunch of patch work.