Cost saving:The electric motor will be saved for fitting to the new wiper linkage. Removing this single nut releases the crank arm, which is part of the linkage. Keep it dry:Base of the windscreen was cleaned to reduce water ingress past the intake moulding seal, and moisture-retaining leaves and debris were cleaned from the scuttle. Poor visibility out of your windscreen can greatly reduce your reaction time and cause you to miss important signs and dangerous hazards on the road. A wiper system that doesn't clear the screen properly and affects the drivers' visibility is dangerous and will also result in an instant MOT fail. Does a wiper linkage deteriorate with age? Working windshield wipers are important for safe driving. Several manufacturers have issued recalls related to the wiper system and possibly more recalls will come in the future. Wiper arms:The wiper arm caps are prised off (using fine screwdriver in slot), and the securing nuts removed. With the wipers hinged up, the arms will wiggle off.

Easy out:Wiper mechanism and motor is lifted out as a complete assembly. Rather than simply renew the mechanism, it’ll be important to understand how it had failed. The wiper linkage is the component that attaches the windscreen wiper motor to the wiper arms and blades. Its job is to transmit the motion of the wiper motor to the wiper arms and blades to clear rain, snow and ice from your windscreen. This component is an important safety feature as it plays a key role in ensuring the driver has good visibility at all times. How often should a wiper linkage need replacing? Crumbling:Over the years, UV light had changed the composition of the rubberised hinge covers so much that bits broke away when they were lifted off. The windshield wiper linkage is designed to last the lifetime of the vehicle, but like any other mechanical part it can break or malfunction when you least expect it. As soon as you begin to notice your wipers struggling to move across the windscreen, making strange noises or moving out of sync, you should have your wiper system, including the linkage, looked at by a mechanic and replaced. It is usually a set of rods with cup and ball bearings that manoeuvre the wiper arms across the windscreen when the motor is running.If it's possible to free wiper arm shafts out of the linkage, your mechanic may suggest an option to clean and lubricate the shafts without replacing parts. It is cheaper, but the proper solution is to replace the linkage. Repair and protect:…so the wire was soldered, a shrink-sleeve fitted, and the complete harness was encased in conduit and secured clear of the mechanism, out of harm’s way. How it works:Lifting that inner pin of the clip allows the three lower legs to fold in so the clip can be pulled out. Squeeze legs in when refitting later. Honda recalled the 2003 4-door Honda Accord for windshield wiper motor failures (service bulletin 08-043).

Easy to break:Six plastic clips secure the intake moulding. Two fine screwdrivers are used to lift the inner pin slightly, allowing the whole clip to be removed. Typical Lead Time: 24 - 48 hours depending on part availability What does a windscreen wiper linkage do?

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Simple refit:When all that was done, the motor and linkage assembly is simply laid in place on its three mountings, the three bolts inserted, and tightened down. Final job:On the outside of each hinge cover are two rubber tongues that need to be carefully pressed downward to locate underneath the edge of the wing panel. A scan tool also allows an active test, which means the wiper motor can be activated from the scan tool. Cleaning up:The remnants of the old hinge covers are lifted off and the underside of the moulding cleaned smooth, and debris removed from the holes.

Evidence:Although these two inner joints (left) attaching the rods to the motor’s crank arm were okay, the nearby gouge showed the linkage had been rubbing against the bulkhead.Botched:When buying this car, I’d noticed this overlong stud poking out of the scuttle, but was too busy assessing the rest of the car to investigate then. Mitsubishi recalled the 2007-2013 Outlander for wiper motor failures (recall SR-17-003). Another Mitsubishi recall (SR-16-010) covers a wiper motor in the 2011−2015 Outlander Sport / RVR. Best way:Because of its width, it’s a struggle to withdraw the moulding into the engine bay – easier to push it up the screen and withdraw it from the side. Fully functioning wipers are a key safety feature in your car so it’s vital that you get them fixed as soon as you notice a problem. What are the signs of a bad wiper linkage? A problem with the wiper motor park switch can cause the wipers not to turn off or park in random spots. It might happen intermittently, often in cold weather. Some Honda and Acura cars had this problem. The park switch is built into the wiper motor, but in some cars, parts related to the parking switch come separately. In most cars, the park switch comes together with the motor, so if the park switch is bad, the wiper motor must be replaced.

Left in place:This rubber bonnet seal is secured through the moulding with plastic clips that protrude through the scuttle flange, but the moulding lifts out with these still in place. Changing a wiper linkage is a routine repair for all mechanics and can be done both kerbside as well as in the workshop, providing it is safe to do so. Initial assessment pointed to a serious engine cooling problem, but that was easily fixed. Then there have been leaking fuel pipes, a leaky injector seal, inoperative handbrake, new camshaft and fuel pump drive belts, new differential mountings and a professional interior clean to add to the bill. But we’re still comfortably within budget, including the parts for these jobs... Stop the rust:Each air intakegrille on the underside of the moulding is supported by a steel frame, so it’s worth applying a liquid grease to stop them rusting away.Rarity:The new wiper linkage comes with new mounting rubbers and new wiper spindle seals, but no wiper arm securing nuts so the originals need to be saved. The cost of a wiper linkage replacement depends on your car and what parts your car's manufacturer recommends. Well worn:The main problem was that the two joints attaching the operating rods to the wiper spindles had all but fallen apart with wear – there should be minimal play. Rubber pegs:The hinge covers are fixed to the intake moulding by rubber pegs through these holes. The pegs can be sliced off from the underside using a craft knife.