Wiper linkage - help!

Post by **fume** » 25 Jan 2007 09:47 am

I got in my 1.7 this morning as usual switched the wipers on to clear the snow and there was a crunch and a clank and then no drivers side wiper action. Is this a dash out job as i had a quick look and i can't see any other way.

Thanks

Post by **pettaw** » 25 Jan 2007 11:53 am

Could be if the entire thing needs replacing, but just make sure the nut on the top where it connects to the wiper arm is tightened up properly.

If all that's OK, then take the dashboard out, (not the whole front console, just the dashboard itself) then you can see if there's anything that has come adift or broken.

Post by **Chris_C** » 25 Jan 2007 01:02 pm

Other thing to check is the splines on the wiper arms themsevles are made super weak, so if anything locks up, they are first to go.

Lift the flip cap on the arms on the windscreen scuttle panel, and see the the nuts move when the wipers are switched on

Post by **fume** » 25 Jan 2007 01:30 pm

I will didn't get much of a chance to check as i was leaving for work when it happened. The arm on the drivers side is really free moving, am i right that if the splines have smoothed i will have to replace linkage anyway. Dash out, just to replace wiper linkage - crikey!!!!!. When you say not the whole front console just the dash which bit do you mean? (apologies for being thick!)

Post by **Chris_C** » 25 Jan 2007 02:25 pm

If it is the splines, it will just be the ones on the arms, and they are cheap as from a factors, never tried volvo though!

Post by **jtbo** » 25 Jan 2007 04:58 pm

Chris_C wrote:If it is the splines, it will just be the ones on the arms, and they are cheap as from a factors, never tried volvo though!

I had this two years ago, I took BIG wrench and tightened it to insanely tight, has been ok since then, but I know I need new wiper arm at some day or then need to make new splines. There was not much splines left at axle either.

Post by **fume** » 26 Jan 2007 09:37 am

Thanks for all your help, i feel like a total berk when i got home i had a good look and found the arms weren't tight, the drivers side i unscrewed by hand!. The splines on the arm have been completely smoothed off because it was obviously loose. It will need a new arm but in the meantime i tightened it really tight and it is now working. Talk about panicking first think later! it did make a horrendous noise though.