Wiper arm linkages

Rich · #1 (**permalink**) 01-06-2008, 07:56 AM

Hi all,

I was looking at wipers to night, and after doing some cleaning i was wondering if the arms are OK to put back on the car. The ball joints seem OK = don't have any play and after some WD40 they move very easily, but I just wonder if there should be some cover around the ball joints. Can I pop them off and grease them?
Any advice.

Thanks
Rich

**ghnl** · #2 (**permalink**) 01-06-2008, 09:15 AM

I don't recall if there were any rubber boots on our '84 Spider's wiper arms. Here's a link with photos from when I serviced the wiper arms.

It would also be a good idea to check the condition of the grease in the motor's gearbox - it tends to solidify with age.

**Tifosi** · #3 (**permalink**) 01-06-2008, 06:07 PM

No boots on the ball links themselves, just a small boot over the wiper stub where it sticks through the cowl.

While you've got it apart and cleaned with WD-40, you'll want to get back in and lube with lithium grease or simular.

If the ball joints aren't falling apart now, I'd not be trying to take them apart for further work as chances are fairly high they won't stay assembled once put back together and they plastic bits are hard to come by unless you're willing to buy a whole rack to get them.

Rich · #4 (**permalink**) 01-06-2008, 06:18 PM

Hi Tifosi,

How do you suggest I grease the ball joints, with pulling them apart?
The only boot i can see is made of hard plastic, is that what your talking about?

Rich

**Tifosi** · #5 (**permalink**) 01-06-2008, 06:39 PM

You can pack the ball joints by putting a bit of grease on the spindle, then working it into the ball/plastic cup area with a popsicle stick or the like. (like packing caulk into a crack with a putty knife)

Quote:

The only boot i can see is made of hard plastic

Rich · #6 (**permalink**) 01-06-2008, 06:46 PM

Hmm,

I'm missing the rubber boot, anyone have set they don't want or can you buy them?

Thanks Tifosi

Rich

Rich · #7 (**permalink**) 01-07-2008, 12:43 AM

Hey Eric,

Thanks for the advise, I did what you said, and your are correct, the grease was dry and the gasket was dry and brittle. i would recommend for every one do do this if they already have the wiper motor out of the car, if not at least do the wiper.

Rich

Rich · #8 (**permalink**) 01-07-2008, 12:46 AM

PS
The motor turns quicker now.