Windscreen Wiper Speed / Motor

[Tarmac Tickler]

I have not paid too much attention to my windscreen wipers yet as I have avoided using my S1 in the wet so far.
Went for a drive recently and needed to clean the windscreen because of the low sun and even though the the wipers work they are very slow, is this a "they all do it" scenario and any suggestions on what can be done to sort this out, can something be lubricated or does it sound like the motor is dying?

I would have thought it was an MOT failure too?

If it comes to a replacement motor what can I use please?

Thanks....

[magpies]

S1's came withe one of two designs

early cars have a rod and cantilever system and later cars a cable and wheel box arrangement.

You need to access the under dash/glove box area - should be a 'pull down' trim panel held by velcro, you'll easily see which type you have. Access to the motor is 'relatively' easy by laying on your back with your head inn the footwell.

Does your wipers have more than one speed? Mine only had one speed (slow) and that was because the contacts in the plug were loose and falling out. Remaking the spade connectors cured the problem.

This is a photo of the wiper motor socket - I fitted individual spade connectors as the plug was knackard - I have since found new plugs are available for a couple of pounds

Edited by magpies on Sunday 27th November 10:27

[greymrj]

If they are working but slow then a good chance the motor isnt the problem...yet!
Agree with Mick, you need to find out which system you have. Mine has the older crank arm. Let us know because it does influence the diagnostics.
Whichever you have it should be two speed, if it isnt then you may have more than one issue.
Like Mick I would start with checking the connectors to the motor, they do get neglected up there and if the motor has been running slow they might well have got hot as well. If there is any sign of heat or corrosion then just fit individual terminals.
If you have good connections but the motor still runs slow, STOP IT! Both systems have problems with water getting into the wiper arm pivots and then into either the crank arm pivots or wiper wheel boxes. Start with lots of WD40 at the wiper pivots, and if it is crank arm look (light and mirror) for any sign of 'fretting' (fine rust stains) at the crank arm pivots and WD40 them too.
If it is the crank arm system get back to me as I know more about rebuilding that.

[Tarmac Tickler]

Thank you both, I will do some further investigating.

[greymrj]

I forgot! DONT put your hands under the dash when the wipers are running. It is OK with the cable type but the earlier crank arm type is dangerously accessible on the passengers side in particular.

[Tarmac Tickler]

greymrj said:

I forgot! DONT put your hands under the dash when the wipers are running. It is OK with the cable type but the earlier crank arm type is dangerously accessible on the passengers side in particular.

OK, thank you for pointing that out.

[magpies]

greymrj said:

I forgot! DONT put your hands under the dash when the wipers are running. It is OK with the cable type but the earlier crank arm type is dangerously accessible on the passengers side in particular.

as said put a good head torch on and lay on your back and slide! into the footwell

if there is a trimmed pane (some have a map pocket) hiding the base of the glove box and extends forward to the baulkhead - this is held by velcro and needs to be removed. Ino panel then you should be able to see the wiper motor in the space behind the glovebox. Have your assistant operate the wiper switch while you look up (not with your hands!) and observe the mechanism - if you can see a crank arm going backwards/forwards then contact greymrj. If you have the later ype then you can check the motorplug to socket connection
without the chance of loosing a digit

[phillpot]

Pull the plug off the motor and using a meter or test lamp see if you have power as per this diagram.......................





With wiper switch OFF should still have 12v across Ignition Live (with ignition on!) and earth.

Should be 12v at slow and fast with switch in appropriate position.

Nothing at Park.

Edited by phillpot on Sunday 27th November 22:56

[Deeman]

I love Mike's annotated pictorials. Brilliant .

[glenrobbo]

Deeman said:

I love Mike's annotated pictorials. Brilliant .

Pete, has Mike been showing off his awesome tatts again?

Edited by glenrobbo on Sunday 27th November 22:01

[glenrobbo]

TT, I've been searching for about an hour trying to find my original 'How to fix seized wiper spindles' topic, but all I could find was this thread, which may help:
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=148...

[Tarmac Tickler]

Thanks again everyone, much appreciated.
I have plenty to go on now once I get some time to play.