Turning the wheels without a steering wheel!

[cheese99]

Subject sounds mad but, on my thread for wiper problems as the fault only happens when the wheel is in place, can I turn the wheels with the steering wheel removed by sticking a extended socket on the centre bolt? My theory is, no not about Brontosauruses (Python fans), that if the wipers come on with the wheel turning and the steering wheel removed then it must be a fault with something behind the steering hub. Does this sound mad? Advice, comments appreciated.

[mudstud]

Would think that would be OK, if in doubt you can jack the front end of the car off the ground and turn one of the (front!) wheels. Good luck, you'll be an expert by the end of this.

>> Edited by mudstud on Friday 3rd October 08:32

[shpub]

I would jack the front wheels off the ground as this will reduce the effort needed and the strain on the components. Worth marking the column etc so you know where it should go back!

[jak]

could your fault be caused by theconnection to the steering wheel switches. I had a problem with the ribbon cable that manifested in the wipers and indicators not working.
If you are turning the wheel this cable can become stretched which may be causing your problem - The cable is only a few quid.

[WilliamBall]

Remember turning the steering without the engine running can cause the power steering fluid to overflow out the resevoir cap, so have some cloths ready.

WB

[oliverkelly]

May be a long shot, but I seem to recall that the wiper and other switches have tiny little wires running towards the centre of the steering wheel behind the leather.

I have just had a couple replaced that were not working. It could be faulty switch. Is there a connector from the small wires to the ribbon cable. You could try disconnecting that and see whether the wipers still have a mind of their own.