Fixing Intermittent Window Wiper's

Post Mon Sep 23, 2019 6:27 pm

I finally got around to sorting out my Wiper Motor issue ,the standard problem where it struggles to get across the windscreen and getting stuck etc.I've been putting it off for ages as it seemed like a bit of a pig of a job but I needed something else to do to distract my attention from my high-idle issue which is currently making me somewhat insane so I thought I'd get on with it. It's actually pretty easy and not as much of a pain as I envisaged.

There's a good write up on the Zone Wiki.

https://www.e30zone.net/e30wiki/index.p ... per_faults

I just wanted to add that there really is no issue to allign the wipers to the correct position.All you need to do is once you've re-installed the motor, and scraped up most of your hands in the process, you just need to run the motor without the linkage attached in your 'single wipe' mode (one-click down on the control-stalk) and let the motor rest, then just move your wipers to their rested position and attach the linkage.No need to make any location marks etc.They should now work as intended.

Also in the wiki guide it states smothering the contact wheel in grease,I would recommend just using a thin layer of silicon lubricant which should keep things running smooth without gunky buildup .I would only grease the worm screw.

Anyway, just thought I'd add this and for anyone who's been 'meaning to get around to it' it really isn't that bad of a job, and being able to drive without the wipers getting stuck in the middle of the windscreen is also quite nice!

Post Mon Sep 23, 2019 8:14 pm

Nice work

It always seems the jobs you think are straight forward end up being the worst, and visa versa.

Post Tue Sep 24, 2019 3:01 pm

Good job. You can tell an e30 diy enthusiast from the cuts and scrapes on their hands which don't ever get a chance to fully heal.

Post Wed Sep 25, 2019 12:07 am

Ha! Yes...the never fully healing part is crucial....as is the slight 'john wayne' walk from constantly being contorted under a bonnet/sills/dash etc in non-favourable positions

Post Wed Sep 25, 2019 9:42 am

I've just driven home in the rain this morning and my wipers have completely stopped working on the single wipe and medium speed setting, does it sound like it could be the same problem?

I'm going to go out and have a look at it now while it's not raining.

Post Wed Sep 25, 2019 3:38 pm

If they wiper still actually moves then it it's highly likely.Especially if it works in the fastest setting