Wiper problem

[Steviec]

When I put my wiper on intermittent, they move a bit, stop, move a bit more, stop then finish the sweep. I thought it may be down to really useless wiper blade, but ive just replaced them and it still does the same.

Would anyone have an idea as to how I can rectify this please?

[Brianmoooore]

This one's been covered a few times, so use the "search" function.
It's basically usually caused by hardened old grease in the wiper motor gearbox.

[Steviec]

Ok thanks ill have a search then. Its seems strange that its just on intermittent that I have the prob and all other speeds are fine....

[E30BeemerLad]

mine stop at the top of the cycle if i just flick the switch down to do one swipe or put on intermittent. But if I have been using the wipers on constant for say 5 mins and then revert to intermit or just the occasional swipe, they work fine.

[Brianmoooore]

Internittant uses sliding contacts in the wiper gearbox, which are being lifted off their fixed tracks by the hardened grease.

[Steviec]

Ive just found the article in question here: http://www.e30zone.co.uk/modules.php?na ... wipers.htm

Thanks

[Brianmoooore]

mine stop at the top of the cycle if i just flick the switch down to do one swipe or put on intermittent. But if I have been using the wipers on constant for say 5 mins and then revert to intermit or just the occasional swipe, they work fine.

Because the grease warms up, and thins a bit.

[E30BeemerLad]

Cheers Brian and cheers Steve, that guide is just what I'm looking for, I will be able to sort the hole below the wiper motor which is flooding the passenger footwell whilst I'm at it. Missus ain't happy with the bottoms of her trousers being wet every morning she gets out the car

I keep telling her "you can't rush a job"

[Gwynleym10]

Lee

My old car used to have that wiper problem, When i opened the wiper motor I found the circular plate whick tells the wipers when to change direction had all rusted up. It wasn't just dogy grease ( i tried re-greasing it and putting it back only to have to get it out again-which is an arse to say the least!)

I rang round bmw eurocarparts I think i even asked bosch (who make the motor) if they would just give me the metal disc that had rusted....They wouldn't.

As opposed to shelling out Ԛ£50-60 for a completely new motor I made a new metal plate with a pinnaple tin lid (make sure that it is a pinnaple one-del monte is best- if you use some supermarket savers baked bin tin lid it may make the whole thing explode and you don't want to know what would happen if you used a peach halves lid.....)

Make some holes in the lide (copy original)

Mine still works fine 3 or so years later.

I also put some rather expensive mountain bike greese in there for some reason as well, not sure why but it works.

[Brianmoooore]

There's a design fault on RH drive E30s that exposes the wiper motor output shaft to the weather. Claps out the bearing and fills the motor with water.
Have successfully used motors from other makes of cars I've found in scrapyards on a couple of occasions. It's quite a common design of motor.

[kam-325i]

Mine's got the same fault, but ive had the replacement motor for months and neaver fitted it, looks like ill be doing it now the winter is coming.....

[martauto]

mine failed the mot in june for not self parking but i followed the tips on this wiped off the greese from the plate and its all been spot on since.
Thanks e-30 zone!!

[Brianmoooore]

mine failed the mot in june for not self parking but i followed the tips on this wiped off the greese from the plate and its all been spot on since.
Thanks e-30 zone!!

Wasn't aware that was MOT testable. Don't recall even turning on the wipers when I assist at my MOTs.

[Steviec]

The wipers and washer jets 'should' be tested at the mot but most places dont bother.

[Brianmoooore]

I know washers, wiper blades and the general operation of these is testable. It was the self parking function that I'm talking about.

[Steviec]

I suppose that if thay dont automatically stop at the bottom of the screen, then they are restricying the drivers view of the road and would be classed as an obstruction like a crack in the windscreen or a sunstrip?

[Steviec]

Id just like to say thanks for the help and the how-to guide, I managed to remove, clean and replace the motor today and it all works fine.

Thank you.