The wiper linkage is the component that attaches the windscreen wiper motor to the wiper arms and blades. Its job is to transmit the motion of the wiper motor to the wiper arms and blades to clear rain, snow and ice from your windscreen. This component is an important safety feature as it plays a key role in ensuring the driver has good visibility at all times. How often should a wiper linkage need replacing? Changing a wiper linkage is a routine repair for all mechanics and can be done both kerbside as well as in the workshop, providing it is safe to do so.

Easy out:Wiper mechanism and motor is lifted out as a complete assembly. Rather than simply renew the mechanism, it’ll be important to understand how it had failed. New wiper linkage assembly (transmission). The wiper arm shaft seizes up inside the linkage. The wiper linkage, also known as wiper transmission or wiper link assembly, has two shafts that hold the wiper arms. Often, one of the shafts seizes up, it's a common problem in many cars. Motor off:Three 10mm AF bolts passing through the motor plate into the motor housing are removed, and the motor can be detached from the mechanism and cleaned for refitting. Honda recalled the 2003 4-door Honda Accord for windshield wiper motor failures (service bulletin 08-043).Left in place:This rubber bonnet seal is secured through the moulding with plastic clips that protrude through the scuttle flange, but the moulding lifts out with these still in place.

The wiper linkage is what attaches the windscreen wiper motor to the wiper arms and blades. How does the windscreen wiper linkage work and what are the components? Ensure the bonnet is securely propped up and take care not to dislodge it while working on the wiper system. How it works:Lifting that inner pin of the clip allows the three lower legs to fold in so the clip can be pulled out. Squeeze legs in when refitting later.Rarity:The new wiper linkage comes with new mounting rubbers and new wiper spindle seals, but no wiper arm securing nuts so the originals need to be saved. Cleaning up:The remnants of the old hinge covers are lifted off and the underside of the moulding cleaned smooth, and debris removed from the holes. This means, if you have to pay for wiper motor repairs, keep the receipt. If there is a recall, you can apply for reimbursement. No you shouldn’t drive with a bad wiper linkage. Driving with faulty wipers isn't just potentially dangerous, it's also illegal and could result in a hefty fine if you’re pulled over.

Keep it dry:Base of the windscreen was cleaned to reduce water ingress past the intake moulding seal, and moisture-retaining leaves and debris were cleaned from the scuttle. The wiper motor is a DC (direct current) 12V motor that includes a set of gears and a park switch. The park switch allows the motor to stop when wipers are positioned at the bottom of the windshield in their "park' position. Typical Lead Time: 24 - 48 hours depending on part availability What does a windscreen wiper linkage do? The multimeter shows 12.38 Volt, but the motor doesn't run. This means the wiper motor is bad and needs to be replaced. Best way:Because of its width, it’s a struggle to withdraw the moulding into the engine bay – easier to push it up the screen and withdraw it from the side.First sight:The forward edge of the moulding will now lift up from the scuttle, exposing the wiper motor and part of its linkage here on the driver’s side. There are clips that can be bought that will hold the ball in place in the cup, however these are a short term fix only. Can I supply my own parts?

Working windshield wipers are important for safe driving. Several manufacturers have issued recalls related to the wiper system and possibly more recalls will come in the future. Evidence:Although these two inner joints (left) attaching the rods to the motor’s crank arm were okay, the nearby gouge showed the linkage had been rubbing against the bulkhead. Stop the rust:Each air intakegrille on the underside of the moulding is supported by a steel frame, so it’s worth applying a liquid grease to stop them rusting away. Mitsubishi recalled the 2007-2013 Outlander for wiper motor failures (recall SR-17-003). Another Mitsubishi recall (SR-16-010) covers a wiper motor in the 2011−2015 Outlander Sport / RVR.

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It is usually a set of rods with cup and ball bearings that manoeuvre the wiper arms across the windscreen when the motor is running.