|
October,
2000
Hello
and welcome to WolfsburgWired, the monthly online newsletter of
information for customers and friends of Wolfsburg West. |
|
Wiper
Assembly Fall Tune-up
|
Next
to wiper blades, our best selling wiper system component is
the wiper shaft, or pivot as it is commonly referred. The
wiper shaft consists of two basic components. A shaft, which
the wiper arm and inner linkage connect onto and the barrel
(also known as the bearing) in which the shaft protrudes through.
Failure of the shaft generally occurs in these two areas.
The most common causes for wiper shaft failure is a lack of
lubrication and a missing seal. This seal (shown to the right)
which seals the area between the shaft and the barrel, was
plastic on 1960 and later cars, while the pre 1960 versions
were metal. Invariably, this seal either becomes misplaced
or deteriorates, thus allowing moisture to enter the inner
portion of the wiper shaft thus allowing for corrosion to
occur. Wiper shaft lubrication is accomplished by removing
the wiper arm, gently removing the plastic seal, and applying
a few drops of oil where the shaft protrudes from the brass
barrel. Switching on the wiper motor with the arms still removed,
and applying a few more drops will ensure full and proper
oil penetration. |
|
A
shaft that is worn in the area where the arm secures creates
additional problems. An irregular surface, such as the shaft
pictured to the right, will not allow the wiper arm set
screw to fasten properly onto the wiper shaft. Wiper arms
generally come lose at the most inopportune time when a
shaft such as this example is not replaced.
|
|
If
you determine that the wiper shaft needs replacement, removal
of the wiper assembly is necessary for Beetle models, however
such replacement for some Bus models can be performed without
such removal. Before removing the wiper assembly, make sure
to remove one of the battery cables. For Beetle models, removal
consists of unscrewing the wiper shaft nut located under the
wiper arm and a bolt located in the center of the assembly
frame. When disconnecting the wires, label the wires as to
where they connect. With the assembly removed, replacement
of all of the components is easily accomplished. Another common
cause of wiper component failure is the linkage bushing (pointed
out in the photo). These plastic bushings (brass in 1959 and
earlier Beetles) tend to wear into an oblong shape and cause
the wiper arms to flutter and skip. Removal of the linkage
and shafts can get tricky if you do not pay attention as to
what goes where. It's always a good idea to make a quick drawing
in an effort to ease the pain or re-assembly. Take it from
experience, many hours have been spent trying to recall the
correct assembly component arrangement! |
|
While
the assembly is removed, pop the protective hood from the
wiper motor (through 1970) and have a look at the armature
and brushes. A common sign of a motor that has seen better
days is a burnt armature. You will recognize this from the
color, which is a deep blue/black. The motor to the left is
a good example. The armature to the right is new. Remove any
accumulated debris with compressed air pop the cover back
on. When reinstalling the assembly into the car, always replace
the grommets, which seal the wiper shaft barrel to the cowl.
|
|
During
the fall and winter months, our number one phone inquiry is
wiper component related. "Where can I find a 12-volt motor
to fit my 1966 and earlier car?" Unfortunately these motors
are no longer available. If you’re going to a bone yard looking
for one, here are a few points in which to keep in mind. In
1967, U.S. cars received a 12-volt electrical system upgrade.
They also improved the wiper system by adding a two-speed
wiper motor. When searching for that elusive 12-volt wiper
motor, pay attention to the spade style electrical terminals
located on the side of the wiper motor. Two-speed motors possess
spade connectors that are stacked on top of each other at
the end of the motor (shown by the arrow). 6-volt wiper motors
have only one terminal in this location (3 total connectors).
|
|
The
1967 Beetle wiper motor is the only direct replacement for
the early Beetle. A 1968-1969 Beetle motor may also be used,
however there is a slight modification that must be performed.
The output shaft pin on the 1968-1969 motor is slightly
larger than the 1967 and earlier motors and therefore must
be exchanged. Removing the four screws located on the bottom
of the motor allows you to disengage the output assembly
and allows for the installation of the output shaft from
your old motor. The only additional requirement is that
both wiper motors must made by the same manufacturer. VW
used two wiper motor manufactures and both are easily identified
by markings on the cover. The top motor was manufactured
by Bosch and the lower by SWF.
Converting
1964 and earlier Bus wiper motors into a 12-volt configuration
can be accomplished in a similar fashion. 1964 and earlier
Bus models utilize an entirely different style output shaft
assembly as compared to the Beetle. The output shaft assembly
from your current Bus wiper motor can be installed onto
the 1967 or 1968-1969 style Beetle wiper motor as described
in the previous paragraph.
It
goes without saying that wiper blades should be inspected.
Sorry to say but the truth is wiper blades generally last
at best a few seasons. A scratched windshield is not worth
the procrastination for such an easy replacement.
|
|
Click
here for a list of Wiper Arms and blades available for the
Beetle.
Click
here for a list of Wiper Arms
and blades available for the Bus
|
|
VISIT OUR WEB SITE
If you'd like to find out about all the new items that have arrived since our catalog was printed, visit our web site at: www.wolfsburgwest.com
New items are added as they become available. You'll also find interesting information on the history of Wolfsburg West, a regularly updated calendar of area activities, and other good stuff, including archived back issues of WolfsburgWired.
You are receiving WolfsburgWired because you elected to subscribe to the WolfsburgWest
electronic mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE, please click here Leave Wired.
New subscribers are welcome. To SUBSCRIBE, click HERE.
Published by Wolfsburg West
Specializing in parts for the restoration of 1979 and earlier Volkswagen cars.
Email: wwinfo@wolfsburgwest.com
Web: www.wolfsburgwest.com
Snail: Wolfsburg West, 2850 Palisades Dr. Corona, CA 92880
Voice: 951-549-0525 ~ Fax: 951-549-0580 ~ Toll free (orders only): 888/965-3937
|
|