| Trouble viewing this Wolfsburg West Newsletter? View Online Here |
 |
 |
|||
 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 |
|||
