Wiper Problem

[ImprezaVA]

So my windshield wipers have been smacking the black cowl/shroud between the windshield and firewall. So, I pick up a new wiper motor, and it's still smacking the cowl.

Logic makes me question the linkage alignment, which I put back exactly how I took it off. I set the new motor position by leaving the linkage off and turning the wipers on and back off.

It seems to me, there can only be one way to hook the linkage back up. Kind of like a puzzle, it won't go together unless you put back right.

Any ideas? Here are some pics of my linkage compared to the one shown and ken-gilbert.com, which mine looks nothing like:




EDIT/UPDATE: Fixed with HELP! Motormite part # 49447

-Charles-

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[ImprezaVA]

In the off position, is the wiper linkage all the over to the passenger side of the firewall? The part that attaches to the wiper motor?
I'm getting ready to go and switch the linkage plate on the wiper motor to the other side. It will now be facing the driverside.

Here's the part I'm switching:


-Charles-

[Charlie-III]

It is the taper lock adjustment on the wiper itself.
Where the arm attaches to the linkage, lift the cover to find the nut. Loosen the nut and lift up on the arm until it disengages the tapered shaft. Position it where you want and press the arm onto the tapered shaft. Tighten the nut. Try it out.

[ImprezaVA]

I rotated the link plate, stupidly, and of course, the wiper wouldn't even move. So, I put the old one back on and with the link plate back in the corner of the firewall on the passenger side.

Charlie, thanks for the reply. I've had the arms in all kinds of positions, but to know avail. Nonetheless, I'll try your suggestion. If that doesn't work, I'm clueless.

-Charles-

[ImprezaVA]

Still nothing.
Initially, 6 months ago or so, I thought that the splines inside the wiper arm were worn. I picked up a passenger wiper from a junkyard, which kind of looked similar in wear to mine, and the wipers are still hitting the cowl.

New wiper motor = no improvement
Passenger side wiper arm = no improvement

My next guess is new wiper arms from Subaru at $25 a piece.

-Charles-

[Charlie-III]

Status?

Maybe I was not clear in my description.

Try removing the bad arm, cycle the wipers so they are "parked". Reinstall the wiper arm (the part that had the rubber that cleans the glass) so it it close to the cowl but not touching. Tighten the nut and then cycle tha wipers again.

[ImprezaVA]

Try removing the bad arm, cycle the wipers so they are "parked".

I tried that too. I'm awaiting two new wiper arms from Subaru. They were $40 a piece. After everything is all said and done I'll do a nice write up on the wiper motor install. There wasn't much info on the net or at Nabisco on how to change the wiper motor and I took a lot of pictures so hopefully my hours wasted last Saturday will benefit someone.

-Charles-

[Roy]

Oddly enough my 98 L Coupe has started doing the same thing although it is intermittent. I suspect this is due to wear in the linkage but have not looked into the problem yet. I will be interested in what you find the cause to be.

Roy

[ImprezaVA]

My new wiper arms came in today. Weird thing is, where the wiper arm goes onto the post, the inside of the wiper arm is slick. I thought there was supposed to be splines in there to match up with the 2 tapered post's splines that attach to the linkage?

My car just went into the body shop until Thursday or Friday so I won't be able to tinker with it tonight.

-Charles-

[Charlie-III]

The splines were common on older cars, you don't see them much anymore.
It is just the friction on the taper joint that holds it together, so it needs to be clean/dry/oil free when you put it together.

[ImprezaVA]

It is just the friction on the taper joint that holds it together

Exactly, I found this out yesterday. I've never seen a new wiper arm , so, this was all new to me. I didn't realize just how soft the inside of the wiper arms were. The splines on the post actually indent/engrave the splines inside the taper joint on the wiper arm.

-Charles-

[Charlie-III]

So......does this mean you have it fixed???

[ImprezaVA]

I won't get my car back until Friday from the body shop. I haven't had the opportunity to tinker with it, but, yes, I think this will fix it. I've already ruled out about everything else.

-Charles-

[Pakin]

Were the wipers also "smacking" near the A-pillar area?

-paK +1

[ImprezaVA]

No, the wipers weren't hitting the A-pillar. A sure sign that the wiper arm was slipping was how the wiper would stop and start at various places. When I tried another arm and it didn't work, a new motor that didn't fix it, it stumped me for a day. I think when I get the new arms on everything will be fine.

-Charles-

[ImprezaVA]

I think when I get the new arms on everything will be fine.

I was wrong. $80 and two wiper arms later the problem still lingers.

Tonight I took everything out of the car: wiper arms, wiper motor, and the wiper linkage. The only thing I noticed that seemed weird is how loose the linkage was that bolted to the wiper motor. It's almost like the linkage arm is too big for the ball it connects to on the wiper motor. Like it's missing a bushing. The only parts that connect the linkage to the motor are a plastic washer and nut, unless I'm missing something. The splines on the linkage posts are fine.

Here's the part I'm talking about:


I'm frustrated because the wiper system seems to be simple, not a complex set-up. Yet, after a new wiper motor and arms the problem still lingers.

-Charles-

[Roy]

Charles,

Did you ever solve the problem?
The wiper slap on my 98 L Coupe is getting worse. I checked today and found some "slop" in the linkage when the wipers are parked. The slap is annoying so I would like to know what to look for and how to fix.

Thanks,
Roy

[ImprezaVA]

In the above photo where you see the triangle shaped mount with the three bolt holes, there are bushings just up from that if I IIRC. Or, at least some type of plastic part. Either these are worn, or the little plastic cap that holds the linkage to the wiper motor is not doing its job. I've never tinkered with one that's right, and mine has play in it where you see that red circle above in the photo. No, I haven't fixed them yet. Subaru quoted me at $40 bucks a piece for the linkage arms/bushings/etc. Previously I had bought two new wiper arms thinking the tapered bore and been bored out. This wasn't it and I tried to swap Subaru the arms for the new linkage and they wouldn't do it. So, here I am, still, with my original problem. Too much going on now and in the near future to worry about it. Maybe one day I'll get around to fixing it.

I had a bunch of digital photos that could have helped you out during your fix but I had to "re-do" my computer and lost everything.

-Charles-

[Roy]

Is the "D" shape in the link that bolts to the wiper motor in good condition or is it worn?
The slop is in both my wipers so I suspect something in the motor and/or linkage from the motor to the first triangular mount. You may be correct in thinking the plastic bushings are worn or a piece is missing.
When it warms up outside I plan to delve into the problem. Will let you know what I find.
Thanks,
Roy

[ImprezaVA]

The "D-shaped" opening at the end of the passenger side linkage seems to be my problem. At least, that's where all the play is. When I took mine apart the only part connecting the linkage arm to the wiper motor was a cream colored plastic cap with little tabs on it. It didn't appear that any tabs were broke. Is this what you have also?

-Charles-

[Roy]

Don't know. Haven't taken mine apart yet. Will see when I get into it.

Roy

[Roy]

Ok, I took my wipers apart today. The problem is due to a worn/broken nylon ball socket on the link that hooks to the wiper motor ball stud. Subaru wants close to $40 for a link assembly and $0.93 ea. for the nine plastic fasteners that hold the cowl cover & seal on.
Does anyone know when I can get only the nylon ball socket?
Anyplace to get the plastic fasteners for less cost?
Thanks,
Roy

[ImprezaVA]

Ball socket? Maybe that's my problem, I didn't have one. All I had at the end of the linkage at the wiper motor motor was a cream colored plastic/nylon cap that held the linkage to wiper motor. Can't you just by that bushing/cap?
I was also quoted at $40 a pop for the two linkage pieces.

Search the web for plastic fasteners such as Staloc. I'm sure you could go to your local automotive store and find something that would work. If you take your time you can preserve those fasteners anyway. Good luck.

-Charles-

[Roy]

Charles,

The nylon cream colored piece you refer to is the ball socket. It snaps onto a ball stud that is on the short link bolted to the wiper motor shaft. The ball socket is the piece I am looking for. Subaru only sells the link assembly with a ball socket on each end. Will let you know if I manage to find an individual ball socket.

Roy

[Roy]

Update:

Found a "Help" wiper ball socket assortment kit at Advance Auto designed for Chrysler, Jeep, and GM C/K trucks (Help P.N. 49447). Had to do some modifying to the ball socket but managed to get one installed on the wiper link. Reassembled the wipers and all is good; provided the modified ball socket does not fall out. Note that reassembly was a real pain. I had problems connecting the wiper link and ball stud motor to each other.

Kit cost was $3.98. If this works it sure beats nearly $40 for the link from Subaru.

Will notify all if the repair proves to be unreliable.

Roy