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        General >> Problems >> 2nd wiper linkage now broken
        
(Message started by: TomP on Dec 13^th, 2008, 8:42pm)

Title: 2nd wiper linkage now broken
Post by TomP on Dec 13^th, 2008, 8:42pm

I replaced my short wiper arm linkage a year ago, after it became detached from it's socket.

Today the "new" arm also became detached. I pushed it back into it's socket (not very much force needed) but it popped out again 10 mins later.

Is this really meant to be just a push fit? (I've read the info on the wiper linkage link on the forum). From the small amount of force needed to push it back in it just seems to me that it isn't a tight enough fit.

Also, I've tried the "cable ties" trick shown but I can't have done his correctly because it is still easy to separate the socket.

Any help please?

Title: Re: 2nd wiper linkage now broken
Post by Highlander on Dec 13^th, 2008, 10:08pm

Yep they are a push fit however they do wear and pop out, cable ties are the best solution i've found short of paying a fortune for a new linkage

Title: Re: 2nd wiper linkage now broken
Post by gerryw on Dec 14^th, 2008, 2:09am

Hi, I used the 'cable tie' method and its still working well after 17 months (Aug 2007) so I would recommend trying again (had 3 goes at getting it right myself) as its well worth it (and saves alot of money).

Here is the Forum link: http://www.fordscorpio.co.uk/wiperlinks.htm
Good luck

Title: Re: 2nd wiper linkage now broken
Post by TomP on Dec 14^th, 2008, 11:14am

Many thanks for the replies. Probably being incredibly stupid but just can't seem to get this right.

When I criss-cross cradle with 2 ties, I put the first round the lower knuckle then over the rubber circular boot. Then repeat with the other tie to make the criss-cross.

But when I put any pressure on the arm it pops out, because the rubber circular boot comes away with the lower arm.

Does this method assume that the rubber circular boot is more securely fixed to the upper section?

Title: Re: 2nd wiper linkage now broken
Post by Snoopy on Dec 15^th, 2008, 7:41am

It relies on the fact that the arm has a ball on it and the ties pull into the ball or just abouve it ... Look at the pictures .. remember the ties do have to be tight. and the right way round .. it make a difference if you put the wrong one on first . It does work because I used the very same message to get me home one day when mine failed until I got a new arm , but they are only about £10 AFAIK .

Title: Re: 2nd wiper linkage now broken
Post by a900one on Dec 17^th, 2008, 11:46am

I had the same problem with my Granada scorpio the ball was rusty and wearing the socket. I used some very fine wet and dry to get rid of the rust took the arm back to Fords for a free replacement and no problems since, approx 6 years. ;D

Title: Re: 2nd wiper linkage now broken
Post by Froscio on Dec 18^th, 2008, 7:30pm

I have a much easier and better solution: detach the arm form the socket, and squeeze the arm on the sides where the bushing is with a good set of pliers. This will restore the tight fit, and will require a bit more force to push it back on the socket. Once on again, it still moves freely, and can now not be losened without tools.

Works like a charm.

It takes 5 seconds and is free.

Title: Re: 2nd wiper linkage now broken
Post by TomP on Jan 3^rd, 2009, 9:24pm

Thanks Froscio, never thought of doing that, sounds a good idea. Presumably you mean to get the pliers round the black cup on the underneath side of the arm and just crimp slightly? I have tried on my original "spare" arm and it's quite difficult to do this but I guess it only needs to be squashed slightly.

Thanks also a900one. Perhaps as you suggest the rust on the ball is wearing away the cup. I'll also clean the ball up with wet and dry to see if it helps.

Thing that puzzled me when I changed the 2nd short arm was that the left hand side was a really tight fit (getting off and on) where as the right side pushed back on a bit too easily....so am wondering whether to ball itself has worn a bit......but the crimping shoild hopefully solve that.

Title: Re: 2nd wiper linkage now broken
Post by TomP on Jan 8^th, 2009, 11:53pm

Couldn't seem to get a good enough grip to on the cup to squeeze it, so gave up on that. Finally managed to get the cable ties in place correctly, I think. I didn't realise but I think the detachable rubber washer needs to be removed to do this properly, which is where I was going wrong.

Incidently, examining more closely, I think the reason my second arm has failed is because the ball joint is worn, nothing to do with the arm itself. Not sure if this ball joint is replacable, but think I will just stick to the cable tie solution.

Thanks for all suggestions