Wiper Motors

[FirstSpider]

when I purchased my spider the windsheild wipers didn't work, they make a noise but there is no movement, though they swing freely manually, I know bad wiper motors are a problem with these cars, but before I shell out for a new one I need to make sure the existing one is really broken, any tips on troubleshooting?

[baltobernie]

You should not be able to move the wiper arms manually. When you move the arms, do they move in sync?

[FirstSpider]

You should not be able to move the wiper arms manually. When you move the arms, do they move in sync?

yep, I'm kinda wondering if they are even hooked up

[RRoller123]

The mechanism is likely disconnected. You will need to remove the cowl in front of the windshield to see if so. It is pretty easy and the problem should be obvious once you get under there. There are a few threads that you can search on here to see how to get the cowl off.



Tape up and protect the paint well! The cowl will cause great havoc on the fenders if you aren't careful.

[FirstSpider]

well I got the cowl off and I didn't see anyhting out of the ordinary, there was a loose metal brachet under it, hopefully one of you can give me a little more insight on where to look next: http://www.flickr.com/photos/72984020@N ... hotostream
http://www.flickr.com/photos/72984020@N ... hotostream
http://www.flickr.com/photos/72984020@N ... hotostream
http://www.flickr.com/photos/72984020@N ... hotostream
thanks for everything guys

[RRoller123]

That bracket I seem to remember holds down the plastic cowl grate from behind. Be very careful when removing the rubber pieces that hold the grate down (by compression)! They are made out of unobtanium. Soak with lubricant and work them loose very slowly and carefully. I used armor all and soaked them for hours to get them loose without tearing them.

If the wiper motor is running but the arms aren't moving, and the mechanism appears hooked up, then it is likely that the arm is slipping at the point where it attaches to the motor. Just go slowly and carefully and it should become clear!

[FirstSpider]

That bracket I seem to remember holds down the plastic cowl grate from behind. Be very careful when removing the rubber pieces that hold the grate down (by compression)! They are made out of unobtanium. Soak with lubricant and work them loose very slowly and carefully. I used armor all and soaked them for hours to get them loose without tearing them.

If the wiper motor is running but the arms aren't moving, and the mechanism appears hooked up, then it is likely that the arm is slipping at the point where it attaches to the motor. Just go slowly and carefully and it should become clear!

so are you saying I should try and gently dissasemble it?

[RRoller123]

Only if you are going to re-install the bracket or refurb the cowling grate, etc. My recollection is that you can get at all the wiper mechanism without going in there. But without the bracket I think the cowling grate is probably loose and may be flopping around?

[baltobernie]

This thread is now addressing two issues. Regarding the wipers, now move the wiper arms by hand as you described in your OP. Is the shaft of the wiper motor attached to the short "crank" at the beginning of the rack, or does the rack move freely around a stationary wiper motor shaft?

[RRoller123]

Yes BaltoBerni is correct. Hope I didn't confuse the issue. I don't think that loose bracket you mentioned has anything to do with the wiper motors, so that is a separate issue. Try what he says with the wiper mechanism and it should reveal where the problem lies.