Windshield Wiper Not Working

[Large Arbor]

The passenger side wiper works, but the driver's side does not turn. Any ideas on what the issue might be?

Phil

[Gaz64]

Linkage fallen off? Wiper arm loose on shaft?

[Grubby]

It is likely the cable that drives the system is slipping past the LH wheel box.

Under the dash you will be able to see or feel two nuts on each wheel box that can come loose. They are located directly underneath each wiper. You should be able to snug them up without removing the dash. They are small, so be careful not to go to tight an twist them off.

Refer to page 77 of the ERA manual for 731-758. Do you have access to their owners web page.

John

[rub35]

If you do happen to twist the studs off (they are very fragile), just drill out the remaining stud and use an appropriate bolt/nut combo. I broke one off of each of mine and repaired both this way.

[Large Arbor]

Well I have dug into it and what a pain. I had to drop the dash. One arm gear is loose so when it turns, it will not turn the wiper (i.e. the gear will turn but with any resistance it just slips). It will have to be replaced. The screws that hold the clamps down to hold the gear against worm drive are too short and I will also replace those. I shall call ERA tomorrow and await parts.

Phil

[Large Arbor]

By the way, thanks for the advice and knowledge. I am so appreciative of the knowledge and experience shared on this site. The weather is a chilly 20 plus degrees so its not like I am driving it or that I ever plan on using the wipers. Nevertheless, I do want this stuff to work right and anything that does not, I tend to go after.

Phil

[Grubby]

The way the wheel boxes are made it is unlikely it is slipping. The cable is not fully engaging the gear.

Look at the attached PDF.

Since the dash is already down; pull the offending wheel box and look it over then you will see how everything works.

I will bet the nuts are loose or the wheel box needs tweaked as shown in the ERA manual.



John

[Large Arbor]

Grubby,
I think I have the older style gearbox. I will try to upload. The shaft itself will rotate when I hold onto the gear, thus its conclusive in my mind.

Phil

[Large Arbor]

[Grubby]

Phil,

You have it. I was afraid you were testing without removing the part.

My car uses the same wheel boxes.

I suffer from the same condition you do. If something is wrong with my car it gets fixed ASAP.

John

[Large Arbor]

Yes, now hopefully ERA will have a replacement. They don't seem to be made real well, although the use of them in a convertible is somewhat limited. I wonder if other manufacturers have better set up.

Do you come to London for the show in June? If so look me up or email me at
edward_0618@yahoo.com.

Thanks again for the assist.

Phil

[strictlypersonl]

We get our wheelboxes from Moss Motors and the Roadster Factory. (Probably the same origin, wherever that is...) They are all reproductions, unfortunately, and the quality is no longer OEM. We are doing our best.

[cscobra]

The wheelbox I put on the driver side (fortunately--much easier to remove than the right side, especially without removing the dash) worked in mockup prior to installing it, but it did not work well at all when installed ("floppy wiper" resulted). Upon removal and disassembly, it was apparent that the "drive wheel" was not attached at all (unless you count friction!) to the shaft that drives the wiper arm. I took it to a welder to correct the problem; it now works great.

[Grubby]

Phil,

I have never been to the London car show. This may be the year. I will let you know if I go.

John

[strictlypersonl]

I put a replacement in the mail today. Instead of welding, I "staked" the center axle with a punch in several places. We'll see how that works out.

[Large Arbor]

Thanks Bob, you da man! I will send the old one back in the same package.

Phil