Frozen Wiper Linkage

[Rat Fink]

Not sure if this warrants a new thread but the way I searched didn't give much. Sorry if it's a repeat.
My wipers stopped working, and I tried the Honda replacement, but once I got in there I found the linkage to be the problem. The metal-metal "bearing" that the wiper mounts to was so frozen I needed a torch and hammer to get it apart. Even after cleaning and polishing and lubing, it went together so tight it wouldn't rotate. I started sanding until the cad plating was gone and the thing was out of round, obviously a very short term solution.

Step 1: Call MSA, they say they have no replacement, and have never seen a frozen one work properly again, go to the junkyard.

Step 2: Google search, nobody makes a replacement.

Step 3: Call the junkyard recommended in a thread here.

Step 4: get a nationwide online junkyard search service to work on it.


NOTHING!

What am I missing?

Thanks

[Rat Fink]

....(cricket, cricket)...

[piston]

junk yard!!!

[Avernier]

mine are frozen too...i sprayed a crap ton of pb blaster, i'm going to hope for the best

[Rat Fink]

did you get them apart?
back together?
did they rotate freely?

if not them i think the odds are bad to get them going again.
i haven't found a junkyard one yet.

[psdenno]

I got mine at a Pick-A-Part in the same Orange County that you live in. Easy swap that cost about $10 and an hour or so of my time last winter.
Dennis

[Chaparral2f]

I just moved my wipers to the corners of the windsheild om my Z31. I have no idea if the linkage was the same, but I pulled the shafts that the arms fit on and cut off the ball joints, then I drilled and tapped the arms that move the wipers. Then replaced the linkage with Heim joints and 5/16" rod. Like I said, I have no idea if your system is the same as mine, so I hope this helps if all else fails.

[Rat Fink]

Thanks, yeah my linkage is a bit more spartan than the one you describe, no such ball joints,... I was thinking I could replace the metal-metal shaft bearing with something better.

Pick a part? yeah, not for years...I was trying to get a place to mail me one.
I got more money than time, any young guys want to go get it for me, for compensation? I saw a thread where a guy paid $60 mail order, sounds like a deal to me.

[Rat Fink]

I don't mean to come off as extremely lazy.
I had surgery 2 days ago and just am not up to crawling around a boneyard.

[ktm]

Eric,

I was just at a few junk yards this past week and only saw 1 S30 up in Long Beach. I saw this thread after I got back.

You may try the WTB ad here or wait until someone posts a part out thread. Besides, what are you doing driving your car in the rain, the whole 3 days a year it rains here?

[Avernier]

Idk if it worked or not. My car is not where I am. I'll check next time I go out there.

[Rat Fink]

Thanks Bo, I was almost ready to head over to pick a part, (bandages are off today)
I really want to mill out the mounts and put in at least a brass bearing, but I don't want to get too sidetracked.

Yeah I haven't had wipers for a year, and you'd be surprised at how many times I've had to drive home wet and wiperless in the rainy season. I could put it off longer.

[sweetride2go]

Mine were frozen, I took them out and broke them loose. They have a tad of shaft play, but they work fine. I didn't even do it nice, I used vice grips and heat and possibly a hammer, ha..

Cheers
Ryan~

[Avernier]

I got nothing. still seized. one moves just a little, but but not even close to easy. might try heat.

[piston]

i went to pick in pull earlier this afternoon and saw a clean s30 with everything intact from a newer 77 280z. i thought about this thread and almost smashed the wiper linkages. j/k. i should have taken it because the thing looks like its in mint condition with original yellow grease and gold linkages. too bad mine still works.

[Rat Fink]

hey next time you're there, see if they move, pull them, mail them, I'll give you $60.
I'm not having any luck here, but some for sale posts look promising.

[Rat Fink]

Got a set off Scott's 77!
Pic looks same as 73 , probably solves it.
Along with the Accord conversion of course...

[Rat Fink]

Avernier, how's the battle going?

Several guys had some for sale if you want the contacts.
Just got mine in the mail today, look fine, I'll take them a part and lube them though.

[Avernier]

Mine isn't moving, I've contacted someone and should have it in the mail next week or so..thanks!