Windshield Wiper Alignment

[sector6]

Hey r3v ;D

The nut on my wiper motor shaft loosened up. Wiper linkage is all out of alignment. Wants to stroke down, then up, and then down to park. It's all bitched up.

It's seems crazy, but I am having a hell of a time getting the linkage realigned properly. I've had this happen before, but it was a piece of cake to correct.

I need to know exactly how the linkage is suppose to be oriented in the park position. Not exactly a great location to document with photos. Hoping maybe someone has something helpful though. Any help would be great. -Paul

[vpilarrt]

I always did it by trial-and-error.
1) Remove the wiper arms to prvent potential damage to the cowl.
2) Cycle power to the wipers so that the motor parks in the rest position.
3) Turn on wipers and note how the arm shafts move.
4) Loosen nut on motor shaft and move the linkage arm 1 or 2 splines.
5) Repeat steps 3 and 4 until its properly aligned (arm shafts rotate "up" only, not "down" then "up").

[Todd Black 88]

I always took the arms off, put a piece of masking tape in the same position, and did a trial and error. Same as I did for my mono wiper.

[sector6]

I always did it by trial-and-error.
1) Remove the wiper arms to prvent potential damage to the cowl.
2) Cycle power to the wipers so that the motor parks in the rest position.
3) Turn on wipers and note how the arm shafts move.
4) Loosen nut on motor shaft and move the linkage arm 1 or 2 splines.
5) Repeat steps 3 and 4 until its properly aligned (arm shafts rotate "up" only, not "down" then "up").

I always took the arms off, put a piece of masking tape in the same position, and did a trial and error. Same as I did for my mono wiper.

Thanks for the reply's. I've basically attacked it as you have suggested. It's just getting a bit frustrating. I'm sick of dicking with it and figured if I could get something illustrating the proper orientation of the linkage in the park position, it would save me a ton of time and effort.

I should take a vid to show you guys, because it sure as shit strokes down, up, and back down. Maybe I have an issue with the motor. It was purchased from ebay as OE NOS and is only about three years old. Everything was great until the nut loosened up.

[vpilarrt]

Just to be clear you need to loosen nut 8 and rotate arm 4 about the motor shaft. You have to pop the arm loose from the splines on the shaft in order to rotate it. If you don't you're just moving the whole mechanism.

[sector6]

Just to be clear you need to loosen nut 8 and rotate arm 4 about the motor shaft. You have to pop the arm loose from the splines on the shaft in order to rotate it. If you don't you're just moving the whole mechanism.

I assume you intended to attach this pic? Yes, we are on the same page 100%. A person would have to be a real jack-ass to try and align them without loosening the nut and pop off the linkage. That would be funny to watch. I appreciate the "idiot check", you never know. :grin:

Like I said, it's not the first time I've had to realign the linkage, so it's not a matter of how it's done. It's just being a complete pain in the ass and I'm getting impatient. Not exactly a spacious work area.:D

[jeffnhiscars]

Keep in mind that the arm (4) has no splines when new. They are cut in to it when you tighten the nut with the intent being if there is ever a jam you will strip the arm splines rather than the motor drive shaft splines.

Point being they may not enjoy being repositioned...and please dont ask me why I keep one of these handy :-)

[sector6]

The motor was replaced, but not the linkage. Wonder if my arm is just worn out. Could possibly explain why I'm having such a hard time adjusting these if it's slipping a bit.

I would think it'd be pretty obvious if it's that worn though. I thought about getting new linkage in my on going effort to "refresh" things. Maybe that's not a bad idea.

[jeffnhiscars]

Once that nut gets lose I think its easy to sheer the splines in the arm so it becomes toast. I would remove and inspect it and replace that before I messed with the linkage. The ball socket needs a sharp yank to come apart not just pulling. It snaps in and out

If you cant wait for the dealer to get you an arm PM me about the one I have.

[sector6]

I'll check on it after the snow melts from the last shit bag storm. Thought we were done with snow! Was almost 70 out this weekend, Monday we got snow w/ temps in the 20's.
Thanks I appreciate the offer man! I might hit you up on that if needed. I'll let you know what I find.

[sector6]

;D Confirmation on proper positioning! Courtesy of BMW.

Instructions basically read:
1.) Ensure motor is in "park position". (obviously)
2.) Attach wiper control arm in EXTENDED POSITION.

Good to know. I should be able to sort it from here.

[jeffnhiscars]

For those of you who are dimensionally challenged that diagram is from the bottom :)

[sector6]

For those of you who are dimensionally challenged that diagram is from the bottom :)

Good thing we've got you around man!

[Todd Black 88]

For those of you who are dimensionally challenged that diagram is from the bottom :)

Australian view, I believe is the official term

[sector6]

Australian view, I believe is the official term

lulz, how else could you get that shot?