Windshield Wiper Spindle Repair.

[Redskinsjbs]

Hello all,

This week I have been repairing my windshield wipers. I have already removed everything, rebuilt the motor, and now I am working on the spindles.

The passenger side spindle was seized, so I put penetrating oil on it (with tapping) for a week and it finally became unstuck. However, there was still a large amount of rust on the bearing surface, so I wanted to remove that, re-lube the bearing surface, and put it back together.

I successfully removed the C-clip from the spindle, and I slowly removed the spindle itself. Once the spindle was removed, I noticed that the bearing surface or bushing was broken into two pieces. As I went to pick up the lone piece, it shattered under the light pressure of my fingers.

So here is the question . . . what material should the bushing be made out of, where can I find a source of them, and does anyone have an extra working passenger side spindle that I may have to put on the car until I can rebuild my current one?

(bushing pieces on the right, hole where they go on the left)

TIA,

Jay Swift

[Redskinsjbs]

Well, 2/3 of the original bushing was still intact, so I just went with it. I cleaned off all of the rust, put int new grease and now the spindles move with a puff of air! (and they aren't wobbly or anything)

[SpringGT]

Most bushings used in this type of application are of the sintered bronze variety. They are made of powdered metal pressed into the desired size/shape, then fired in a furnace until the particles are fused into one piece.

The advantage of this process is that it leaves porosity in the metal matrix that is impregnated with oil and thus it furnishes lubrication for the life of the bushing. They are used in generators, starters,alternators and all sorts of small automotive electric motors.

Look for a shop that rebuilds these items and they will have a wide array of this type of bushing. Try to find one of the proper I. D. and the O. D. and length can be altered to fit with hand tools.
HTH
Bob

[RallyBob]

Originally Posted by SpringGT Most bushings used in this type of application are of the sintered bronze variety. They are made of powdered metal pressed into the desired size/shape, then fired in a furnace until the particles are fused into one piece. The advantage of this process is that it leaves porosity in the metal matrix that is impregnated with oil and thus it furnishes lubrication for the life of the bushing. They are used in generators, starters,alternators and all sorts of small automotive electric motors. Look for a shop that rebuilds these items and they will have a wide array of this type of bushing. Try to find one of the proper I. D. and the O. D. and length can be altered to fit with hand tools. HTH Bob

I was thinking the same thing, sintered bronze. I've found that McMaster-Carr carries a lot of sizes if you can't find them locally. McMaster-Carr

[Redskinsjbs]

Well I repaired both spindles, as well as the bearings in the motor and all of the contacts. I finished the reinstall tonight. This is a short clip of it working. The motor and linkages are whisper quiet. It truly is great what new metal and grease can do for those mechanical parts.

Wipers Completed! on Vimeo

Wipers Completed! on Vimeo

[ruzzel01]

They are made of powdered metal pressed into the desired size/shape, then fired in a furnace until the particles are fused into one piece. I suggest that you look for a shop that rebuilds these items and type of bushing. Try to find one of the proper I. D.