Defender Wiper Spindle in/out movement

Wondering if anyone can help?

My driver side wiper spindle is moving in and out about 5mm causing it to knock every time it wipes. Gets annoying! The wipers work but is there an easy way to remove the in/out play in the spindle?

Replace the wheelbox?

Sounds like either the back cover of the wheelbox is worn (allowing slop) or the cable is twisting and pushing it back and forth. Were it me I'd shoot the wheelbox - a pain in the rump to replace (remove the dash top) but simple enough to do.

if you are not inclined to do that, though, i might think about trying to remove the wiper adapter from the shaft end (the bit the wiper arm clips to) and geta couple of nylon washers or the like behind it, then put the adapter back on and shove it backwards. Might help...for a while.

ajr

Had a think about how to remove the play and came up with cutting the end off a thick wall plug, cutting down one side and sliding over the spindle. No more clunking!!! + the chamfered end wont destroy the rubber grommit. Fingers crossed that will last a while

Thanks for the idea

Hopefully it'll last, a drop of black paint wouldn't go amiss though

If it comes to it and you end up stripping the dash (it's not actually that bad....20 mins) the wheel box has a U shaped cut in the cover forming a tab that holds the end of the spindle in place. A push with a screwdriver will take up the slack.

If you decide to get a new wheelbox don't buy a cheap one....they're rubbish....believe me, I know