Windscreen wiper removal

Hello everybody

Thanks for your advice re the footwell rust.

I've got another problem I'm currently working on - the windscreen wipers are moving very slowly (they go back into position) so I'm currently stripping the system down to the motors as detailed here; https://www.firstfour.co.uk/news/land-rover-defender-wiper-repair-guide/

I've come across quite a fiddly problem though - how on earth do you remove these parts of the windscreen wipers (the large parts on the end)?

Thanks

Undo the hex screw in the pic.

Undo the grub screw to remove the adapter
Remove the black shroud
Remove the nut
Remove top of dash & remove backward.
(You need to remove the cable to remove wheel boxes)

you may need a grinder

Check new wiper boxes before putting all the dash back together

Hi, I had to cut my spindle adaptors off as they were corroded on.

I had to drill mine out. If the wipers are slow check all the earths connected with them. Again mine were woefully slow, cleaned up the earth behind the dash and they work a treat

Yes I'll just cut them off with a cutting disc and replace the boxes and cable, around a £50 expense.

Thanks all for your help!

Don't do that!
Cut the adaptors off if they are seized on but the boxes and cables probably just need a clean and regrease. Original wheel boxes and cables if not worn are better quality than aftermarket which, in some cases, are not fit for purpose.

Well I'll use the original cable if all's well with it, but to cut off the spindles you have to cut through the boxes :/

AndrewFoxPitt said:

Well I'll use the original cable if all's well with it, but to cut off the spindles you have to cut through the boxes :/

Click to expand...

No you don't. The adaptors (the fat splined things in your pic above) are fitted to a D shaped spindle (like a cooker knob for example).
The grubscrew holding the adaptor on tightens onto the flat part of the D shaped spindle.
The adaptors are not made of manly metal so careful use of a grinder or hacksaw to put a split in it will soon see it free.

Often some lube down the spindle shafts [ under the black cover ] will get them moving.
As a test grab the wiper arm in your hand and see how much/easy it moves. If it moves easly a little then good. If stiff then try the above. If wiper slops about a lot then time to look inside at the spindle box's. Only one wiper need be stiff to slow the system. It is possible to turn spindle gears to unworn sections and bend tabs on the box's to take up wear.

AndrewFoxPitt said:

Well I'll use the original cable if all's well with it, but to cut off the spindles you have to cut through the boxes :/

Click to expand...

Cut down the spline (in line with the splines) not through the shaft.

If your wipers are slow, it could be worn brushes in the wiper motor, it was on mine.
You can get replacement brushes on a mounting plate, the ones I used were sold as Triumph TR6 parts from memory.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/p/Lucas-14w-...ssic-Mini/24017010251?iid=301659374161&chn=ps

Ok guys, a little update.

I replaced the boxes + checked the original cable (all fine), put it all back on and...very little difference.

I also noticed that selecting a faster wiper speed does nothing, just the same lethargic speed as the slower setting.

I've looked at replacing the park motor switch but that seems to only affect where the wipers stop?

So the brushes, as mentioned by Rougharse Racing, might be a good thing to check?

Thanks again for your help!