Wiper Pivot Question

[AlbanyZ]

Hello. I've searched the archives and cannot find an answer, and perhaps this is such a basic question it's just not there. I have the usual "my wipers don't work but my motor does" issue in my 1975 Z. I have pulled the linkage, cleaned them, lubbed them, but is there something else. I have attached a jpg of the pivot points. Is there something on this that can be disassembled and cleaned? I did find a previous post, and I'm hoping you can tell me he is talking about my issue:

Previous post begins here:

Then before you put everything back, carefully remove the round clip at the shaft that holds the shaft through the shaft holder. This can easily be pried up and out of its grove, don't bend it! Then ease it off the shaft, I did it by pushing down on the shaft and letting the shaft holder push it off. You should now be able to remove the shaft from inside the shaft holder.

Look inside the shaft holder. You should see that there are two bushings inside of it, with about a 3/8" gap between the upper and lower bushing. Clean these off with a soft wire brush, enough to remove the rust, but not enough to mar or remove material. Also inspect the shaft for any wear.

If the shaft is worn badly, you need to find a replacement set of shafts, it's easier to find the whole linkage assy at a boneyard. If the bushings are worn such that they allow the shaft to have play, then I suggest you replace the bushings. You want the shaft to spin freely, but not have any side to side play. If you feel you won't be able to find replacement bushings, then get a new set of linkages.

When you're ready to reassemble, make sure that the gap between the bushings gets packed with some white grease. This is the "reservoir" that eventually gets used up, and it's what the rubber boots are supposed to protect. Then put the circle ring back on. Your shaft holders should be able to spin relatively freely around the shaft. If they do, and your arm linkages have easy spin also, you should get the same kind of speed out of your wipers as when the car was new.

-- Previous post ends.

I am very grateful for whatever help/advice anyone can offer. This windshield wiper issue is the last thing on my list of things to fix (list supplied by the ever-helpful New York state inspectors).

Thanks,

[jwtaylor]

The central shaft, the one the wiper arm mounts on, is supposed to rotate. If it does not you will need to remove it and clean and lube.

[EScanlon]

In the picture you post, look where the letter "a" of the word "about" touches the pivot holder. If you look closely you'll see the circle clip that holds the Pivot Shaft in place in the Pivot Holder. That is the round clip.

Use a small flat blade screwdriver or scraper to insert between the round clip and the Holder, gently pry upwards (it's easiest if you find the end of the clip) and then push the Pivot Shaft down to help push the clip off. Don't lose the clip!

If the shaft is difficult to rotate (and it undoubtedly is), it's also going to be difficult to extract from the holder. Be patient, don't use a hammer (you'll mar the threads) or get creative with a vise or other clamping devises. Simply keep working the shaft out.

Once it's out of the holder, look THROUGH the holder hole. It will probably look to be a solid hole, i.e. no "space" or separate bushings inside, but it isn't. In the middle of the shaft hole there IS a space where the lubricating grease is held. The grease in your holder is probably rock hard and will need either wire-brushing, a carefully bent paper clip, or some other manner / form of getting scraped out. Once it's clean, you can re-apply some new grease (waterproof is best) and re-assemble your pivot.

FWIW

E

[AlbanyZ]

Thanks very much for the guidance. I'll get started right away.

Regards,