Wiper spindle leak. Should a reseal kit do?

6 replies [Last post]
superapan
superapan's picture
Offline
Joined: 29.03.2016
Location: Sweden

Hi! New member here, been lurking the forums, but could still use some input on this matter.

I own a '85 W460 LWB LHD, which leaks heavily on drivers side, and somewhat less on passenger side. Neither wiper spindle fit snugly, they have a millimeter of play if I grab the wiper arm and rock it, which I understand can cause leaks.

I seem to have two options, either order two new shaft kits, or order the reseal kit. This leads to the question: How likely is it simply resealing it will work, as opposed to ordering the lot more expensive shaft kit?

http://www.fourbyfourclub.com/W460BodyParts/W460WiperShaft1.htm

http://fourbyfourclub.com/W460BodyParts/W460WiperShafReseal.htm

Any insight is greatly appreciated!

Pistonhead
Pistonhead's picture
Offline
Joined: 16.12.2006
Location: Loughborough
GWOA Groups: Committee, Members
Re: Wiper spindle leak. Should a reseal kit do?

Rather than 'treat the symptom' go for the cure. Once done, you need not worry for years ahead. Leakage repairs will not last and not effective. 

neilmarton
neilmarton's picture
Offline
Joined: 29.03.2015
Location: Tonbridge, Kent
GWOA Groups: Members
Re: Wiper spindle leak. Should a reseal kit do?

Hmmmm,

I have experience with wiper spindles. I must confess to my experience being somewhat troublesome.

Replacing them was my choice as nice new ones will obviously aid fit and function and eliminate the leaking issues long term.

You might have more luck than me because your truck is LHD

Mine is RHD and after recieving the spindles i discovered the nipple formation on the new ones differed from the ones which i removed. It turned out i was supplied LHD spindles.

RHD spindles are no longer available on their own so i needed now order an entire assembly including arms. My thoughts were that i'd merely need take the spindle from this and hey presto !

NO not the case. The spindles on this new assembly also differ so looks like i'd need remove the new one which does fit and now remove the entire assembly to fit this new assembly but this ain't a simple task ! It will involve removal of the dash. something which i have not yet embarked upon and i have my old spindle sitting in a jam jar of WD40 attempting to free it so i can re-use.

On mine the problem was the centre shaft within the spindle had jammed so when the wipers went they turned the entire assembly so motor was working hard and burnt out. I have replaced that.

So looking at the reseal it seems only to address the nuts n' washers which hold the spindle within the body so will not do anything to seal the actual moving part which is the centre spindle post.

I think you need new spindles if the play is in the centre ?

All i can say is :- "MAY THE FORCE BE WITH YOU" !!!

neilmarton
neilmarton's picture
Offline
Joined: 29.03.2015
Location: Tonbridge, Kent
GWOA Groups: Members
Re: Wiper spindle leak. Should a reseal kit do?

Having said all that I might be able to supply you with the LHD ones which i have here ?

I think i now have 3 sets :-

The original ones which had ceased

The new pair which turned out to be LHD with differing nipple pattern

The entire assembly which is apparently for RHD but yet again has different nipple pattern

SHIT THE BED BRUV !!! wiper spindles are a nuisance.

cox.adrian
cox.adrian's picture
Offline
Joined: 23.05.2010
Location: HAILSHAM E SUSSEX
GWOA Groups: Members
Re: Wiper spindle leak. Should a reseal kit do?

  IF YOU WANT SEND me a pm with your VIN  AND I WILL SEE

     your link is not cheap if i remember 80 and a bit euro a pair

     adrian

    

superapan
superapan's picture
Offline
Joined: 29.03.2016
Location: Sweden
Re: Wiper spindle leak. Should a reseal kit do?

neilmarton wrote:

Having said all that I might be able to supply you with the LHD ones which i have here ?

That sounds very interesting! I have supplied cox.adrian with my VIN, maybe there are some other compatibility issues (besides LHD/RHD) to take into consideration? Lets continue from there!

Best regards ( and thanks for all the info!)

superapan
superapan's picture
Offline
Joined: 29.03.2016
Location: Sweden
Re: Wiper spindle leak. Should a reseal kit do?

neilmarton wrote:

Having said all that I might be able to supply you with the LHD ones which i have here ?

I've sent you a PM concerning your LHD spindles, in case you missed it :-)