Slow wipers

6 replies [Last post]
Simon666
Simon666's picture
Offline
Joined: 14.09.2009
GWOA Groups: Members

Hi.

My 85 300GD has developed slow wipers - by which I mean the speed they arc across the screen, not the delay in actually setting off. All the speeds work - so I am thinking bushes not relay, which I have heard can be a problem, however the relay does create a buzz (well if the relay is located in the drivers side footwell/dash) on top speed only

Only other thought is if earth leakage could be a problem as I know something is happening as my temp gauge goes up the more electrics you turn on, but wipers seem slow irrespective, so I think that is a separate thing for another day.

Main concern is the wipers simply stopping, so any wise heads got a thought on motor/bushes or relay or earth leak.

Thanks for the advice on heater blower before. Looks like it all works(ish) but just leaks a lot!

Ta

Simon

Ps It has new spindles and no obstructions in the mechanism - arc is smooth, but slow.

fixwin38
fixwin38's picture
Offline
Joined: 09.07.2006
Location: northern ireland
GWOA Groups: Members
Re: Slow wipers

Hi Simon
should have two constant speeds and one intermttent .....three positions on the switch.... might be the switch needs a clean ...if your fuel / water instrument indication changes when you switch on the side lights  Yes you have poor earth continuity....can be a long job finding where the problem is so easier to remove all the Brown wire  terminals and clean each one ...under the dash high up  above the accelerator pedal and where the negative battery lead attaches to the front bulkhead

Pistonhead
Pistonhead's picture
Offline
Joined: 16.12.2006
Location: Loughborough
GWOA Groups: Committee, Members
Re: Slow wipers

By your description; whilst the high resistance cannot be ruled out as a cause to slow wipers, you have not mentioned if the slowness is on a dry screen or a wet one. If the difference is pronounced it may be due to the wiper rubber profile; should these harden, it can give you a slow sweep as you have.

Traffic film can cause such faults, I would suggest thoroughly cleaning your screen and wipers with a good cleaning agent, neat screen wash can do the job or some warm water with a little vinegar or spirit in it, buff up the smears and try.

Otherwise it is down to checking the socket plug connections to the wiper motor, clean battery terminals, the battery earth strap to the body etc, or it could be the battery is weak and, or the charging the system.

It does require digging out the volt/amp meter and knowing what to do with it.

Simon666
Simon666's picture
Offline
Joined: 14.09.2009
GWOA Groups: Members
Re: Slow wipers

Hi to both of you..

Many thanks for the suggestions. I will start digging around motor/earthing points first methinks!

Couple of replies to the queries raised though. The speed is slow irrespective of the windscreen condition (wet/dry). I have a new screen with clearpass on it (or whatever the rain repellant stuff is) and new flat profile wiper blades, so hopefully it is getting as good a run at it as it could.

The wipers do have 3 speeds and whilst the screen motion is slow in all three, it does have three distinct settings - intermitant, constant and fast constant - I would describe the action in all as slow and weak!.

It may be a co-incidence, but it recently needed a new alternator having been run to a stop virtually on just the battery. But the battery was tested on alternator renewal and is a bosch silver job less than 3 years old, and was passed OK, so I am assuming that side of things is ok. Not sure if it is an indication, but it only takes about 5-10 seconds for the glowplug light to go out from cold - or about how long it takes to put your seatbelt on after turning the key - further evidence the battery is OK??

Just to check I assume if the relay was at fault I would have lost one/all of the speeds? or would have an inconsistent wipe action/frequency.

Ta

Simon

Pistonhead
Pistonhead's picture
Offline
Joined: 16.12.2006
Location: Loughborough
GWOA Groups: Committee, Members
Re: Slow wipers

Thank you for the come back, from what you say; your problem is electrical, namely high resistance due to poor earthing, but I would put my money on the motor at the moment.  Should you need to replace it,

Try James Lafferty at:

G-Wagen International Ltd.
Tel: 0118 972 1100.

Alternately, try him on his email:
sales@g-wagen.co.uk

URL:
www.g-wagen.co.uk

Good Luck,

needamerc
needamerc's picture
Offline
Joined: 23.02.2009
Re: Slow wipers

 Is there any possibility your wiper spindles are partially seized/rusted ? Common problem.
Eddie.

Simon666
Simon666's picture
Offline
Joined: 14.09.2009
GWOA Groups: Members
Re: Slow wipers

Hi Eddie

Spindles were new about 2 years ago, which I realise could mean water has got in since. Fixwin has suggested looking at their state as well. The motor was 'cobbled' onto the bulkhead when I got it and the used to move around a lot. I sorted that and everything was working ok, but you never know, always worth a look.

Advice as always much appreciated.

Ta

Simon

Ps. Bodyshop have crossthreaded one of the spindles so I guess this is going to be 'fun'