Progessive wiper arm failure | FerrariChat

Progessive wiper arm failure

Discussion in 'Technical Q&A' started by Davidindallas, Aug 1, 2007.

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  1. Davidindallas

    Davidindallas Formula Junior

    Nov 5, 2003
    344
    The passenger side wiper on my 456 is slowly but increasingly failing to travel in it's full arc. It started making about 90% and I couldn't tell if there was an issue. As I used the wipers this afternoon it kept covering less and less of that one side. I assume there's a gear in there that's not making contact when it should.
     
  2. PAP 348

    PAP 348 Ten Time F1 World Champ
    Lifetime Rossa Owner

    Dec 10, 2005
    100,224
    Mount Isa, Australia
    Full Name:
    Pap
    David, I would lift both wiper arms away from your windscreen and then see if that allows them to both travel the same distance, usally at the end of the wiper arm there is a nut under a cap that attaches the wiper arm to the wiper motor pivot shaft, look and see if that nut is loose, use a spanner to check as it has to be super tight for them to work as they should, let us know how they checked out ;)
     
  3. Davidindallas

    Davidindallas Formula Junior

    Nov 5, 2003
    344
    No such luck. The mechanism is underneath a ledge of steel that runs the length of the car. If I could lie across the top of the motor and look up at it, I'd probably be able to look at it better. A mirror would probably help. There is enough of the mechanism sticking up as the arm attaches to it and out that I can see it's not moving as the wiper arm moves. That seem not right. I note that the driver's side won't move without the mechanism running. The passenger's side does and comes to rest way too low.
     
  4. No Doubt

    No Doubt Seven Time F1 World Champ

    May 21, 2005
    72,740
    Vegas+Alabama
    Full Name:
    Mr. Sideways
    #4 No Doubt, Aug 1, 2007
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
  5. PAP 348

    PAP 348 Ten Time F1 World Champ
    Lifetime Rossa Owner

    Dec 10, 2005
    100,224
    Mount Isa, Australia
    Full Name:
    Pap
    You have probably broken a bell crank, did you lift both wiper arms away from the windscreen and try that they both move?
     
  6. PAP 348

    PAP 348 Ten Time F1 World Champ
    Lifetime Rossa Owner

    Dec 10, 2005
    100,224
    Mount Isa, Australia
    Full Name:
    Pap
    Can you post a picture?
     
  7. bill308

    bill308 Formula 3
    Silver Subscribed

    May 13, 2001
    1,225
    Windsor, CT
    Full Name:
    Bill Sebestyen
    I know on my 308, the wiper spindle is not splined, like on most cars. It relies on a friction fit. Given enough slippage at this joint, the mating surface on the wiper arm will wear so that even significant tightning of the retaining net will not lock it. If this is the case the best solution is to replace the wiper arm and tighten securely.

    Bill
     
  8. Davidindallas

    Davidindallas Formula Junior

    Nov 5, 2003
    344
    I can't take a picture as my camera is temporarily on the fritz. I'm supposed to get it back from Sony on Friday. I'll try then.
     

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