Author Topic: Wiper Linkage  (Read 3889 times)

Offline dbolen3

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Wiper Linkage
« on: March 08, 2017, 07:45:56 pm »
Well I was wondering if anyone has had trouble with their wiper linkage on a 1987 R10? I have a lot of play in mine and noticed that it does not have any bushings to replace. I thought it may be the wiper motor so I replaced it and did not help at all. So I found it as one whole piece, and nothing else. I just want to know if it might be something else before I buy a new one.


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« Last Edit: March 08, 2017, 08:34:31 pm by bd »

Offline bd

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Re: Wiper Linkage
« Reply #1 on: March 08, 2017, 11:08:16 pm »
I won't make any assurances that replacement will resolve the noise, but the '87 wiper transmission (along with other years that used that design) are not well engineered for extended service.  They loosen and become noisy.  You maybe able to find an aftermarket kit to service the joints if you search patiently.  Liberal lubrication of the joints with high quality, water tolerant lithium grease is crucial to long service life.
Rich
It's difficult to know just how much you don't know until you know it.
In other words... if people learn by making mistakes, by now I should know just about everything!!!
87 R10 Silverado Fleetside 355 MPFI 700R4 3.42 Locker (aka Rusty, aka Mater)

Offline dbolen3

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Re: Wiper Linkage
« Reply #2 on: March 08, 2017, 11:34:37 pm »
I won't make any assurances that replacement will resolve the noise, but the '87 wiper transmission (along with other years that used that design) are not well engineered for extended service.  They loosen and become noisy.  You maybe able to find an aftermarket kit to service the joints if you search patiently.  Liberal lubrication of the joints with high quality, water tolerant lithium grease is crucial to long service life.
I do not have a noise problem with the linkage, it has play in it.  I can move it with the wipers more than I believe it should.


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Offline bd

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Re: Wiper Linkage
« Reply #3 on: March 08, 2017, 11:42:39 pm »
Remove the cowl (be careful so as not to chip any paint - it's safer with the hood removed).  Grab the wiper arms and move them back and forth as you watch the linkage connections.  Although the links may rotate a little on the ball joints, how much combined end-to-end play is there in the linkage between the wiper arm flags and the motor flag?  A new OE transmission will exhibit virtually zero play.  Excessive play is bound to generate noise as parts move relative to each other.  If the transmission is quiet, it's probably not worn out.
« Last Edit: March 08, 2017, 11:44:33 pm by bd »
Rich
It's difficult to know just how much you don't know until you know it.
In other words... if people learn by making mistakes, by now I should know just about everything!!!
87 R10 Silverado Fleetside 355 MPFI 700R4 3.42 Locker (aka Rusty, aka Mater)

Offline dbolen3

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Re: Wiper Linkage
« Reply #4 on: March 09, 2017, 07:16:02 pm »
Remove the cowl (be careful so as not to chip any paint - it's safer with the hood removed).  Grab the wiper arms and move them back and forth as you watch the linkage connections.  Although the links may rotate a little on the ball joints, how much combined end-to-end play is there in the linkage between the wiper arm flags and the motor flag?  A new OE transmission will exhibit virtually zero play.  Excessive play is bound to generate noise as parts move relative to each other.  If the transmission is quiet, it's probably not worn out.
Well that sounds good since I already have the cow off trying to strip the plastic dip someone sprayed it with. I do have a new wiper motor on it so I will check the rest out.


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