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A malfunctioning windshield wiper system can be a serious safety hazard, especially in inclement weather. Finding yourself with a running wiper motor but unmoving wiper arms is a frustrating situation. This disconnect indicates a problem somewhere within the linkage that transmits power from the motor to the blades. Identifying the specific cause is crucial for a quick and effective repair.
Damaged Wiper Linkage
The most common culprit behind this problem is a broken or disconnected wiper linkage. The wiper linkage is a series of arms and joints that connect the wiper motor to the wiper arms themselves. These components, often made of plastic or metal, can wear down, break, or become disconnected over time due to rust, stress, or impact. Inspect the linkage carefully for any visible damage, such as cracks, bends, or broken joints. Specifically, check the pivot points where the linkage connects to the motor and the wiper arms. Disconnection at these points is a frequent occurrence.
Stripped Wiper Arm Splines
Another potential cause lies within the splines on the wiper arm where it attaches to the wiper motor shaft. These splines are designed to provide a tight grip, ensuring that the motor’s rotation is directly transferred to the wiper arm. However, over time, these splines can become worn or stripped, losing their grip and causing the wiper arm to slip. This slippage prevents the arm from moving despite the motor running. Inspect the splines on both the wiper arm and the motor shaft for signs of wear or damage. For that choosing the Diesel Repair in Jonesboro, AR based service would be essential here.
Frozen or Seized Wiper Arm Pivot Points
Even if the linkage and splines are intact, the wiper arms themselves might be seized or frozen in place. This can occur due to rust buildup within the pivot points of the wiper arms, particularly in regions with harsh weather conditions. The corrosion restricts movement, preventing the arms from responding to the motor’s action. Try manually moving the wiper arms to check for resistance. If they feel stiff or difficult to budge, lubrication might be the first step.
Faulty Wiper Motor Gearbox
In some cases, the problem might originate within the wiper motor’s gearbox. The gearbox contains gears that reduce the motor’s high speed and increase its torque, providing the necessary force to move the wipers. If the gears within the gearbox are damaged or stripped, the motor might run, but its power won’t be effectively transmitted to the linkage. This scenario is less common than linkage or spline issues but should be considered if other possibilities are ruled out.
Troubleshooting and Solutions
Successfully diagnosing the problem requires a systematic approach. Start by visually inspecting the wiper linkage for any obvious damage. If the linkage appears sound, check the splines on the wiper arms and motor shaft. Attempt to manually move the wiper arms to assess for resistance or seizing. Depending on the diagnosis, solutions could include replacing the damaged linkage components, replacing a stripped wiper arm, applying penetrating oil to frozen pivot points, or, in the case of a faulty gearbox, replacing the entire wiper motor assembly.
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