Thanks to Richard for this contribution re. 850 windshield wiper replacement.

Subject:         850 windshield wiper replacement
   Date:         Mon, 27 May 2002 13:04:09 -0400
   From:        "Richard Baumann"
 
 

For those with 850's and find the passenger side wiper impacting the vent
cowl with a solid thumping noise or generally flopping around, the bad news
is that the wiper linkage is shot and needs to be replaced.  The entire
wiper transmission can usually be had at the wreakers.  You will not need
the motor.  This is a good time to upgrade the drivers side wiper arm as
well from the wreaker if the top of the blade no longer wipes the upper left
corner as seen by the driver.....see related links on this.

Takes about 15 minutes to remove the unit from under the cowling.  Do not
remove the motor from the old unit until you have set up the links on the
replacement unit to match.  Remove the motor, being careful to not turn the
motor shaft as you remove the old drive link.   This is a splined shaft with
a nut, so some force will be needed to brake the link free of the shaft.

Before you do any disassembly, take a good look at all the links, otherwise
there is a good chance the wipers will be installed trying to wipe the wrong
way.  The links have ball and socket ends that can be popped of easily for
greasing and setting link position. I used a heavy axel grease for the ball
and sockets.

It took me about 2 hours first time, due to not being aware of the link
locations on the old unit.  I could do it all in about 45 minutes now.

Richard Baumann
richardbaumann@rmtengineering.com
phone 905 643 9700
fax     905 643 9666