Can wiper linkage be rebuilt?

[Steve1987]

I have a 1987 GMC V20. One of the wiper spindles is stiff and the linkage pivots are very sloppy. I have not been able to find new linkage. Is there a kit available to rebuild the linkage? Thanks.

Steve

 

[1973c10]

I not sure about rebuilding the linkage
but I believe Dorman makes the complete wiper transmission for about $40

 

[Steve1987]

Thanks 1973c10. I sent them an email inquiring about the part. I didn't know I could order directly from Dorman.

 

[1973c10]

Thanks 1973c10. I sent them an email inquiring about the part. I didn't know I could order directly from Dorman.

Let me know how it go's bud
I have used a few things from Dorman and have had good luck

 

[Steve1987]

Thanks 1973c10. I sent them an email inquiring about the part. I didn't know I could order directly from Dorman.

Haven't had any luck with Dorman. I did find a complete assembly at Brothers Trucks. A little steep at $119, but what can I do. It's on back order.

 

[SirRobyn0]

Ok I'm pretty drunk at this point but I'll try to make this coheant as possible. At the shop we rebuild them in house. Dorman part# 030-203 is a bushing assortment kit and it'll have plenty of bushings that you need. The local Oriely's to the shop has them in stock so we order from them whenever we get low, but any parts store should be able to get it for you. As for the stiff spindle, once you get the linkages off soak it in a container of WD-40, or tranny fluid until it moves freely, overnight might be needed if it's really bad. Reassemble and it should be good to go. Even better part is the kits only $20.

 

[Doppleganger]

Ok I'm pretty drunk at this point but I'll try to make this coheant as possible. At the shop we rebuild them in house. Dorman part# 030-203 is a bushing assortment kit and it'll have plenty of bushings that you need. The local Oriely's to the shop has them in stock so we order from them whenever we get low, but any parts store should be able to get it for you. As for the stiff spindle, once you get the linkages off soak it in a container of WD-40, or tranny fluid until it moves freely, overnight might be needed if it's really bad. Reassemble and it should be good to go. Even better part is the kits only $20.

You make more sense drunk than I do sober.

 

[HotRodPC]

Ok I'm pretty drunk at this point but I'll try to make this coheant as possible. At the shop we rebuild them in house. Dorman part# 030-203 is a bushing assortment kit and it'll have plenty of bushings that you need. The local Oriely's to the shop has them in stock so we order from them whenever we get low, but any parts store should be able to get it for you. As for the stiff spindle, once you get the linkages off soak it in a container of WD-40, or tranny fluid until it moves freely, overnight might be needed if it's really bad. Reassemble and it should be good to go. Even better part is the kits only $20.

Hurray for the drunks this time !!! That's what I've heard. Take it off, disassemble, clean, lube and replace bushings. Then reinstall and it's like brand new again. Nice to have the part # for the bushing kit.

 

[SirRobyn0]

Hurray for the drunks this time !!! That's what I've heard. Take it off, disassemble, clean, lube and replace bushings. Then reinstall and it's like brand new again. Nice to have the part # for the bushing kit.

It's not at all hard to do, and if the OP needs suggestions on how to get the bushings in and out I'd be happy to make some. That kit has I think 5 or six different sized bushings and many more than you will need for just one square, but it is how they come and at the small cost of $20 you might be able to give some of those bushings away later and be someone elses hero.

 

[Steve1987]

Ok I'm pretty drunk at this point but I'll try to make this coheant as possible. At the shop we rebuild them in house. Dorman part# 030-203 is a bushing assortment kit and it'll have plenty of bushings that you need. The local Oriely's to the shop has them in stock so we order from them whenever we get low, but any parts store should be able to get it for you. As for the stiff spindle, once you get the linkages off soak it in a container of WD-40, or tranny fluid until it moves freely, overnight might be needed if it's really bad. Reassemble and it should be good to go. Even better part is the kits only $20.

Thanks so much for the part number. O'Reilly had it in stock. I will get to work on it in a couple of days. Once the spindle moves freely, would it be a good idea to soak it in a heavy oil?

 

[SirRobyn0]

Thanks so much for the part number. O'Reilly had it in stock. I will get to work on it in a couple of days. Once the spindle moves freely, would it be a good idea to soak it in a heavy oil?

I don't really see any harm in soaking it in heavy oil, I never have. Once the spindle is freed up I just check it to make sure it isn't too loose and put it back into service. I see no problem in a heavy oil soak though, just not sure you'd see any long term benefit from it, but you never know.

 

[HotRodPC]

I'm with Rob. I don't see any harm but not so sure you're going to benefit from it. I think you'd be making a biggo mess more than anything. I'm thinking a thinner oil will penetrate better to get the parts freed first. Then go from there. Maybe some grease on the joints after you got it all cleaned and going back together.

 

[SirRobyn0]

Actually that is something that I didn't think to mention the other night, we like put a small amount of silicone grease, on the joints before snapping them back together. We use silicone brake grease since we have it around anyway.

 

[Steve1987]

Actually that is something that I didn't think to mention the other night, we like put a small amount of silicone grease, on the joints before snapping them back together. We use silicone brake grease since we have it around anyway.

I don't really see any harm in soaking it in heavy oil, I never have. Once the spindle is freed up I just check it to make sure it isn't too loose and put it back into service. I see no problem in a heavy oil soak though, just not sure you'd see any long term benefit from it, but you never know.

I was thinking it might provide better lubrication than WD or transmission fluid. This would be after it gets loosened up.

 

[SirRobyn0]

I was thinking it might provide better lubrication than WD or transmission fluid. This would be after it gets loosened up.

It may well work out for you just fine, but a couple points. #1. As far as I know they were not lubed from the factory. #2. If you soak them a heavy oil what will happen when you turn on the wipers? Will it sling tiny droplets of oil up on the windshield that will cause some awful streaking and pain in the butt clean up. and #3 how long will it stay in the joint, what I mean by that is if it's seeped out or washed out from rain in a few days, or weeks will it really do any long term good? Yes a heavy oil like gear oil is a better lubricant than tranny fluid or WD for sure, but I'm not sure if the risks out weigh any possible benefits. But if you want to soak it in some heavy oil after the cleaning soak give it a shot and let us know how it works for you. For the record I've never had a stiff joint seize up again, after it's been cleaned up good. Also I would soak both joints in the cleaning soak at least, it won't hurt the one that is still working properly and might prevent a future issue. Either way let us know what you do and how it works out for you.