Wiper Motor - Overhaul?

[awolff280sl]

How much noise should the wiper motor make? I just finished re-doing my wiper mechanism, all lubed and shiny, spindles moving freely, and I expected to be quite pleased with the result. Instead, my sense of accomplishment was diminished by the whining groan of the wiper motor. It always made that sound, even before I cleaned up the mechanism and spindles, but now I care. Maybe that noise is a standard feature on these cars? I don't know. I searched the site for info on how to clean up/recondition the motor but didn't find anything. Given the incredible thoroughness of the members of this site, I'm sure someone has done it, and did it make a difference?

Andy
Sarasota, FL

[waqas]

Have you tried to run the wiper motor with the wiper linkage disconnected from the motor? This might help prove the motor is truly at fault before you undertake something more extensive.

Waqas in Austin, Texas

[awolff280sl]

The wiper motor makes the smae low grinding/groaning sound without the mechanism attached, maybe just a little less loud.

Andy
Sarasota, FL

[mdsalemi]

Andy,

Since this motor is relatively easy to get to, you might first investigate, as Waqas as suggested, seeing if it is just the motor or the motor in combination  with the linkages.

If you can isolate it to just the motor, that's half the battle.

Rebuilding motors isn't terribly difficult if you know what you are doing.  Many components--bearings, connectors, brushes, etc. are common.  If you are up to a challenge, you can do it yourself, but you might consider finding and taking the motor to a rebuilder in Sarasota.  Do a search on Yahoo yellow pages for electric motors and start making some calls; there are probably a few rebuilders in the Sarasota or outlying areas.

I used to have motors of all sizes rebuilt all the time and never had an issue finding a professional to do it.

Other sources:

http://www.electricmotorrebuilders.com/Service.cfm
http://www.cmcproducts.com/Products.aspx
http://www.warfieldelectric.com/pages/servrep.html

If they can't help you directly they might know of those who can.


Michael Salemi
1969 280SL
Signal Red 568G w/Black Leather (Restored)
President, International Stars Section
Mercedes-Benz Club of America

[awolff280sl]

Thanks Michael, I'm going to see what a local motor repair shop has to say.
When I removed the motor, there was what seemed to be a deteriorated gasket or seal around the oblong opening into the passenger cabin. Checking the parts book, I'm seeing an oblong 2-hole part that I think is this gasket. But unless I not looking in the right places, I could not find this gasket listed at Miller's, Bud's or SLS.

Andy
Sarasota, FL

[rwmastel]

quote:Originally posted by AWOLFF280SL

But unless I not looking in the right places, I could not find this gasket listed at Miller's, Bud's or SLS.

You can probably order it through an MB dealership, or the Classic Center.

Rodd
Pagoda Technical Manual
please contibute: http://www.sl113.org/wiki/pmwiki.php
1966 230SL
2006 C230 Sport Sedan

[awolff280sl]

Classic center says it's avaiable thru dealer. Dealer says part is "available", but none around!? They put in an order for it anyway to see what happens. Seems like it should be no harder to get than a firewall grommet, but it is.

Andy
Sarasota, FL

[JPMOSE]

I checked on this part after reading this write-up.  After all, I need to remove my pump to clean out that well it sits in.  I was told my cost would be $70 and that is near wholesale.  Plus, there would be approximately a four month wait.  Quite expensive for a "pad".  I am hoping mine is in decent shape so I don't have to replace it!

Best Regards,

J. P. Mose
1968 250SL
1987 560SL

[hands_aus]

What about making one yourself?

Bob Smith (Brisbane,Australia)
RHD,1967 early 250 SL, auto

[awolff280sl]

Bob, I eventually got the same info on this as J.P. Mose and I was going to use weatherstripping to make my own seal.

Andy
Sarasota, FL

[George Des]

These motors are no more difficult to rebuild than the fuel pumps or the heater motors. In fact, the brushes used on the wiper motors are the same ones used on the old large style pump. The heater motor on the other hand uses brushes as on the new style fuel pump. I've also found that since the wiper motor does not operate anywhere near the time the fuel pump does, the armatures typically are in very good shape and do not need the comms replaced--they can be cleaned up with some very, very fine (2000-3000 grit) sandpaper though. What often happens to these motors is that they burn out when the wiper transmission seizes up and the owner tries to run the motor. If you are adveturesome and mechanically handy you may want to open the wiper motor and try cleaning it out and replacing the grease. The mechanism under the motor itself is a geared affair and it is packed in grease. It is important that the elecrtical contact ring in this mechanism is clean since it plays a key role in the proper parking of the wipers. Hope this helps.

George Des

[awolff280sl]

Following George's info, I cleaned and lubed the wiper motor. Doing just this was not difficult and did result in a much quieter, but definitely not silent motor. I can definitely live with it now, but I still wonder how quiet these motors were when new.

Andy
Sarasota, FL