Lubricating Wiper Mechanism

[dpreston Virginia]

I went to the Tech session at Charlottesville last fall that focused on wipers. They discussed that the wipers can lock up and be practically impossible to remove and repair.
The solution was to lubricate the mechanism from the wiper posts. I attached photos that show the process.
There is some detail in the technical manual as well.
It takes a while to get the oil to penetrate. I marked where the oil fill line was so I could monitor the amount that went to the mechanism. I also ran the wipers quite a few times to help the engine oil penetrate. You must get the tube to the top of the nut to create a seal.
I did both my 280SL and 280SE with good success.
David

[waltklatt]

That's a great idea David.
Should be added as part of the standard lubrication process on everything on the car.
This way you can avoid the costly repairs later.

Thanks for that new idea.

Walter

[Paul99]

Great idea.  I have heard you cant get at a locked up wiper system so this is an invaluable precaution. Good one, many thanks.

[Jordan]

Excellent idea David.  What oil did you use, just a standard penetrating oil?  How long did it take the oil to penetrate, hours or days?  Great precautionary measure.

[Tyler S]

Grease should be used as there is a void for it within the shaft area. Oil will leak out of the back side of the shaft and stain either your carpet or your under dash panels. (Ask me how I know)
There is a tool just for this job, see link below, or one could be made with a grease fitting and some plumbing parts.
 
https://www.authenticclassics.com/Greasing-Tool-Windshield-Wiper-Spindle-280sl-p/auth-008822.htm

[Jordan]

Tyler, have you used this tool?  If so, what exactly does it screw onto for applying the grease?

[Tyler S]

Marcus, I have not used this peticular MB tool but have used a similar tool when I used to work at a dealer.
The collar of the tool screws onto the outer shaft housing threads. (Similar to how David's clear tube attaches) Grease is then applied with a grease gun using the zerk fitting. It forces its way down between the shaft and housing.

[dpreston Virginia]

Excellent idea David.  What oil did you use, just a standard penetrating oil?  How long did it take the oil to penetrate, hours or days?  Great precautionary measure.

Jordan
If you mark the tube you can regulate the amount that goes into the mechanism. I used an engine oil I had in my shop. Took different times to get a decent amount to penetrate between 6-12 hours.
David

[dpreston Virginia]

Tyler
The grease fitting tool sounds like a good idea for the mechanism directly under the wipers (wiper posts) but I wonder if you don’t need an oil like lubricant to run down to the moving arms behind the dash?
The tech session said the arms can lock up but nothing about the wiper posts locking up.
Both are probably good to do.
Good discussion.
David

[Tyler S]

Yes oil or some type of penetrating oil would be a good solution to help frozen shafts or linkage. However it does not stick around long term. It would be advisable to grease the shafts and linkage sockets after freeing them up.
Also less of a mess under the dash.

When I worked for Nissan back in the 90's we had a series of recalls on Sentra's and 200sx cars because of inadequate lubrication of the wiper shafts and pivots. They could seeze up during operation. The cause was traced to lack of lubrication because of the wrong type of lubricant being used at the factory. The grease was liquifying during hot weather and running out of the joints. The repair involved injecting new/different grease into the shafts using that special tool. Then removing and regreasing the linkage sockets.
Much like we do with the injection linkage on our Pagodas. Pack the socket with grease and snap it back on.

[mbzse]

I went to the Tech session at Charlottesville last fall that focused on wipers.../...
The solution was to lubricate the mechanism from the wiper posts. I attached photos that show the process.../...

Great photos David, they illustrate just what I described as preventive maintenance. There was a short artice about the wiper mechanism in Pagoda Notes 12No1.
Also, a video has kindly been made available from PUB Charlottsville; see at 5min40sec here; it has some in-depth information:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RsludSaq4E4&feature=youtu.be

[mbzse]

.../... Oil will leak out of the back side of the shaft and stain either your carpet or your under dash panels. (Ask me how I know).../...

He he Tyler, this is certainly so. Use oil sparingly