Windshield wiper transmission

[Dave]

Hello all

Last winter I was caught in a terrible ice storm and my wipers froze in
the down position while I was driving. I had just turned tem off for
a couple of minutes when the sleet and snow had stopped. I must have
damaged them when I was trying to get them to start up again ( I was
several hundred miles from home)

Now the wipers only sweep normally for about 10 cycles and then they
start hitting both the windshield post and the bottom cowling on each
stroke.

The Subie dealer says I need a new windshield wiper transmission, which is
$310 plus installation.
They said they will install one for labor only if I bring one in.

My question is, is a windshield wiper transmission the same as a wiper
motor? I'd like to order this part I found on the net for $90.
Do you think that is the right part? My car is a 98 Legacy outback

Thanks very much for any advice you might have

Dave

A1 Cardone Front Windshield Wiper Motor
1996-1999 Subaru LegacyA1 CARDONE WIPER MOTOR, WITHOUT WASHER PUMP --
Remanufactured; A high quality wiper motor that is 100 percent tested to
deliver a guaranteed performance and reliability; The motor magnets are 100
percent recharged and assembled with a precise amount of lubricant that
ensures quiet operation and long life; With A1 Cardone's 12-months/18,000
miles warranty.
Fit Note: Front.
Location: Front Free Shipping on Orders Over $50
Availability: In Stock
Live Help

 

[Stewart DIBBS]

..., is a windshield wiper transmission the same as a wiper
motor?

The motor and the "transmission" are always sold as a unit. Seems odd to me
that the wipers are OK for 10 cycles ... is the "transmisison" is damaged,
I'd expect it happen all the time. My feeling is that the mechanical linkage
from the motor to the wiper pivots may be damaged or worn (its a 98 after
all...) Its easy to check. Lift each wiper off the glass, and try and move
it as if wiping. If you get a lot of slop before the other arm starts to
move, the linkage joints are shot.

If you are handy enough, remove the wiper arms and the trim panel under
which you can inspect the linkage.
The A1 Cardone Front Windshield Wiper Motor sounds like it might be through
rockauto.com Its a decent deal, if the most is needed.

SD

 

[S]

Hi Dave!

The "transmission" is what most folks would call the linkage; the
pieces that connect the wiper motor to the wiper arms mounts/pivots,
and also the pivots themselves. What has happened is that one or more
of the plastic ends has disintegrated, all too common, alas.

AFAIK, the ends aren't available separately, but replacing the
"transmission" is a fairly simple DIY install if you can find a
serviceable unit at a salvage yard. $310 from Subaru?!? Yikes! $50 or
$75 at a yard.

ByeBye! S.

Hello all

Last winter I was caught in a terrible ice storm and my wipers froze in
the down position while I was driving. I had just turned tem off for
a couple of minutes when the sleet and snow had stopped. I must have
damaged them when I was trying to get them to start up again ( I was
several hundred miles from home)

Now the wipers only sweep normally for about 10 cycles and then they
start hitting both the windshield post and the bottom cowling on each
stroke.

The Subie dealer says I need a new windshield wiper transmission, which is
$310 plus installation.
They said they will install one for labor only if I bring one in.

My question is, is a windshield wiper transmission the same as a wiper
motor? I'd like to order this part I found on the net for $90.
Do you think that is the right part? My car is a 98 Legacy outback

Thanks very much for any advice you might have

Dave

A1 Cardone Front Windshield Wiper Motor
1996-1999 Subaru LegacyA1 CARDONE WIPER MOTOR, WITHOUT WASHER PUMP --
Remanufactured; A high quality wiper motor that is 100 percent tested to
deliver a guaranteed performance and reliability; The motor magnets are 100
percent recharged and assembled with a precise amount of lubricant that
ensures quiet operation and long life; With A1 Cardone's 12-months/18,000
miles warranty.
Fit Note: Front.
Location: Front Free Shipping on Orders Over $50
Availability: In Stock
Live Help

Steve Jernigan KG0MB
Laboratory Manager
Microelectronics Research
University of Colorado
(719) 262-3101