Worn wiper splines

inovermyhead

inovermyhead

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Yesterday I was out in the rain and one of my wipers flew off, I managed to retrieve it and continued home with the one remaining working wiper doing it’s job, but when I looked closely I noticed that the splines on both the arm and the stub are both very worn, any suggestions on how to repair or replace?

Cheers. John
 
You poor Aussies have dealt with this before.....

From fredp in OZ:

Just for your entertainment and to let you know about the "over charge" for parts from BMW in Australia.

I contacted my local dealer for the cost on parts #61611359188 & #61611359189 wiper pivots, their response - The price for each item is $549.12 inc GST.

Just a bit more than the US$80 that ECS Tuning quoted.

This is why we don't mind paying for postage from the US and Europe.

fredp, Sep 16, 2013
 
The prices for these parts are outrageous. I used a simple fix until I can locate a spare on. Mount the wiper arm. Drill a hole in the side and tap it. Then drill a hole in the spline and fit a small screw/bolt. Unobtrusive and costs tuppence.
 
after loosing them to , i drilled a hole all the way trough and mounted a small bolt . They are still there :)
 
Just to separate issues here (pun intended).
I think two things happen:
1. splines look worn
2. wipers fly off.
Are these two actually related? Do wipers fly off because the splines are worn?

I think not:
- If your splines are completely smooth, you motor would turn but your wiper not.
- The fact that the wipers fly off is because of the weak spring tab that locks into the groove around the base of the splined section of the linkage.

So to prevent your wiper from flying off, I would try to enhance the locking function of the spring. Now I haven't looked at any of these parts lately; anyone an idea how to get the spring to hold on tighter?

The reason I started to think along these lines is because I never heard someone complain that their motor turns, but their wipers don't. However I do hear a lot of first hand stories (myself included) having to stop the car in the rain to run back and grap a wiper from the street; risking life & limb along the way.

Does this sound like a theory?
If so, we should focus on the locking function of the spring, and not the condition of the splines.

(to kill my own theory; if the worn splines do allow some rotation, would it perhaps force the wiper arm a bit upward, as the spline is conical, in turn putting too much pressure on the spring?)
 
eriknetherlands said:
I think not:
- If your splines are completely smooth, you motor would turn but your wiper not.
- The fact that the wipers fly off is because of the weak spring tab that locks into the groove around the base of the splined section of the linkage.

So to prevent your wiper from flying off, I would try to enhance the locking function of the spring. Now I haven't looked at any of these parts lately; anyone an idea how to get the spring to hold on tighter?
Click to expand...
Erik, I think you are absolutely correct. Although, worn rotating splines can probably add some pressure to the spring theory (pun intended). :)

I have three wiper arms currently:
- 1 with no retaining spring (it already broke off)
- 1 with a loose spring
- 1 with what seems to be a reasonable spring

I had just started tinkering with a way to reinforce the spring when I got pulled in another direction (since I will not get caught in the rain if the car lives in the garage). But I think solving the spring issue will likely solve the "fly-off" issue. While not elegant, I was going to look into forcing some sort of elastic material between the outer barrel and the spring after the wiper arm was on. In essence, pushing the spring clip onto the barrel. But I haven't tested that yet. And the drill and tap/bolt concept is so darn simple (albeit not invisible)... If I come up with anything, I'll be sure to post the journey.
 
Another idea. How about using plumbers tape to make the spline fit snug and than drill a whole through the wiper arm and the spline use a cotter pin or set screw. This way the arm can never fall off.
Koopman
 
I have not personally dealt with this problem. However, I have encountered a few aftermarket fixes over the years.

I recall examining a wiper assembly that had a strange oxide on one post. Upon closer examination, it was obvious that someone had put a small dollop of braze/silver solder over worn splines and the softer "braze" conformed to the internal wiper splines. This could have been accomplished with an oxy acetelyne torch yet commonly available propane or mapp gas would likely have worked too. If too much braze or solder is applied, the fix would be to grind or file to obtain a tight fit. A similar result might be reached using an epoxy such as jb weld.

Another possibility might be to grind a couple of flats on the splined post with the insertion of a "key" or "keys" to lock everything in place. This may not be ideal, but if done properly, the result could be long-lasting.
 
The problems you encounter when owning an E9!

From now on I'll take even more care of my wipers. First precaution, stay out of the rain and don't use them.:)
 
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