Broken ball joint in wiper mechanism
- Thread starter T2FFN
- Start date
:?Cheers Andy, you was spot on 
The plan is to remove the wiper mechanism this weekend and try to source a replacement part, or possibly reattach the bolt, but will depend on how the other arm looks where it should attach, and how it came away from it.
CJ, do you have a guide on getting to the wiper motor?
On the TT, many people reported removing the wiper arms needed a special tool to pull them off the splines, should these arms come off easily?
The plan is to remove the wiper mechanism this weekend and try to source a replacement part, or possibly reattach the bolt, but will depend on how the other arm looks where it should attach, and how it came away from it.
CJ, do you have a guide on getting to the wiper motor?
On the TT, many people reported removing the wiper arms needed a special tool to pull them off the splines, should these arms come off easily?
No guide - just took a look and dismantled it. Not difficult.
The wiper arms should come off easily enough without a puller. I suggest loosen the nut then with the wiper raised wriggle it a little and it will loosen on the splines (take care of the bonnet edge.
Once you pull the motor and arms out and onto the bench you'll be able to undo each piece in turn and grease or repair it.
The wiper arms should come off easily enough without a puller. I suggest loosen the nut then with the wiper raised wriggle it a little and it will loosen on the splines (take care of the bonnet edge.
Once you pull the motor and arms out and onto the bench you'll be able to undo each piece in turn and grease or repair it.
Getting the arms off took longer than expected, being careful not to bend them 
I removed the strut bars to get better access to the plastic screws...
Getting the plastic screws out was impossible. Why make screws out of plastic?? No matter what I did, the screw head would not turn without reducing the X to a O in the screw head
In the end I had to break them off :? Not sure these could be replaced as they're broken, not removed, but not really needed considering where they are.
The ball joint was broken on one side. Its been said they should be greased, but this is not a serviceable part without having to remove trim to get to, and who does that once a year??
I've called breakers and all sorts to try to get a replacement arm, but couldnt source one for less than £90, which for a broken bolt, is crazy.
Plan B.
I have given it to my uncle (engineer) who has removed the offending ball joint, and cut the end of the arm, and has welded in a totally new ball joint. This is just about the same size (luckily) and shouldn't cause any fouling in movement.
I'm picking it up tonight, so will post pics later.
What I will say is, the remaining joints (4 ball joints all together, from memory) are all dry, and will get a good greasing. I would advise anyone that has the time and inclination, to spend an hour or two to remove theirs and give it a good clean and re-grease, for peace of mind. Mine had no real warning. I did have the faintest squeek sometimes, but nothing to idicate it was most likely seizing.
Pics to follow later.
Paul
I removed the strut bars to get better access to the plastic screws...
Getting the plastic screws out was impossible. Why make screws out of plastic?? No matter what I did, the screw head would not turn without reducing the X to a O in the screw head
In the end I had to break them off :? Not sure these could be replaced as they're broken, not removed, but not really needed considering where they are.
The ball joint was broken on one side. Its been said they should be greased, but this is not a serviceable part without having to remove trim to get to, and who does that once a year??
I've called breakers and all sorts to try to get a replacement arm, but couldnt source one for less than £90, which for a broken bolt, is crazy.
Plan B.
I have given it to my uncle (engineer) who has removed the offending ball joint, and cut the end of the arm, and has welded in a totally new ball joint. This is just about the same size (luckily) and shouldn't cause any fouling in movement.
I'm picking it up tonight, so will post pics later.
What I will say is, the remaining joints (4 ball joints all together, from memory) are all dry, and will get a good greasing. I would advise anyone that has the time and inclination, to spend an hour or two to remove theirs and give it a good clean and re-grease, for peace of mind. Mine had no real warning. I did have the faintest squeek sometimes, but nothing to idicate it was most likely seizing.
Pics to follow later.
Paul
same just happened to mine tonight, was driving in the rain and the drivers wiper stopped upright, no resistance at all so assume its exactly same problem as yours. Funny as this exact same thing happened on the E36 95 compact last year around the same time! That was a real pain to take out I hope this one is easier ... will give it a go 
Thanks for the info!
Thanks for the info!Useful thread, could this be the next common niggle developing as the Zed get's older? I'm going to check mine to save an expensive repair. Sounds like tight nuts and greasy balls are the answer.
Another example of how well blessed this forum is with knowlegable peole who are prepared to help out, top stuff
Another example of how well blessed this forum is with knowlegable peole who are prepared to help out, top stuff
I had to replace my motor shortly after buying my car (that's a whole story in itself). BMW wanted an arm and a leg (£275 i think), went to a breakers who got me one for £105 delivered.
Fairly easy to fit (i used the thread about degreasing the wipers in the How-to section). Getting the wipers off was the hardest bit!
The plastic screws aren't screws, they are rivets, best thing is to prise them out with a screwdriver (flat head) and pull them out with pliers, they then need whacking back in with a hammer, failing that - if they snap, you can get them from BMW for about 20p each
Fairly easy to fit (i used the thread about degreasing the wipers in the How-to section). Getting the wipers off was the hardest bit!
The plastic screws aren't screws, they are rivets, best thing is to prise them out with a screwdriver (flat head) and pull them out with pliers, they then need whacking back in with a hammer, failing that - if they snap, you can get them from BMW for about 20p each
This happened to me this afternoon on the way home from work. At about 70mph, the drivers side wiper started rising up the screen before flinging itself into a resting position on top of the door mirror.
I pulled into the next petrol station down the road to have a look. The bolt is tight but the arm is free to move, I can see that the pivot arm seems to be disconnected.
Thinking about it the wipers were starting to squeak a few weeks prior to this happening. Sounds like a replacement mechanism will be required.
I pulled into the next petrol station down the road to have a look. The bolt is tight but the arm is free to move, I can see that the pivot arm seems to be disconnected.
Thinking about it the wipers were starting to squeak a few weeks prior to this happening. Sounds like a replacement mechanism will be required.
