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Windshield wiper transmission

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
Reply to
Dave
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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

Reply to
Stewart DIBBS

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.

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

Reply to
S

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