Front wiper stopped

[the edmundator]

Any ideas of a simple fix before I hand it over to the garage would be appreciated:

My mk1 has been in the garage, unused, since the MoT expired at the end of last year. In the intervening time, the front wiper has decided to stop working. Rear wiper/wash and front wash jet work ok, but no movement from the front wiper in any switch position. Relay can be heard clicking when moving the switch to different positions. No obviously blown fuses or loose wires.

[ianaudia4]

Try a different relay first Ed. Then check you have power going to the motor.

[jimmy h]

If you've not used it for a while?

Could be the shaft that the arm fixes to has siezed in the bearing it turns in, it's a phospher bronze affair and the shaft is chrome plated.
To remove the whole motor and linkage assembly is very easy, and to disconnect the shaft from the drive is easy too, worth a try and easy elimination.

You got to bear in mind the last time it saw any lubrication will have been a very long time ago!

Mine was siezed solid after leaving it outside with no wiper fixed to the car, it did not blow fuses when the stalk was operated!

[ianaudia4]

If in doubt you could try a known working motor i.e one from your early MK2!

[the edmundator]

Thanks for the replies. I'll have a look if I get a chance.