1982 300sd wiper linkage

[pgringo]

my wipers do not work. i discovered the culprit is the little ball socket where the linkage connects to the triangle shaped piece that rotates with the motor spindle. i consulted with the parts guy at the dealership and found out the dealer does not sell that ball and socket seperately. does anyone know if this socket can be had, or if there is a tried and true diy replacement?

[mbdoc]

Either try a "junk" yard for a re-cycled part or try drilling(very hard) & tapping foe a small screw & washer.

[pgringo]

i did it. i chiseled out the hard plastic or bakelite socket. then i hit the ball with the grinder. i went to the bearing supply store and bought a sealed cartridge bearing with 1/4" ID. then i went to the hardware store and bought a 1/4" X 1&1/4" cariage bolt, a nylon lock nut, a small bag of brass washers, and a new 1/4" drill bit.

i jammed the sealed cartridge bearing into the hole where the ball socket used to be by putting a strip of old bicycle inner tube around the outer part of the bearing. this holds the bearing in place quite well. then where i had ground down the ball, i drilled a 1/4" hole with a drill press. i then ran the carriage bolt through the bottom, through a washer, through the bearing, through another washer, then through the lock nut. it works like a charm and is super smooth. i just saved about $200.