'85 300D wiper linkage snapped...

[Bstef]

The wiper linkage snapped on me while driving for 9 hours through the midwest 'blizzard' the other day. Windchill was so low with the high winds, I had couple inches of ice form within minutes under my windshield, it surrounded and froze the base of the drivers side wiper, while it was on intermittent low. So, yeah, in under a minute. Anyhow- it snapped and the drivers side wiper went limp. can hear the linkage sliding around mid-dash. Had to navigate off the highway, took first exit, onto another highway- gotta love that. Some good adrenaline was flowing...
Driving with your head out the window in those conditions is an interesting thing.

Got smart after 10 minutes or so- I let my windshield freeze. Windows down, defroster off. Snow will not stick to a frozen windshield. Window stayed open so my breath didn't fog the place up. Did that for 2.5 hours to my destination.

Anyhow- haven't found much on repairing the linkage.
Is that a Go-Thru-The-Dashboard operation?


One of the most entertaining drives I've ever encountered in my Benz-o,
The destination that it took me 9 hours to get to, is only 1.5 hours away by car...

[andrewjtx]

Nope. All of the linkage is inside the cowling at the base of the windshield.

It's a delicate job, as the metal plate in the center (it does come out) can be easily bent. There are some snap grommets that hold it in, as well as the nut on one of the wiper shafts.

If you need a replacement and can't get to a PNP, let me know. I can ship one out to you at moments notice.

-Andrew

[Bstef]

awesome.

Only looked under the hood briefly and saw i wasn't getting in that way.
Then the wind blew me over and I got back in the car. I wonder if the snaps are in danger of breaking in below freezing temps. are they plastic or metal?

[toomany MBZ]

You need to remove the plastic cowlings, they are held in place with square plastic rivet type fasteners, pry up the center, or push through the middle, don't know if they can reused if you do the latter.

Once you do that, you'll see a couple of screws on each side holding the middle section on and there are four plastic rivets in front, push the middle through, you may be able to reuse.

From there it's easy to figure out. Good luck.

[Bstef]

Great.
I only had to remove the cowlings to see that the arm was detached right at the base of the drivers side wiper. I snapped it back on, but it only takes a little force pulling on it (pulling away from the windshield) to pop it back off. Are these built to pop off to prevent damage?
It seems that with just horizontal force it will stay on. Tested it for a few minutes and seems great.

Is that connection supposed to be popable?

Thanks again guys. I can now drive in inclimate weather again.

[toomany MBZ]

I had a similar problem, it didn't stay on long, I believe this is a press fit, close to a non screw top bottle cap. I replaced the entire unit.