The very unusual mono wiper on my 98 C280 has just started to make a faint
thumping noise when in action. Can I do anything preventative to keep it from being a big problem? Is this something that a do-it-yourself er can do?

Thank you!

BigLar

do a SEARCH on this forum or even a google search, there are some excellent post and write-ups with pictures showing how to maintain and fix the binding wiper.

I just don't recall the links and don't think the DIY tab on the top of these pages link to the wiper article.

May want to search under `W202 monowiper` good luck and you should have NO trouble doing it yourself.

Your sliding mechanism which gives your wiper its unusual action is probably in need of lubrication.
Using your ignition switch stop the wiper at 45deg point where the blade is fully extended then unclip the plastic covers which cover the sliding mechanism , the one at the base of the wiper arm unclips easily but for the "turtle shell" you need to pull apart and up at 4 and 8 o'clock positions if you take the wiper arm as 12 o'clock, if it's stiff try pulling on just one side .
Clean the old grease off the 3 rods of the mechanism and regrease with silicone grease also run some oil into the point where the crank rod goes through the bottom casing.
Reassemble and hopefully problem solved,this should be done at every service but is not covered in service schedules.
Cheers,Geo.

You might need more thorough service than stated below. Do the search and you will find that you will be better off removing the assembly and lubing the gear on the back. I have yet to do this but lubing the slides on top did not solve my problem.

Mike

__________________
1998 C230 330,000 miles (currently dead of second failed EIS, yours will fail too, turning you into the dealer's personal human cash machine)
1988 F150 144,000 miles (leaks all the colors of the rainbow)
Previous stars: 1981 Brava 210,000 miles, 1978 128 150,000 miles, 1977 B200 Van 175,000 miles, 1972 Vega (great, if rusty, car), 1972 Celica, 1986.5 Supra

Service it NOW! If you don't, you run the rick of breaking the gear mechanism, and that is one spendy part...

__________________
John Shellenberg
1998 C230 "Black Betty" 240K

http://img31.exs.cx/img31/4050/tophat6.gif

Does anyone know if you can find just the plastic gear inside the motor? Unfortunately, I've dis-assembled the motor and the gear inside is stripped due to the arm not being lubricated. The motor is in good condition, just need the gear. Any help is appreciated, thank you,- Kim

Kim,
Where are you located?

I've got my totaled 1998 C230 parked at my home, if you live nearby I'd let you come and pull the part off my car before the insurance company tows it away.
I'm just North of Baltimore City