Monowiper problem
 

I performed a search re: monowipers binging / ceasing. I did not find any refrences to this problem. My wiper binds in two places; once from left to right, and then on the wipe back from right to left. Any thoughts as to why this may be occuring?

Thanks for any input.;)

Remove the cover at the base of the wiper arm (hinges up where the arm extents as it arcs across windshield).
Lube up the shaft with some light grease.
Brian

Fixed
 

Thanks for the input. My independent mechanics agreed with your suggestion. However, they went one step further. They said that they've seen this problem several time before and taking apart the whole assembly, cleaning it and lubing it will fix the problem for the long term. That's what I had them do and it cost $1.75 for materials and 3 hours labor (ouch!). They also said that using the wiper when it's binding over time will harm the electric motor which is significantly more expensive to fix ($500.00 Cnd for the motor alone).

Here is a link to MB single wiper arm disassembly for maintenance

in case anyone else has this problem, and for you to determine if this procedure is 3 hours' work :) .

3 hrs,,, Humm
 

Sure, this could take three hours. . . if you took a 2 hr and 45 min break during the procedure. I'm going to follow up with the shop to see how they got at 3 hrs labor! I'll let you know what I find out.

Thanks, I wish I had the above link before going to the shop.

I did this job on our 190E, and it took me nearly an hour. Of course, I was teaching my three year old about cars at the time, plus took two phone calls, and also explained the job to my 85 year old neighbour in great detail.

Three hours? Yikes.

Blackmercedes,

Given how much I paid for this job, I could have hired you three year old and flown him (her) round trip to Ottawa and I'd still be ahead financially. :p

LOL

You have an INVALUABLE lesson, though;

CHECK MERCEDESSHOP.COM FORUM FIRST!!

I've removed the cover at the base of the wiper arm but I can't see how to get the cap off the assembly. I've got a 300E. Any further Info would be appreciated.

removing the cap and lubing the shaft is not a big job but sometimes is only a temporary fix. the indy mechanics are right.to fix it right you remove the whole wiper ass and motor(2.4 hrs book time) then split the case open exposing the half gear that gets gummed up with rust and crud. clean with solvent and regrease. another 1/2 hr to do this is generous in my opinion.
paul

Thanks for the information
 

Paul,

I don't feel so bad about paying 3hrs labor given your explanation. The guys at this shop know their MB's and I trust that they would never rip me (or others) off. I'm sure they fixed the wiper properly -> the way you described it above.

Re: Thanks for the information
 

I just want to add this becasue, I and everyone else has been there about, paying too much or regretting about car repair.

Another thought is that fixing vs. replacing the part is a whole lot cheaper. I don't think the monowiper assembly is cheap in which, a dealer would probably charge if, encountering the same problem.

If your wiper breaks druing the rainy season due, to putting off the situation. You could get in an accident or at the very least. Calling a tow truck to tow your car home for inoperative wiper. How much time, money not, to mention embarassment would that cost you? Confidence that the job was done right and will last long time-priceless. You're still ahead.

Independent Garage in Ottawa
 

Zeus,

I bring the car to Young Street Garage. Young street is off Preston street just before you go under the Queensway overpass - if you're heading north on Preston. I can't say enough about this group of technicians, their diagnositcs are top notch and they've never steered me wrong. If you decide to bring your MB to them, ask for Kurt or Bella, they're the current owners and the sons of the original owners. This shop has been around for a couple of decades and have a great reputation.

They did quite a different job than I did in my driveway. Disassembling the thing would take that long, at least. I just lubed the piston...

Just one more word..
 

RE: Young Street Garage,

Their philosophy is quite basic: the customer comes first and the car second. Makes a lot of sense since a car (even a MB) can't drive itself to the shop when it needs servicing. - I guess that was more than 1 word.:eek: