2000 C230K Windshield Wiper Malfunction
 

Several weeks ago, my windshield wipers started getting stuck in certain spots. Whenever it rained hard, the rain provided enough lubricant that it wouldn't get stuck. But eventually, the wipers didn't move at all. I found out that they tend to do this and you need to grease them, so I recently used white lithium grease, took off the plastic at the base, and applied the grease.
After I did this, the wiper still doesn't work. However, a couple of times, it did move just a little bit when I turned it on, before getting stuck. I was worried that the motor burned out, but this gave me some hope.
Does anyone know why they still aren't working? The grease says to apply at temps above 50 degrees, but it was probably below 20. Would this cause problems? Please help!!!!

Answer
 

MONO BLADE VERTICAL parked windshield wiper
http://members.lycos.nl/mbenz/windshield_wiper.htm

Hesitating Wiper Repair
http://202tech.mkosonen.com/howto/wiper.html








Have a great day.

I used the instructions that you posted, but they still don't work. See my description of what is happening now in the first post. Do you know why this is?

Sounds like the wiper pivto assembly might be shot. Not an uncommon repair on a W202. Not sure about in the US, but in Canada, the part alone is $750. They used to have a brass gear, but now it's plastic, wears out, breaks, and MB makes a killing on selling them at high prices. Your car is undriveable without an operating wiper.

When this happened on my 1999 C230K in January I sprayed some graphite lock lube on the shaft after I parked it in the vertical position. I think it gets gunked up in the housing and this cleaned and lubricated it. Haven't had a problem since.

Assuming it's the same or very similar to the mono wiper used on the 124, it takes more time to remove the plastic surround, than to disassemble the wiper assembly. It's an easy DIY job with no special tools needed.

If the steel shaft hasn't stripped the white plastic trans gear; clean out the old lube and use the same lube used for the sunroof. Reassemble & install without all the plastic surround. If it still doesn't work well, the motor is ng. Motor isn't rebuild-able. Buy used one for about $75 thru used-parts.com

Bob
PS Do search on mono wiper for instructions & photos and sunroof lube [about $5 for small container]