W129 Wiper Problem
 

My 300SL windshield wipers were jerky and likely to park almost anywhere, and I was advised that the mechanism should be lubricated before it failed seriously. To lube the wiper assembly, it must be removed from the car to gain access to the back side of the gear case, the actuator arms, and wishfully the wiper blade eccentric mechanism.

I have removed the wiper assembly and cleaned and lubricated the motor driven worm and pinion and all the rubber bushings on the actuator arms. However, I can't find any way of removing the plastic cover over the wiper blade eccentric drive. I read the article in the July/August 2008 Star, and have followed every thread pertaining to wipers in this forum. There are no release tabs on the back of mine, and I can't spread the plastic case to release it. All I have been able to do so far is to pry the case open far enough to "squirt" some spray lubricant blindly into the case, not a very satisfactory solution.

Does anyone know the correct procedure for removing the large plastic cover over the wiper blade drive on a 129? I will be very grateful for all assistance.

Bob Deming

I believe you must remove the c-clip from the motor drive portion of the actuator, then push it through the casting. Then there are three screws to remove to get the cover off. The three screws are covered by the casting when the whole thing is assembled.

<edit> I just remembered, be very careful of postioning everything when taking it apart and putting it back together!

If I remember correctly.

So much easier on a 202 and a 210. Wiper straight up, unsnap the arm cover, unsnap the actualtor cover, clean and grease.

Thanks
 

Thank you Waybomb,

You've explained the total intractability of that wiper arm cover.

Between the lubrication of the motor drive and the "fogging" of the wiper arm mechanism with spray lubricant, my wiper is working very smoothely now, so I believe I'll leave it. I do appreciate knowing the correct procedure if I ever have to go in there again.

Bob Deming