[pierremcalpine]

Update - I got my new linkage in without issue. I also took some detailed pics of the innards of the old one for anyone who is still trying to figure out a cheap fix. A couple of tips:

1) detaching the linkage from the motor SHOULD definitely be done at the ball joint NOT at the axle nut of the motor. This will avoid having to do ANY adjustments. To make the detachment as easy as possible first take each of the three nuts off each wiper base. Then push the bases downwards and out of the frame. Then take the four bolts off the motor mount at the far end. With some maneuvering you will be able to pull the linkage out just enough to have full access to the ball joint. I got mine out by gently tapping a ball joint fork into it. Worked like a charm

2) reattaching the ball joint with the replacement linkage was a piece of cake. With the motor still unfastened from its mounting bolts lube it up a bit and then use some 12" channeloc plyers to push the socket back in. Once you have done this slide the linkage in all the way and put on the nuts.

3) I included a few pics of the used linkage. In then you will see that both the drivers side and the passenger side attachments are severely worn. Interestingly it is not the linkage itself that gets worn down it is the removable plastic cylinder. With this in mind you could probably avoid having to take the linkage apart to fix the issue. All you would need are the two cylinders. These can easily be removed. Just pop off the clip and washer and the cylinder comes right out.

4) note the following in the pics below: a) the axle in one pic has black dust on it. This is actually caused by the wearing of the plastic cylinder over time. B) the cylinder opening can clearly be seen in a few pics. It is clear that the movement of the wiper arm is due to the wear on the cylinder itself. It is supposed to be a circular opening but you will note that the wear has created an oval opening instead. D) the wear is apparent through the entire length of the cylinder. As a result any fix would need to address the oval shape throughout the entire cylinder (or at least at the top and bottom).

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