S40: My 2003 Saloon.

[baldmosher]

I'd almost guarantee there's excessive play in the bush where the arm attaches to the linkage - wobble it to find out

If so, you need a new linkage (about £80 from FRF plus half an hour labour - roughly £25-50 used, but read on)

If you just change the arm, as Skyship suggests, that's £30 from FRF (or maybe £15 IF you can find one used with the new spec... it's the same part number though, they just changed the design)

When the wobbly bush starts squeaking in a year or two, you'll still have to pay for a new linkage anyway, because it'll drive you mad.

To my mind, a new linkage is the sensible option, but no harm getting a new arm too! (That's what I'm doing as my arm is rusty.)

[baldmosher]

oh, and

WHATEVER YOU DO, DON'T ACTIVATE THE WIPERS WITH THE BONNET OPEN

you will regret not heeding my words

[Ansel1]

Many thanks for all the replies, chaps.
Reading the responses to this post I get the impression that other people have nothing but trouble with their S40's.
Mine has a '53 plate and, yes, I have had a few things done to it since I bought when it was six months old (for those who need exact details it will be 12 years old in September) it still drives well, reasonable MPG for size of (Volvo) engine.
It may be a little tired, in some areas, but upkeep is far less than buying a car with no character, which can't be said for some of the stuff on the road nowadays.
Re the windscreen wiper problem, there seems to be no play, whatsoever, in the bush so I'm going to try a new wiper arm and see what that does.
Once again, many thanks for all your replies. It's good to be able to share the experiences of others!
Kind regards,
John

[Bosstang]

Originally Posted by Ansel1

I've been looking through some of the previous posts and this may well be something that's a known issue.
Recently, when lifting the bonnet of my car, the back edge of the bonnet has started fouling the drivers side windscreen wiper arm just where the hinge is. The car has never been involved in a shunt necessitating removal of the bonnet so it's not a case of misalignment. Did wonder if it's something to do with the spring on the wiper arm but didn't want to fork out for a new arm if that's not the issue.
Any ideas/suggestions would be appreciated!
Regards,
John

I had this problem when I brought my V40, it was almost preventing the bonnet opening.
I found a dead V40 in a breakers and had the wiper arm off it, fitted to mine and no more problem.
What the issue is I think is this, the cast metal bit that fits onto the spindle has a spring attached to it, this constant spring pressure distorts the casting enough for it to catch the edge of the bonnet.