Any suppliers of new wiper motors?

[rusty244]

Hi folks,

In my efforts to fix my windscreen wiper motor I have been trying to source a working replacement.

I have amassed a collection of 3 dead wiper motors which do not turn at all and 1 that works but is the wrong size (guessing an earlier model where scuttle was shaped differently). One I think worked before it was posted to me and another worked before it was stored in a damp garage for a year but this doesn't really help.

On USA ebay there are almost unlimited new wiper motors for sale for £35, similarly in Europe they are available for £75ish in plentiful quantity.

Unfortunately they differ for LHD and RHD and I cannot find a new motor at all. There is a listing for a used refurbished one on ebay UK for £187 inc postage but after all the hassle I have now had I really want a new one (particularly for that money).

Any ideas? The car has basically been off the road for weeks now after I have spent a fortune rescuing the bodywork, changing suspension bushes, complete brake overhaul and full service and it is a bit frustrating, doesn't look like I will be able to attend the BKV either. Argh.

[crogthomas]

I've fixed two 'definetely dead' wiper motors buy making up an earth strap to go between a mounting bolt and one of the bolts that holds the motor gearbox cover on.

The standard motor uses a small flexible bit of steel to earth the motor past the isolating rubber mounts. The flexible steel, er, flexes and breaks, or becomes coroded preventing the motor from operating since none of the wires in the plug are earths. A quick test with a bit of wire between the metal lid of the motor gearbox and the vehicle chassis should show you if it's going to work or not.

[Mark1Stu]

I had a problem with mine. Bought a replacement off e-bay only to find it didn't work. On closer investigation it turned out to be a different manufacturer - the replacement needing a separate earth strap whereas the original didn't have one.

Took the original to the reconditioners in the end - cost me about £30 more over the 2nd hand item.

Reconditioning is the way to go with windscreen motors imho - as there are at least 3 different types I know of (another I found had a different end piece which connects to the car's wiper mechanism).

Stuart

[Beetledrive]

I've fixed a 'dead' motor too. We had assumed it was either that or the linkage had seized. We took the motor unit off and opened up the black cylinder by un-doing two long screws. There are two large magnets (opposite each other) that are stuck to the inside of the cylinder wall. One of these had fallen off due to rust. I cleaned up all the rust inside the unit and found some very strong (suitable) adhesive that stuck the magnet back to the inside of the wall. We stuck it back together again, and cleaned the contact on the mounting bolt. It's worked perfectly even since, working better and faster than it ever did before.

[rustytoba]

Just a thought it may be prohibitive as postage could be high but what about Australian ebay or what about South Africa, Hong Kong.

They drive on our side of the road and all had a supply of Volvos in there day, well I'm sure they did I remember bidding on a 242 brochure in Afrikaans a few years back.

Rusty

[Volvorama]

This is interesting to me. My herd of 240s have sufferered 4 or 5 wiper motor failures in the last few years and I wonder if the problems above could be the cause. They usually fail after the car has been parked for a few months. I think I still have the dead ones so will attempt some repairs. Thanks.