Wiper Arm Issue

[SCFFR]

Just wrapping up some final details on my MkIV one of which was install the wiper arms. I had purchased the FFR kit at the same time I bought the base kit and had fitted the motor, shaft and wheel boxes while the body was still in gel coat. Looks like my Park feature is not working correctly but will worry about that later. I just turned the switch off when the spindles had rotated all the way to the right (park position) and installed the arms so the blades were resting on the edge of the frame and glass (looked perfect). When I turned the wipers on, the LH on went one full sweep and the RH one went about 3-4" before the arms started slipping on the splines. I took the RH arm off and saw where the inside of the arm that fits over the splines does not match the splines on the spindle. The spindle has splines closely spaced all the way around (same as on my MGB). However the arms have a squarish slot spaced about every 5 splines. There is no way that this design will every work. I checked one of the arms on my MG and sure enough, it has the same type of splines as the spindle, i.e., the splines mesh one for one.

I researched for some answers and looks like this is a common complaint. Fixes ran from wrapping tape around the splines to squaring the spindle head. Some mentioned replacing the wheel boxes with new units from Finish Line.

Any suggestions????

Thanks,
Ron

[DARKPT]

My $.02: Get the finish line arms and solve the problem for good.

[Jeff Kleiner]

Drill and tap the arms for an 8-32 setscrew.

http://i269.photobucket.com/albums/jj43/jkleiner/Mk4%207276/100_3156.jpg

Easy, cheap, effective :)

Cheers,
Jeff

[SCFFR]

Somewhat disappointing that the arms that come with the kit have to either be modified or replaced. I imagine the Finish Line arms come with the proper splines to match the wheel box spindles.
Will try the cheap and easy fix before I consider replacing the arms.

Many thanks,
Ron

[DaleG]

X2 Was just thinking this before I scrolled down.



Drill and tap the arms for an 8-32 setscrew.

http://i269.photobucket.com/albums/jj43/jkleiner/Mk4%207276/100_3156.jpg

Easy, cheap, effective :)

Cheers,
Jeff

[Indy14]

Jeff's suggestion is what he did on my car. The wipers have worked great when needed for 2 years.