View Full Version : Roadster wiper gear box replacement recommendations
I know this has been discussed before, but I can't find the specific wiper gearbox replacement part recommendation thread/post. My wipers worked when I installed them, and the first time I needed them in the rain, the driver's side failed. Looks like the gearbox slipped and the arm ended up on my hood; not a fun drive in a downpour.
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=149155&d=1623027155
I want to re-build the wipers with all new gear boxes and assorted parts other than the motor and switch. I think the arms and blades are still okay, but I'll take any recommendations there as well.
Thanks,
Dave
edwardb
06-06-2021, 09:33 PM
The wiper boxes most used for replacement were from **********. I've used them several times and they work about as well as short wipers on a small windshield can work. But we all know about the issues with **********. So that's not too great of a lead I'm afraid. Also, the boxes I've gotten from them had a different wiper arm attachment. Has a lock screw through the top which is actually much better IMO. But does require their arms as well.
I've heard from several sources that Factory Five has upgraded their more recent wiper kits to boxes that are either the same or same quality as the ********** ones. But don't know if they will sell them separately. You could ask.
The wiper boxes most used for replacement were from **********. I've used them several times and they work about as well as short wipers on a small windshield can work. But we all know about the issues with **********. So that's not too great of a lead I'm afraid. Also, the boxes I've gotten from them had a different wiper arm attachment. Has a lock screw through the top which is actually much better IMO. But does require their arms as well.
I've heard from several sources that Factory Five has upgraded their more recent wiper kits to boxes that are either the same or same quality as the ********** ones. But don't know if they will sell them separately. You could ask.
Thanks, Paul. I knew FL sold them and I haven't personally had any issues with my previous orders, so I may give it a shot. Appreciate the quick response.
Dave
FFinisher
06-07-2021, 07:20 AM
The wiper boxes most used for replacement were from **********. I've used them several times and they work about as well as short wipers on a small windshield can work. But we all know about the issues with **********. So that's not too great of a lead I'm afraid. Also, the boxes I've gotten from them had a different wiper arm attachment. Has a lock screw through the top which is actually much better IMO. But does require their arms as well.
I've heard from several sources that Factory Five has upgraded their more recent wiper kits to boxes that are either the same or same quality as the ********** ones. But don't know if they will sell them separately. You could ask.
This is 100% true. Factory Five upgraded their wiper kits a few years ago and they work great. They have new and improved wiper boxes, new motor clamp and are much better quality than the previous version. No more monkeying around trying to make them work, Just put them on and they work. That's a nice feature:cool:
Not sure if you will be able to get just the boxes from them though, you would have to give them a try.
Finish line sells them. Not sure if you have heard of the issues with their delivery. You'll get your stuff. But patience is required.
Thanks for the replies, guys. I went ahead and ordered new boxes, arms and blades from **********. I'm in no hurry to get this repair done, so we'll see what happens. My top really helped with the rain, even without the side windows installed. Not something I hope to repeat any time soon, though.
ggunter
06-07-2021, 07:44 AM
I had heard a lot of complaining about the wippers that FFR supplied but my car is recent so maybe I got the "new and improved design" I was impressed at how easy they went together and installed. Mine work very well on both speeds but in all honesty I have only had to use them twice. Maybe get one from FFR they may come quicker then FL products.
nuhale
06-07-2021, 08:41 AM
I got them from Paul at period correct as I had the older gear boxes and were crap... I like Paul's customer service much better than FL.
I got them from Paul at period correct as I had the older gear boxes and were crap... I like Paul's customer service much better than FL.
Well, I completely forgot about Period Correct. Do the boxes Paul sells work with the FFR arms or do they require different arms?
JohnK
06-07-2021, 07:56 PM
This is 100% true. Factory Five upgraded their wiper kits a few years ago and they work great. They have new and improved wiper boxes, new motor clamp and are much better quality than the previous version. No more monkeying around trying to make them work, Just put them on and they work. That's a nice feature:cool:
Not sure if you will be able to get just the boxes from them though, you would have to give them a try.
Finish line sells them. Not sure if you have heard of the issues with their delivery. You'll get your stuff. But patience is required.
Any idea when FFR switched over to the upgraded wiper kits, or how I can determine if what I received in Jan. 2019 is the original or upgraded kit? I've been looking at alternatives to the FFR kit based on all the negative comments about them, but if the upgraded kit works fine then I'm much less inclined to "reinvent the wheel" for wipers.
Maybe things are improving at **********? I placed my order last night and got an email confirming my order this morning followed by a shipping notification with UPS tracking number a couple of hours ago. Parts should be here Thursday.
rich grsc
06-08-2021, 11:22 AM
Maybe things are improving at **********? I placed my order last night and got an email confirming my order this morning followed by a shipping notification with UPS tracking number a couple of hours ago. Parts should be here Thursday.
Well unicorns do fly.:rolleyes:
FFinisher
06-08-2021, 07:42 PM
Any idea when FFR switched over to the upgraded wiper kits, or how I can determine if what I received in Jan. 2019 is the original or upgraded kit? I've been looking at alternatives to the FFR kit based on all the negative comments about them, but if the upgraded kit works fine then I'm much less inclined to "reinvent the wheel" for wipers.
If the wiper motor has a clamp that has a threaded nut and strap style clamp it’s the new style kit. If you past a pic I can identify me/ old style.
If this is the clamp that identifies the newer version, then that's what I have and the wheel box failed, or my assembly failed.
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=84616&d=1524423884
I hope the ones I just ordered are better.
GTBradley
06-08-2021, 11:25 PM
I have that newer style and one of the boxes failed for me also. The case wasn’t tight enough and you can tighten them down more. FFR sent me a replacement and it has worked fine. I also packed them with white lithium grease as well as the rod.
mburger
06-09-2021, 04:37 PM
I’m still a fan of Specialty Power Windows wiper kit and parts.
If your arms fit 1/2” fine spline OR 1/4” shafts, I get them from SPW. I realize you’ve already ordered from FL and they have hopefully shipped. I haven’t tried. Correct but likely will for as many items as I need that they stock.
Wiper parts arrived today. Here are a few pics:
Wheel box bottom (FFR on left and ********** on right)
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=149331&d=1623360529
Wheel box top (FFR on left and ********** on right)
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=149332&d=1623360529
New arm with wedgelock:
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=149333&d=1623360529
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=149334&d=1623360529
Source of the parts:
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=149335&d=1623360529
GTBradley
06-10-2021, 11:16 PM
The delivery time is encouraging.
Geoff H
06-11-2021, 10:23 AM
I installed these on mine after the same experience you had...although my system was from the old Mk III days. I even had wiper arms hanging on by an edge, or popping off during use. No issue at all with the upgrade. Holds well.
cob427sc
06-11-2021, 02:44 PM
My experience has been the failure is a result of the clamping of the cable asit runs through the box. If its not tight, the cable will slip against the gear and either will not drive the wiper at all or the wiper just flops around. Sometimes the fix is just realigning the wiper in its proper location and retighten the box clamping screws.
I installed the new parts today, and in the process I believe that the cause of the failure was a missing screw on the driver's side wheel box. This likely allowed the rack to slip on the gear and fail. I went ahead and took both sides apart, greased the rack, and reassembled with the new parts. Everything works as intended.
JohnK
06-11-2021, 05:29 PM
I’m still a fan of Specialty Power Windows wiper kit and parts.
If your arms fit 1/2” fine spline OR 1/4” shafts, I get them from SPW. I realize you’ve already ordered from FL and they have hopefully shipped. I haven’t tried. Correct but likely will for as many items as I need that they stock.
Have you done the SPW wiper kit on the roadster? This is the path that I'm heading down. I've bought the kit and have verified that the 2-speed with park feature on the motor works with a Lucas toggle, but haven't really looked into how different the SPW kit is from the FFR kit and how easy/difficult install will be.
mburger
06-12-2021, 07:30 AM
Have you done the SPW wiper kit on the roadster? This is the path that I'm heading down. I've bought the kit and have verified that the 2-speed with park feature on the motor works with a Lucas toggle, but haven't really looked into how different the SPW kit is from the FFR kit and how easy/difficult install will be.
Hey John. Yes, I installed the SPW kit in my Mk1. I’m not familiar with the FFR kit, both older and the updated kit.
As you’ve seen, the SPW kit is a nice quality kit. I have AC and let me tell you it’s more than tight between the cowl and AC box for the transmission and tube.
One of the main reasons I like the SPW kit is because you can install it wherever you want, as long as you don’t go further than a specific total rack distance. The motor will mount anywhere and at any angle etc.. The passenger side is the biggest issue as that is where the heater/AC is. The keys to it working properly is making sure the transmissions are as close to 90 degrees as possible, and no bends in the tube tighter than the 3” radius as shown in the manual. I used the supplied switch.