Wiper Linkage repair & replacement made easy

What does a windscreen wiper linkage do?

The wiper linkage is what attaches the windscreen wiper motor to the wiper arms and blades.

How does the windscreen wiper linkage work and what are the components?

The wiper linkage is usually mounted onto the vehicle with bolts and brackets. The windscreen wiper motor is then mounted onto one of the arms or pivots of the linkage. As the windscreen wiper motor turns, the wiper linkage then moves accordingly in (generally) a scissor type action to move the wiper arms and blades back and forth across the screen.

It is usually a set of rods with cup and ball bearings that manoeuvre the wiper arms across the windscreen when the motor is running.

As the majority of the cup and ball links are made of plastic, these can become brittle or worn and simply pop out and no longer operate the links. Very rarely can they just be popped back in as they will simply come back out again!

How do you know there is something wrong with the windscreen wiper linkage?

• When you can hear the motor running but the arms are not moving
• If the wiper arms get stuck in various points on the windscreen
• When only one wiper arm moves

When should you consider a windscreen wiper linkage replacement?

Immediately you suffer issues with the wiper arms as above. It is a dangerous defect to have faulty windscreen wipers and also therefore a legal requirement.

How common is a windscreen wiper linkage replacement?

Due to the regular use of the components and the climate in the UK, wiper linkages often fail through shear wear and tear.

How can I extend the life of my windscreen wiper linkage?

Obviously there is little you can do about wear and tear over the years, even with the following advice.

• Don’t switch on the wiper system when the blades are frozen to the windscreen. This causes undue stress on the linkage and cause the joints to pop apart.
• Similarly if the the vehicle hasn’t been used for a while, lifting off the wiper blades from the screen will unstick them and cause less stress on the linkage when you first use it
• Always switch off the windscreen wipers before switching the engine off and leaving the car. This will ensure that they do not come on automatically the next time you start the engine (preventing the above scenarios) but also allows the wiper arms to be “parked” and not left at an unusual angle with which to start from. Again, this reduces the stress on the linkage.
• Regular basic maintenance, such as lubricating the wiper motor linkage and replacing worn wiper blades all help with longevity of the linkage.

What happens during a windscreen wiper linkage replacement?

• The mechanic will inspect the windscreen wiper system.
• The mechanic will carry out checks to determine the exact fault.
• If necessary, the mechanic will replace the windscreen wiper linkage.
• The mechanic will advise if any other parts need to be replaced.
• The mechanic will test the windscreen's wiper system to ensure it works correctly.
• If necessary, the mechanic will make adjustments.

How much does a windscreen wiper linkage replacement cost?

The cost of a windscreen wiper linkage replacement depends on your car and what parts your car's manufacturer recommends using for the replacement. Find out what you could save by having your windscreen wiper motor replaced by ClickMechanic, by selecting your car at the top of this page!