PS Wiper stopped moving - Linkage Bushings

[Mixelplix]

Last night my passenger side wiper stopped moving on my 120k '13 LX570. (thankfully it was the passengers side)

After I got it home I took a metric ton of plastic covers off of the car to diagnose what went wrong. I was happy to see that the wiper arm splines weren't sheared off - I was unhappy to see that one of the plastic bushings in the wiper linkage was worn out, and needs replacement. The other bushings had a rubber boot which probably did a good job at keeping the grease in the bushing, and the dirt out. This location did not have a boot.

Poking around online I see that the bushings themselves aren't sold by Mr T, only the entire linkage assembly. I bought a Dorman HELP! assortment package from the auto parts store, but I suspect they're all too small.

The diameter of the bushing (at it's mounting point) is 14mm, or 9/16". Does anyone have a lead on wiper bushings that fit our application?

I may just replace the thing with a skateboard bearing and a bolt if I can't find a correct replacement.

 

[M1911]

Would a Fastenal store have something like that?

 

[KLF]

I had this happen with the wipers in my old FJ62. I looked at it this way: you got 120K miles out of the first set, which is pretty good. Replace both linkages and be happy the parts fit properly, no futzing around looking to hack in stuff from the hardware store that won't last.

I replaced both linkages and was shocked at how smooth the wipers were after that. The wipers in my '15 seem to stutter more than they should, I may just replace the linkages before winter gets here.

 

[Mixelplix]

Replace both linkages and be happy the parts fit properly, no futzing around looking to hack in stuff from the hardware store that won't last.

That's what I'll do if my fix fails.

For anyone else who may be a glutton for punishment like me - the HELP! 10 pack assortment has one style of cap that does fit.

I was able to install it, and the linkage actuated. I greased the replacement, and all of the original caps really well and reinstalled it.

We'll see how it holds up! Lots of rain coming!

 

[Mixelplix]

Replace both linkages and be happy the parts fit properly, no futzing around looking to hack in stuff from the hardware store that won't last.

@KLF You were right. While the fix I did is working, the PS wiper is really sloppy. I ordered another linkage assembly for $167 shipped.

 

[bloc]

If you remember, please post a picture of the new linkage when you get it. I wonder whether there was supposed to be a guard on that one too and it fell off..

 

[KLF]

I looked up the part, and it is a single part for the entire linkage, so a lot more than the older trucks. I seem to recall that both linkages for the FJ60-series were only about $60. I still may swap mine out, I hate wobbly wipers, and trying different blades hasn't helped. Would like to see pictures too.

 

[Mixelplix]

Finally got a chance to get the new linkage installed. It's a simple job, but finding the time to work in the garage is tough.

Turns out the new linkage has what I assume is a revised design for the rubber boots which keep dirt out of the bushings, and keep the grease in.

@bloc @KLF If you notice the old linkage has a cylindrical shaped boot, while the new ones cover a portion of the linkage arms. I think the new design will outlast my ownership of the truck.

 

[Rigger]

Good info. Is access to these from outside of the truck? Post pics of how you got to them, please.

 

[KLF]

It's not bad, you have to take off that big plastic cowl piece at the base of the windshield. Then everything is exposed. You need to pop off the side plastic pieces that run along the tops of the inner fenders. Lots of fragile plastic pop clips.

 

[usnick1982]

Same story skied yesterday and was coming down from pass at night in white out conditions with lots of snowfall my passenger side quit working (LC 13', 149K). Wipers were a little wobbly for some time before. Now the passenger side spins freely as if not attached to anything. I have ordered linkage assembly and it appears there is a new part number 85150-60321 that replaced 60320. I am happy it was not drivers side as I would not be able to come down from mountains. It is sort o unacceptable for a land cruiser.
FYI if its wobbly consider replacing if go out into rain/snow mountains

 

[CreeperSleeper]

Happened to me heading home from camping yesterday. I was pulling my travel trailer down 101 in a typical Oregon coast wind and downpour, then I feel a thud and my PS wiper is just chillin in the middle of my windshield. ('13 LX, 113k)

Something tells me 2013 was a bad year for wiper linkage...

 

[thefourthdoctor]

My passenger side wiper blade has been wonky for about a year. Hasn't gotten bad enough that I want to do anything about it. Usually it just comes to rest about 0.5-1 inch higher than my DS. It's a 2013 LC.

 

[CreeperSleeper]

I would rate this a two banana job. Even without instructions, it is very straight forward. However, I would recommend getting a windshield wiper arm puller. It is possible to wiggle them off with the help of a screwdriver or small pry bar. It is also possible for that makeshift tool to slip and you spider crack the damn windshield...

Needless to say, I am "upgrading" my windshield tomorrow.

 

[Str8Razor]

My wife’s 2013 LX570 just had the passenger side wiper quit working… looks like I’m ordering the replacement linkage and gonna take care of it…this forum is such a good resource!!!