Wiper noise on intermittent.

[Hltoppr]

I've cross posted this in the 40s section, but figure ya'll have more experience here with RHD stuff....

Ok gents, I've searched six ways from Sunday, and haven't seen this issue....

So, I've got a 1983 FJ45, right hand drive, with an intermittent setting on the windshield wipers. Wiper motor is on the left (USDS).

On the first setting, when on intermittent, I get a high pitched squeal between wiper sweeps (wipers are at rest). The sound is coming from behind the instrument cluster (speedo etc.), and seems to be inside the windshield frame. The wiper motor runs smoothly and quietly. (I took the cover off and cleaned it up anyway.) The squeal goes away when the wipers are sweeping across the windshield.

I haven't been able to find any diagrams which seem to indicate there are any gears in this location which would cause the squeal...or any sort of "timer"..anyone know what it may be causing the noise?

-H-

 

[bull]

Fyi-


Mine does the exact same thing. While it is waiting to sweep again it sounds like a cat is dying underneath the dash.

 

[Hltoppr]

My wife was giving me a hard time....here I'm rebuilding a 25 year old truck and I'm going nuts tracking down every squeak and rattle....

So....what do we do about this? I don't think there is a gear mechanism on that side?

-H-

 

[ECMO4]

Looking into the same thing on my mine. Only seems to do it about 40% of the time though, not as consistent as yours. I'm pulling the cluster this weekend for the speedo. If I find anything interesting I'll post up.

 

[Hltoppr]

I had pulled the cluster, and could only figure that the noise is coming from inside the windshield frame....

Let us know if you see any othe method of getting to it....

Nice choice of moto, btw....

-H-

 

[Hltoppr]

EUREKA!!!

I found it!

Behind the instrument cluster, on the right (when facing the dash), is a Wiper Control Box. You can access the box from under the dashboard, without taking the cluster out.

It is about 3"x3", black plastic, with two wiring clips going into it, and attached to a support with a 10mm bolt.

Remove the bolt, unhook the clips, and take the wiper control out. It's easy to remove the cover with a small screwdriver to unclip it from the base. Inside is a motor and timing gears; attached to an electrical board.

I cleaned everything with some electrical cleaner, let it dry, and then relubed the gears with some dielectric grease....put everything back together and presto!

Nice and quiet!!!

-H-

 

[ECMO4]

As usual I got sidetracked on another project this last weekend, but I'll see if this solution works for me too. Thanks for posting up your fix.