How to change a wiper motor: simple tips from experienced car owners

27.10.2020

Issues discussed in the material:

• Windshield wiper system design
• Causes of wiper motor malfunction
• Replacing the wiper motor yourself
• Advice from car enthusiasts and professionals

Any vehicle must be equipped with wipers. Their main function is to clean the windshield from traces of dirt, dust, rain or snow. In this way, the driver can significantly improve visibility without leaving the cabin.

Car windshield wipers are an integral part of the vehicle's structure, so if they are faulty, it should not be used. How to understand that a malfunction has occurred and how to change wiper motors is a hot topic, and the answer to these questions and advice from professionals will help you deal with this problem on your own.

Windshield wiper system design

Every car is equipped with windshield wipers. They perform the function of removing dirt and sediment from the glass surface. As a result, the driver always maintains a normal view of the road situation, even if there is heavy snow or rain outside. The efficiency of wipers is increased by washers that spray cleaning liquid onto the surface of the glass. As a result, wipers do a good job of removing stuck insects and dirt.

Many car models are also equipped with a rear window cleaner, and cleaning of the headlights with a washer is provided. As a result, driving safety during adverse weather increases. The operating parameters of the windshield wipers - the frequency of their operation and the speed - can be adjusted from the driver's seat.

Technical nuances are entirely determined by the type of mechanism and the type of fastener used. A standard wiper includes the following elements:

• drive lever system (trapezoid);
• leashes;
• relay that forms the operating mode;
• electronic control unit (if the machine is equipped with it);
• electric motor and gearbox;
• hinged fastenings;
• brushes.

Depending on the type of control, the necessary equipment is provided. Manual control requires the presence of a corresponding switch under the steering wheel. When a car is equipped with an automatic windshield wiper control system, a rain sensor that monitors glass contamination and special control electronics are already required.

Although the glass cleaning system in cars is not very complicated, it is still necessary to thoroughly understand the principle of its operation. Next we will talk about the main features.

The operating mode of the windshield wipers is set using an electromagnetic relay, which receives the command and generates a control action on the electric motor. The operation of the brushes varies from vehicle to vehicle. This is either an intermittent mode with pauses between wiper strokes of 3–5 seconds, or movement at a constant speed or working in conjunction with spraying washer fluid.

The windshield wiper drive motor is powered from the on-board network. Each car model has its own wiring diagrams.

The movement is transmitted to the brush leads and directly to the windshield wipers through an electric motor with a worm gear and trapezoids (lever systems). Thanks to the trapezoid, the rotational movement is converted into swinging brushes. The latter, in turn, due to close contact with the glass, clean it of dirt and water.

A correctly adjusted and configured glass cleaning system does a good job of removing all contaminants, does not leave streaks, and especially does not cause mechanical damage. In addition, working windshield wipers operate silently. If failures are observed in the described processes, it means that there are malfunctions that need to be repaired promptly.

The trapezoid is a set of levers and rods that translate the rotation of the gearbox into reciprocating swings of brushes and leads. The functions of the standard trapezoid mechanism are:

• ensure that the blades operate when the windshield wiper motor is turned on;
• move with the required speed and amplitude;
• synchronize the movement of the leads with two or more brushes on the glass.

The trapezoid is an important part of the glass cleaning system along with the drive motor. The occurrence of malfunctions, in particular backlash, in this mechanism directly affects the efficiency of operation. Therefore, trapezoid parts are made of sheet steel. This is a reliable material with high resistance to bending loads and the ability to retain its properties under various atmospheric influences.

According to the design of windshield wipers, one-, two- and three-blade trapezoids can be distinguished. In accordance with the operating principle, asymmetrical and symmetrical designs are used.

Whatever car model is considered, the windshield wiper drive motor is always designed approximately the same. It consists of an electric motor and a gearbox, most often a worm gear. A gearbox is needed to increase the force generated by the engine. Modern cars also use safety devices to protect against overloads, heating systems in the cold season, etc.

The gear motor, in fact, is the most important unit in the glass cleaning system, since it is it that sets the mechanism in motion. For the electric motor to operate under normal conditions, the brushes need to fit well against the glass, but at the same time slide easily along it. Otherwise, the motor will be overloaded.

There are two main windshield wiper control systems - electrical and electronic. By electric we mean a system where modes are switched manually. This is done using a special control knob under the steering wheel. It contains controls for turning on the wipers, setting a pause in their operation and selecting a cleaning mode. The disadvantage of this system is the need for constant monitoring by the driver.

If control of glass cleaning is entrusted to electronics, then minimal human participation is assumed. The car is equipped with a special electronics unit and a rain sensor. The latter measures the cleanliness of the glass. Electronic control implements many functions:

• automatic switching on and off;
• regulation of the speed and frequency of wipers;
• shutdown when interference is detected on the glass surface;
• supply of windshield washer to improve the quality of cleaning;
• Heated brushes to prevent freezing even when the engine is off.

Car owners decide for themselves which specific type of brushes to use on their cars. There are several types of them, differing in operational properties and design.

Frame wipers combine accessibility and good cleaning properties. The design assumes a tight fit to the glass surface. However, these brushes greatly lose their performance at low temperatures or at high machine speeds.

A more expensive solution is frameless brushes. They clean glass better than frame ones. Low temperatures impair their performance properties to a lesser extent. Also, frameless ones have a longer service life. However, they have a significant drawback - it is difficult to choose a blade model that optimally matches the windshield.

Hybrid windshield wipers are best suited for winter conditions. That's why they are sometimes called winter ones. Outstanding low-temperature performance is ensured by its moisture-resistant design and rugged design. Therefore, hybrid windshield wipers are most often used in regions with long and severe winters, where the issue of keeping car windows clean is especially pressing.

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Until 1999, the windshield wiper mounting was the same for most cars. At that time, the “hook”, or Hook, became widespread. It was shaped like the letter U. The brush snapped into the mount and was securely fixed there. Nowadays, cars use several different types of fasteners for glass wipers, which we will discuss below.

Side pin - Volvo, BWM and other manufacturers have been equipped with fastenings of this type since 2005. The windshield wipers are fixed with a side pin with a diameter of 17 or 22 mm.

Button, or Push Button - brushes 16 mm wide are fixed through this adapter. The mount simply snaps into place, and to remove it, press the corresponding button.

Pin lock - brushes are secured using a special lock. Used by Audi.

The above list is not all of the many ways to fix windshield wipers. Manufacturers often use brush latches of their own design.

The design of windshield wipers is not complicated, but not a single modern car can do without this device. Thanks to wipers, the driver can clean the windows from dirt directly from his seat and thereby increase visibility of the road. The presence of an electronic control system allows you to completely free a person from the function of controlling glass cleaning, increasing driving safety and comfort of the driving process.

Front windshield wiper motor for VAZ Classic, Niva, Oka

Repair of wipers on VAZ 2107

Dear customers, in order to avoid errors when sending a windshield wiper gear motor, please indicate your car model and year of manufacture in the “Comment” line.

The windshield wiper drive motor is most often replaced by the following terms: wiper motor, wiper motor (electric motor), gear motor drive, wiper motor, wiper gear motor, windshield wiper. Therefore, if you hear these terms, then know that we are talking about the same thing.

The electric motor of the wiper mechanism is designed to drive the windshield wiper arm system. The electric motor is installed in a niche under the windshield and is connected by a shaft to the windshield wiper lever system. Power supply and control of the operating modes of the electric motor are carried out using a standard connector. The motor and gearbox are made in a closed housing with protection from dust and atmospheric moisture entering the electrical parts and mechanisms of the electric motor.

The windshield wiper consists of a gear motor, levers and brushes. The electric motor of the cleaner is three-brush, excited by permanent magnets. To protect against overloads, a thermobimetallic fuse is installed in it, and capacitors and chokes are installed to reduce radio interference.

Technical characteristics of the windshield wiper gear motor 21030-3730000 Rated voltage 12 V;

Rated power 6 W;

Maximum current 2.8 A;

Rated speed 60 min -1.

Windshield wiper: 1 — rear armature shaft bushing; 2 — felt ring; 3 — electric motor housing; 4 - permanent magnet; 5 - anchor; 6 - collector; 7 — traverse with brush holders, chokes and thermobimetallic fuses; 8 — front armature shaft bushing; 9 — panel with noise-suppressing capacitors and limit switch contacts; 10 — block of intermediate gears; 11 - cover; 12 — gear housing; 13 — driven gear; 14 — output shaft of the gearmotor; 15 — block of intermediate gears.

The windshield wiper motor has three operating modes, they are activated by the right steering column switch. Intermittent mode is provided by a K2 type electronic relay installed in the mounting block. This relay also turns on the wiper motor at low speed when the windshield washer is turned on.

When the gearmotor operates at low speed in constant mode, the supply voltage is supplied to diametrically opposed brushes. When the gear motor operates at maximum speed, “+” power is supplied to the brush located on the side. To unload the contacts of the ignition switch, the electric motor is connected through an additional relay KB in the mounting block.

Other articles of the product and its analogues in the catalogs: 673.5205 100, ME 241, YaIUSH. 523612.015, 21030373000000.

VAZ 2101-074, VAZ 2121-213, VAZ 1111.

Any breakdown is not the end of the world, but a completely solvable problem!

What are the causes of problems with the gearmotor (electric motor) of the wipers in a VAZ family car.

How to independently replace the gearmotor (electric motor) of a windshield wiper on a VAZ family car.

With the AvtoAzbuka online store, repair costs will be minimal.

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Causes of wiper motor malfunction

The windshield wiper drive motor has a weak point in the form of a large number of contacts in the circuit. As a result, voltage losses are large, and even one poor-quality contact leads to deterioration in operating stability. However, the problem is not always in the engine itself. This means that you should not rush into the question of how to change the wiper motor without completely checking all the contacts in the electrical circuit.

• Fuse . First thing to do is check the fuse. This is easy to do, but they fail quite often.
• Performance . Pay attention to the switch, whether it closes and opens the electrical circuit correctly.
• Operating parameters . Check the resistance at the breaker terminals using an ohmmeter. If there is no resistance, then this is a sufficient reason to replace the breaker.
• Correct connection . Without turning on the wipers, measure the resistance between ground and terminal No. 4. If the device readings are different from zero, it is necessary to ensure normal grounding.
• Measure the voltage at terminal No. 5 with the windshield wiper turned on at low speed . If the value matches that on the battery, then the lack of movement of the motor indicates the need to study the next section, which tells how to change the wiper motor.

Possible breakdowns

Various factors can cause a windshield wiper motor to fail, leading to disruption in the connections between the brushes and the commutator, a wedge in the gearbox, unstable operation of the motor, etc. At the same time, the windshield wiper motor does not always require replacement, leaving the possibility of maintaining the working condition by correcting the position system components - this applies, for example, to a bimetallic fuse. Malfunctions in speed modes usually result from failures in resistors or switches.

Problems with brushes can also be eliminated by simple manipulations with the stopping mechanism - in most cases, their adjustment allows you to restore the functionality of the cleaning elements. Aesthetic problems, including squeaking, grinding and other unpleasant sounds, are almost always solved by cleaning the brushes themselves. In addition, dry glass also leads to unfortunate noise.

Replacing the wiper motor yourself

Let’s assume that the results of diagnosing windshield wipers that have lost their functionality indicate a failure of the corresponding motor in a VAZ 2114 car. The problem can be solved by replacing it, which requires the following tool:

• flathead screwdriver;
• a wrench with a set of heads or wrenches for 10 and 13;
• good gear motor.

Since not all drivers can change the windshield wiper motor on their own, let’s next talk about the actions necessary for a successful result:

1. Disconnect the negative terminal from the car battery.
2. Place the windshield wiper arms in a vertical position.
3. Unscrew the lever fasteners.
4. Remove the levers from the drive rollers.
5. Remove the caps covering the drive.
6. Remove the nuts securing the gear motor bracket.
7. Remove safety washers.
8. Raise the hood and leave it like that.
9. Disconnect the connector with contacts for controlling the motor.
10. Open the fuse compartment cover and remove the relays that block access to the gearmotor mounts.
11. Remove the screw holding the bracket.
12. Remove the plastic wiring retainer.
13. Remove the fastening of the wires in the technological opening.
14. Unscrew the 3 bolts connecting the motor and trapezoid arms.
15. Remove the windshield wiper motor.

That's all the operations necessary to dismantle the wiper drive motor. When installing a new one, they are performed in the reverse order.

An important nuance of installing a new motor is to set the correct position of its shaft before connecting to the crank mechanism. For correct positioning, the gear motor without attachment to the trapezoid is switched on intermittently. Then wait for the shaft to stop in its extreme position. This will be the desired position.

After installing a new motor, you should definitely check its operation in all possible modes. If the problem is not solved, for example, the windshield wipers still stop at the extreme point, you need to diagnose the electrical part of the system. Trapezium limit switches and control relays are the most common sources of problems.

Important advice for those drivers who want to extend the trouble-free operation of their windshield wipers. It is useful to carry out an annual overhaul of the wiper system in order to check the wear of all components and parts. This way you can detect bending of the rod or play in the moving joints. Minor mechanical faults identified and corrected in a timely manner reduce the load on the gear motor and, as a result, contribute to its trouble-free operation.

Methods for attaching brushes

Before 1999, most car manufacturers used a type of mounting for OEM windshield wiper blades called a "hook" or "hook". This is a universal device in the shape of the letter “U”, which allows you to snap the brush into place and not worry about the reliability of its installation. The following types of mounts are currently gaining popularity:

1. Side pin - appeared in 2005 on BWM, Volvo and other cars. Allows brushes to be fixed using a special 22 or 17 mm side pin.
2. Button or “Push Button” is an adapter for standard 16 mm wide wiper blades. It is enough to snap the device into place for fastening, and to remove it you need to press a special button.
3. Pin lock - fixation of brushes using a special built-in lock. Used in Audi cars.

“Push Button” mounting scheme

Despite the relative simplicity of windshield wipers, it is difficult to imagine a modern car without them. Drivers can control the operation of the wipers directly from the cabin, remove dirt and improve visibility of the road situation. And electronic systems automatically monitor the cleanliness of the glass, increasing the comfort and safety of driving without human intervention.

Source

Advice from car enthusiasts and professionals

1. How to change the rear wiper motor

The mounting of the rear window of a car is usually different from the front. Therefore, the windshield wiper drive system is also designed differently there. Accordingly, the answer to the question of how to change the rear wiper motor also has a number of nuances:

• First of all, the windshield wiper is fixed in a vertical position to provide access to the fastening screws.
• The next stage is to disconnect all external communications from the mechanism and disassemble the structure itself. First of all, dismantle the lever, then the protective cap of the rotary shaft and unscrew the bracket fasteners.
• It is impossible to remove the rear wiper motor without freeing the trunk from the upholstery. It is held on by pistons that need to be removed in those places where the wiring connection block to the gearmotor is located.

Be sure to disconnect two pads. One is used for connecting cables, the second for cables.

• After disconnecting the electrical part, unscrew the screws holding the motor.
• Then you can remove the engine by turning it left and right.

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2. How to check the performance of the wiper motor

During repairs or inspections for preventive purposes, there are several ways to see malfunctions in the operation of the glass cleaning system:

• Brushes must be secured in their holders in a normal position, swing at a speed appropriate to the task, and not encounter any obstacles along the way.
• To diagnose the electric motor, use a tester. Its capabilities are sufficient to detect broken contacts and identify poor-quality connections.
• Disassembling the mechanism is necessary to visually inspect the condition of the gearbox gears. Pay special attention to the condition of the gears and threads on the rollers. Other mechanical components can be assessed during inspection even without disassembly.

Checking the functionality of the mechanisms

How to give new life to worn out windshield wipers.
how to change rubber bands on frameless wipers: video instructions and advice from professionals replacing rubber bands in frame wipers At the repair stage or during a preventative check of windshield wipers, you can identify problems in the device in several ways. The quality of the mechanism is primarily determined by the function of the brush and its position in the brush holder. The cleaning elements must move freely and easily at the specified speed. The electric motor itself is checked by a tester. In particular, such diagnostics makes it possible to detect irregularities in contacts and connections. When disassembled, the device allows you to evaluate the condition of the gearbox gear - in particular, the mentioned teeth and threads on the rollers are checked. The remaining components can be checked with the naked eye, even with a superficial inspection.

Connection diagram

If you encounter any difficulties, this diagram will help you figure out what you are doing wrong.

• wiper gearbox (1);
• thermobimetallic fuse (2);
• motor (3);
• washer valve (3);
• mounting block (4);
• ignition switch (5) and relay (6);
• switch (7);
• K3 front wiper relay (8);
• “A” – the contacts of the wiper pads are marked;
• “B” – output to pin 30 of the generator terminal;
• a – second speed;
• b – first;
• c – switch spring;
• d and e – his contacts;
• noise filtering capacitors – C1, C2;
• chokes – L1, L2.

The design of the windshield wiper on the VAZ 2110 is quite reliable and during normal operation the motor and the trapezoid itself can easily move all 300,000 km, which has been proven by the personal experience of many owners. But there are also exceptions to the rules.

Washer problems

Diagram of the washer system Breakdowns and methods for eliminating them are different. Let's get to know them in more detail.

1. The steering column switch does not work. Make sure of this by closing two contacts under the steering wheel - front contact 53ah-w, rear - 53ah-wh, and then measure the resistance. If it is low, the switch is replaced with a new one.
2. There is no water flowing through the washer pump. It should also be replaced.
3. Dirt has formed in the injectors. Use a sharp needle to clean them.
4. The wire that connects the pump and the switch has broken. You understand that the only option is replacement.
5. Relay K3 is faulty. Again, you have no choice but to change the relay.
6. The hose ruptured and its integrity was compromised. What do you think should be done in such a situation? Absolutely right - change the hose.

Review

Many dozens of car owners agree that the windshield wiper motor of the VAZ 2110 is quite frail - both in old and new modifications. Moreover, its operation depends on many parameters: the condition of the wiper rubber bands, wind, the amount of water pouring onto the glass, the voltage supplied to the wiper motor. Usually there are more complaints about the front window wiper, but the rear window on models 2111 and 2112 also has exactly the same gear motor.

Windshield wiper motor VAZ 2110