So yeah, over the weekend I had to replace one of the windscreen wiper linkages. Never done it before, so I decided to make a quick guide just in case anyone else needs to do it. It's reasonably easy, just a little fiddle.

Please note, this is to replace the linkage that goes from the back of the wiper motor to the centre. Apparently, a common fault is for the ball joint that sits in the back of the wiper motor can eventually wear away and will pop out, stopping the wipers moving.

What you need:
- Size 12 spanner / socket.
- Flathead screwdriver (for prising stuff apart)

1) First of all, you need to unclip the rubber seal that goes along the top of the engine bay. It's held on with clips that run the length of the seal, and two holders it kind of slots into at the sides. Just gently pull it off. If any of the clips get stuck in the car and don't come out with the seal, just pick them out and slide them back into the seal.

[img]http://matt-wall.com/club323f/guides/bj-wiper-linkages/1.jpg[/img]
[img]http://matt-wall.com/club323f/guides/bj-wiper-linkages/2.jpg[/img]

2) Once you've got this off, you need to pull out the two rubber covers for the windscreen wiper nuts. Undo them and remove the wipers.

[img]http://matt-wall.com/club323f/guides/bj-wiper-linkages/3.jpg[/img]
[img]http://matt-wall.com/club323f/guides/bj-wiper-linkages/4.jpg[/img]

3) Now you need to take off the plastic cover that covers where the linkages sit. I forgot to take a picture of the removal, but you have to gently prise it off as it's held on with clips. Use your common sense and don't bend it, rather just prise off close to each retaining clip. I think there was 6.

[img]http://matt-wall.com/club323f/guides/bj-wiper-linkages/5.jpg[/img]

4) Next, because my linkage had popped off the morning I was going to change it, I decided to take a picture and show where the linkage pops into the ball joint. This is on the far right of the engine bay behind the windscreen wiper motor.

[img]http://matt-wall.com/club323f/guides/bj-wiper-linkages/6.jpg[/img]

5) Now, you need to take off the other side of the linkage, which is held on with a strong clip in the centre-top of the engine bay, underneath where the right wiper is fixed. Pull the other linkage away from the centre to move everything over to allow easier access. I removed this by forcing a screwdriver onto where the linkage was clipped on until it came off. The picture below shows where the right side linkage connects.

[img]http://matt-wall.com/club323f/guides/bj-wiper-linkages/7.jpg[/img]

6) Comparison shot of the new/old wiper linkages.

[img]http://matt-wall.com/club323f/guides/bj-wiper-linkages/8.jpg[/img]

7) I'm sure you all know how to put everything back together, so I didn't (couldn't be bothered) to take pictures, but here's the replacement steps:

- Slide the new wiper linkage in. Push the holder with the black rubber seal over the ball joint on the back of the motor until it pops in and is secure.
- Clip the other side of the linkage into the central holder.
- Test it! Don't put it back together before making sure it all moves fine when the wipers are turned on.
- Replace the plastic cover and push each clip in. I gave it a bit of a whack.
- Replace the windscreen wipers, bolt on and tighten.
- Replace the rubber seal.

Step back and admire your work!

[img]http://matt-wall.com/club323f/guides/bj-wiper-linkages/9.jpg[/img]

Good guide Matty, nice one.
Hows the rust (or potential for) behind the scuttle panel? Always a favourite cause of wet carpets....

[quote="Neil F"]Good guide Matty, nice one.
Hows the rust (or potential for) behind the scuttle panel? Always a favourite cause of wet carpets....[/quote]

Everything seemed pretty sound under there to be honest, very mucky, but reasonably sound. I've been quite lucky with my Sport, the only visible rust is a tiny bit around the rear numberplate.

A possible reason for the balljoints wearing could be seizing wiper spindles.On mine they were seizing and starting to squeak so I took the time to remove the spindle and strip them down(small wire clip holding it all together), clean and re-grease.
Cost zero, saving:- possibly the cost of linkage.

[quote="keithski122"]A possible reason for the balljoints wearing could be seizing wiper spindles.On mine they were seizing and starting to squeak so I took the time to remove the spindle and strip them down(small wire clip holding it all together), clean and re-grease.
Cost zero, saving:- possibly the cost of linkage.[/quote]

Only cost £15 for the linkage, but I'll keep an eye out for that. Cheers!

You been at that heat shield mate?

[quote="Clarky"]You been at that heat shield mate?[/quote]

Ayyeeee, had it out to spray it. Really couldn't be bothered polishing all that rust off!