|
The problem with VAG wiper spindle bearings is twofold. Firstly there is no adequate water sealing (do VAG actually understand how water and gravity work?) to prevent the bearings from getting wet and secondly, they use cheapskate sintered iron bushings for bearings - which rust. Better designs use non ferrous bushes and effective water seals.
As part of a useful maintenance schedule for any VAG vehicle, it's worth releasing the circlips at the spindle bearings under the arms, dropping the spindles and giving the bearings a good soaking in oil every couple of years.
I did this on my Superb when it was nearly new - there was not much evidence of any lubricant in there - but the arms are difficult to free. Despite being fairly new, I needed to use a 2 jaw puller (quite a big one) to release the arms from the tapers. Any other method would have caused damage as the arms were very tight, but not corroded.
If you use a puller, one tip is to park the wipers with the arms nearly vertical - otherwise the bonnet gets in the way. Wind in a litlle preload and give the puller draw bolt a tap with a hammer.
659.
|
