The Garage 318

17 NEWS
stylish look comes from an integrated
spoiler that runs the whole length
of the blade, which reduces wind
lift at high speed, whilst providing a
constant downforce for an even load
distribution across the windscreen.
This design offers a chatter free,
smooth wiping action, which prolongs
the life of the blade and has become
the choice blade for many, whether
that’s as a direct replacement or to
replace the conventional blades that
were fitted as standard.
No range is complete without a rear
blade offering and the high strength
zinc galvanised frame with UV coating
and liquid graphite coated blade,
combined with multiple mounting
clips, means that these blades make
the ideal rear wiper replacement
and provide the final element in the
premium quality Borg & Beck wiper
blade range. Sizes range from 8 to 16
inch.
Wiper motors
Availability is key in the aftermarket
and Borg & Beck has found that, due
to vehicle defects, some motors are
more prone to failure than others. For
instance, the Renault Clio wiper motor
(FWM1004/BWM1004) fails as a result
of being submerged in water due to a
blocked drain channel, it is therefore
recommended that technicians check
this when vehicles come into the
workshop, especially during Winter.
To resolve the situation, technicians
obviously need to replace the wiper
motor, but during the procedure,
must also remember to clear the
blockage. In addition, proactive
workshops would do well to advise
the customer to keep an eye on the
situation to ensure it is kept free of
debris and able to drain properly.
Nissan Qashqai
On most cars, the most common
cause of the wiper motor failure is
because linkages wear, which leads
to the ball joints popping off their
sockets, bringing the wiper blades
to a complete stop. However, with
this popular, first generation Nissan
Qashqai there is another big problem
to be aware of.
Reacting to the high demand
for replacement motors for this
vehicle, the First Line product
team investigated the problem and
discovered an oversight made during
the design and specification of the
vehicle at original equipment level,
which results in the output shaft
seizing, due to the build-up of rust.
This is caused because the output
shaft is neither sealed nor lubricated
and due to its location, following heavy
rainfall, water is able to penetrate
between the shaft and motor housing,
which allows rust to accumulate. As
the rust builds up, the motor is put
under stress as it contends with the
rising levels of friction on the shaft
to keep the wipers moving, until
the point when the increased load
is drawing a current greater than
30amps, which is when the wiper
motor’s fuse will blow.
In addition, should the water that
has penetrated between the shaft and
housing freeze or the wiper blades
freeze to the windscreen and are not
freed before the wipers are switched
on, the excessive load on the motor
may also induce premature failure.
As wiper blades are a crucial
safety feature, technicians should be
checking them and the mechanism,
including the motor, on every vehicle
as part of the service inspection.
Regardless, it is however advised
by Borg & Beck that this time of the
year is the best time to replace Wiper
Blades, as this is when they are going
to be in need the most.
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