C1 Wiper Transmission

[Brad K.]

I would appreciate some advice on how to actually rebuild the LH wiper transmission on a C1. I have a lot of assembly self-pride and I don't want to send it to to someone to rebuild it for me (unless I have too!).....I have all the parts now but I cannot get the 6' long shaft inserted completely through the mechanism because the cable tension spring extends into the path of the shaft.

Also...I understand how you are supposed to tension the cables upon installation, but how do you press the shaft into the device so the cable tensioning procedures actually work? In other words how do you actually position the two discs before you press the shaft into the splines. Are any special tools required?

All the writeups I have only show an exploded view of the mechanism....or it shows how to install the completed transmission and tighten the cables. No where do they show how to actually put the sucker together!

[Richard M.]

Re: C1 Wiper Transmission

Brad,

I, like you, are a DIY type. I used this writeup.....very informative.

http://www.carols62.com/59/wiper_trans.htm

I have a pdf copy but for some reason it won't allow me to download.

On one set I did, I had to grind the end of the shaft at the wiper arm end to remove the shaft from that end after removing the clutch disc ends. At assembly, I peened the shaft wiper arm end in multiple spots to reattach. Here is a sequence of photos of the process I used in this post....
https://www.forums.ncrs.org/showthre...889#post733889

You cannot set the clutch tension before or during assembly. Once the unit is totally assembled you have to have a helper. Clamp it in a soft jam vice, firmly so it won't fly away on you. Have the helper push on the shaft wiper arm end while you pull on the cables. When you have pulled them to their max, have the helper release the shaft and the clutch should hold. I have actually done this solo before, but very tricky to push the shaft end and the 2 cables at once, then release the arm end.

Try not to "saw" the teeth of the clutch halves or they may not hold later. Once the clutch is locked then you can install in the car as the cables will be lengthened. I usually wrap the cables around the center spool before tightening the transmission hardware. It helps leave a little extra cable slack.

Rich

[Bob W.]

Re: C1 Wiper Transmission

Rich Great this will be very helpful when I do my 1959 thanks

Bob

[Brad K.]

Re: C1 Wiper Transmission

Thanks for the carols62.com writeup, Rich....It seems to be lacking the info that I really needed. My problem is...as the wipers were both operating properly on my car, the LH unit just came apart.....because the main shaft splines came out of the housing and the whole unit just came apart in pieces (pulleys and cables alike). The writeup states at the bottom of the 3rd page to "make a sketch" of the relationship between the pulleys BEFORE you disassemble. Needless to say that wasn't possible in my case.

However....your note of January 31st of last year and the detailed collection of photos you took was the explanation that I really needed. I think I can glean enough detail to assemble my unit....Thanks goodness there are people like you that take the time to photograph EVERYTHING !

[Richard M.]

Re: C1 Wiper Transmission

Brad, Glad it helped.

It sounds like the splines stripped in the pulleys/clutches and that's why it came apart. One method to reattach would be to precisely drill the shaft and pulley assembly and install a small split pin to hold it together. You might even be able to use 2 pins 90* apart just slightly above one another.

Rich

[Frank D.]

Re: C1 Wiper Transmission

Brad, Glad it helped.

It sounds like the splines stripped in the pulleys/clutches and that's why it came apart. One method to reattach would be to precisely drill the shaft and pulley assembly and install a small split pin to hold it together. You might even be able to use 2 pins 90* apart just slightly above one another.

Rich

This is how the better rebuilders solve the problem. The bottom end of the wiper trannys are usually peened over and if that fails I've seen the shafts drop right out onto the floor boards. Only push down on the shaft JUST enough to unlock the pawls on the two wheels...don't jam down on it like its a strongman contest...

Reinstalling the wiper system is a hoot because you're working upside down and backwards...its a brain game....maybe the graphic I made up will help.

[Brad K.]

Re: C1 Wiper Transmission

OK....I've got it almost back together after studying Rich's series of photos. The problem is now that the gap between pulleys won't close up and the tiny teeth and pawls will not lock up. The shaft extension currently is just even with the far end of the last pulley. If I press it further onto the last pulley the whole works locks up and the shaft will not turn. Could it be the first pulley is simply slipped downward onto it's splines and therefore the gap? I may have struck the shaft a little bit too hard in my past futile assembly efforts....

[Richard M.]

Re: C1 Wiper Transmission

Brad, Did you disassemble the entire mechanism? The center shaft spring may be compressed and stuck. Everything has to be clean and lubed inside. You may have to stretch the center spring to regain it's force. This is what pushes on the inner pulley IIRC.

Rich

[Brad K.]

Re: C1 Wiper Transmission

Rich....I did not completely disassemble the unit.....Everything was very clean, nothing as rusty as the one in your photos. I forgot to mention that I can completely depress the shaft and the linear spring inside the housing to about the thickness of two nickels (which includes the initial gap of a little less than 1/16") Since I haven't looked inside I am assuming everything is OK as the shaft smoothly depresses.

[Richard M.]

Re: C1 Wiper Transmission

Okay, but I did a pair once that looked good on the outside but the shafts and internals were quite rusted. I always take them completely apart for a 100% inspection, cleaning and lubrication.

You could try some penetrating fluid/spray in the shaft/column and see if it helps.

Rich

[Brad K.]

Re: C1 Wiper Transmission

OK.....Will Do

[Brad K.]

Re: C1 Wiper Transmission

OK...I've totally disassembled the whole works....Everything was lubed, no rust and sliding freely....I've taken pictures of all the pieces and I will send them to you in the morning....still apart.....I'm tired....going to bed.....it's 9:30 in the midwest.....I'm retired and need my rest....we'll solve this issue tomorrow!

[Richard M.]

Re: C1 Wiper Transmission

Brad, Be sure that the splined collar moves freely on the shaft. It's shoulder pushes against the spring. This tension pushes on the inner spool. This then pushes the inner spool towards the outer spool. The outer spool is held in place when it's pressed on the shaft end, which has to be locked in. The end of the shaft must be peened or locked in place to keep it in place.

If the outer spool moves out of the shaft it could cause your issue. Make sure it's locked in place. If it slides out away from the shaft it won't hold. If so, this is where you may have to drill and add a small split pin.

Some photos of your pieces would aid in trying to figure out the problem. If you want to, send me your pictures in a email and I could post for you if you want. I'll email my addr to you.

Rich

[Brad K.]

Re: C1 Wiper Transmission

Take a look at these photos...I think I found WHAT is wrong but I don't know how to FIX it:wiper transmission 016.jpgwiper transmission 009.jpgwiper transmission 008.jpgwiper transmission 005.jpgwiper transmission 010.jpgwiper transmission 015.jpgwiper transmission 014.jpgwiper transmission 011.jpgwiper transmission 013.jpgwiper transmission 006.jpgwiper transmission 004.jpg

When I put the two halves of the pulleys together WITHOUT the spring....They mate up and make little ratcheting noises when I turn them. When I insert the spring and I attempt to press them together they will not come together and leave a gap of about 1/8" (see my note yesterday. What is is about the spring that causes this??

[Richard M.]

Re: C1 Wiper Transmission

Brad, The hook at the center of the spring has to slide into the slot of the other spool. I also think you have to get the spring long end hook rotated into the deeper groove of the spool in your 8th photo.

Also, your 1st photo shows a bronze bushing between the spring and the thin washer. The shaft spring should mate directly to the thin washer which is against the step in the shaft. I'm not sure what that small bronze bushing is doing there. Your last photo has a arrow pointing to it.

It's not shown below in the parts list from the document or in mine in the photos I posted. There is a large bearing/bushing, but not a small one. I'm a bit confused.
05250301.jpg

Also, that large bushing needs to be held firmly in the housing. You may have to peen the sides of the bushing to keep it solidly held inside the housing. Peen it to make some of the metal raise up in several spots. Doing this will make it fit tighter in the housing.

Rich