Introduction: Fiat Punto Upgrade Front Wiper Motor Linkage Repair Replacement Push Rod Rods Set 1999-2006 Instruction Guide Install
Symptoms of the fault
The symptoms of this fault are very obvious; windscreen wipers simply not working, there's only one windscreen wiper working or the windscreen wiper movement is erratic or juddering with the wiper link popping off frequently.
The cause
The poor quality bearings on your vehicles wiper linkage rods wear causing these symptoms
The original soft plastic bush bearings on each end of the two wiper linkage push rods wear down leading to the push rods popping off of their respective ball joint. Dependent on which rod pops off or if the rods haven't popped of but there is excess movement in the joint this will cause the symptoms noted above. It is a very common fault on this model. Until now it has only been possible to buy a whole new wiper mechanism at vast cost which would just fail again.
The solution
Fit our exclusive high quality replacement push rods and restore your wipers to full health.
Our high quality new rods simply replace the original worn out rods; this is a very simple process, with full instructions included. Save the cost of a complete replacement mechanism that would just fail again. Our rods are fitted with upgraded high quality plastic bearings giving a smoother and more reliable wipe, a vast improvement over the OEM part, designed to last the life of the vehicle not the life of the vehicles warranty.
Vehicles affected
Fiat Punto all models 1999-2006
Associated part numbers:
46834852 MK2 188 51704326 MS159200-7350 60511005
Available exclusively from X8R Ltd
Step 1: Label the Wiper Arms
Wrap masking tape around the wiper arms and label them n/s for passenger side and o/s for drivers side. This is key for the re-fit to ensure the correct arm is on the correct spindle.
Step 2: Remove the Wiper Arm Nut Covers
Remove the wiper arm nut covers using a flat blade screwdriver or small pry bar.
Step 3: Remove the Wiper Arms
Remove the 13mm nut from each wiper arm and retain the small washer from under the nut.
Once the nuts are removed from the arms pull on the arms to remove them from their spindle.
If the arms can't easily be removed re-fit the nuts. With the nuts re-fitted shock the nuts using a small hammer or mallet to shock the arms free, the arms will now be free to be removed.
Step 4: Open the Bonnet
Open the bonnet; the bonnet release (Red lever pull) is in the driver’s side (o/s) footwell.
Step 5: Remove the Scuttle Panel
Unscrew 3x Philip screws.
Lift scuttle out of position, the scuttle will bend in the middle to allow you to remove.
Step 6: Unplug the Wiper Motor
Remove the plastic cover from the wiper motor, this will simply lift off.
Unplug the electrical connector to the wiper motor; the tab on the plug should be lifted up and the plug pulled back. Tuck the wires / connector out of the way.
Step 7: Remove the Wiper Motor / Linkage
Remove the 2x 10mm bolts holding the linkage mechanism in place.
Please note that the linkage mechanism has a tab at the front which slots in to the car through a small rubber fitting, the linkage needs to be angled up to allow the linkage to be removed from this fitting.
Remove the linkage mechanism from the vehicle.
Step 8: Remove the Old Wiper Rods
Position the wiper linkage mechanism in a vice as shown.
Using a 15mm spanner, slot the spanner behind the rod and lever the rod to pop the bush off of the ball joint.
Repeat this process for all 4 bushes; some of the bushes will likely be loose or will have already popped off of their ball joint.
When removing the top rod on the duel linkage this will likely push the bottom bush further on to the ball joint, use a flat bladed screw driver to free up the bush then remove with the spanner.
Step 9: Fit Our New Linkage Push Rods
Please note the image showing the correct orientation of the new push rods.
Please follow the below to attach the rods to the ball joints:
Position the bush at the end of our push rod over the ball joint, using a G clamp as shown wind the G clamp in; pressing the bush over the ball joint. You will hear a click sound once the bush is fully engaged and secured on the ball joint.
Repeat this process for all 4 bushes.
Step 10: Refit the Mechanism to the Vehicle and Test
Refit the linkage mechanism to the vehicle and test function.
Upon refitting the wiper arms if the sweep of an arm is incorrect remove the 13mm nut and refit but with the arm slightly higher and bolt it back up again, if needed repeat this until the sweep is correct.
If you need any further guidance on this install or would like to purchase the parts shown please call us on +44 01843 446643 or email us at sales@x8r.co.uk . Please also check out our instruction guide on YouTube.
Installation is carried out at installers risk, if unsure please contact us or a professional, X8R Ltd cannot be held responsible for any adverse result of installing this product or any injuries caused by install, if in doubt ask a professional. All images and texts are copyright X8R Ltd 2013
