Wire wiper mechanism for Volvo 200, 700, 900, S90/V90
13.09.2024
The wire ropes in the wiper linkages of many old Volvos convert the lifting movement of the rod into the rotary movement of the shaft. They are fixed at two points on the rod and run over a plastic roller at the bottom of the wiper shaft.
The advantage of this type of transmission is that no plastic joints fall apart with age, as is often the case with some other vehicle manufacturers. In the Volvo 200, 700 and 900, the front wiper mechanisms in particular are also among the inconspicuous, robust parts. Defects usually only occur at astronomical mileages.
In addition to a worn motor or a seized wiper shaft, the stainless steel transmission cables occasionally break. A seized wiper shaft may be to blame, but in most cases the cable is simply fatigued.
Crane operators refer to this as “discarded rope” when individual wires break and the rope splices. Replacement is then absolutely essential.
Now, with a wiper boom, a load weighing several tons does not immediately fall on your head if the rope breaks. Nevertheless, it is more than annoying when a wiper arm suddenly stops in the pouring rain. And rest assured: this is exactly when it happens.
Most of these cables are no longer available from the vehicle manufacturer. Of course, we noticed this when a friend came to the door with exactly this problem a few months ago. Because there was still a used wiper linkage lying around somewhere, it was quickly repaired. After this incident, we took a closer look at our cars and realized that it wouldn't have lasted much longer in some places.
We obtained samples of the ropes and ordered a reproduction. None of us wanted to wait out the rain on the hard shoulder either.
We tested the new ropes on three wiper mechanisms and found them to be good; one of our cars is already undergoing the endurance test. On two of these used linkages from cars with 340,000-450,000 kilometers, one cable was already on the verge of breaking. When we write that you should have a look, then this is serious advice and, at least in the case of the 700 and 900 Volvo, can be done quickly.
The water tank also gratefully accepts a little cleaning and preservation, and the linkage is also happy to receive some grease.
The reproduced stainless steel cables for the wiper mechanism are now available in our store under the numbers listed below.
suitable for the following models:
- Volvo 200: all models
- Volvo 700: all models
- Volvo 900: all models
- Volvo S90, V90 (-1998): all models
