Passenger side Windshield Wiper Pivot base removal

[eamanb]

Hello Samba,

My newly acquired 1987 Syncro came with the passenger side wiper pivot shaft ,where the threads are located, broken. I read on GoWesty that I could drill and tap the shaft to convert the nut into a bolt but that seems like it requires finess and steady hands that I believe I have but would like to prepare for failure. Therefore, my question to you is whether removal of the pivot base on the passenger side necessitates removal of the dash or if it is possible to remove the pivot base without dash removal? Please let me know if you happen to have completed this task or can shed any light on my situation please.

Thanks,

Eaman
Passenger:

Driver

[dodgerbleu]

Did you figure this out? My driver's side pivot bolt is broken, not ideal!
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Wolfie the Westy
1985 Westfalia Wolfsburg ej22

[IdahoDoug]

I'm quite certain this requires the dash out, but would leave it to the clever folks here if someone's figured a work around.

Were it me, I'd have a welder weld on a new threaded section, then use a stack of washers if needed to have the bold tighten on clean threads, vs down where there might be a welding blob.

If not that, the drill and tap would be my second choice. You'll also want to clean those tapered grooves completely of the metal that accumulates there. They are supposed to dig into the wiper's cone shape for secure grip. I'd also get new wiper arms so they have a good surface to grip onto.
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1987 2WD Wolfsburg Vanagon Weekender "Mango", two fully locked 80 Series LandCruisers. 2017 Subaru Outback boxer. 1990 Audi 90 Quattro 20V with rear locking differential, 1990 burgundy parts Vanagon. 1984 Porsche 944, 1988 Toyota Supra 5 speed targa, 2002 BMW 325iX, 1982 Toyota Sunrader

[Red Ryder]

Remove dash, replace required parts, reinstall dash, and be happy for years!
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“Most everyone’s mad here. You may have noticed I am not quite all there myself.” — Cheshire Cat, Adventures of Alice in Wonderland

“Scarlett” — 1990 Vanagon Carat Wolfsburg Edition
Tornado Red

[dodgerbleu]

Thanks Doug!

My order of operations for rescue will be:

1. Try drill and tap and see if that holds
2. Install new pivot. I found a post (linked below) where a member was able to remove and replace the driver's side pivot by only removing the dash cluster and moving some vent hoses, so I'll try that if the drill/tap fails.

https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=675604&highlight=wiper+pivot
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Wolfie the Westy
1985 Westfalia Wolfsburg ej22

[Red Ryder]

I believe it is his passenger side pivot that is FUBAR…
_________________
“Most everyone’s mad here. You may have noticed I am not quite all there myself.” — Cheshire Cat, Adventures of Alice in Wonderland

“Scarlett” — 1990 Vanagon Carat Wolfsburg Edition
Tornado Red

[MarkWard]