Chrysler's Crappy Plastic Everything!

The car is a 1987 Fifth Avenue. The wiper linkage makes a horrible clanking
as the wipers run and there is a lot of play in the arms. So, I decide
fixing the wipers will be today's project. I figured I would tighten up the
nuts on the linkage, add a few dabs of grease here and there and I'd be all
set.

Hah! Right...

From what I can gather, the reason my wiper linkage clanks and clatters is
that there are no actually nuts and bolts holding the linkgae together, just
a pin and some plastic bushings/grommets. And of course, being 16 years
old, the bushings are all deteriorated and three pins are missing the
bushings.

Is that really how Chrysler did it? Just plastic clips and not actual nuts
secured to bolts? I sure couldn't feel any threads on the "pins" that
protrude and allow the various parts of the linkage to fit together.

-Steve

 

As opposed to what?

On my 70 'cuda, I spent an entire day brazing the (worn out)
bronze wiper linkage bushings shut and then re-drilling and
reaming them to correct size to get them quiet and to park
properly.

 

....as is the case with just about every car made in the last several
decades...

No, it's a carefully-crafted illusion designed explicitly to make you look
like an idiot on this group when you rant and rave instead of simply
purchasing replacement nylon bushings for very little money, installing
them and enjoying another 16 years' worth of quiet windshield wiping.

 

Dude, that's how EVERYBODY did it (and still do it) ever since plastics
became rugged enough. Older cars (like my '66) use bronze bushings with
C-clips, and you should HEAR the clanking that they make even when
tight. They're also not replaceable. Plastic is actually better in that
application, if you ask my opinion. You can get a blister pack of brand
new nylon wiper linkage bushings for a buck in the "Help!" section at
any parts store. Pre-greased and ready to snap in place.

 

Oh, okay, I didn't realize this...

And I really wasn't ranting and raving... I love my little ole Chrysler.

What threw me was there that wasn't even a metal clip. Hell, my 1992 Geo
Metro at least has metal clips holding the linkage together. There are
plastic bushings, too, but a clip keeps everything snug.

I live in BFE and the parts store here is about useless. I have to travel
about 45 miles to get to a decent parts store that stocks little things like
these bushings or can actually order special items.

I'm still hoping to find a factory service manual on eBay!

-Steve

 

I really wasn't ranting and raving. I just was a bit surprised to see that
there wasn't even a metal clip holding things snug. One of my other
vehicles has plastic bushings, but it's topped off with a metal clip that
wraps around to keep things snug.

And, the parts store I have here out in BFE is not the best. I questioned
about new bushings and they said I was out of luck... Another Steve has
posted and suggested that I can find generic bushings, so when i do my
weekly trip into town and to a REAL parts store I will see what I can find.

 

Had to visit three parts stores, but finally found one that had bushings.
"Help!" brand. $3.00 for two bushings. I bought two packages and all is
fine and dandy now...

 

Don't forget the illustrious discussion you had without even buying someone a
beer ;-)

Fortunately news groups like this one have all kinds of suggestions that
usually put one on the correct track. For humor you should go and read some of
the news groups where the main agenda/title of the NG has been subverted into
attacks on racism, electric trains or whatever is blowing that particular day.
Come to think of it, I have never seen and discussion about oil changes on steam
engines on this NG. But then understand Chrysler never made any cars with those
engines.

 

I should have been drinking when I put the bastards in! The fit was very
tight and there is extremely little room to work. Not to mention all of the
very sharp flsh left on the raw edges of sheetmetal in that area...

Took me quite some time to get them to snap in and I used muscles I never
knew I had... contorting around the hood and getting my hands up in where
the linkage is...

 

See what you got besides the illustrious conversation - a Jane Fonda workout
without Hanoi Jane. Better that wayI You have the car. Ted has Jane.

 

No he doesn't!!!