Author Topic: Wiper Switch  (Read 969 times)

Harry

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Wiper Switch
« on: November 01, 2024, 20:22:00 »
1966 230SL
Another challenge!

You could easily count on one hand the number of times this car has been caught in the rain but on one of my last outing, danged if I didn't get rained on.  No big deal really except that the wiper switch on the turn signal stalk quit working and I was unable to turn off the wipers.  (I did so by unplugging the connector under the hood at the wiper motor.)

I have removed the steering column because I already had it loose to address the starter switch replacement, so it was just a few more easy steps to get it out of the car.  I was able to remove the pin that secures the outer shell of the switch and when inspecting, I found a loose, very small ball bearing the appears to set under a spring in the speed selector rocker?  It could have come loose just taking the switch apart.  Nothing looks broken, per se, but something was clearly wrong.

I checked the Tech Manual and couldn't find anything there in terms of a diagram that shows how this is supposed assemble/work.

No doubt some of you have shared this experience.  Any advice?

Thanks,
Harry
Harry Bailey
Knoxville, TN
1966 230SL
Automatic

DavidAPease

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Re: Wiper Switch
« Reply #1 on: November 01, 2024, 22:59:48 »
My advice: Send it Sead (one of our members who specializes in rebuilding these).

         -David

P.S.  Coincidentally, this topic also showed up yesterday or today https://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=37468.0
« Last Edit: November 01, 2024, 23:08:06 by DavidAPease »
-David Pease
 '66 230SL (Originally sold in Paris)

Lorsar

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Re: Wiper Switch
« Reply #2 on: November 02, 2024, 02:05:01 »
There is some info here:

https://www.sl113.org/wiki/Electrical/SteeringColumnSwitch#toc-2.1

And it does mention that the small ball bearing can become dislodged causing the issue
Lori
1968 280SL (US)

Harry

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Re: Wiper Switch
« Reply #3 on: November 27, 2024, 21:04:42 »
David and Lorl,

I apologize for not closing the loop with you on this switch.  I did indeed find the small ball bearing had become dislodged and was apparently binding the switch.  I cleaned everything very well, lubricated and reinstalled.  I haven't turned them on since then but the switch "feels" as though it is operating properly (no longer bound).  Plus, the wipers are OFF now.  They were previously stuck in the ON position.

It also appeared to be in relatively good shape.  Not perfect considering its age, but operable.  Fortunately, this car only sees rain when we get caught in it and we typically look at weather before we head out.

Thanks for your assistance!
Harry
Harry Bailey
Knoxville, TN
1966 230SL
Automatic