This guide covers how to remove the windscreen wiper mechanism and strip/lubricate the spindles.

This effects all Galaxy's and is caused by corrosion build up between the spindle and support shaft. The spindle is chrome coated to resist corrosion but over time this is scratched off by the constant rotation and then corrosion begins, it's first seen as the wiper's working slower then normal, after this they start to judder and eventually will start/stop sporadically when in use before finally completely failing. Most garages will only undertake replacement of the assembly which is around Ã,£350 however the spindles can be saved but Its important to diagnose this as early as possible, freeing the mechanism becomes harder and harder the longer they are left.

Important Note: Freeing the mechanism will normally require a fair amount of patience, Take you time! NONE of the assembly can be purchased as components so damaging the spindles must be avoided else the entire mechanism will be required.

First up the bulkhead extender needs to be removed, this is detailed here: Bulkhead Extension Panel Removal

With the panel out the windscreen wipers are next to be removed, to aid refitting a strip of tape can be applied to the windscreen to mark where each wiper sits. Undo the bolt holding the arm in place and then, with the bonnet lowered, lift the arm from the screen to the "up in the air position" and wiggle it free of the spindle. On pre 2004 car's the plastic panels under the arm's can now be pulled off, they are simply clipped into position and require upright effort to remove. Post 2004 cars the whole scuttle plate is removed as one piece, pull it down (towards the front of the car) to free it from the bottom of the screen and then lift up and out.

With the scuttle and arms off the mechanism can now be seen, its held in place with three bolts as shown here (Red arrows - zoomed in 2nd photo. NB Some cars are a 4 bolt design and have two central bolts.

The wiring connector should be disconnected at this stage (Right green arrow) and the wiring harness unclipped from the mechanism (Lower green arrow). The harness it held in place by means of a plastic guide that's clipped onto a stub from the mechanism - this can be incredibly hard to free as the plastic latch is on the rear side and subsequently inaccessible, in some cases it may be easier to detach the loom from the guide instead.

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With the mechanism unbolted it can be slid out from the scuttle and work can start on freeing the spindles. An E-Ring holds the spindle in place and this must be removed first.
Directly below the E-Ring is a rubber O-Ring that must be recovered.

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Next up is to pop the ball joint's off the arm's which will allow the spindles to be worked on. They are simply push-fit and can be levered out with a large flat blade:

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Finally work can begin on freeing the spindle from the shaft. The spindle needs to be taken down through the shaft as shown in the left photo, use plenty of penetrating oil to help free the spindle. Use a small hammer to tap the spindle down but before doing so refit the wiper arms nut to provide more area - Remember: The spindle is a weak metal, hitting it with excess force will bend or otherwise damage it making the entire process pointless. In most cases and unless the problem was caught early then you'll end up wondering how on earth the motor was turning the arm and the spindle won't yield easily, keep using the oil and have patience! The metal gold coloured base of the spindle is a harder metal and it can be a benefit (once a gap has been opened) to insert a spanner here and then hit that. Rotating the spindle around will also help in the freeing process.

Once the spindle is free, recover the two washers on the bottom and then use some sandpaper to remove the corrosion and a half-moon file to clean the inside of the shaft. Test the spindle in the shaft regularly to check fitment, the spindle should slide in without force and be easy to rotate by hand. Its important to stop before it becomes too loose in the shaft as this will allow the wipers to vibrate during operation. Finally apply a liberal amount of grease to the spindle and inside the shaft, work the grease inside the shaft to ensure all the surfaces are covered. CV joint grease is ideal for this application and is easily available.

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When refitting don't forget the two washers on the bottom of the shim and make sure the rubber O-Ring is in place before putting the E-Ring back on, you can see the location below. The ball joints can be tapped back together (support the arm and tap with the hammer) or use a ratchet clamp to provide equal force.

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Galaxy - Windscreen Wiper Motor, Electrical Diagram:

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