Galaxy mk2 2.3 16v Wiper Linkage

[Dreammeister]

Hi,

So I know the subject of wiper linkages seizing up has been covered fairly extensively here.

I recently removed the linkage from my Galaxy Mk2 2.3 (2000) and attempted to free the spindles. I managed to remove one spindle no problem, the second spindle was completely seized and after an hour or so of bashing I'd managed to free it by about 1cm, but everything was still in good shape.

Now the fun part, I decided to take it to my local garage to see if they had a better technique than my crude hammer method. They took it out back and seemingly whacked it with an even bigger hammer, when they brought it back it was in pieces.

The complication in all this is that I live in Australia where they don't sell Galaxys and never have, so I will not be able to source a part locally.

Before I order a replacement I want to absolutely sure I have the correct part. My linkage has the part number 7m2 955 023 A printed on a label on it.

The car is a Galaxy Mk2 2.3 16v first registered on 1/9/2000, UK rego was X294 BEL when it was back in England.

Does anyone know what I should be looking for or where to get it, there are various linkages on ebay but when I select my model none of them seem to be compatible and the part numbers are different - apparently the number of holes for the wiper motor are different (I have three bolts on mine).

Right now I can drive it but when the Oz equivalent of the MOT comes up it will fail and I will not be able to get road tax = end of vehicle which would be sad.

Any help anyone could give would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks

Malcolm

[insanitybeard]

Are you 100% sure that the part number you quoted is correct- i.e, there's no chance some of the digits are faded/ rubbed off and look like something else? It's the end numbers in the string that seem to be causing the problem- the 7M2 955 is fine but the last 4 digits seem to be commonly 603A- the complete assembly I believe is item 9 on this parts diagram, whilst this is for a 1999 build VW sharan, it's very unlikely the Galaxy would have been fitted with a different linkage. I'm assuming yours is a right hand drive?

[Dreammeister]

Hi,

Thanks for the reply. I've attached a photo of the label, it's definitely the number I posted.

I guess it is conceivable the previous owner (I didn't import the car) had scrabbled around and installed a Sharan part - although they are also not available here.

But you've given me a different lead to go on now I know this is a Sharan part - thanks.

Cheers,

Malcolm

[Dreammeister]

and yep it is a right hand drive - and it seems I've just found a part that has all the same part numbers on it on Ebay thanks to you.

Searching for a Sharan part did the trick - thanks!

Malcolm

[insanitybeard]

It's not really an exclusive part for a Sharan- the Mk2 Ford Galaxy, Seat Alhambra and VW Sharan are really nearly all VW tech and build under the skin, just with styling differences- a lot of the mechanical components are directly interchangeable between the 3 models and carry the same part numbers.

I can't dispute that's definitely the part number on the label though, I can't explain why the end number differs. I think your best hope is going to be to try to get a secondhand linkage from a similar age breaking vehicle, and make sure it's a 3 bolt version.

EDIT- I see you've managed to find one with the same numbers which is ideal, just remember if you need components for a Galaxy a lot (but not all!) of the non-cosmetic/styling parts are directly interchangeable between the Mk2 Alhambra, Galaxy and Sharan!

[Dreammeister]

Thanks again, just spoke to a nice chap in Sheffield and the correct part is now winging its way down under.

I own probably the only Galaxy in NSW if not Oz an proud of it so very happy to keep it going