Windshield wiper switches - Rebuildable?????

Chaz · March 07, 2011, 09:49:51 AM

Hey Folks,
I took my Baby out for an evening of fun with some friends saturday night and, as per this time of year, it was raining.

My drivers side wiper works..... eh, OK but, the passenger got stuck. I got under the dash and both switches sound like they are leaking (passenger side is worse) and you can feel the air.
Can these be rebuilt or do I need to replace them? Either way, any suggestions?? I figure Luke might have them but just looking for options.
Also, is there maintenance for the "motor" for the wipers? (it's on a 4108)

Thanx a bunch,
Chaz

Red Rider · March 07, 2011, 10:26:08 AM

Thanks for the post Chaz, I have the same question on my 4106. The manual does address this however finding the rebuild kit for the switches is the problem

Just Dallas · March 07, 2011, 10:31:25 AM

Chaz,

The first thing I would do is replace the compressor and clean each and everyone of the air tanks.... your compressor is passing a LOT of oil.
Then I would work at cleaning the air lines and all peripheral, like the wiper motors, Skinner valves, Brake diaphragms, etc.

The oil will get everywhere and it is not your friend.

Compressor is gonna be a couple hundred, (probably, I dunno, haven't bought one for years,), but rebuilding it yourself isn't going to be much cheaper, especially when you figure in the hours and the machine shop work.

Kirks automotive in Detroit is a good place to get most of your rebuilt stuff, from compressors to DD3's to Alternators.

http://kirksauto.com

You'll probably be needing rebuilds on the DD3's before long.

I don't remember if you have an air dryer or not, but if you do, it will need a new cartridge and probably a purge valve.

Detroit over in Cinci was selling rebuilt with core for $175, but I don't know if they still do... call them. If you don't have an air dryer, think hard about getting one, but make sure you aren't passing a lot of oil in the air system... it will kill an air dryer cartridge in a very short time.

Good Luck!

Dallas

Just Dallas · March 07, 2011, 10:33:53 AM

Many times all you have to do is clean the old gunk out of the air motors in order for them to work correctly.

Good Luck!

Quote from: Red Rider on March 07, 2011, 10:26:08 AM
Thanks for the post Chaz, I have the same question on my 4106. The manual does address this however finding the rebuild kit for the switches is the problem

Chaz · March 07, 2011, 02:24:39 PM

Thanx Dallas. I would say cleaning the air motors would be a good idea but, the switch itself is leaking air under the dash. Not sure why. I hate to tear it apart before I know what I will have to do as far as replacing or rebuilding. The drivers side does work ok but the passenger side.........not so much.

If it would be simple o-rings etc., I guess I could scrounge around here. Or if they have to be replaced, any suggestions?

white-eagle · March 07, 2011, 04:29:06 PM

Rainx does a great job when my wipers get touchy on how they work. usually right in the middle of traffic when it starts to rain, and the wipers act up. at least the rainx keeps the rain xiting to the side fast.

JackConrad · March 07, 2011, 04:36:19 PM

If I remember correctly, the switches have a spring loaded Park position that allows the air to exit the switch. If the switch sticks in this position, you would hear a leak. I think turning the switch fully counterclockwise is the park position and it should move clockwise slightly when released. Jack
Disclaimer: At my age, I can no longer be held responsible for my memory.

Chopper Scott · March 07, 2011, 06:15:47 PM

I'm not as old as Jack so......... what was I going to say?

Chopper Scott · March 07, 2011, 06:17:29 PM

Oh.... RainX. I found that I really seldom even need the wipers by using that. If nothing else it sure makes the bugs come off easier!

rv_safetyman · March 07, 2011, 06:18:33 PM

Chaz, If you do decide to rebuild the wiper controls, one source is:

http://busfixx.tripod.com/busservice/index.html

A friend (Rusty) and I visited them in Sharon Springs, KS and we were blown away at the inventory of parts for buses that they carry. I think one of their specialties is air wiper parts (including rebuilding).

Jim

Barn Owl · March 07, 2011, 07:56:49 PM

They are not bus only items, any truck parts store will carry replacement valves. Two years ago they were around $25-$30 range and I don't how they are worth the hassle to rebuild. Depending on the manufacture it might not look exactly the same, but it will work the same. Replacing those valves made it possible for my bus to hold air for days and I never new what "park" was with the old ones.

gus · March 08, 2011, 06:50:53 PM

I chased those valves around for a while and finally decided there were no replacement parts.

I finally got them to work but not very well. At least I got the leaks stopped.

Barn Owl · March 08, 2011, 07:34:27 PM

QuoteI chased those valves around for a while and finally decided there were no replacement parts.

I finally got them to work but not very well. At least I got the leaks stopped.

I'm confused. You couldn't find parts to rebuild them or you couldn't find new valves? The valves can be found at a truck parts store.

Chaz · March 09, 2011, 07:47:12 AM

When you say "Truck Parts Store", my guess is that you don't mean NAPA. (??) Ther isn't much else around here. I may have to try the internet or look for something in Cincy.
Thanx,
Chaz

Just Dallas · March 09, 2011, 08:12:54 AM

Chaz, if you can send me a picture of your switches, I may have a couple of new ones. They don't fit my bus, and I'm almost certain they are for the newer GMC's.
Rebuilding the switch valves isn't difficult, if the shaft and housing isn't worn out. a couple of O-rings, and a lot of cleaning in awn, then a rinse in Alcohol to get rid of any residue. Rubbing Alcohol, Gas Dry, Airline antifreeze, etc.
If you decide to go with new ones, call Luke or the fellow at Busfixx or (I think), even Sam Caylor. GM bus guy on this board also has GMC parts, although I've never bought from him.
The easiest place to call would be Kirk's Automotive in Detroit. (800) 321-5989. I've bought a bunch of stuff from them, Starters, Alternators, DD3's, and air stuff. They use to be a Napa Parts/Service Center, I don't know if they still are, but if they are, they could have a part sent to the local Napa and save you some shipping costs.
Kirk's use to have a website, but I don't have a link for it.
Same thing with the motors, although I would try just cleaning the whole thing out with Dawn and water, then a rinse until clear with Alcohol.
When the switch leaks air, many times it's through the parking vent, which is because the air motors are gummed up. I would clean those out first before going to any other expense.

Quote from: Chaz on March 09, 2011, 07:47:12 AM
When you say "Truck Parts Store", my guess is that you don't mean NAPA. (??) Ther isn't much else around here. I may have to try the internet or look for something in Cincy.
Thanx,
Chaz