Parts, Tools & Tips New products, fitting tips & technical advice to ease fault-finding and installation
Common wiper motor failures First Line has found that the Renault Clio wiper motor (FWM1004/BWM1004) fails as a result of being submerged in water due to a blocked drain channel and is recommending that technicians check this when vehicles come into the workshop. Jon Roughley, Global Marketing Director, advises: “To resolve the issue technicians need to not only replace the wiper motor, but during the procedure, must also remember to clear any blockages, check all the drain holes and ensure the mechanism is free of corrosion and moving freely. In addition, proactive workshops would do well to advise the customer to keep an eye on the situation to ensure it is kept free of debris and able to drain properly.”
PARTS, TOOLS & TIPS
The supplier has also found that the most common cause of the wiper motor failure is because linkages wear, which leads to the ball joints popping off their sockets, bringing the wiper blades to a complete stop. However, First Line’s product team has discovered a weakness in the design of the OE part on the first-generation Nissan Qashqai, which results in the output shaft seizing, due to the build-up of rust. The output shaft is neither sealed nor lubricated and due to its location, following heavy rainfall, water can penetrate between the shaft and motor housing, allowing rust to accumulate. As the rust builds up, the motor is put under stress, until the point when the increased load is drawing a current greater than 30amps, which is when the wiper motor’s fuse will blow.
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To support garages to encourage drivers to replace their wiper blades, First Line has produced a poster, outlining key information on when to replace wiper blades, available at https://mailchi.mp/firstlineltd.co/posters
Training schedule announced LKQ Euro Car Parts has published its 2022 course schedule for its LKQ Academy, which includes more hybrid and electric vehicle (EV) training dates than ever before, with the parts supplier committing to upskilling at least 3,000 technicians over the next 12 months. This includes 2,400 training places for level three, and 600 places for level four, all of which are part of the Institute of the Motor Industry’s (IMI) TechSafe scheme. Bob Wiffen, workshop solutions director at LKQ Euro Car Parts, said: “Our focus is on helping garages to continue to run successful, competitive businesses that are sustainable in the face of ever-changing technology, both now and in the future. An extensive range of courses is available to suit technicians of all levels, along with 10 free-of-charge skills tests so users can assess their knowledge and build a bespoke training plan to support their development. In-person courses run across 30 UK training centres, alongside a suite of e-learning programmes. Courses can be completed and paid for on a oneoff basis, or unlimited access with a 12-month gold membership costs £1,499 which can be paid for over 12 months. Courses available in the gold membership include Bosch, T10, Andy Savva, Pro Moto, LUK, ZF, Our Virtual Academy, Nissens, Electude and Bridgestone. www.lkqacademy.com
