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MG MGA - windscreen wipers cable

I am presently servicing the wipers mechanism before putting back on body. All parts function properly however when I slide the cable manually for one inch in and out into the curved tube I have to put a bit of pressure. In barney s servicing instructions it says that it should move freely but I suppose that there must be some sort of friction as a result of the bend. Cable has been thoroughly cleaned and slightly greased.
c vassallo

The wiper motor gearing results in a fairly powerful output. You are right, the bend does cause some friction. As long is the tube is not deformed and the cable is lubricated, you should be fine. You might want to check/change the motor brushes if you haven't done so.
Cheers,
GTF
G T Foster

My wiper cable was also very stiff inside the curved tube section. There is not much slack because the cable is 0.24” diameter and the tube ID I measured at 0.255”. The tube doesn’t need much of a knock in its side to interfere with the cable. Also I tried to smooth a small kink out of the tube with hand force but I think I made it worse. Then I hit upon the solution: I found that the tube measurements OD and ID were identical to those on the 5/16” 90/10 cupro nickel brake pipe tubing I had bought to replace the petrol fuel line. So assuming I have enough of it left I will be replacing my curved wiper section with it. Not only this but the brake tube I bought is already coiled up neatly by machine in turns exactly the same curvature as the wiper section so all I’ll have to do is cut a piece to length and borrow a flaring tool for the ends. I did a trial run with the cable inside the new tube and it moved far more smoothly than in the old piece. The spec. of the brake tubing is 5/16” outside diameter and 0.028” wall thickness………………………Mike
m.j. moore

Thanks for your comments . In fact it is a very good suggestion to check the wiper motor brushes moreso when it is such a hassle to remove and put back in place.
I think I will also try to replace the tube and have it curved on a bender, especially when you say it makes such a difference. I only hope I will find the required size but I do not believe it should be a problem.
Your suggestions are much appreciated.
c vassallo

This thread was discussed on 15/12/2011

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