318SixPack

1996 Jeep Cherokee XJ Sport I6 242 cui

A year or so ago I finally replaced the blade and repaired fluid outlet on rear wiper. Didn't use it for ages. BTW, bargain closeout Rock Auto blades last about 8 months.

When I turn it on, there is a log delay before the first sweep. I don't recall it being this way before. Also, when I had back hatch trim panel off to fix the fluid squirter, I lubed every moving part I could see with white lithium grease. No signs of water infiltration.

Any likely culprits?

exasemech

I sorta went thru that and it was gummed up lube where the wiper shaft goes thru the bushing on the outside of the hatch. Might try letting some sort of solvent work in there and see what happens.
if it's cold where you are I suppose it could also be a bunch of cold grease doing the same thing.

318SixPack

Will give that a shot. Not very cold here even now, but does it when it's hot out too.

boxburn

By any chance if you watch it, does it move very slowly before then sweeping but it seems like a delay? There could be resistance on the "start" track for the motor making it struggle but once it gets past it, it gets power from the "park" track. Or it could just be corrosion on the shaft causing a stiff spot right by the parked position.

318SixPack

this worked with wd40

318SixPack

no just had a long delay before it started sweeping normal speed
hit the shaft with WD40 and works good again

boxburn

That's good. Honestly I'd say your best bet will be to strip it down and clean and re-grease it. It will likely try to lock up on you again eventually.

exasemech

Cool !