Hello folks, So my Maxima is still kicking about with 204,000 and I expect it to last for another at least 50k.

The issue I have is that the wiper linkage towers,specially the drivers side was semi broken so the wipers would hit the hood on the way down. So, I decided to remove it making that my worst mistake.
The 2 replacements that I've gotten so far, the bushing on the end of the arm that connects the little pivot arm to the motor is oversize. Way too big to connect the pivot arm to the motor. I bought a second linkage from a different place, and same thing. The bushings are oversize which I don't understand. I've been to at least 5 auto parts stores to find the linkage with the right size bushing and nothing. I went to 4 different yards and they either don't carry it or it's the same issue with the oversize bushing. I don't understand why the bushing is different. So, I compared a used motor with the pivot arm from a junkyard and the pivot arm is the size as the on my car so I'm at a loss. Thought there may have been a production change midway through 2002 but I don't think so. Not sure why the 2 new linkages' bushing are oversize.

The pivot arm is in the middle.
The factory arm with bushing is on the left. You can see that it has an inner circle of teeth making the diameter smaller so it can properly snap into pivot arm.
The purchased linkage with oversize bushing is on the right without teeth. The difference is about .200" which is too big, it won't even snap it. It just falls in.

Has anyone ever come across this scenario with the wiper linkage? I've almost exhausted all of the local yards in my area. Where did you find this correct linkage?

 

I'm well over 300,0000 miles and so far no wiper issues. did you try sourcing new parts from nissan?

 

300,000? Wow! Awesome! I was being conservative. I've been doing oil changes on this vehicle religiously since I owned it back in 07 and it shows. Has started every flawlessly for 23 years.

I am going to Nissan in a couple of days as a last option. I've been at this for almost 2 weeks everyda. I dread going to Nissan because they want so much money for a part that's going on a 23 year old car.

 

usually when I have to get OEM parst I go to https://www.nissanpartsdeal.com

 

Thanks for the link.

I did try some OEM sites but they had nothing. It showed discontinued.

 

OE is obsolete. dorman 602-008 looks to be your only possible option unless you can find a good used part. if you find a good one get ALL of it. transmission, motor, posts, everything. if its part of the wiper system, grab it (besides blades of course.)

 

I rather go aftermarket than take time to hunt down a used part that may fail who knows how quick..

 

As a matter of fact, I got a hold of a Dorman 602-008 today and to my disappointment, it is the same crap. 3rd transmission and they're all being made with the oversize bushing that does not fit my wiper motor pivot arm. Yet, I cross referenced my motor and pivot with 2 different motors from a yard and they had my same exact pivot as my car does. So, no one can't explain what the hell happened here with these transmissions being made with a different bushing that doesn't link up to the pivot arm.

So, back to square one. Either junkyards don't have used ones around here or auto part replacements are manufactured wrong.

 

True. I did hunt down a yard that had a used one from 02 vehicle. They wanted $140 for it. Same price as a brand new one. I hung up the phone...