Owners Nissan Almera Classic Often faced with a situation where, when you turn on the wipers, they start to work jerkily, make strange sounds, or stop moving altogether. This is a classic sign of failure of the drive mechanism or the electric motor itself. The problem is especially relevant in the autumn-winter period, when the load on the windshield cleaning system increases many times due to snow and ice.
Ignoring the symptoms can lead to more serious consequences, including blown fuses or destruction of the gearbox, which will require replacement of the entire assembly. In order to save money and time, it is worth considering in detail the design of the unit, the reasons for its breakdowns and the step-by-step algorithm for self-repair.
Design features and principle of operation of the unit
Windshield cleaning system Nissan Almera Classic is an electromechanical unit consisting of several key elements. The main power unit is a DC electric motor, which transmits rotational motion to the crank mechanism through a gearbox. It is this mechanism that converts rotation into reciprocating movements of the rods, which, in turn, move the wiper arms.
Particular attention should be paid to the gearbox, since it is this that most often becomes the source of problems. Inside it are plastic gears that wear out over time or break under load. Another important element is the contact group on the motor itself, which is responsible for returning the brushes to their original position when the system is turned off. If the contacts burn out, the wipers may stop anywhere on the glass.
Many owners try to simply lubricate the mechanism, not realizing that the wear of the gears is irreversible. In such cases, lubricant only temporarily eliminates the noise, but does not solve the problem of mechanical jamming. Electric motor assembled with the gearbox is a consumable item, which during intensive use requires regular diagnostics.
Main causes of failure and signs of failure
There are a number of symptoms that clearly indicate the need for intervention in the operation of the windshield wiper system. If you hear a characteristic crackling or humming sound from under the hood in the area of the engine shield, but the brushes do not move or move with enormous force, this is a sure sign of mechanical failure of the gearbox. Sometimes the engine tries to turn, but the gear slips, making a sound like clicking.
Another common problem is complete failure of operation. In this case, the first thing you need to check is fuse in the interior mounting block. If the fuse is intact but there is no voltage to the motor, the problem may be in the relay or wiring. It is also worth paying attention to the condition of the contacts in the connection connector, as they often oxidize due to moisture.
- 🔊 A hum or crackling sound is heard, but the brushes are motionless - a sign of broken gears.
- ⚡ The wipers stop in a random position - the problem is in the motor contact group.
- 🌧️ The work is intermittent, in jerks - wear of the engine bushings or jamming of the mechanism.
- 💡 Protection (automatic shutdown) is triggered - short circuit or overload.
⚠️ Attention: If you hear the engine running but the wipers do not move, immediately turn off the ignition. Continuing attempts to turn on will lead to overheating of the motor windings and their subsequent burnout, which will make simple repair of the gearbox impossible.
- Complete failure of work
- Crackling without movement
- Jerks and jams
- Wipers do not return to their original position
Electrical diagnostics and testing
Before removing the unit from the vehicle, it is necessary to rule out problems with the power supply. For this you will need a multimeter. Remove the plastic cover (frill) and disconnect the connector from the wiper motor. Turn the ignition and wiper switch to the “On” position, then measure the voltage at the connector contacts.
If there is voltage, but the motor does not spin, the problem is definitely inside the unit itself. If there is no voltage, check the fuse marked F15 (or similar, depending on the year of manufacture) in the interior fuse box. Also check the wiper relay, which is often located in the same block and may be coded as REL1 or WIPER.
It is important to check the mass as well. Poor ground contact can cause weak torque, which prevents the motor from cranking the jammed mechanism. Clean the place where the mass is attached to the body from rust and dirt, tighten the bolt. Sometimes it is enough to simply clean the contacts in the connector to restore the system's functionality.
The process of dismantling and replacing the mechanism
To access the windshield wiper motor, it is necessary to remove the plastic grille (frill) that covers the space at the base of the windshield. It is secured with several plastic clips and bolts. Carefully pry up the clips so as not to break them, and unscrew the mounting bolts. After removing the grille you will have full access to the trapezoid and motor.
Next you need to disconnect the wiper arms. To do this, you need to unscrew the nuts securing the levers, which often get stuck. Use a special puller or carefully pry the lever with a pry bar, placing a cloth under it so as not to damage the paintwork of the body. Remove the levers and carefully set them aside.
Now you can unscrew the motor itself. It is attached to the body with three bolts. Disconnect the electrical connector and unscrew the mounting bolts. Be prepared for the fact that the mechanism may be very dirty and rusty. It is better to unscrew the bolts with a head with an extension so as not to strip the threads.
- 🔧 Use penetrating lubricant (WD-40) to loosen stuck fastening bolts.
- 🛡️ Be sure to tape the places where the levers are attached with tape so as not to scratch the glass when removing it.
- 📝 Note or photograph the position of the levers before removing for proper installation.
☑️ Preparation for dismantling
Gearbox repair or complete replacement
After removing the motor, it can be disassembled. Unscrew the screws securing the case and carefully separate the halves. Inside you will see a plastic gear, which is often the cause of failure. If the teeth are worn out or the gear is cracked, it needs to be replaced. There are repair kits on sale with gears made of more durable materials, such as brass or reinforced nylon.
However, if the motor winding is burnt out or the armature bushings are worn out, it will be easier and more reliable to replace the entire assembly. Finding an original motor can take time, so many car owners choose high-quality analogues from brands Denso or Bosch, which are often installed on a conveyor.
When installing a new or repaired mechanism, make sure that you lubricate all rubbing parts. Use only special silicone grease or lithol, but do not use regular motor oil, as it can destroy the plastic of the gearbox. Reassemble the mechanism in reverse order.
Nuances of choosing analogues
When purchasing an analogue, be sure to check the number of contacts in the connector and the direction of rotation of the shaft. Manufacturers often change the connector design on newer models, and the old connector may not fit without an adapter.
⚠️ Attention: When replacing a gear in a gearbox, it is extremely important to correctly align the marks on the gears before assembling the housing. If the mechanism is assembled in the wrong position, the wipers will not return to their original position and may rest against the edge of the glass.
Complete replacement of the motor assembly often saves time and nerves, as it eliminates the risk of repeated breakdown due to hidden defects in the windings or wear of the bushings, which are difficult to identify during visual inspection.
Comparison table of characteristics and compatibility
For those planning to purchase a spare part, it is important to understand the difference between the original product and analogues. Original Nissan It is characterized by precision assembly and a long service life, but is much more expensive. Similar products may have slightly different dimensions or mounting, so it is recommended to check the catalog numbers before purchasing.
| Product type | Gear material | Service life (average) | Approximate price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Original Nissan | Reinforced plastic | 5-7 years | High |
| Analogue Denso | Composite/Metal | 4-6 years | Average |
| Cheap analogue | Regular plastic | 1-2 years | Low |
| Repair kit | Various | Depends on quality | Low |
Please pay attention to the catalog numbers when ordering. Original number for Nissan Almera Classic often begins with a prefix 27200. Make sure the part number you choose is correct for your year of manufacture, as there may have been minor variations in the mounting design between batches.
Check and final assembly
After installing the new motor, do not rush to assemble the frill and install the levers. First connect the connector and turn on the ignition. Check the operation of the wipers in all modes: 低速 (slow), high (fast) and intermittent. Notice whether the blades stop straight at the bottom of the windshield when turned off.
If the wipers don't stop where they should, the arms may need to be adjusted. To do this, loosen the nuts securing the arms, turn the wipers off in the down position, and then tighten the nuts, setting the arms to the correct position. This is a critical step, as an incorrect installation angle can cause the wipers to hit the edge of the glass or not clear the desired area.
After making sure that it works correctly, reinstall the plastic grille (jabot). Secure all clips and bolts. Replace the wiper arms and tighten the nuts. Perform a final test using water to ensure there are no leaks and the brushes are quiet.
Frequently asked questions and answers (FAQ)
Can I fix my windshield wiper motor myself?
Yes, this is possible if the problem is the wear of the plastic gear of the gearbox. To do this, you need to disassemble the motor, replace the gear and lubricate the mechanism. However, if the motor winding is burned out, repairs are not economically feasible.
Why did the wipers stop working after the rain?
Most likely, the contacts in the motor connector have oxidized or the wiring has shorted out due to water ingress. Check the connector, clean it and dry it. Also check the fuse.
Do I need to change both motors at once?
No, on Nissan Almera Classic one common motor is installed, which drives both brushes through a trapezoid. Only one node needs to be changed.
Which lubricant is best for gearboxes?
It is recommended to use special silicone grease or lithium grease for plastic gears. Regular motor oil is not suitable as it breaks down the plastic.
What to do if the engine hums but does not turn over?
This is a sign that the gearbox gear is broken or the trapezoid mechanism is jammed. Do not try to turn on the wipers repeatedly, this will cause the engine to burn out. Requires disassembly and replacement of the gear or the entire assembly.