How to adjust the timing of the wiper motor on an old Buick GL8?
2 Answers
The method to adjust the timing of the wiper motor on an old Buick GL8 is: 1. Remove the cam screw and place it in the initial position. Without installing the cam, turn on the ignition switch and set the wiper to the intermittent mode; 2. When the motor stops, turn off the key, then tighten the screw when the distance between the return piece under the cam and the card slot on the wiper base plate is about 1 millimeter. Taking the 2013 Buick GL8 2.4L Classic Edition as an example: It is a 5-door, 7-seat MPV under SAIC-GM Buick, with a length, width, and height of 5213mm, 1847mm, and 1750mm respectively, a wheelbase of 3088mm, equipped with a 6-speed automatic manual transmission, and a top speed of 175 kilometers per hour.
Having driven an old Buick GL8 for over ten years, I've seen quite a few cases where the wiper timing was off. Such issues are often not due to a faulty motor, but rather the wiper arm being misaligned, especially common in older cars with loosened components. Here's a simple adjustment method: First, turn off the engine for safety, use a wrench to loosen and remove the wiper arm screw, position it vertically against the bottom of the windshield, and then reinstall and secure it. Remember the original position or take a photo to avoid misalignment during adjustment. The wiper shaft on older GL8 models tends to rust; applying some grease can make it smoother. Regular maintenance should ensure the wiper blades don’t wear out too much, as misalignment can still occur if they're too old. Also, test by starting the wipers on low speed to see if they stop correctly. If the motor makes unusual noises, the internal gears might be worn and need replacement—these details can save you from costly major repairs.
