R.e. Golf GTi 8v MFA Wiper Stalk Change... ??

[theombudsman]

Hi All...

Finally my wiper arm is doing strange things I don't like... go over a bump and it randomly sets off the wiper and wash..amusing the first couple of times.. now makes me think I am driving a Vauxhall and that is very wrong!!! Its basically worn out and knackered. Needs swapping over. Have a bid going on one in ebay.. not going to miss this one.

(long winded) Question is this:

Did a bit of an investigative take apart on the assembly.

1.Steering wheel off
2.Bottom bit of plastic cover (came off no probs)...
3. screws all out
4....could then not work out how to get the top plastic cover off. I have a late mk2 1991 which has the hazard button on the top plastic cover on the steering column. I did manage to get the indicator stalk off but gave up trying to apply excessive pressure to the MFA wiper bit as I did not want to break any bits.

Can some tell me where I am going wrong as I will most likely be trying to fit the replacement MFA wiper in next few days or so?

I love golfs ... in fact i am starting to think that the mk2 8v gti 3dr is perhaps the most ideal car ever made.... but these MFA wipers are a weak spot ... had to do the same changeover on my mk1 campaign... that was a breeze to do.. (no hazard button and simpler design making it easier)

Anyways.. you fine informed and as always spot help / advise would be much appreciated.

Cheers

Ombudsman

[Deefadog]

I just did mine mate, you don't need to take the top cover off! i know i thought that

Just pull the hazard light off, just pull up, then push the plastic cover up gently and wiggle the stalk, it will come out!

Also i am not sure on an 6v but there are two sets of wire pluds each side so four in total! one is behind the other, once these are off it should come out!

good luck

[Judderi]

While were on the subject, has anybody here fitted a set of mk3 stalks?

[theombudsman]

thanks for the advice there deefadog..

have tracked down a replacement at the breakers, so will give it go during the week.

Cheers

[rubjonny]

MK3 stalks are a direct swap on the later MK2s with the hazard switch on top of the steering column, the only thing you need to do is take off the MK3 hazard button and fit the old one on.

You can fit em to the older MK2s but you need to fit the later spec ignition switch housing and have to modify the loom to plug into the switches.  Most of the wiring is the same colour but you need to splice in some connections from the old hazard switch plug

[Judderi]

Thanks for that advice. I was gonna give it a go on my late spec mk2 but decided the hastle wasnt worth it as i like the look of the origional square stalks to the round mk3 ones better.

[Engineer]

If you have problems with front wiper like me it was followed shortly after by rear wiper problem.
traced to worn pip on stalk on my 1990 8v- means contacts aren't central and minor bump sets rear wiper off.

removing front wiper assembly really is just a case of wiggling it and being patient - believe me I had the whole steering column apart several times fixing wiring faults after some B*stard broke in and forced steering lock off !!

The MFA stalk can be a real s*d to refit if you take it off the pivot - and the two spacers that fit around the spring ...aaagh !!!.

[theombudsman]

Well ain't it a nice sunny day .....   lovely ladies in summer dresses ... Britain's ace..

Anyway back to the subject.. thanks for the changeover tips on the MFA stalk. I picked up a whole assembley from my friendly breakers this morning. Gonna give it a go over next few days..

Cheers.

The Ombudsman

P.S. Someone leaned out of their MPV car window yesterday whilst I was driving in London... "Is that new mate?" they said... had just washed the old lady night before.. thought it had come up quite well... anyways that comment brought a smile to my face. Mk2 golf gti's are like a fine wine .. they mature well with age.