The Ford Barn

SoCalCoupe · 06-28-2025, 11:31 PM

I know this might be a basic question, but I’m not sure of the answer. In a properly functioning vacuum wiper system, should there be any airflow when the wipers are turned off?

I’m hearing a slight suction sound from both the wiper motor and the wiper switch when the system is off. It seems like a couple of small vacuum leaks—but is that normal?

I’ve heard that a few people still rebuild vacuum wiper motors, but I’ve never heard of anyone rebuilding a wiper switch. I have two switches—one is NOS—but both seem to draw a small amount of air.

Can these be repaired, or should I just give up and start looking for a 6V electric conversion?

Lawrie · 06-29-2025, 01:06 AM

I am not an expert,But I am sure there should NOT be any leaking air(vacuum)
when in the parked position the flap comes against a little cast in tube inside and holds then wiper in the parked position,
there was a guy in New York area who used to repair them.
Lawrie

ford38v8 · 06-29-2025, 01:33 AM

wiper control comes under the heading of wiper motor rebuild. Get it done right by Melissa Klein. She learned from her grandfather Kent Jaquith. Family business from way back.

Melissa Klein
Clean Sweep Wiper Motor Service
3395 NW Elm Ave
Redmond,OR 97756

email [email protected]
tel# 541 410 5671

Graeme / New Zealand · 06-29-2025, 01:37 AM

These systems are pretty simple. Check the hoses are hooked up correctly and that none are split or perished. It will be something pretty simple. The motors are easy to pull to bits and service. You can pull them to bits, clean out the inside and leather paddle and re-lubricate, I used Vaseline. I've done a couple and was a complete novice. It shouldn't be the switch I'd be surprised if it was unless the casting has a crack in it, it's unlikely both of yours would be faulty.

GB

dean333 · 06-29-2025, 12:38 PM

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Quote:

Originally Posted by ford38v8

wiper control comes under the heading of wiper motor rebuild. Get it done right by Melissa Klein. She learned from her grandfather Kent Jaquith. Family business from way back.

Melissa Klein
Clean Sweep Wiper Motor Service
3395 NW Elm Ave
Redmond,OR 97756

email [email protected]
tel# 541 410 5671

Yes, Keith was very good at his craft.

06-28-2025, 11:31 PM	#1
SoCalCoupe Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2021 Location: Point Loma, San Diego, CA Posts: 531	Vacuum Wiper Questions I know this might be a basic question, but I’m not sure of the answer. In a properly functioning vacuum wiper system, should there be any airflow when the wipers are turned off? I’m hearing a slight suction sound from both the wiper motor and the wiper switch when the system is off. It seems like a couple of small vacuum leaks—but is that normal? I’ve heard that a few people still rebuild vacuum wiper motors, but I’ve never heard of anyone rebuilding a wiper switch. I have two switches—one is NOS—but both seem to draw a small amount of air. Can these be repaired, or should I just give up and start looking for a 6V electric conversion?

06-29-2025, 01:06 AM	#2
Lawrie Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Qld, Australia Posts: 4,529	Re: Vacuum Wiper Questions I am not an expert,But I am sure there should NOT be any leaking air(vacuum) when in the parked position the flap comes against a little cast in tube inside and holds then wiper in the parked position, there was a guy in New York area who used to repair them. Lawrie

06-29-2025, 01:33 AM	#3
ford38v8 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: SF Bay Area Posts: 7,286	Re: Vacuum Wiper Questions wiper control comes under the heading of wiper motor rebuild. Get it done right by Melissa Klein. She learned from her grandfather Kent Jaquith. Family business from way back. Melissa Klein Clean Sweep Wiper Motor Service 3395 NW Elm Ave Redmond,OR 97756 email [email protected] tel# 541 410 5671 __________________ Alan

06-29-2025, 01:37 AM	#4
Graeme / New Zealand Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Lower Hutt , New Zealand Posts: 2,154	Re: Vacuum Wiper Questions These systems are pretty simple. Check the hoses are hooked up correctly and that none are split or perished. It will be something pretty simple. The motors are easy to pull to bits and service. You can pull them to bits, clean out the inside and leather paddle and re-lubricate, I used Vaseline. I've done a couple and was a complete novice. It shouldn't be the switch I'd be surprised if it was unless the casting has a crack in it, it's unlikely both of yours would be faulty. GB __________________ "you can't make honey out of dog sh*t" "You're a long time looking at the lid"