Rob's SED Now V6 Exclusive

[russ92xmsed]

Hi Rob...Well your RP number is very close to mine. 5712 (yours) 5705 (mine). You can work out the day it was born from the RP number. They must be close.

I'm no expert, but I think the wiper linkages can get a bit stiff over time. You could try and lubricate them by removing the front trim at the base of the windscreen.
I'm sure someone will be along and correct me!

[russ92xmsed]

Hi Rob,
Yours was made on the 29th June' 92. Mine was 22nd of June '92.
Only a week between them.

[ragger]

I need to do a return trip to Gloucestershire later this week and I would really like to do it in the XM - cos that's what I bought it for - but I don't think I could live with the slow and noisy wipers for around 600 miles if the weather is as bad as I expect it to be. I believe it had a new motor fitted not too long ago, so I suspect it is a matter of lubrication, however to be able to do anything one has to get the scuttle off to get at the gubbins that needs oiling and greasing. This fills me with trepidation.

I have looked at the various posts relating to this in the bodytrim threads and I have tried manipulating the end pieces but don't feel I have got much of a clue as to what I am doing since nothing feels like it is about to give without making an alarming snapping sound. Anyone done this job recently who can offer some advice in words of one syllable or fewer?

Rob

[xmexclusive]

Glue em back on with some silicone.
The plastic clips tend to break if you look hard at them.
Most trims have a screw hole on the end hidden by the door.
Use it to give some security if you glue back on.

John

[CitroJim]

I know what you mean Rob.. They do sound alarmingly like they're going to crack and expensively break...

They won't. Just carefully grab hold of them on their bottom (long) edge and gently pull outward and upward.

I approached it with huge trepidation at first but after one came off with a lot of apparently destructive cracking noise but was actually unscathed I was then quite happy...

I'd expect the wiper shafts are very tight in their guides. before removing the scuttle, have the wiper arms off and get some Plus Gas working down the shafts followed by some thin oil. If this is the point of tightness this should largely free it without further disassembly.

EDIT: Mine came off very happily John, and they went back on OK!

[ragger]

Thanks for those quick responses!

If I can get some lubrication working without removing the scuttle that would be good; I'll try it in the morning.

Rob

[andmcit]

The trims on the wing tops use fragile plastic lugs that point upwards from their lower edge.
This means you need to prise the whole leading edge where they meet the main cross scuttle
section and lift outwards and down - don't panic about twisting the top as the fragile part is
in the lower 1/3.. I've never seen any need to grease the linkages mind. Are the blades any
good - these slick modern wide flexi blades are a new discovery I love and use on all my cars!

[ragger]

Now I am confused, because it seems that andrew's advie is at variance with Jim's and they both know just about everything about these awkward buggers!

The first thing I did was fit some nice new blades, I too like the modern style, but they have made no difference and the originals seemed to be in good condition.

Perhaps I shall have to be brave...

Thanks again.

Rob

[andmcit]

Well I hate to cause confusion!

Jim rightly says they need careful handling and I hate to contradict him but I just wouldn't
pull the bottom edge upwards and out as this will strain the lugs! In the last week I've just
literally had to remove all these trims on my father's 2.1 as he had a new windscreen fitted
by Autoglass on his insurance and we wanted to ensure the trims would live to see another
day - this actually really pissed them off as it basically suggested we didn't trust them
dismantling it all correctly...

A picture will help here although one of the three lower lugs (the LHS one) was broken on
this piece before I got it:



When fitting, the top edge springs down and locks onto the shoulder of the cross scuttle section
AFTER offering up the lower edge / lugs to undercut the shoulder of the inner ears on the main
cross trim centre section. It follows to remove them in one piece it literally IS the reversal of
this fitting with the topedge being lifted out first.

[russ92xmsed]

We had those flexi blades on our C5. They were retrofits and failed on the M5 in very heavy rain. The passenger one flew off whilst in use. So they were changed back to the conventional style. But I do agree, when not disappearing, they are good.

The trim caps, I find, you need to push down on the tops of them gently with the palm of one hand and lift the bottom edge carefully. It will pop off with a crack. The other trim is a fiddle, but don't forget the extra screw under the bonnet. The trim has 4 lugs which locate int the scuttle. I find having the bonnet open slightly helps. You will need to lift it forward and up and out.

I have done this several times last week. So quite well practiced. Patience will be required!

The motor and linkages are quite easy to get to. Whilst your there clear any crud out from the Doseur valve linkage. Oil it if you can. It will help keep it rust free, prevent seizing and stop your brakes from staying on...like mine have recently.