Originally Posted by
The Golden Rivet
Hey ppruners, any one with any tricks or tips for the installation of this f$(:&kin piece of rotten horse manure o-ring that sits around the wiper arm shaft just below the window....... holey hell
Totally general advice from other fields, not aircraft specific so check manual before considering using any of this:
Suspect you probably have tried some of these already.
1: Warm rubber/whatever stretches a bit easier.
2: Pre stretch it and slip it on before it fully recovers, only works on some material.
3: Lubrication can help, if allowed. Soapy water is one standard, silicone or other appropriate lube if it wants to be lubed anyway.
4: Create a (very mild taper) cone shim from thin plastic to help get it on the shaft. Some types of clear plastic packaging works well, the type that ends up cutting you as you get your new knife out of the package.
5: Double check if the O ring goes on the shaft or inside a housing first when installing.
and last but not least, having felt very "clever" after finally discovering the problem:
6: Make sure you are installing it from the correct end! Usually not an issue but once did have a shaft with one side a bit larger than the other with an o-ring grove in the middle.