Datsun mi-DO 1.6 (87 HP), A4
Manufacturer — AVTOVAZ Year of issue — 2015 In operation since May 2015 Mileage at the time of this report — 104,000 km
The Datsun mi-DO team again delivers honest, practical insights from real-world use. During a heavy downpour on a highway, the windshield wipers failed unexpectedly. The problem wasn’t electrical in nature; instead, the issue traced to the mechanical linkages. Over time, lubrication in the movable joints of the trapezoid mechanism thickens, causing the rods to bind and the electric motor to work harder. That extra load eventually wears the motor down and can burn windings or seize the wiper system.
When the trapezoid assembly was removed, the team attempted a repair. They cleaned the bushings with trapezoidal bars and applied fresh grease to the joints. The electric motor responded slowly but ran for only about ten seconds before stopping again. This confirmed that a more robust repair was necessary to restore reliable operation.
As a solution, the team opted to replace the trapezoidal assembly along with its motor. They located a compatible unit that originates from Grants without difficulty, but the price was a surprise. The replacement part carries a price around 6,000 rubles, up from roughly 4,000 rubles a year earlier. An additional 3,000 rubles might be needed for service installation if done through a workshop. These costs underscore a common reality for older vehicles and why proactive maintenance matters for reliability on the road. (citation: Behind the Wheel fleet coverage)
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