Help: Windshield Wipers?

[Diesel Thunder]

Hi All,



I have tried new mopar blades, trico innovision, michelin contour, and now anco contour blades?----They all sqeak, chatter, and skip!



I have cleaned my windshield with a clay bar and dawn soap to remove any overspray and waxes, but this did not help! I tried cleaning with 91% alcohol and this did nothing to help.



I made some rubber bushings to go under the wiper arm where it attaches to the rotating assembly. I put a small rubber piece between the wiper arm and blade assembly. All this to take out any slop in the assembly. I also read another post where someone said to remove the "bend" in the wiper arm to make the arm more parallel to the blade on the windshield. None of this has helped!



Any thoughts on using Rain-X combined with a new set? I have spoken with a few people who said I need to create a smoother surface for the wiper to "glide" on. However, I have heard horror stories about Rain-X making a mess of the windshield!



My next step is to look at the Valeo wipers--the contour 900 series. But, I want your thoughts!



Thanks for your input!

 

[JMusso]

I am still on stock wipers but mine will chatter if the windshield is to dry. I end of having to squirt solution on it. I used Rain X this past year and I really like it. It lasts about 3 car washes where it works real good then it wears off a bit and I reapply. That has made a noticeable difference. Rain X works good on shower doors to!:-laf

 

[seafish]

I replaced mine 2 years ago with the PIAA super silicone blades. No chatter, streaks and they still work GREAT. Put them on my wifes car too. I didn't even buy the PIAA blade holder, just the replacement inserts for $10. 00 each. They slid into the OEM blade and that was that; BUT if you are having problems with the wiper alignment, you MAY want to get the entire replacement blade. Good Luck and let us know what works for you.

 

[PLaFrombois]

Have you looked at the TRICO Neoform? I was able to go almost a full year before I had to replace them.



Paul

 

[Morsed]

I just replaced my blades with Bosch Micro blades and then had Aquapell applied. This combo does not squeak or shudder even when it is barely misting here in Washington and above 40 mpg the wind helps clear the water away real nice.
My . 02: i think the type of blade is not as important here as the window coating since even the show and Ice have not stuck to the window yet.

Dave

 

[jelag]

We're in the Pacific Northwest... . the high today is 9*F with more snow coming... . we buy a blade that has a rubber shield around the blade to prevent snow and ice build up... . I don't have a clue what brand they are... . when I see them I usually pick up 2-4 sets... .

I drive an 05 almost daily with an 04, 04. 5 and 08 among the trucks we own... I've not had a single driver complain about noise nor do I have it on the 05...

We do like the orange rain X product in the winter... . but run the inexpensive blue washer fluid in the summer... .

 

[JJPage]

Jelag, QWEST Fleet purchased a whole slew of these blades from NAPA.



I thought they were ok at first, but after several very windy trips to Lewiston, and at a speed of about 65mph, they seem to catch the wind and "sail", raising them off the glass. I have had several co-workers with the same complaint.



Just my experience with them.

 

[Diesel Thunder]

Sorry its taken so long to reply back.



I finally found the best combination that I have ever used on my truck. Wipers are now better than when I bought her off the lot new!



Here's my "secret"---



1) Trash old wipers.



2) Clean windshield with clean rag and Dawn dishwashing soap and warm water, as this will cut road grime, oils, and waxes. (KEEP OFF paint as it will remove your finish wax too!)



3) Dry windshield. Clean with 91% Rubbing Alcohol and allow to evaporate until dry. (91% available at the drug store).



4) Pull off wiper arm from rotating assembly. Flatten/eliminate the bend in the wiper arm and make it more flat/parallel to the windshield surface. (REPEAT for each side). I looked at several BMW/Mercedes/Lexus vehicles and their wiper arms are almost all parallel to the glass surface. So, I'm sure they pay their wiper engineers a heck of a lot more than Dodge does, so they are probably onto something.



5) Prior to reinstalling, place a small rubber washer inside arm "cup" prior to pushing the arm down on the rotating gear head that comes through the cowl. This took out the extra "slop" in mine. (BE CAREFUL as the small "lock" clip will require extra downward force to lock the arm back on. --Don't use too thick of a rubber washer. )



6) As for the new wipers, I went with Bosch Icons. They are the ones without the metal support frame. I bought them at O'Reilly Auto Parts because they have a lifetime warranty! YES, the lady at the counter said to just keep the receipt and I can return them for a new set. --Not really sure if this is a loophole, but I am holding on to my receipt as there is no time limit and the receipt clearly states lifetime warranty. The wipers are expensive, but with the warranty???



7) Now, I have heard horror stories about RainX, but they have a new product out that is a Cleaner/Repellent 2in1. I chose it because you don't have to "wax" it on like the RainX original. I sprayed it on and wiped off with a clean paper towel. --Many rainstorms later, no residue/haze. Since the coating is not as thick, it may have to be reapplied several months down the road.



8) Install new blades. Now you have a smooth surface for the blades to glide on.





So, real world results?



Quiet wipers at all speeds? Check.

Eliminate Chatter/Skip? Check.

Improve water removal? Check.



Conclusion:

After nearly $200 in different wipers and cleaners and time spent trying to diagnose, I now have the best setup yet.



75 MPH in heavy downpours, wipers on the delay setting, and they are silent.



FINALLY.

 

[MRFost]

My vote:

1. Keep the windshield clean. Use "wax-on" Rain-X after your standard window cleaner.

2. Clean the wiper blades or replace them

3. Fill the washer tank with the orange Rain-X. Normal (blue) washer fluid tends to remove the "wax-on" Rain-X at some advanced rate. The use of the Rain-X washer fluid minimizes the rate that the "wax-on" stuff comes off, thereby minimizing the number of times per year that you have to "wax" it on. Use the intermittent wipers. By the time that the wipers start chattering, the windshield doesn't need to be wiped.

Y'all have a fine day.