2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Windshield wiper will not clear...

[fkovalski]

Driver's side wiper will not clear a swath about 2" down from top of wiper leaving a 4" path. Passenger side is fine. Problem occurs in rain or snow. New: windshield, wiper arms, wiper blades (stock, winter blades, Bosch Micro Edge. ) Wiper arms park in correct position when off. Added NAPA external wiper spring and wiper arm "spoiler/ air deflector. " Tension against windshield does not seem to be a problem but will still nor clear. This is especially problematic in snow conditions! Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. -fjk

 

[98rammer]

bend the arm around in places to put more pressure on the windsheild where needed.

 

[fkovalski]

Bending the arm was tried to no avail. I did bend the actual blade into a slight reverse arc which helped only slightly. I am concerned that the angle of the shaft on which the arm rotates is not set correctly. i. e. new assembly?



Since this is the only problem that I have, I consider myself lucky, but it is annoying!



Wondering if anyone has had similar problems?

 

[98rammer]

sorry, i can't help you much further. i've noticed that summer/rain blades go quickly leaving that sort of path. the winter ones hold up so much longer and better. i'm ready to go back to them for the rest of the summer.

 

[Ramboy]

I see you have a new windshield. Did you have the same problem with the old windshield?

 

[fkovalski]

Yes, the problem occurs with both windshields. It "seems" that there is a flat area in that part of the windshield(s) in terms of how it is reacting. Hence, the reverse arcing of the blade itself worked slightly. I can bend the blades themselves only so far before they buckle and cannot bend the plastic ones that I have tried. The condition is worst at hi- way speeeds and using the defrost on "hi" (rain or snow) does not help. Was going to try double blades or triple edge wipers next, but I really need the quality of a winter blade here @ 10,000 feet! Thanx for the input. -fjk

 

[rcolety]

I have the same exact problem. Bending didn't work for me either. I hope someone has solved this.

 

[WTBurke]

Me Too!

I'm not happy with the poor performance of our blades and I've treated the glass too without much improvement.

I hate to say this but my old Z-71 1990 Chvy's glass is remarkable.



Sorry guys



William

 

[milehiscott]

I had the same problem with my '96 gasser when I lived up there. I alway thought it was due to a 'Summit County windshield'. The only thing that I found to work was to bang it real hard against the windshield a few times.

As I sit here typing I thought of something. I had a Dodge bug shield on the front of my old truck, and don't have one now. Does anyone else with the problem have a bug shield? Just a shot in the dark.

Scott

 

[DaveN]

The problem is the tension spring!!!!!!!!

After dealing with this problem for a year or so, I had some new tension springs made up that provide 15% more arm tension on the arm. Works real well, I've speed tested in rain up to 80 MPH, sometimes you'll get some sail at that speed but nowhere near what I had before. A friend of mine has one on his truck, and he likes it too.



Bending the arm in my opinion did nothing for me, because it makes such a small change in the angle (and therefore elongation of the spring) that it really doesn't add much spring pressure to the wiper arm.



I've been testing it now for about six months, and I've noticed that the wiper blade itself doesn't last as long (I've had to replace it after 4~5 months) BUT I've had no problems with visibility. So the downfall to the spring is that you'll be replacing wiper blades a little more often.



My thought was that after I'm done testing I'd offer the new springs for sale. They are designed springs (i. e. i did the calculations to make sure the spring is not overtensioned). I think there would be enough interest to warrant having a couple hundred made up, that would keep the prices low for everyone, otherwise they are about $35~40 each in low quantities Hopefully I'd be able to get down to the $10 range or so with volume.



I do have a couple left, and I'd be interested in getting a couple more out there to get some feedback on the design. If you're interested in testing (I think I have three or four left) let me know-



Thanks-



Dave

 

[WTBurke]

Dave

Sounds like you did some R&D on this spring tension matter. I'd like to get involved. How tuff is it to pull the arms off the studs to gain access to the springs?

PM me with your price and I'll shoot you the money.

It might be sometime before I see any wet WX but I'd be more then happy to share my observations.

This messy windshield thing has been a sore spot with me... I drive as a sales/tech. I logged 31K miles in 10 months in this truck and wet WX has been a major gripe due to the poor aspects of these blades



William