Wiper problem

[ezmobee]

I have a 1990 Chevy K1500 truck. Every since I've had this truck (3 years) the windshield wipers have been a pain. No matter what I do they always skip across the windshield on the upswing and then wipe clean and smooth on the downswing. The skipping is noisy and on a rainy day I'm usually about ready to jump out the window after about 10 minutes of this. I've tried all different kinda of blades, rain-x, heck I even just had to have the entire windshield replaced. No change. My thought is could the springs be shot in the wiper arms thus not providing enough down pressure on the windshield to overcome the friction? If so, is it possibly to just replace the springs or do I need entirely new arms?

 

[TilliamWe]

Re: Wiper problem

You don't have a bug deflector on the hood by any chance do you?

 

[TilliamWe]

Re: Wiper problem

Spring is not sold separately by GM.
Part number for the "Pin type" arm is 22110157 and list price is approx $46.03/ea. No different part number for right and left in my source.

Part numbers for the "Hook type" is 15043063 (right) 15043064 (left) with an approximate list of $32.94/ea.

 

[NoKlu]

Re: Wiper problem

I'm pretty sure there is aftermarket springs that mount on the outside of the wiper arm to help the down pressure. I'll look around to see if I can find any on the net.Found it.http://www.surewipe.com/en/index_800x600.htm

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: Wiper problem

I had the same problem on my Chevy truck.If you notice the rubber on the blades are bent one way.Then it sets in the sun and bakes them into that position.
I tried several brands of blades and they all end up doing the same thing.
New windshield too....Seems like new blades are better for a month or so then the chatter comes back.
Drives me nuts too

Not sure if new wiper arms would help or not.
I did find a set of Teflon blades that have a yellow stripe in the rubber.
They are better than the other blades but still chatter.

If you find a fix please post the results..

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Wiper problem

Thanks guys. For $10 I may very well try NoKlu's suggestion and if that doesn't work I'll order some new arms.

 

[dolluper]

Re: Wiper problem

Make sure your transmission is in good shape and not sloopy.....transmission is the part the wiper arm attaches to.....between wiper arm and linkage

 

[blueoval1]

Re: Wiper problem

Got to get those springs! Been complaining about mine since new , and it's a 1996 truck. Thanks for the link!

 

[NoKlu]

Re: Wiper problem

Check out your local auto parts store. They might have them. I think NAPA has some.

 

[Caveman Charlie]

Re: Wiper problem

There's no hope I agree it's awful!!! In my opinion the problem is that the newer vehicles have such a large windshield caused by the slope of the glass that the wipers are to long and will always skip. On our old farm truck (A 79 F-150) the wipers never skip and there is no intermittent cycle. They just whip back and forth happily in all conditions and never make a noise at all. On my 89 C1500 and my now 95 F-150 I've never been able to get them to stop making that annoying noise. Also, in the old days the amount of rubber in the blade that actually did the wiping was longer. These days the wiper blades are built so cheap the amount of rubber is so small that there is little to bend back and forth as the blades make it's pass. Therefore it's more likely to skip.

You are suppose to ignore it and just drive along happily no matter what piece of crap you've been sold. Every one else has the same problem and it's only people like us that notice it. (I also get annoyed by squeaks and rattles that are right in my ear. No one else even hears them.) You need to reprogram your brain to just be happy. Sing along to the "Happy Happy, Joy Joy" song and learn to live with this terribly annoying problem.

I hope you all understand that I'm being overly sarcastic. Kinda.

If you do figure out how to ever solve this problem, I'll send you 50 bucks in cash to let me know the answer!! Really!! (Only after I try it out to see if your solution really works. )

 

[TilliamWe]

Re: Wiper problem

A a brand new clean windshield with properly applied Rain-X does not need wipers except in "dirty road spray" conditions, in my experience. But good luck with the springs. (I see you are in York, PA, that pulverized limestone place would cause nightmares for anyone!)
I have never had this problem on my Impalas or our 99 Montana, and those wipers are very long (22")!

 

[xtraham]

Re: Wiper problem

If you do figure out how to ever solve this problem, I'll send you 50 bucks in cash to let me know the answer!! Really!! (Only after I try it out to see if your solution really works. )

use 2" shorter blades, that only leaves 1" on each end that's not being wiped and a shorter blade flips easier.
bug shields and visors will cause wipers to jump also, but if they do it at a stand still it's obviously not the bug shield or visor. Also make sure to buy wipers from a place that sells a lot of them, that will insure you get fresh soft rubber, I've personally had the best luck and longevity with snow blades, I have no idea why, but they seam to clear and last longer. Also cleaning the wiping edge of the blade with alcohol to keep the road film, bug crap and such off the blade makes a world of difference. good luck