Windshield wipers stutter
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 105
Likes: 2
From: Lecanto Florida
Windshield wipers stutter
I purchased a '96 CE several months ago. I don't take it out out in the rain much because the windshield wiper blades stutter and occasionally the tips catch and they really bounce around. I've tried many window cleaners, tried Rain-X, replaced the blades (twice) and clay bar'd the windshield. Using the clay bar helped reduce the problem some but didn't fix it. Any suggestions on how to solve this problem?
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 1,796
Likes: 14
From: Nampa Idaho
What kind of blades are you using? I personally never take mine out in the rain, so I replaced them with the stock rubber ones, but you might try silicone ones.
http://www.ecklerscorvette.com/corve...1984-1996.html
http://www.ecklerscorvette.com/corve...1984-1996.html
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 105
Likes: 2
From: Lecanto Florida
Thanks, I didn't notice those in the Eckler's catalog and purchased the stock rubber ones. I also tried a new pair of AC Delco's from Davie's. I guess I should try one more new pair of the silicone ones.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 6,227
Likes: 697
From: Clifton Park, NY ............Clearwater, FL ... 85 Original Owner
I purchased a '96 CE several months ago. I don't take it out out in the rain much because the windshield wiper blades stutter and occasionally the tips catch and they really bounce around. I've tried many window cleaners, tried Rain-X, replaced the blades (twice) and clay bar'd the windshield. Using the clay bar helped reduce the problem some but didn't fix it. Any suggestions on how to solve this problem?
Racer
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 430
Likes: 1
From: Austin Texas
If you don't clean the contact surface, it tends to "stick" as the arm tries to cycle across the windshield surface.
If you don't shorten at least one of the blades, the first time either one "sticks" to the windshield during cycling, the 2 blades will collide, and one or both gets BENT. Once one or both get bent, they'll never work reliably again.
Jim G
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 13,348
Likes: 233
From: SCMR Rat Pack'r Charter Member..Great Bend KS
Wipe both dry blades with Armor All. Let it dry. Then use the wipers on a wet windshield. It not only helps with chatter, but rain just beads up and blows off the windshield after you've done this.
Jim's advice on keeping everything clean also goes a long way towards free-working wipers.
Larry
__________
not easily impessed....
Jim's advice on keeping everything clean also goes a long way towards free-working wipers.
Larry
__________
not easily impessed....
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 20,179
Likes: 673
From: Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction.
St. Jude '03 thru '24
A new windshield and fresh Rain-X blades was miserable to drive.
I left the wipers running while washing the car and soaping the windshield.
Took a few months of this on the DD before the blades and glass settled in.
I left the wipers running while washing the car and soaping the windshield.
Took a few months of this on the DD before the blades and glass settled in.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 844
Likes: 8
From: Butler PA
The problem is the angle at which the blade attacks the windshield. When the wipers are turned off, inner edge of the blade is always facing up. After years of this, the upper edge of the metal arm gets slightly twisted toward the hood. When the wipers are subsequently turned on again, it's like combing one's hair against the grain.
In order to have a smooth wiper the rubber blade MUST be perfectly perpendicular to the glass surface. To return it to the proper angle, place two adjustable wrenches, held a few inches apart on the wiper arm. Then while holding the one closest to the pivot point stable, turn the one closest to the wiper blade slightly toward the windshield.
Lower the wiper and check to see if the blade edge lands perpendicular to the glass surface. Repeat until the blade is perfect. Salt to taste, and you're ready to serve.
In order to have a smooth wiper the rubber blade MUST be perfectly perpendicular to the glass surface. To return it to the proper angle, place two adjustable wrenches, held a few inches apart on the wiper arm. Then while holding the one closest to the pivot point stable, turn the one closest to the wiper blade slightly toward the windshield.
Lower the wiper and check to see if the blade edge lands perpendicular to the glass surface. Repeat until the blade is perfect. Salt to taste, and you're ready to serve.