windshield wipers hitting
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 466
Likes: 1
From: Laguna Niguel California
windshield wipers hitting
I am having a problem with my windshield wipers on my 96 coupe. On their way back down before they are in their semi cocked "on" resting position they clip one another. Not a drastic hit, bit they definetly make conatct every time they come back down. Is there a way to adjust them so they don't do this?
Large Impressive Member
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 65,811
Likes: 71
From: Good health is merely the slowest possible rate at which one can die
St. Jude Donor '04-'05-'06-'07
This is a common problem on earlier C4s but is usually cured by using 95-96 style arms. They could be installed wrong or the linkage could be worn. Some have solved the problem by using premium blades too.
Pro
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 589
Likes: 1
From: Tucker GA
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 5,866
Likes: 60
From: Hellinois
Finalist 2020 C4 of the Year - Modified
If you will send me your email address I will send you Gordon Killebrew's step by step method of correcting wiper crash. While the newer arms are definitely a good idea you might want to try this before spending money.
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 148
Likes: 0
From: Ashland, Kentucky
I had the same problem with my '95 which has the late c4 style arms. I guess over the years the driverside arm had flattened out and the arm was almost touching the windsheild. When driving with the wipers on sometimes they would collide. I don't remember anything hitting the arm to cause it to bend. I also think that in '95 GM increased the wiper arm spring rate to cause a firmer contact with the blade to the windsheild. I fixed my problem with a new wiper arm.
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 109
Likes: 3
From: Just North of Boston Mass
I was able to bend my arms by removing them and putting the smaller flat portion in a vise to get them to clear each other and the A pillar. didn't know about the new arms.
Now they park where I want them to, and don't hit anything. I figured if I wrecked them I could always get new ones later. All it takes is the guts to try. and it was free too.
Now they park where I want them to, and don't hit anything. I figured if I wrecked them I could always get new ones later. All it takes is the guts to try. and it was free too.
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Instructor
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 141
Likes: 0
From: Tucson AZ
you can probably adjust the crash out of them
pry up the plastic screen access cover on the driver's side below the windshield. Use an extension and a 10mm socket to loosen the four nuts on the two push-pull extensions. Don't drop the socket, it's a bummer if you do. I don't want to talk about it.
When they are loose you can move the driver's side wiper arm down (I moved mine a lot, about 2 1/2" below the stops, measured at the inboard tip), and move the passenger side wiper arm a little down so it will tuck away behind the hood edge. Don't forget to put the driver wiper arm back up into it's proper resting position in the stops. Snug the nuts and try it. Don't leave the extension and socket on when you try it. I don't want to talk about that either.
Ok, after a few tries, you should be able to find a happy compromise of positions so they don't crash, and they tuck away like they should.
When they are loose you can move the driver's side wiper arm down (I moved mine a lot, about 2 1/2" below the stops, measured at the inboard tip), and move the passenger side wiper arm a little down so it will tuck away behind the hood edge. Don't forget to put the driver wiper arm back up into it's proper resting position in the stops. Snug the nuts and try it. Don't leave the extension and socket on when you try it. I don't want to talk about that either.
Ok, after a few tries, you should be able to find a happy compromise of positions so they don't crash, and they tuck away like they should.
I wish I knew that before I started bending things. oh well thanks for the info at least now I will be able to help others do it the RIGHT way. Guess I'm just a hack. 
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 1,593
Likes: 0
From: Mobile AL
St. Jude Donor '05
I had that problem. Somewhere is a thread with my final fix. Basically it was using Soft-Scrub to completely clean the windshield, then removing the transmissions (left and right) and lubricating them (they were both dry). I initially did only the driver side, but went back later and did the passenger side as well. It may be a simple adjustment, and if so, congratulations. I tried everything before dismantling mine and lubricating. DO be careful with the sockets - when they go, they go a long way.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 8,700
Likes: 298
From: Ft. Lauderdale Fl
Eighteen months ago....
When I purchased my C-4, I was driving home on the turnpike when it started to rain. I had wiper crash. When I got home, changed the arms and the wipers and never had the problem again.
