So it seems that no matter what type of windshield wiper I put on my truck, Michelin, Bosch, etc., the driver side doesn't clear the rain completely and leaves streaks. My question is, do the wiper arms themselves wear out? I know there are springs in them and just wondered if over the 25 years they've been in place the springs don't apply as much tension to keep the blade on the glass. Or is that even what the springs do? Any ideas?

 

I have a neighbor who had the same problem and had to replace the wiper arms on their 95 - but on theirs it was noticeable that the arms had sort of bent themselves into a position that would not allow them to operate properly.

Best I got Clint - hope you are doing well!

 

Thanks James!! I priced out new Motorcraft arms awhile back and I think they were only about $50 - $60, so maybe one of these days I'll get some. Stay safe down south there!

 

The springs don't "wear out" or lose tension; the flat part of the arm bends, relieving the spring. Lift the arm off the glass onto its catch, then bend the flat section of the arm (near the rivets at the stamped part) so the blade is closer to the glass. When you let it off the catch, the spring will pull the blade harder onto the glass.

Also; the stamped part of the arm can twist, causing the blade NOT to flip when it changes direction. Watch very closely next time it rains. If the blade doesn't flip back (if it pushes the rain), twist the flat part away from the push side (a crescent wrench works well). Make small adjustments until you can see the blade flip every time.

 

Thanks Steve! It's raining today so I went out and bent the arms and that did the trick!!