Wiper chatter

[venturawildes]

Any idea why my wipers make such a horrendous noise? New bosch blades. They chatter on the windshield, almost as if they catch a little bit. Very very noisy, and oddly enough, it's been raining here in SoCal!

[Loren]

Check TSB 1/03 9227 Wiper Blade Noise -- dated Mar 7, 2003

or

try some RainX on the windshield.

[1dmurrray]

I also clean the blades from time to time with RainX and a microfiber cloth.

[RF5BPilot]

If the above doesn't help, chatter usually comes from blades that grab, then skip. This is typically caused by the rubber blade itself or the windshield. In general, assuming your chattering isn't actually a function of problems in the wiper motor assembly, if the blades skip in both directions, the windshield is contaminated. If they only skip in one direction, (or only top or bottom of the blade skips) it's an alignment problem.

Clean the windshield thoroughly. This might include a slightly more aggressive cleaner. Sometimes you might even have to use a solvent to get sap or some petroleum based contaminant off the glass. Even RainX can cause this if it was not removed enough during application. Obviously, protect rubber seals and paint from aggressive products.

If your wipers are old (doesn't apply here), then try new ones with more flexible blades. Note that some exotic blades (although new) might be of a composition that it can grab at the glass. There are some glass waxes/sealers that can add a temporary, smoother coating to the glass to make these high performance blades pass more smoothly over the glass. The only downside is that you'll have to reapply periodically.

Once you are sure that the windshield is clean and your wipers are in good condition--but it still chatters--then consider aligning the wiper blades to the glass.

Blades will tend to skip in one direction if the wiper leads the blade in that direction. (the bottom of the blade is more forward than the top of the blade) If it chatters going to the left, then carefully twist the arm so that the bottom of the blade moves slightly backward (away from the direction of travel)--to the right. The goal is to have the blade perpendicular to the glass, so that the back and forth action simply bends the rubber wiper without chattering.

Obviously, this is a great opportunity to damage the arm or wiper motor, so use common sense. On most wiper arms, there is a flat piece of metal between the main wiper arm and the fitting that holds the blade. You can use two adjustable wrenches, one at each end of that flat piece of metal, to twist slightly. Take your time, adjust it as little as you can to get it to a more perpendicular position. If you go to far, it will just chatter in the opposite direction. Any force should be applied only to that strip of metal, not to the main arm, the wiper assembly, etc.

Similarly, if only the top or bottom of the wiper chatters, then the top of the blade is leading too much. Adjust accordingly.

Note that some auto manufacturers put an air foil on the wiper blade for good reason. At higher speeds it was obvious that the air flow was lifting the blade, causing what can look like, chattering. I've seen a number of owners refuse to pay the higher price for a blade with the air foil (or add an aftermarket one) -- then complain about how bad their wipers are on the highway. Hm-m.

Anyway, good luck.

[Long Islander]

I would suggest buying Valeo wiper blades. They look much sleeker and wipe much better. Also, clay bar your windshield. You'll be amazed at all the junk that the clay bar removes. Then use paint cleaner, then synthetic wax. I've been doing this for years and my wiper blades glide across my windshield and wipe with grace and smoothness.

Edited December 30, 2012 by Oggie (on L.I.)

[White987S]

Clean your windshield. Make you own glass cleaner:

1) 1 part denatured alcohol to 2 parts distilled water, in a spray bottle

2) Use "glass only" dedicated 100% terry cloth towels. Never wash these towels with fabric softener

3) Spray one towel with glass cleaner, clean glass, buff dry with second towel

4) Work in the shade with cool glass

Edited December 30, 2012 by White987S

[Richard Hamilton]

I use the PIAA Silicone Wiper Blades. I find them much better than the Porsche/Bosch offerings, and they will wipe a dry screen without any judder.

[white99c2]

Every time you wash the car wash the edge of the blades with the sponge. Polish or use wax on the windshield often, guaranteed results, no more chatter.

[714dre]

Another tip for cleaning your windshield is #0000 Steel Wool... (make sure it is #0000)

Only thing to keep in mind is obviously dont get it wet or the steel wool will rust.

I've also been told it works great on chrome, but that I have not yet been brave enough to try.

[David996]

Same problem. Above suggestions helped, but didn't solve. 100% fix was to replace the wiper arms themselves. Once removed I discovered theold pivot pins that allows the blades to be lifted off the windshield were worn and enabling vibration, etc. OEM arms from Pelican Parts were $64 each.

[logray]

+1 to PIAA Richard!