Date:         Mon, 26 Jan 2009 17:19:44 -0500
Reply-To:     Mike Collum <collum@VERIZON.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Mike Collum <collum@VERIZON.NET>
Subject:      Re: Wiper Adjustments?
Comments: To: Matt Drew <t3vanagon@GMAIL.COM>
In-Reply-To:  <326099ba0901261353n428e2f9ckadac56ae56afea7d@mail.gmail.com>
Content-type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed

Matt Drew wrote:
> Turned on the wipers.  No bueno...
>
> Is there an easy adjustment to correct the problem?

The wiper shafts are splined.  The wiper arms have soft metal where they
fit onto the shafts.  This soft metal can be cut out by the splines.

The fix ... Pop off the rubber covers and remove the nuts that hold the
wiper arms to the shafts (10mm wrench).  Using whatever it takes (dental
pick, awl, sharp knife, etc) remove all soft metal from the wiper shaft
splines (this step is very important!).  Then put the wiper arms back on
the splines (with wiper in proper position, of course) and tighten the
10mm nut.  New splines are cut into the soft metal as you tighten down
the nut.  Sometimes, an additional washer needs to be put under the nut
so you don't run out of threads on the shaft (too much soft metal
missing from the arms).  Of course, once the soft metal has all been
used up, it's time for new wiper arms.

Never twist the wiper arms to their proper position after they've been
put onto the shafts as this will only serve to cut and remove more of
the soft metal in the arms.

Mike