Guide - Easy Wiper Squeal Fix

[V40DSchariot]

The articles section is showing locked, so I assume i'm not safe posting in there for whatever reason so here it is.

I would've thought this would work for either wiper arm.
My squealing wiper was on the offside and the shaft was loose, I removed the wiper arm. (prise the plastic cover off, remove 13mm nut and pull away the wiper arm).
Then remove the circlip around the shaft that the wiper arm attaches to and the washer underneath that. (I have'nt figured how to embed pictures within text so take a look at pic 1, where you can see how the plastic surround of the shaft is worn).
There was the remains of a rubber spacer in there but it looks like a bigger job stripping down to replace the plastic surround.
Seen as i'm in work I had a look as to what I had at hand. The best thing I could find was a plumbing fibre washer, it had to be resized with a bit of time,lot of patience, drill bit and file. I used the drill bit by hand for the required hole size and a file for the outside. Take a look at pic 2 for the before and after of the fibre washer.
When the size of the fibre washer was right, a little bit of grease around the shaft inserted the fibre washer which took up the space to keep the shaft central, then replaced the washer, circlip, wiper arm, nut and plastic cover.
Tried the wipers and listened to the sound of silence.
I don't know how long the firbre washer will last but they are pretty hard wearing, took about 40 odd minutes filing the outside down so with the grease in there aswell it should last a good while.

[ITSv40]

Nice neat filing on the fibre washer. I'm glad I'm not the only one who spends time modifying an item designed for some totally unrelated task to fit the job in hand.

[druid]

Love this
OK explain a bit about the washer you started with, size and what do i ask for, not having any plumbing stuff around i will have to go to a plumbing shop!
My bonnet has started to catch so it will be done soon.

[skyship007]

Volvo changed the design of the wiper arms some years ago, so if you fit a new gen Volvo arm it seems to solve the problem of the shaft bush wearing.

Bosch were the OEM wiper blade suppliers and they don't make a noise. SKF and Valero are also good, although nothing beats the real thing.

[coffeejunky]

Excellent guide for a common problem. Good thinking.

Probably a bit late, but if you could measure inside and outside diameter of the tap washer you modified, we could possibly source an option that doesn't require modification.
A teflon washer may be the answer, should be durable and slippy enough I'd have thought.

For example:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Teflon-PTF...tO60In-sq2coLQ

[V40DSchariot]

Originally Posted by ITSv40

Nice neat filing on the fibre washer. I'm glad I'm not the only one who spends time modifying an item designed for some totally unrelated task to fit the job in hand.

It seems to be only old school that does things like that anymore ITS, it's good to keep the old grey matter busy with something

Originally Posted by druid

Love this
OK explain a bit about the washer you started with, size and what do i ask for, not having any plumbing stuff around i will have to go to a plumbing shop!
My bonnet has started to catch so it will be done soon.

Not sure on the size as someone at work has just mixed all the firbre washers up together, I think it's a 17.5mm x 11.5mm x 1.5mm but they're only pence if you can get them seperate, at places like B&Q they will sell a pack mostly of what you don't need for a couple of quid. Just ask for a red fibre washer for copper pipework.

[dingov70]

Would never have this problem if the wiper spindle could be lubricated in situ .

modified a few range rover's with a fine drill so you could inject oil around the spindle assembly . My sprinter takes great delight in destroying wiper boxes , so I drilled the plastic & injected silicone plumbers grease to keep water & gunk out .

I use plumbers gresae as it does not afffect plastic ! & is very thixotropic ( let you google that one ) a win all round

As for fibre washers , just search out your local hydraulics place or fastners supplier , dirt , dirt cheap

[V40DSchariot]

Originally Posted by coffeejunky

Excellent guide for a common problem. Good thinking.

Probably a bit late, but if you could measure inside and outside diameter of the tap washer you modified, we could possibly source an option that doesn't require modification.
A teflon washer may be the answer, should be durable and slippy enough I'd have thought.

For example:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Teflon-PTF...tO60In-sq2coLQ

Never thought of measuring it! lol. Not sure if i'll be able to get it out again, might have a look tomorrow. I know I got a 12mm drill through it with just a tad more needing taking off so maybe 12.5mm and looking at the picture maybe 2mm wide, so anywhere between 12.5/13mm internal and 14/15mm external-ish.

[V40DSchariot]

Originally Posted by druid

Love this
OK explain a bit about the washer you started with, size and what do i ask for, not having any plumbing stuff around i will have to go to a plumbing shop!
My bonnet has started to catch so it will be done soon.

A kit like this has got the size I used Druid.
http://FibreWashers
You'll end up with loads you don't want, but i've got a pet hate of B&Q who I find mostly sell expensive cheap sh!te. They'll probably charge you the same for 10. But handy in a emergency.

[druid]

Originally Posted by V40DSchariot

A kit like this has got the size I used Druid.
http://FibreWashers
You'll end up with loads you don't want, but i've got a pet hate of B&Q who I find mostly sell expensive cheap sh!te. They'll probably charge you the same for 10. But handy in a emergency.

Dead link mate, But i get the idea