Exact Fit wipers for 1997 855 SE ?

volvox · Post by **volvox** » 01 Mar 2007, 10:55

My local PartSource store has the Exact Fit windshield wipers on sale and, since I've used them to considerable success on my other car, I'm wondering if anybody else has tried using them on their Volvo instead of the OEM wipers
or inserts.
Would they even fit?
My windshield wipers seem to be 22 inches in length, and the tailgate wiper seems to be 18 inches. Or do they have to be metric-sized?
Thoughts?

Post by **billofdurham** » 01 Mar 2007, 11:31

I have not used Exact Fit blades but my 850 has 21 inch blades on the front and 16 inch on the tailgate. These sizes are recommended by every wiper manufacturer in the UK.

I have also found that the makers now quote metric lengths which relate to those above, so no problem there.

Bill.

volvox · Post by **volvox** » 01 Mar 2007, 20:16

Thanks, Bill.

However my question still stands, so let me re-phrase it(a number of times).

Is there a consensus on the type of winshield wipers used in Volvos?

Stick to OEM, or OK to try other manufacturers?

Are the OEM wipers substantially better or sturdier, or not really?

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 01 Mar 2007, 20:42

I love the Valeo ULTIMATE's I got from TireRack.com They were and still are on 2 for 1 sale, and we have them on both of our Volvo's.

zenmervolt · Post by **zenmervolt** » 01 Mar 2007, 23:37

I've never had any wiper last longer than 6 months. I've tried Anco, Exact Fit, Bosch (both the Micro Edge and the new Icon) and Valeo.

I've never had one that didn't wiper perfectly when new, and I've never had one that wasn't starting to streak after 6 months. I've had some issues with the cheaper brands using plastic for the wiper assembly though so I generally try to stick with the basic Bosch wipers.

PerryRT · Post by **PerryRT** » 02 Mar 2007, 09:17

I've never had any wiper last longer than 6 months. I've tried Anco, Exact Fit, Bosch (both the Micro Edge and the new Icon) and Valeo.

Yeah, over the years, I agree that this is true (6 months on a blade.) My personal rule has always been refills every six months, blades every year. That seems to work pretty well. I've had the best overall success with the Bosch, personally, but haven't tried several of the brands that have been mentioned, so it's hardly an exhaustive recommendation.

Related to that, I seem to be having what appears to be a common problem in the 850 - the wiper on the driver's side not wiping at the top of the arc (like mentioned here ) - I just put on a new set of Bosch blades, but it didn't fix it. I figured I would check the nut mentioned this weekend, and if that doesn't fix it, I'll try to get a set of the Tridons the next time around (i.e. in six months).[/url]

And (somewhat unrelated to the above, but still on topic) does anyone know of a cheaper source for the headlight wiper blades? I have to admit, I feel wrong buying those little suckers for $16/pair.

Post by **billofdurham** » 02 Mar 2007, 11:33

Is there a consensus on the type of winshield wipers used in Volvos?

Sorry, I didn't read your question like that.

I always use Bosch, back and front. They last me 12 months without problems.

the wiper on the driver's side not wiping at the top of the arc (like mentioned here )

Check that the wiper arm is not slightly bent away from the screen. They often bend down beside the nut. Mine was and I had a section of screen that never cleared. I fixed it by removing the arm, putting a block of wood back and front and gently squeezing it in a vice until it was straight.

Bill.