850 GLT 1995 Windshield Wiper Won't Wipe

squeaky3 · Post by **squeaky3** » 25 Sep 2009, 23:08

The driver's side wiper doesn't wipe past the center of the windshield. I have the correct arm in, and in fact have removed and replaced it three or four times as well as changed the blades, but it still doesn't wipe the whole windshield. It almost seems to lift off from the center, so that it can go over your finger without touching it. Any ideas on why this is happening and how to fix it?

Post by **polskamafia mjl** » 26 Sep 2009, 00:45

Take the blades off and see what happens...if the wiper arm itself (not the blade) makes a full half circle like it is supposed to then something is wrong with the blades. I doubt that's what it is though. I think something is blocking the motor.

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 26 Sep 2009, 04:51

It is a common problem, the ultimate fix is to replace the arm but this has worked out fine for me for a couple of years.

http://volvospeed.com/wiperarm.php

...Lee

squeaky3 · Post by **squeaky3** » 26 Sep 2009, 06:27

To OVLOV:

If something is blocking it, what could it be and how do I fix it?

To Lee:

As I wrote, I've replaced the arm 3-4 times, all with the same result: when the wiper reaches the midpoint of the driver's side portion of the windshield, it stops contact with the windshield by a good 3/4 inch.

**Can I use the passenger side arm in place of the driver's side to see if it makes a difference and, if it does, keep using it, without causing any harm?

malum · Post by **malum** » 26 Sep 2009, 07:47

Ozark Lee wrote:It is a common problem, the ultimate fix is to replace the arm but this has worked out fine for me for a couple of years.

http://volvospeed.com/wiperarm.php

...Lee

hey, I came here for the glovebox fix but noticed this. It's been driving me nuts for months. I replaced the blades with no joy but i just went and did this and it seems to have worked a treat. Thanks

squeaky3 · Post by **squeaky3** » 26 Sep 2009, 08:46

I don't think NOW that I made my post clear. The wiper wipes the full length it's supposed to; it's that after a point midway, the blade doesn't make contact with the surface it's supposed to be wiping. In other words, in the rain (which it's been doing all week) the left side of my vision is blocked and blurred by raindrops that don't get wiped off.

Post by **mvsuzr** » 26 Sep 2009, 08:50

Wild guess, but it sounds like the shaft the blade mounts to is tilted to one side.

I don't have the same car, but try to check the shaft with a square and see if it's ok.

Look for loose or missing mounting bolts.

Good luck.

squeaky3 · Post by **squeaky3** » 26 Sep 2009, 18:06

Lee:

The Volvospeed site you directed me to worked. Again, thanks to you I fixed the problem. Is there a similar reference for the passenger wiper arm; mine is too close to the top of the hood, but I don't want to adjust it without proper instruction. Thanks.

red850glt · Post by **red850glt** » 22 Feb 2015, 11:20

YEP... I just removed mine as blade lost about all contact with glass.
1- remove nut & washer at blade arm base.
2- gently pry off arm ( mine was stuck on but popped off with gentle rocking motion.)
3- put arm upside down on concrete floor
4- gently tapped arm in shown spot with mallet to make it be bent down more when reinstalled.(http://volvospeed.com/wiperarm.php)
5- reinstall, wet glass so blade does not drag & test.
I suggest bending a bit at a time cause it didn't take much for mine. Too much would make arm base hit body and/or drag too much.
Pretty simple really. Of course my springs where good, so no need to grind down stops.

cmarcoux · Post by **cmarcoux** » 23 Feb 2015, 05:54

This is a fast fix, just take a clamp or even a strong hand and twist the arm a little bit down (towards the engine) till you get it the way you want it. Try and twist, Try and twist. If that does not do the trick you need to bend the curve towards the glass more so grasp the middle of the bar and pull straight back while the other hand bends the blade towards the glass. I have problems with mine every time there is crap tons of snow and this is how I deal with it works every time. Short of this go to a junk yard and ask for a new arm then go to the store and get some blades if you still have the problem just read above.