Fix your loose volvo wiper arm.
The Volvo wiper arm drags the thin rubber strip across the windshield to clear objects without streaks. This is because of the wiper arm’s even pressure over the length of the rubber blades. Wiper blades are built to attach in a single point in the middle. The wiper arm, meanwhile, acts like a branch of a tree holding the blades in six to eight places.
When the wiper blade is new, the rubber is clean and free from nicks or cracks. This wipes the water, leaving no streaks. But as it ages, the wiper blade wears out. Nicks or cracks form. Road grime builds on the edge as dirt or snow forms on the wiper arm, making the distribution of pressure of the wiper blade uneven.
MVS Forum Member januwan asks:
I discovered stripped spline on windshield wiper arm (driver side) today. I tighten the nut (pilot nut would be a better design) but I am not sure how long will it last.
If my wiper fail again what should be my next step before I need to replaced the entire assembly. Are there any spline inserts?
Would Loctite help?
MVS Forum Member Ozark Lee replied:
I would just replace the wiper arm. FCP Groton sells them for around $35.00.
…Lee
MVS Forum Member januwan added:
I guess, I forgot to mentioned that the mating spline (on the shaft) is also damaged so it is not only the wiper arm but the entire assembly.
How difficult it is to replace the entire assembly?Thanks
MVS Forum Member F18 says:
As a temporary fix…try covering the splined shaft with some layers of “Tin Foil” and then tighten the wiper arm down over it. The number of layers to get a tight fit will vary depending on how badly the splines are worn. You may have to remove some foil at the end of the shaft to make sure the wiper arm seats deep enough. Then tear away any excess tin foil when finished.
That should keep you going in the rain or snow until you get the parts to replace everything.
Cheers,
FRED
MVS Forum Member icelandic says:
About four years ago I had the same problem and fixed it and it is still holding up. Take out the nut holding the arm in place and take a good look at the end of the attachment point of the arm to the mechanism. Try and find a washer that is at least 1mm thick, with a diameter that exceeds the diameter of the hole on the wipper arm by about 1mm. Put it there, place the nut and tighten. The washer will force the arm assembly further down on the spindle and it will hold up nicely.
Good luck!
Icelandic
Last Updated on November 5, 2021
