How to change wiper blades on windshield wipers yourself video

Car wipers have a great influence on a comfortable ride, especially in the rain. Their work provides good visibility of the roadway due to constant cleaning of the glass, which allows the driver to maintain the car’s suspension while avoiding bumps on the road. And the better the quality of work of the wipers, the safer the car and the driver’s nerves. If the performance of the wipers is unsatisfactory, they need to be replaced.

All rubber parts, namely, the main working element of a car's windshield wiper equipment consists of this material, under constant influence of external factors (temperature changes, ultraviolet radiation from the sun) quickly lose their working properties, the same applies to the rear wiper. Therefore, wiper blades or the product in general should be replaced at least once a year, no matter how much work they have to do during that period.

Installation of frame windshield wipers

Frame glass cleaners are more bulky in appearance, as they consist of a fairly large set of structural elements:

• Pressure plates
• Rocker arms
• Adapter
• Supports
• Hinges
• Blades - rubber bands

The photo below shows this well and clearly

In such wipers, which are gradually becoming a thing of the past, not only the rubber bands are subject to wear, but also the hinges, which fail relatively quickly. Therefore, after 2-3 replacements of a worn blade, you have to change the entire frame structure of the windshield wiper. This is their disadvantage. However, there are also advantages:

• Low cost
• Simplicity of design
• Versatility - interchangeability

Recovery

A set of the following operations that restore the characteristics of the material will help increase the service life of car windshield wiper rubber bands:

1. Degreasing rubber bands removed from the structure, for example, with white spirit.
2. Its subsequent thorough cleaning from various types of contaminants.
3. Applying silicone lubricant to the surface of the part, restoring its elasticity.
4. After a pause of 1.5 - 3 hours, depending on the thickness of the product, you need to remove the grease with a solvent (the same white spirit).

Please note that the above operations must be carried out with rubber bands that do not have defects on the surface. Otherwise, such procedures will be of no use.

Design of frameless wiper blades

Frameless wipers have only an elastic metal plate with fasteners that holds the glass-cleaning rubber band. Devices of this type are not universal, that is, they are designed for a specific car model, the shape of the viewing glass of which they ideally repeat when driving.

The pressure plate in such glass cleaners is held in place by a plastic housing, which transmits force from the drive mechanism. Such wipers are more expensive than frame ones, both in general and in terms of the cost of replacement rubber.

Precautionary measures

Let's do the preparatory work and think about how to change the hook-mounted wipers on our car.

1. Take a closer look at the spare parts before removing them.
2. Check where and how they are attached.

Many car owners, after disassembling, cannot return it to its original condition.

Some brushes have a stopper and the direction of the fastener may be different.

With the wrong direction, installation may not be possible, and if installed, the hook will wear off and wear out quickly.

Look at where that metal piece stops and what its direction is.

How to replace rubber bands on windshield wipers in a car

So, the replacement is done like this:

1. The windshield wiper arms must be raised (away from the windshield).
2. Next, you need to stick out the old worn rubber bands. To do this, we find their attachment point to the guide arms and disconnect them using pliers. It is important not to overdo it with the clamps. They need to be bent a few millimeters. Otherwise they may be damaged.
3. Each elastic band is detached along with the edge on which it is located. Some sets include not only elastic bands, but also these ribs. If they are, by all means, use them. If not, use the old ones.
4. The new elastic band must match the size of the old one. Therefore, if necessary, cut it to size.
5. The new part is inserted in place of the old one (into the grooves), after which the mount is fixed. The ribs are installed in their original place.

As they say, words cannot clearly explain this, so we highly recommend watching this video on how to replace rubber bands on wipers

Replacing rubber on wipers that do not have a frame

Different car models may have windshield wipers of slightly different designs, although fundamentally they differ slightly. Therefore, the method given below, with some reservations, can be considered universal for frameless car glass cleaners. After removing the wipers from the car, it is better to sit somewhere comfortable at a table, taking with you:

• stationery knife;
• a flat-head screwdriver with a thin but not sharp tip;
• soap solution;
• set of new rubber bands.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=0Lh-mJ7lqYE

Now you can slowly start replacing the old rubber band:

1. You need to find which side of the brush the fixing cap is on, after which you need to carefully remove it by prying it off with a screwdriver. Here you need to correctly calculate the force, since the cap is held on the clamps quite firmly. However, it may burst if you press it too hard, and it is not sold separately.
2. We take out the used rubber by pulling it. It comes out almost without problems. Unless sometimes you have to bend the antennae that are in the middle of the wiper;
3. To make it easier to insert the new rubber into the runners, you should use something soapy. This could be shampoo or dish soap. The guides are generously lubricated with a soap solution and the rubber part is quite easily inserted into place.
4. To ensure that the rubber insert finally takes its correct place, the wiper can be slightly bent in the opposite direction several times.
5. The excess fragment of the rubber insert is cut off along the edge of the structure holding it and a plug is installed in place.

As you can see, changing the rubber band on a wiper blade is not that difficult. Therefore, it is worth devoting half an hour to this once a year in order to feel comfortable on the road in any “weather vagaries”.

How to choose rubber bands for windshield wipers

• First of all, it must be straight, without bends or distortions.
• There should be no burrs or torn areas on the cleaning side of the gum.
• They should be soft and elastic, which most likely means that they will not tan too much in the cold
• The size of the wipers must meet the requirements of your family, or a slight deviation downward is acceptable.

Ideally, you should purchase two pairs of windshield wipers or rubber bands, one for winter driving - frost-resistant, the other for the warm season.

Recommendations for use

If you follow some recommendations, you can not only ensure proper operation of the wipers, but also extend their service life:

1. Do not use brushes on a dry surface, especially when the glass is heavily soiled or when it is covered with ice.
2. Regularly clean and wash in water to rid the wipers of sand and other accumulated dirt.
3. If during operation the windshield wipers extend beyond the edge of the windshield, it is necessary to urgently adjust the arms.
4. If the glass or wiper blades become oily, degrease them with a 10% soda solution and then rinse thoroughly with water. Or you can use a special cleaning car shampoo that does not contain protective components. Under no circumstances should gasoline or any solvents be used.
5. There is no need to dilute concentrated windshield washer with large amounts of water in winter.
6. You need to remove snow and clear ice from glass with a brush, and not wait until the stove melts it. The melted water will then freeze on the brushes.
7. Do not turn on the wipers until the windshield is warm.

Types of wiper blade mounts

Hook or Hook

This is the oldest and most universal mount. It is usually denoted by the letter "U". The sizes of the “hook” can vary, the most common are 9x3 and 9x4. Although there are others: for example, some Audi models have very small hooks, and the American Subaru Tribeca B9 has a 12*4 “truck” class hook on the driver’s brush. On Honda Civic 4D/5D of the first years of production, the hook is supplemented with a special profile on the leash, the holding element is additionally covered with a decorative cap.

Side pin

The names “Pin in Arm” are also found. This mount is found on cars produced since 2005: BMW 3, Volvo S40, VW Jetta and Passat, as well as on some Mercedes-Benz and Peugeot models.

Push button

This mount is very widespread and is used in Volvo, Renault, Ford, Citroen, VW cars.

Pin lock

The “Pin lock” mount is used in Audi, Mercedes-Benz and Seat cars.

Side mounting

This type of fastening is not very common and is used in a number of Renault cars. Previously, this mount was also used in American-made cars.

Pinch tab

This type of fastening is very common among European manufacturers and is used in modern Audi, Fiat, Saab cars, as well as in some Mercedes-Benz and Opel models

Bayonet lock or Bayonet arm

The bayonet lock mount is used mainly in Renault cars after 2004 and Saab. There are modifications of this mount with two holes for fastening with screws; they are used for trucks.

Top lock

This type of fastening is not very common and is used in a number of BMW 5 and 6 Series cars.

Claw or Claw

This type of fastening is not very common and is used in Audi A6 cars.

Universal adapter BOSCH Aerotwin Multi-Clip

The universal Multi-Clip adapter was developed by BOSCH engineers in 2009. This adapter fits:

• Side pin
• Push button
• Top lock
• Pinch tab

Please note that this adapter is NOT suitable for hook mounting.

Main signs of starter malfunction

Despite the fact that the starter is a fairly reliable device, it can also break. Some breakdowns may have symptoms identical to other faults, but there is still something in common when the electric motor malfunctions.

The main symptoms of starter malfunctions:

The solenoid relay does not click (does not operate) and the armature does not rotate.

• Battery discharge (complete or partial) or failure;
• Oxidation of battery terminals and tips connected to it;
• The terminals or tips connected to both the starter itself and the battery have come loose;
• Lack of contact on the terminal bolts, caused by a break in the wires connecting the ignition switch and starter;
• Short circuit, break or breakdown of the solenoid relay windings to ground.

When the electric motor starts and the solenoid relay is operational, the armature rotates slowly or does not rotate at all.

• The contact on the terminal bolts of the solenoid relay is broken;
• High wear of brushes or their jamming;
• Burning or overheating of the collector plates;
• Breakdown of the stator winding caused by insulation failure or interturn short circuit;
• Damage to the insulating layer of the positive brush holder;
• Short circuit of collector plates caused by insulation failure;

The armature of a running starter rotates, but the crankshaft does not spin.

• Overrunning clutch slipping;
• Mechanical damage to the freewheel (buffer spring, underwater ring);
• The starter drive fork is flying out or damaged;
• Difficulty in moving the drive along the thread on the anchor shaft.

After starting the engine, the starter continues to operate.

• Drive fork jamming;
• Damage to the ignition switch spring;
• Jamming of the solenoid relay or starter drive contacts on the anchor shaft;
• Damage or stretching of the springs that return the solenoid relay or overrunning clutch;
• Solenoid relay jammed;
• Warping of the electromagnetic motor caused by unscrewing its fastenings to the internal combustion engine.

Increased noise when the starter is running.

• Increased wear of individual parts of the armature (necks and bushings);
• Violation of the integrity of the starter housing at the drive location;
• Mechanical damage to the teeth of the flywheel or bendix;
• Insufficiently tightened motor mounts;
• Contact of the armature with the pole during rotation due to the weakened fastening of the latter inside the unit.

How to keep your windshield wipers from wearing out quickly

• Before you start cleaning the windshield, you must first moisten it with water from the sprayer. If the barrel is empty, you can use a plastic bottle or snow. The movement of rubber bands on dry glass can cause damage. There is a lot of dust and sand on the windshield, especially on the rear window. When a dry rubber band passes over them, abrasions and cracks may form on its surface. Of course, this does not happen after just one time, but it is a fact.
• From time to time the wiper needs to be lubricated or washed with water. And this applies not only to the mechanism, but also the rubber band must sometimes receive a share of lubricant.
• In winter, special care is required. If you leave the car for an indefinite period of time in the open air (not in a warm garage), then it is necessary to move the wipers away from the windshield. In severe frosts, the rubber bands freeze to the glass. And if at this time you need to use the car, then do not even think about turning on the glass cleaning. This can lead to premature wear of the motor and brushes.
• When cold weather sets in, it is necessary to replace the washer fluid with antifreeze. This will not only preserve your wipers for a few more seasons, but will also save your fluid reservoir. Since ordinary liquid freezes and causes the tank to crack.
• High air temperatures and direct sunlight on brushes reduce their service life by half. If you don’t want to buy new brushes after the summer, don’t be lazy to remove them from your car. The withdrawal procedure will take you a couple of minutes and will save you several hundred rubles.
• You can get into the habit of wiping the glass while refueling your car or every time you use it.
• The most vulnerable part of the (frame) wipers is the hinges. They're worth keeping an eye on. When dust gets on them, they cause corrosion and premature wear. The hinges must be lubricated with any means. Otherwise, the windshield wiper will have to be replaced.
• It is not recommended to use the wiper when there is a layer of snow on the windshield. It is better to sweep it away by hand or with a scraper. And only after that, turn on the wiper to clean the wet glass.
• Do not turn on the wiper when the glass is covered with a layer of ice. Rubbing the rubber bands against the surface will lead to the appearance of cracks and cuts, and this, in turn, will lead to poor cleaning of the front or rear windows.
• Before purchasing new items, pay attention to their condition. Carefully check their surface for damage. Remember, the cheaper the wipers, the worse their quality of work. It’s better to pay once, but drive with normal windshield wipers for more than one year.

If your windshield wipers suddenly stop working at all, that is, they don’t even turn on, this may be the reason.

This concludes our post on how to replace rubber bands on a car’s windshield wipers, please write your comments and suggestions below under this article.

How to choose the right ones to buy good frameless wipers

Unfortunately, the most important characteristic of frameless wipers, namely service life, can vary greatly. One brush will work for 2 years without complaints, and the other will break after a couple of seasons of use. Moreover, it is impossible to distinguish them visually and understand which model will last longer. It will also not be possible to test every wiper, because there are a huge variety of them.

Every year, products with improved designs appear, so making a choice becomes more and more difficult. In addition to standard frame and frameless wipers, hybrid ones have appeared, as well as models for winter, ultra-modern wipers with an elastic heating element. Due to the built-in heater, the frame of the latter remains flexible, even if it is -30 °C outside.

By the way, it is heated wipers that are considered the least reliable today. In addition, they are quite expensive; to install them, you will need an installation kit, which includes a relay and wires. Also, due to their work, the load on the on-board network increases. Many drivers speak negatively about using this model of windshield wipers. They note that this function is not needed and that the product quickly breaks down.

It is recommended to choose from classic car wipers. You can also purchase windshield wipers for the warm season, as well as for the cold season. However, not everyone can afford it. Most car owners prefer to install high-quality car brushes and forget about this problem for a long time.

Manufacturing companies create windshield wiper models so that they function normally for about 12 months.

What symptoms indicate that the wipers have become unusable:

• A specific sound, brushes squeak, rustling appears. Moreover, in some cases, creaking occurs due to the fact that the surface is completely degreased. A washer will help solve this problem. Or the cause of the sound may be that the auto brushes are out of order.
• Stripes on the surface are formed due to the fact that the rubber bands are damaged or do not adhere well to the glass. As a result, the surface is not completely cleaned, and visibility through the windshield is minimal. What happens if you don’t install new brushes right away? Plastic and metal elements can scratch the windshield.

When you are in a specialized auto store and planning to buy frameless wipers, remember that the selected model must meet the following requirements:

• removes any dirt;
• There are no stripes or stains left on the glass;
• works effectively at both low and high speeds;
• not afraid of low temperatures and freezing.

What other nuances should you pay attention to when choosing windshield wipers:

• reputation of the manufacturer;
• wiper series;
• design features: frameless wipers, frame or hybrid;
• Dimensions - you can buy two sizes;
• type of attachment of the brush to the leash;
• whether there is a spoiler or not, as well as a wear sensor.

What are rubber bands for car wipers made from? They are usually silicone or rubber. The first should be used in the cold season, the second - in the summer. In addition, there are composite tapes made of rubber, silicone and graphite, which have improved properties.

Due to the fact that the types of mounts for windshield wipers are different, when choosing them, you should take into account the make and model of the car:

• hook - used on cars produced before 1999, at that time only this type of fastening existed;
• side pin (“finger”) - can be found on some models of Volkswagen, Peugeot, BMW 3, the year of manufacture of which begins in 2005;
• side clamp - mounted in most cars made in Europe, for example, Opel, Fiat, Audi, Saab;
• side mount - found infrequently, mainly on Renault;
• bayonet lock - installed on Renault, Saab since 2004;
• “claw” - mounted on Audi 6;
• upper lock - can be found exclusively on BMW 5th and 6th series;
• pin lock - installed on Mercedes, Audi.

Another parameter that you should pay attention to is the dimensions of the brushes, because it determines how effectively the car wipers will work:

• If the blades are too long, they will not adhere well to the surface and will begin to extend beyond the windshield seal.
• Car wipers that are not long enough will be able to clean a small area; an uncleaned spot will remain in the middle of the windshield, due to which the driver will not be able to see the road.

Note! The driver's windshield wiper must be longer than the passenger's. After all, the viewing angle of the person driving depends on this.

At the same time, it is important that the wipers do not touch.

The length of the windshield wipers may differ by 2–10 cm. For example, there is the following marking 700/600, where: 700 are the dimensions of the driver’s wiper, 600 are the passenger’s.

How to understand that you have high-quality brushes:

• the edge must be flat, there is no rounding of the working edge of the tape;
• homogeneous structure and shade of gum;
• no rubber burrs;
• If the wiper blade is framed, when it bends, the tape moves in the clamps without jamming.