Wiper Pressure on Ion

Discussion in 'Saturn ION' started by Teem, Nov 11, 2003.

  1. Teem

    Teem Guest

    Well,I discovered some scratches the other day on the passenger side
    windshield,WHY do car companies insist on engineering them this way?,there's
    only 1700 on the trip too.Is there a way to loosen the tension on the wiper
    arm?.
     
    Teem, Nov 11, 2003
    #1
  2. scratches are usually the result of grit on the windshield, rather than the
    wipers or how hard they are pressed down (though that can exacerbate the
    problem) - as far as why the tension seems high when the car is just sitting
    there - it's so that they don't get blown up off the windshield at speed (in
    older cars, as the spring wears, the wipers work increasingly poorly at
    speed)
     
    David & Caroline, Nov 11, 2003
    #2
  3. Teem

    Dan Hicks Guest

    Also, wipers should be changed about once a year -- more often in
    extemely hot/sunny areas. And never run the wipers "dry" -- use the
    lowest intermittent setting that will keep the windshield clear, and
    shut them off as soon as the rain stops.
     
    Dan Hicks, Nov 11, 2003
    #3
  4. Teem

    Joe Biadasz Guest

    if they are faint scratches go down to your Reputable body shop. Not the
    little small time guys. and ask them if they carry or can get windshield
    compound.. I have used this in the past and it works great.. buff the
    compound on and buff off. this will remove the small grit scratches.

    Here is the stuff you can buy now. before they didnt sell to consumers but
    I guess you can now.. it's kinda pricy for a small amount but it works..
    http://www.jestcoproducts.com/glass_polishing1.html
     
    Joe Biadasz, Nov 13, 2003
    #4
  5. Teem

    Teem Guest

    Thanks guys!,the milage I said was wrong,it's more like 8400,on my last oil
    change,i asked them to check the original blades,they seemed
    reluctant,changed them to make me happy-you know,ME,a customer.latley,the
    blades are doing it again,other than bad engine/body noises,wiper farts
    drive me crazy. Tim.
     
    Teem, Nov 14, 2003
    #5
  6. Teem

    Dan Hicks Guest

    I've found the premium teflon blades seem to work a bit better.
    Also, replace the entire blade assembly when you replace them, not
    just the rubber refill. The blade joints and bushings get sticky
    over time, preventing the wiper from laying flat.
     
    Dan Hicks, Nov 14, 2003
    #6
  7. Teem

    Teem Guest

    Maybe the windshield is plain "dry",even when it's pouring out,the farts
    occur.i'm referring to Rain-X,it seems to put some slipperyness onto the
    glass.
     
    Teem, Nov 17, 2003
    #7
  8. Teem

    Dan Hicks Guest

    Yeah, no matter what the situation a treatment like Rain-X will
    generally improve visibility in rain (with the slight exception that
    it will streak badly when the rain first starts if it's been a long
    time between rains.
     
    Dan Hicks, Nov 17, 2003
    #8
  9. Teem

    Glomis Guest

    Yeah. What about that? I have heard bad things about Rain-X. Streaking.
    Wiper chatter. Etc...
    What's the prevailing attitude on Rain-X?

    To Rain-X or not to Rain-X, that is the question.

    Glomis
     
    Glomis, Nov 17, 2003
    #9
  10. I like rain-x, yet dislike the application process - you've got to get the
    windows really clean and that's a slow process for me. I still have the
    best luck with Stoner's Invisible Glass product for cleaning the glass. The
    rain-x was also hard to polish to get streak free. I may have put on too
    much product with the initial application.

    I had some wiper chatter early on with my 97 - getting new blades yearly
    seems to be the best deal.
     
    Jonnie Santos, Nov 17, 2003
    #10
  11. Teem

    Glomis Guest

    Jonnie:

    Yeah. I have used Rain-X too but I haven't had the wiper chatter issue
    either. But in retrospect, I change my wipers often, and use high quality
    wipers when I do change them.

    The application process is labourous to be sure! I do the front about
    monthly and the other glass about every three months. Applying it in the
    winter is the real problem for me. I have a garage now, so I'll see how it
    goes this year.

    Smearing and streaking are my main complaints.

    Cheers!

    Glomis
     
    Glomis, Nov 17, 2003
    #11
  12. There is a TSB out about this on the Ion, the angle of the wipers against
    the glass apparently makes them susceptible to chattering on the glass.
    There are apparently updated wiper arm and blade assemblies available..
     
    Robert Hancock, Nov 18, 2003
    #12
  13. Teem

    Dan Hicks Guest

    If you get chatter it's due to bad blades. Streaking occurs because
    whatever goo is on the windshield (bugs, etc) sort of spreads more
    evenly for awhile, making a mess. We're talking 2 minutes or so in
    a steady rain, a little longer if it's just a mist.

    Once you're over the hump, though, the difference is dramatic. You
    can put your wipers on low (or sometimes just leave them off) most
    of the time. Visibility is better than with wipers running full
    speed without.
     
    Dan Hicks, Nov 18, 2003
    #13
  14. Teem

    Dan Hicks Guest

    I go to a car wash that has a vending machine containing Rain-X
    pre-moistened towelettes. After washing the car I dry the
    windshield, then go over it with one of those.

    I find that the polishing needn't really be as involved as they say.
    Just wipe enough to get rid of the worst streaks, then run the
    windshield washer/wiper a bit and it will polish out nicely.
     
    Dan Hicks, Nov 18, 2003
    #14
  15. Teem

    Glomis Guest

    Cheers! I'll try that.
    My shoulders and arms thank you :)
     
    Glomis, Nov 18, 2003
    #15
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