Front

FRONT

WIPER SYSTEM





The wiper blades and wiper arms should be inspected periodically, not just when wiper performance problems are experienced. This inspection should include the following points:

1. Carefully inspect the wiper blades for any indications of worn or uneven edges (1), foreign material deposits (2), hardening or cracking (3), deformation or fatigue (4), or splitting (5). Inspect the wiper blade support components and the wiper arms for damage (6) or corrosion. If the wiper arms and blades are contaminated with any foreign material, clean them and the glass as required. If a wiper blade or arm is damaged, or if corrosion is evident, replace the affected wiper arm or blade with a new unit. Do not attempt to repair a wiper arm or blade that is damaged or corroded.

2. Carefully lift the wiper blade off of the glass. Note the action of the wiper arm hinge. The wiper arm should pivot freely at the hinge, but with no lateral looseness evident. If there is any binding evident in the wiper arm hinge, or if there is evident lateral play in the wiper arm hinge, replace the wiper arm.

CAUTION: Do not allow the wiper arm to spring back against the glass without the wiper blade in place or the glass may be damaged.

3. Once proper hinge action of the wiper arm is confirmed, check the hinge for proper spring tension. Remove the wiper blade from the wiper arm. Either place a small postal scale between the blade end of the wiper arm and the glass, or carefully lift the blade end of the arm away from the glass using a small fish scale. On vehicles with unequal wiper arm lengths, be certain that measurements on both arms are taken at a point an equal distance from their wiper arm hinge pins. Compare the scale readings between the right and left wiper arms. Replace a wiper arm if it has comparatively lower spring tension, as evidenced by a lower scale reading.

4. After cleaning and inspecting the wiper components and the glass, if the wiper blade still fails to clear the glass without smearing, streaking, chattering, hazing, or beading, replace the wiper blade.

WASHER SYSTEM

The washer system components should be inspected periodically, not just when washer performance problems are experienced. This inspection should include the following points:

1. Check for ice or other foreign material in the washer reservoir. If contaminated, clean and flush the washer system.

2. Inspect the washer plumbing for pinched, leaking, deteriorated, or incorrectly routed hoses and damaged or disconnected hose fittings. Replace damaged or deteriorated hoses and hose fittings. Leaking washer hoses can sometimes be repaired by cutting the hose at the leak and splicing it back together using an in-line connector fitting. Similarly, sections of deteriorated hose can be cut out and replaced by splicing in new sections of hose using in-line connector fittings. Whenever routing a washer hose or a wire harness containing a washer hose, it must be routed away from hot, sharp, or moving parts. Also, sharp bends that might pinch the washer hose must be avoided.