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Wipers/Washers - Wiping Quality Maintenance

Date: June 2, 2009

Order No.: S-B-82.35/ 621a

Supersedes: S-B-82.35/621, May 2008

Group: 82

Revision History

Revision Date Purpose

a 6/2/09 Part Numbers added.

- 5//08 Initial issue

SUBJECT:
MY-All, Models-All

Windshield Washer System: Maintaining Wiping Quality and Controlling Noise

Consult this document to help the customer improve the wiping quality on their vehicle windshields.

NOTICE!
Always consider the windshield, wiper arm, wiper blade and windshield washer system as a matched system that works together. Recommend only Mercedes-Benz genuine parts and cleaner to the customer to ensure the best possible wiping system and to maintain the surface quality of the windshield itself.

A. Windshield Surface Quality

1. Pollution, chipping, scratches, chemical additives at carwash facilities and even the wrong cleaning fluid can create an irregular windshield surface that will either cause noise or an ineffective wiping action.

2. Use Mercedes Benz cleaning solution part A 001 986 38 71 for a typical windshield cleaning or A 000 986 40 71 for a more intense cleaning.

3. Consider windshield replacement at customer expense if the surface is marred enough to create wiping problems.

B. Wiper Arm Quality

1. Check the angle of the wiper arms as per appropriate WIS documentation. Wiper arm adjustment outside the specified tolerance will cause noise and wiping complaints. Only use the Mercedes-Benz approved wiper adjustment tool.

2. Check for the wiper arm physical damage. Replace the wiper arm when necessary:

^ Clinch bolt loose

^ Locking lug bent

^ Change in spring length (alters the contact pressure)

3. If complaints are related to rattling, whistling, or chirping noises, check the mounting of the wiper arm. Loose wiper arms can lead to excessive rubbing.

C. Wiper Blade Quality

1. Wiper blades may degrade more quickly when:

^ Exposed to severe environmental influences such as heat cold, ice, snow, ozone, UV radiation

^ Not used for extended periods of time (wiper profile deformation)

^ Dirt and foliage falls on the wipers when they are in the rest position

^ Unsuitable cleaning agents or methods are applied.

2. Customer induced actions that will degrade the wiper more quickly are:

^ Ripping wiper blades from a frozen windshield. This action damages the microedge. In isolated cases the rubber profile may be disconnected. Do not loosen wiper blades from the windshield with an ice scraper. Use a de-icer to melt the ice and snow.

^ Using wiper blades on an icy windshield. Use an ice scraper to clear away all ice.

^ Bending or adjusting the actual blade in any manner.

3. A worn or damaged wiper blade may lead to increased lines and noises. Before replacing a wiper blade examine for defects and perform a system check on the wiper arm and windshield.

D. Windshield Washer System

1. During any amount of rainfall, use the windshield washer system to pre-clean before fully using the wipers.

2. Check all nozzles and openings of the washer fluid system for calcification or lime deposits and clean if necessary.

3. Ensure correct water/fluid mixing ratio is used. Using the incorrect mixing ratio in cold temperatures can cause damage to the windshield
washer system.

4. Adjust any faulty nozzle settings.





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