Noisy Wipers?

Question

I bought some new Halfords wiper blades for my Ford Focus about 6 months ago and although they still work well they have got noisy. They make that rubbery squeaky noise and seem to grip the screen too much on the way back down. They only work properly when it's raining really heavily. Do they really only last that long? Do I need a new pair? Thanks

Answer 1

I'm an Auto Technician and I've seen this alot. 6 months is a pretty good life span for wiper blades. The reason they make that noise is because when the wipers remain parked for quite a while without being used, the rubber edge gets formed to an akward shape. (it gets bent a little bit) This makes that annoying rubber sound when you use the wipers again.

Answer 2

Its strange how most people do not know how to fit wipers properly, its not just a case of slipping them into the arm retainers, but actually ensuring that the blade angle is correct to the screen.

When you fit a new set of blades you need to wet the screen, and start the wipers, when the wipers reach mid stroke switch off the ignition - this should stop the wipers dead and prevent them from parking.

You now need to check to ensure that the blade metal part is exactly parallel to the screen across the blade width, this will ensire that the rubber part has to bend each way exactly the same amount on each stroke.

If the blade back is not parallel to the screen you need to twist the wiper arm very carefully until it is.

This will stop the juddering you are experiencing.

Answer 3

For some reason (on older fords) wipers were a problem for this. I'm sure the manufacture recommended a yearly change which some countries on the continent do but us Brits wait until they collapse. It can be things such as, road film, worn rubber, hard rubber, spring tension on wiper arm. Never use refills because the joints on the blade can wear (it's like replacing your trainers but it's the knee caps that have gone).

I can't remember the manufacture of the Halfords blades but I'm sure Champion use to make them at one time. I always use Bosch because the rubber that touched the screen is a different rubber that's held by the blade so you have 2 purpose made rubbers for the job (but moulded together). Always replace the full blade.

What a laugh the answer is above. Bloke hasn't a clue. The batteries were Yuasa and are Varta. Both make the majority of OEM batteries. The Halfords brands came off the same production line as the OEM market, same suppliers. The Halfords clutch (QH) came in a red QH box and Fords Motorcraft blue box contains the same clutch.

Answer 4

Depending on the environment where you live dictates how long wiper blades last, if you live in a major urban area with a lot of air pollution or live in an extremely warm , sunny climate wiper blades will only last 4-6 months. UV rays and smog seem to really take their toll on the rubber, when I used to live in LA I went through 3 pairs a year on average, didn't seem to really matter what brand or type, they just didn't last.

Answer 5

Try the cleaning thing...alcohol or vinegar.
Yep, some cheaper ones wear out, Halfords own...made in China for 0.02p.
Also, it could be the arm that holds the wiper blade unit, a bit of play in the connection allows the blade to wobble a little. If this is the case, remove blade unit, squash (Finger n thumb NOT pliers) the metal arm (Where blade unit slides back in) and re assemble.

Answer 6

Hey hey

Try traffic film remover and next time get better blades.

Recommend genuine Ford wipers, not that much more but they'll be the best as they where designed for that car. Anything else is a copy. xxxxx

Answer 7

Hi, it really does depend on the conditions that they have been subjected to over this short period.It is possible thst the rubber has become hard over this period thus the squeak, but try cleaning them off first with vineagar, if this fails then buy some new ones. you should be paying about nine pounds for a set of decent wipers.
maclaren

Answer 8

try putting rubbing alcohol on a cotton ball or paper towel and wipe each wiper blade. Some do wear out faster, especially if you use a car wash.

Buy Champion

Answer 9

aftermarket wipers are not that good really.id get some from the dealer.they will be a bit more money but should last longer.generally theyle give you the wipers that came with car when it was new.

Answer 10

I had exactly that problem with my last 2 sets. I replaced them about a month ago for some Champion ones, and for the first time since I bought the car, they work quietly and smoothly.