So I took my car in for my state's safety inspection. Was told my left wiper blade needed to be replaced; had it replaced. A week later, it rains, and I notice that the wiper doesn't contact the upper-left part of my windshield. I take it back, and the mechanic tells me I need a new wiper arm.

Do I really need a brand new wiper arm, or can I just adjust the position of the blade somehow? Seems like I could possibly bend the wiper blade or arm, but I'm worried that I might snap the thing off.

 

The Volvo wiper arms actually have a stop point as they get closer to the glass. Its at the joint of the wiper arm. The joint it would bend at if you were going to change the blade...the part where the tension spring is attached. You can see where the arm contacts the other arm when you pull it all the way up off the window. If you shave that contact area or make a bend in the wiper arm to lift the contact point it will rest on your window.

 

Thanks. I really appreciate the advice.

 

Best thing to do is to get a socket wrench and I think its 14mm or around that area and just tighten the nut while pressing down where the wiper arm bends. I adjusted mine that way and saved myself about $40 or more I believe. Didnt shave anything so I suggest trying this first

 

Update: For anyonw else who might be having the same problem, I fixed the problem by following the advice in the linkk below.


http://volvospeed.com/wiperarm.php

 

Yep, that one works like a champ.