Today I decided to replace the rear wiper blade on my '03 V70. When I lifted the wiper off the glass, the blade literally fell out! It appears that the small plastic lugs that grip the (also plastic) mounting shaft of the blade had cracked. I am in for a new arm - at, I gather, some $50+!

The problem itself is hardly surprising - few plastics can withstand 7 years of sunlight exposure without some cross-linking and embrittlement.

What is surprising - actually appalling - is the Yugo-style engineering of these parts - poor design and unsuitable material. Someone had an extra helping of stupid flakes for breakfast the day they designed this part!

 

Sorry to hear it - but we may as well get used to it. Volvo is soon to bear the inevitable "Made in China" stamp.

http://www.merinews.com/article/volv...15802617.shtml

 

China owned does not necessarily mean china made.

 

Picked up the part at the local dealer (no time for an internet purchase) - closer to $70 than $50!

It's three pieces - arm, base and spring (the end cap over the washer nozzle is not included) I have some background in plastic molding - estimate the cost of the two molded parts @ $3.50, the spring @ $0.50 - add a generous $0.50 for assembly - cost of goods $4.50 add 40% overhead - $6.30 and then another $1.00 for packing and distribution - total $7.30 and then Volvo and the dealer get to split a 790% markup!

Geely can build them in Timbuktu for all I care - I am loath to do business with any firm that treats its customers this way.