I noticed my passenger wiper wasn't clearing well, so I changed the blades.
On a side note, I'm lucky if I can get 6 months out of a set of blades. They simply end up not wiping well.
2009 Impala, 22" blades.
Honestly, I think overall wiping effectiveness of both sides of the windshield has been degrading for some time.
Anyway, the new blade streaked as well... perplexed, I checked the wiper arm tension by lifting them away from the windshield. The passenger side felt like it had a lot less pressure.
I removed the wiper blades, and used a digital gram scale to check tension at the mounting hooks.
Driver's side: 1030g.
Passenger side: 750g.
I don't claim this check to be completely accurate, but it does confirm that there is a substantial difference in tension.
Interestingly, I can't find reliable info regarding proper wiper arm tension. Some sources state 1oz per inch of wiper blade.
However, if this is correct, the wiper arm should have 623g pressure. Again, my measurements may not be accurate, but I don't think they are too far off.
The driver's side is almost exactly 1.5oz/inch. Despite it having more tension than the passenger side, I think it may be weak as well because it wipes ok, but if I'm not diligent about keeping the blade and windshield clean, wiping degrades.
I don't know how much longer I'll have the car, so I ordered some SureWipe springs (which I think adds 200g tension). But, I may just slap some new Dorman wiper arms on later.
Does anyone know the proper wiper arm tension?
Many thanks,
Bob
On a side note, I'm lucky if I can get 6 months out of a set of blades. They simply end up not wiping well.
2009 Impala, 22" blades.
Honestly, I think overall wiping effectiveness of both sides of the windshield has been degrading for some time.
Anyway, the new blade streaked as well... perplexed, I checked the wiper arm tension by lifting them away from the windshield. The passenger side felt like it had a lot less pressure.
I removed the wiper blades, and used a digital gram scale to check tension at the mounting hooks.
Driver's side: 1030g.
Passenger side: 750g.
I don't claim this check to be completely accurate, but it does confirm that there is a substantial difference in tension.
Interestingly, I can't find reliable info regarding proper wiper arm tension. Some sources state 1oz per inch of wiper blade.
However, if this is correct, the wiper arm should have 623g pressure. Again, my measurements may not be accurate, but I don't think they are too far off.
The driver's side is almost exactly 1.5oz/inch. Despite it having more tension than the passenger side, I think it may be weak as well because it wipes ok, but if I'm not diligent about keeping the blade and windshield clean, wiping degrades.
I don't know how much longer I'll have the car, so I ordered some SureWipe springs (which I think adds 200g tension). But, I may just slap some new Dorman wiper arms on later.
Does anyone know the proper wiper arm tension?
Many thanks,
Bob