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Is it possible to adjust the tension of car windshield wipers?

Jan 1, 2012 3:22 AM

I have a 2007 Toyota Matrix (aka Corolla wagon). The driver's side windshield wiper does more smearing the wiping on the return pass. To put it another way, on the "up", the wiper functions fine. But on the "down", where it overlaps where the passenger side wiper wiped, it does not wipe well and leaves a smear of water.
I tried getting new wiper blades and new blades with the bit that goes on the wiper arm. In both cases, the new blades work great for a bit (week or month or so, depending on how much they are used) but then the problem returns.
So I'm thinking it may be something in the tension of the blade...how hard it presses onto the windshield. But I've been able to figure out if there's a way to adjust that tension.

Does anyone know of a way to adjust that tension? Or another way to fix the problem?

gt0163c gt0163c

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There's a lot of ducks in this little pond.
The blades can take a "set" because they stop on the return pass. There's more pressure on "up" than on the "down" pass.
Your wiper arm could be bent or tweaked. Thereby being more effective one way than another.
Your wiper blade could just suck. Maybe you bought another blade that sucks. The passenger side works OK? Trade wiper arms, and see what happens.
Clean the windshield really really good, and see what happens. The blades do a good job on water, notso good on oil, dirt, bug guts, etc. And clean the blade, too.

gidgaf gidgaf
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I've found that wiping the blades down real good once in awhile helps get some of the dirt and general road grim off them and that helps.

mtm2 mtm2
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I hope you find a good answer to this because my Sebring is the same way. I change out those blades probably twice a year and the new ones will do the same thing. I've decided that it's the shape of the windshield or something. I'm starting to clean it regularly with a rain-x cleaner so I don't have to use my wipers as much.

thunderthighs thunderthighs
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If you could go back to 1987, you could grab some triple wiper wings off the windshield of almost any lowered mini-pickup. They really didn't work, but man, did they look cool!

sskarstad sskarstad
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Have you tried investing in a new wiper arm? Sometimes they lose their tension. Especially if you live in an area prone to winter weather.

*Sorry, I missed the very first answer that offered the same advice.

thumperchick thumperchick

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