Just got a 1998 C230. Never had a One-Arm-Wonder-Wiper before. It misses a pie shaped area to the left of the drivers vision area on the return path. It does the passenger side wonderfully. I got a new insert from the dealer and that has reduced the size of the missed area about 50%. Has anyone seen this symptom? Any ideas how to get a clear view, other than to sit in the other seat?

Mike

Maybe try a little (very little) lube on the hinge points all along the wiper arm. Make sure there isn't a little rust inside the hinge points.

It is fun watching the one-arm wonder work.

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Norm in NJ
Next oil change at 230,000miles

check the spring tension of the arm and carefully examine the insert holder. It may be worn out. It should wipe the entire path each direction.

The specs I have come from AllData.com. Their data seems a little sketchy as far as I can tell but this is the first time I have subscribed. Anyway, I could not find any spec for spring tension on the arm. I did find a spec for the distance between the windshield and the "gear head" which appears to be the round silver part at the bottom of the arm, underneath everything nearest the windshield. I assume closer would apply more pressure to the arm. The spec is 5 to 8 mm and mine is at 9mm. Only problem is AllData supplies a drawing that appears to be from another chassis (they do this a lot, ala Chilton). So it is unclear how to make this adjustment. As for as lubing the little joints, I can see how this would help but I have a couple of issues with it: 1) Water is somewhat of a lubricant and the arm is always wet when in use. 2) What ever I use would need to resist washing off in the wind and rain 3) If it washed off it would go on the windshield which could cause even a bigger problem. Any info on adjusting the gearhead would be appreciated.

MP

when you say you got an insert from the dealer, do you mean just the rubber refill that slides into the arm and contacts the window, or the entire arm, with the hinged metal piece as well? I would say that if you haven't bought the whole piece with metal and all, buy it and it will solve your problem (about $20 at parts shop). It did for me. I have an old 300e, but judging from the fastlane pic, our wipers look exactly the same. I think over time the arm just gets out of shape and does not arc over the curve of the windshield like it should.

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headrivenoise... listen.