Shuddering monoblade wiper -- W124

[400E]

Does anyone else have a problem with a noisy single wiper on a W124? Mine has been very annoying for a long time. At both ends of its travel, just before it reverses, it "shudders" and to a lesser extent squeaks. It seems to be due to the combination of moving in an arc and at the same time retracting (i.e., being pulled toward the wiper motor).

I've tried cleaning the windshield with lacquer thinner (to remove wax, etc. in the pits in the glass), replacing the whole blade, cleaning the blade, and using Rain-X, but with limited success. I've also put a little silicone grease on the shaft that provides the in-out motion of the wiper, and that seems to help a little, for a little while. Most recently, I heard that if the wiper blade was not perpendicular to the glass, it would squeak. I bent the wiper arm a bit to make the rubber insert perpendicular, but again no help.

Anyone have any other ideas?

[pmizell]

I had this same exact problem shortly before blowing a gear in the wiper transmission assembly. My mono wiper still wipes, but in a funky pattern, and with the hydraulic arm in an extended position. (I had to change to a '19 wiper blade to avoid it hitting the panes)

Keeping the hydraulic arm greased is a good first step. You need to get some lubricant down inside the transmission gears that are located in that oval assembly. You can either try to take it apart, or find a crease and squeeze some gear lube inside there and hope it penetrates.

If it goes out on you altogether, you can find a used assembly on the net for $65. I have a shop manual that walks you through the removal/installation that you can have a copy of if it comes to that.

Good luck

Paul

______________
'91 300E 198K

[400E]

Thanks, Paul! I wondered about the gears. I've looked at the CD ROM but it didn't have any info on actually opening up the gear box so I assumed it was not accessible. I will try to get some grease into it somehow.
Steve

[sbourg]

Rain-X. I've found it does what it says. But, it also does what it doesn't say - it screws up the wiper blades or windshield so the wipers shudder and skip across. My only solution on two cars was to scrub the windshields to remove the Rain-X then replace the wiper blades.

Steve

[400E]

I THINK it was doing its little dance even before I tried Rain-X but I'm not absolutely sure, so will try to remove it and see what happens.
Thanks!

[G-Benz]

I switched to the top-of-the-line Bosch arm and blade, but still have the same problem...I think I will try lubing the gear assembly...the rainy season is now upon us.

[400E]

G-Benz,
If you do end up opening up the "gear head" as the manual calls it, please let us know how it goes. If it's helpful, I may want to try that too. I have heard that after a few years the grease hardens and can lead to premature failure, though on the CD manual it's not clear to me that the gear head is meant to be opened . . .

[pmizell]

Just an idea, and one that I use:

Instead of Rain-X, simply put a coat of carnuba wax on your windshield, as if you were waxing the body. You'll be surprised at how slippery it makes the windshield, and how well the water beads.

Lasts quite a while too. Make sure you buff all the residue off first though.

G'luck!

~Paul

[400E]

Definitely worth a try!
Thanks,
Steve