What Causes the Noise in the Wiper Rotation Shaft?
2 Answers
Noise in the wiper rotation shaft indicates that the wiper arm is misaligned upward, causing the wiper to be non-parallel with the windshield and generating noise during operation. Solution: Stop the wiper in the middle position (pull the wiper control lever toward the steering wheel after turning off the engine), then gently lift it. Wrap the steel frame with a cloth or soft material, and use a wrench or pliers to grip the wrapped part and twist it downward a few times. After resetting, test the wiper—the noise should be significantly reduced. If the noise shifts to the downward motion, twist it in the opposite direction until the noise disappears. Daily Maintenance Tips: Regularly clean the wiper blades with a cleaning agent and remove any grease residue from the windshield to prevent friction noise during operation. Replace the wiper blades as needed to avoid aging due to weather conditions, which may impair their functionality.
I've driven a taxi for over a decade and seen plenty of wiper screeching issues. Driveshaft noise is mostly caused by lack of lubrication - when the grease inside that rubber boot dries up, metal grinding against metal is bound to make noise. My car had this problem last year; I took it apart myself, applied some grease, and it quieted down immediately. If sand gets stuck in the rotating shaft gaps, the scraping sounds like sandpaper on sheet metal - truly grating. Oh, and when washing your car, don't spray water directly at the motor housing, or rust will make things worse. Some newer cars use plastic connecting rods that can crack with age, making clicking sounds over bumps - you'll need to replace the whole assembly, so don't wait until rainy days to deal with it.