What Causes the Noise When the Windshield Wiper Returns to Its Position?
3 Answers
There are three main reasons why windshield wipers make noise when wiping the glass: first, the wiper rubber may be aged or there may be foreign objects on the glass; second, the wiper rubber may be too soft or improperly adjusted, causing it to hit the A-pillar; third, the noise may come from the wiper motor and linkage mechanism. Dry wiping the glass can also produce significant noise, which is due to improper manual operation, and the wiper itself is not at fault. Here is the relevant information: Foreign objects: This is a common cause of noise when windshield wipers wipe the glass. Wiper rubbers are rubber products, and prolonged exposure to outdoor environments—such as wind, rain, and sunlight—can easily cause them to age. Aged wiper rubbers will not clean the windshield properly and may leave streaks of watermarks. In this case, simply replace the wiper rubber. Wiper rubber too soft: If you purchase and replace the wiper rubber yourself, many aftermarket wiper rubbers available online may be the right size but differ in material hardness compared to original parts. This can cause the wiper rubber to hit the A-pillar during movement, especially with frameless wipers.
My windshield wipers also used to make a creaking noise when retracting, sounding like metal rubbing against metal. The cause was either lack of lubrication in the wiper arm joints or wear and looseness in the linkage. Over time, these components accumulate dust or lose lubrication, causing the noise to become louder. If left unaddressed, the sound may progress from mild to harsh, or even cause the wipers to jam, affecting their movement. This is particularly distracting during rainy driving conditions, increasing safety risks. I later solved the issue by applying specialized silicone lubricant spray to the wiper arm and linkage joints, which eliminated the noise. I recommend regularly inspecting the wiper system and lubricating it every six months to prevent dust buildup in the joints. Additionally, cleaning the wiper blades is crucial, as residual dirt can accelerate wear. Don’t wait until the problem worsens to fix it, as that might require costly part replacements.
The squeaking noise when the wiper returns to its position is likely caused by aging or lack of lubrication in internal components such as the linkage mechanism or support springs. During driving, these parts endure frequent movement, and prolonged friction eventually generates noise. I recall encountering a similar situation myself—during inspection, I found the wiper arm screws were loose, and simply tightening them resolved the issue. However, if left unaddressed, the noise may recur and potentially damage the motor. It's advisable to first manually wiggle the wiper arm to check for looseness, then apply some lubricant. If the noise persists, it's best to visit a professional shop for diagnosis, as worn parts may need replacement. Regular maintenance, such as applying lubricating oil, can prevent most issues. While driving, pay attention to noise changes in quiet environments to detect and address problems early, ensuring clear visibility during rainy conditions.
