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antipodean

I have a Toyota Corolla. One of the windscreen wipers makes an awful noise at each swipe of the wiper. I have changed the wiper blades three times thinking that was the problem but it is still there. I have noticed it has nothing to do with the rain being heavy or light ie, the windscreen not being very wet. It seems to be only the driver's side blade. The faster I go the noisier it is! When I drive at around 50ks the blade is quiet. The noise is not coming from the arm mechanism, it is the actual blade swiping over the windscreen, it is a terrible screech. What other causes can I look for please?

rmarcon

The noise is caused by two surfaces grating over each other as the blade moves. The solution is to apply a glass lubricant or wetting agent which will allow the surfaces to glide smoothly. Some of the better washer additives have this included, and by adding one of these to the washer container the problem will disappear. Don't scrimp on the additive to water ratio however, and even increase it slightly to ensure your problem is solved.

antipodean

Thank you, I will certainly try that. However, I am still puzzled as to why one blade makes the noise and the other doesn't. I was wondering if the pressure of the wiper arm can be adjusted but not sure if this has anything to do with it.

antipodean

I have solved the problem. I went to Supercheap Auto where the helpful young man told me that the problem is caused by the wiper blade holder (assembly). The plastic clips get worn and no longer hold the blade tightly and this allows the blade to judder across the windscreen. He replaced the 'complete assembly' at not much more than the cost of just the blades alone. He told me that he doesn't just replace the blades on his own car when they need renewing, he replaces the whole assembly. I will keep this in mind in future.