Hi Guys, I love the old Ford van and it does a great job, but one small but irritating problem. The drivers side wiper blade will not clear rain off the windshield. When we first got the van I bought some new cheap replacement blades and the left one wouldn't clear- leaves a spot right in the drivers line of vision. So I took them back and purchased the best blades they had, (for like $40. a set). Those were better but still same spot. After a year I bought another expensive set and they weren't much better. Now after paying a little attention to it, I see the blades clear fine when the van isn't moving or going slow, but at highway speeds it seems the wind flow lifts the blade so it doesn't clear. I'm wondering if maybe the spring in the wiper arm itself is getting weak? You guys had troubles with this and what did you do to fix it? Thanks, Greg.

 

 

The springs normally don't go bad but its possible. I suggest trying wiper blades that don't have a steel frame. Such as the Motorcraft premium blades.

 

Being in the auto/truck glass biz I'm not only a bit **** about my own wiper blades and arms but see other people having issues with their's too--it is indeed the spring in the arm. They weaken and even with "the best" wiper blades they can't and don't hold the arm to the glass.

Another factor affecting the wiper arms is where the hub shaft is located; left side places the blade in the middle of the windshield which is relatively flat. Right side sees the wiper blade placed near the far right side where the glass curves away relative to the center of the glass. This contributes to what seems to be weak springs in the arms. I'd suggest placing the right side arm on the left side, buy a new arm for the right side and see how much better that works.

Most replacement wiper arms can be found online or the cheaper auto parts stores locally.

BTW "old Ford van" hardly describes what year you have--that's valuable info for those of us trying to help people here.

 

I was thinking of trying just that and I will. I'll let you know if it helps. The "old" part didn't mean to degrade it, it's really a great vehicle that is 17 years old...I am 62 and only purchased 1 new car in my life, that was a 2002 Impala. I just sold that car with over 300,000 miles. So I guess I meant this 2002 is getting some age to it. Thanks to all for the replies! Greg