With the arrival of the autumn-winter period, every conscious motorist who is concerned about his safety, who loves his car and cleanliness, thinks about the need to replace wipers. Modern wipers, although they have an almost perfect design, are still subject to wear and tear, like everything else in this world. Until recently, the concept of “wipers” was reduced to a simple device consisting of brackets and rocker arms, which produced cleaning of average quality, were not expensive and served little. They were replaced by more advanced frameless wiper blades, and a little later by hybrid “brothers” that lasted longer and coped with the task better. But, unfortunately, you have to pay for quality; the price of these brushes is several times, or even tens of times, higher than the cost of simple frame brushes. Consequently, a dilemma arose: what to do: buy cheap wipers more often or buy expensive ones , but less often?
Fortunately, a solution was found and it consists in not completely changing the frameless brushes, but only the cleaning edge (blade). This significantly reduced the cost of using “frameless” ones and further increased their popularity. Today, in the “Useful Tips” section, I will tell you how to replace the rubber bands in frameless wipers at home in order to restore them to their former efficiency, while saving a decent amount of money. Go…
First, let's talk about how to understand that it is necessary to replace the windshield wiper blades or the cleaning edge?
Types of windshield wipers
Modern car models can have three types of wipers. They are divided into:
- Frameless;
- Frame;
- Hybrid.
The peculiarity of frameless structures is the presence of a plastic body and metal plates. An elastic band is attached between them. This type of model is highly expensive.
Frameless windshield wipers can be made individually for any vehicle model. During the production process, the make of the car and its dimensions are taken into account.
What are frame wipers? A similar version of windshield wipers was developed for domestic and Soviet cars. All elements of the mechanism were made from metal alloys, but modern manufacturers prefer to use plastic.
This material allows you to reduce financial costs and also make products more streamlined.
The design of frame wipers consists of the following elements:
- Supports;
- Rocker arms;
- Adapters;
- Hinges;
- Rubber bands;
- Fixing plates.
The device of hybrid wipers combines supports and rocker arms. They are made of a plastic housing, which is used for frameless models of windshield wipers. This type of wipers is considered expensive, but durable.
Which car are suitable for frameless wipers?
There is a widespread belief among motorists that frameless windshield wipers are insufficiently versatile. Today there are many manufacturers of these products. Therefore, you can choose suitable wipers for each car from the widest range available on the market.
It is impossible to accurately answer the question, which frameless wipers are better? It all depends on the subjective preferences of a particular car enthusiast. Some people like the simplest frameless cleaners, while others prefer models equipped with spraying or heating systems.
When choosing frameless windshield wipers, you should pay attention to the compatibility of the product with a specific car. After all, these wipers are very expensive, so once again consulting with the seller about compatibility with the car would be a smart step.
On which windshield wipers can you change the rubber band?
You can replace a damaged element on frame types of structures. To cope with hybrid and frameless models of windshield wipers, you will need professional experience and skill. You can replace damaged elements if you have a new factory kit.
The fact is that the mechanism of such devices is designed in such a way that the use of individual consumables can negatively affect the performance characteristics.
For novice motorists, it is recommended to start with frame windshield wipers. The products do not have a complex structure. To work, you will need a set of replacement rubber bands, a screwdriver and a little patience.
Repair price
It is worth noting that almost any brush can be repaired, no matter frame, frameless or hybrid. The price is about 200 rubles per pair, but if you find good elastic bands, it can reach up to 150 for one (that is, two - 300).
By the way, there are also more budget options, when two pieces cost 50 - 100 rubles, but whatever they cost, they will work. Therefore, I still recommend that you look closely at prices of 150 - 200 rubles.
You can repair it yourself, and this process is quite easy, so we’ll talk about that next.
Stages of replacing a rubber band
If cracks or deformation of the material are found on the surface of the windshield wiper, then it will be unsafe to use such a device in the future. For novice car enthusiasts, we suggest that you familiarize yourself with the instructions for replacing a damaged windshield wiper rubber.
It includes the following actions:
- Prepare a screwdriver and pliers. Now, using tools, carefully remove the wiper from the metal arm;
- Next, carefully remove the rubber band using a screwdriver. In this case, we select the minimum angle so that the rubber pad quickly comes off the metal frame;
- Using pliers, remove the rubber part. At this moment it is important not to make sudden movements. The fact is that it contains small plates that allow you to fix the elastic band in the desired position. The bending of the metal part deserves special attention. If, after installation is completed, you fix them in the wrong position, the rubber band will not fit tightly to the glass. In the future, it will not be able to quickly remove water from the windshield;
- Such plates have special selections. These grooves should be evenly distributed in the rubber band. In some cases, differences in the thickness of the grooves and recesses were observed. A thin needle file will help correct the situation, allowing you to carefully expand the sampling area;
- Next, we insert the elastic band into special clamps. When performing these actions, it should quickly attach to the metal frame. If there is strong play, it causes rapid wear of the rubber element.
Recovery
A set of the following operations that restore the characteristics of the material will help increase the service life of car windshield wiper rubber bands:
- Degreasing rubber bands removed from the structure, for example, with white spirit.
- Its subsequent thorough cleaning from various types of contaminants.
- Applying silicone lubricant to the surface of the part, restoring its elasticity.
- After a pause of 1.5 - 3 hours, depending on the thickness of the product, you need to remove the grease with a solvent (the same white spirit).
Please note that the above operations must be carried out with rubber bands that do not have defects on the surface. Otherwise, such procedures will be of no use.
Protecting windshield wiper blades
How to extend the performance characteristics of brushes? The following recommendations will help prevent premature wear:
- It is not recommended to park the car in sunny areas.
- In winter, it is recommended to raise the wipers above the level of the windshield. This way the rubber band will not freeze or become deformed;
- It is recommended to remove large elements of organic waste yourself. If the wiper blades come into contact with a rough surface, the risk of small cracks increases.
- It is recommended to purchase components for wipers on the manufacturer’s official website or in specialized centers. The products of these brands have quality certificates and consist of reliable raw materials;
- Recently, silicone rubber bands have been considered one of the best and most durable. Unlike foam rubber, they remove moisture, dirt and dust well. In addition, they slowly heat up and begin to deform upon contact with bulk particles.
Before starting repairs, it is recommended to inspect the surface of the windshield. When starting the function, the funnels must be in a vertical position.
While lifting the brushes, it is important to monitor their performance. Consumables should not allow small areas on the glass base to pass through. To do this, you can apply a small amount of liquid while the device is operating.
If, after installing the consumables, the windshield wipers do not perform their job efficiently, then in this case it is recommended to purchase a new set of elements.
During the installation process, the structure of the grooves or recesses could be damaged. If the design of the last element can be adjusted independently, then the samples must correspond to the factory dimensions.
Why not buy new ones?
Actually, I already wrote about this above, it’s all about the price. Moreover, not all options may be suitable, that is, you cannot, say, go to AUCHAN and buy for 300 - 500 rubles. – a pair and hang it on your car, the mount may simply not be suitable. Therefore, it is worth looking at those manufacturers recommended by the dealer. But if you take the original windshield wipers for my car, they cost about 4,000 (according to the manager) - TO SAY SO MUCH - HOLY SHIT!
And all sorts of “BOSH”, AlCA, DENSO - vary approximately 2000 - 3000 rubles. for a couple. But damn, I really want to save money, say, try to repair them.
Photo instructions for replacing rubber bands on wipers
Causes of wear
Replacement can occur for various reasons. As a result of dust, sand, dirt, as well as careless use, it often causes wear:
- lever mounting.
- janitor
- rubber brushes.
A windshield wiper that clears the view on the windshield is an essential element for driving a car safely.
Work in harsh conditions
They work not only on rainy days, but also when using liquid to clean windows and remove stains on glass.
He gets wet with the liquids of different ingredients.
When washing a car, the body is dried and waxed to protect the paintwork, but the wiper itself is not as protected.
Wipers and mounts are very susceptible to components
Precautionary measures
Let's do the preparatory work and think about how to change the hook-mounted wipers on our car.
- Take a closer look at the spare parts before removing them.
- Check where and how they are attached.
Many car owners, after disassembling, cannot return it to its original condition.
Some brushes have a stopper and the direction of the fastener may be different.
With the wrong direction, installation may not be possible, and if installed, the hook will wear off and wear out quickly.
Look at where that metal piece stops and what its direction is.
