Is the wiper system on these cars unusually weak?

misternoggin

Veteran Member
Joined
Sep 10, 2013
Location
Boulder, CO
TDI
2013 JSW
Last year they hit some ice on the windshield and stripped or broke something in the transmission. That was replaced with a new one. Today I thought there was some snow on the windshield, but it was ice. Not working again, but I haven't figured out why yet.

In nine other cars I've driven in winter, I've never had a single issue with wipers. If they got stuck instead of self destructing they just didn't move.
 

steve6

Veteran Member
Joined
May 25, 2010
Location
Beaverton, ON
TDI
2003 jetta tdi
On the 99.5? I will say yes.. they are almost a maintenance item. They either need greasing, or welding. If they start to drag you can pull them apart and grease with some good silicone grease and usually good for a few more years.

In 6 years I have had to grease mine 3 times, and one time the ribbed spline stripped.. I welded it, been good since.
 

Golfrunner

Veteran Member
Joined
Feb 19, 2011
Location
Saratoga NY
TDI
2005 Golf TDI
I've sprayed white lithium grease every year or so into the area that holds the wiper mechanism... as I noticed some power issues with the wiping action. Kinda spray it until you feel you must have hit something...

Another thing I've found is that if they are frozen onto the windshield - or not able to move they blow the fuse...like every time. I've learned to make sure the wipers are off when I park before any snow or ice might prevent movement of the wipers on morning start up.
 

Wilkins

Veteran Member
Joined
Aug 19, 2005
Location
British Columbia
TDI
05 Jetta Wagon 5sp, 10 Sportwagen 6MT
Interesting. I have frozen mine without harm a few times. Would have thought momentarily stuck wipers causing complete failure would be pegged as a serious safety issue. Maybe fixed in later cars?
 

tjsean0308

Veteran Member
Joined
Mar 23, 2013
Location
port angeles, wa
TDI
MKIV wagon 5spd graphite blue
I've sprayed white lithium grease every year or so into the area that holds the wiper mechanism... as I noticed some power issues with the wiping action. Kinda spray it until you feel you must have hit something...

Another thing I've found is that if they are frozen onto the windshield - or not able to move they blow the fuse...like every time. I've learned to make sure the wipers are off when I park before any snow or ice might prevent movement of the wipers on morning start up.
The frozen fuse issue is why you see folks propping the wipers up before storms in southern New England where ice is part of almost every winter storm.
 
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