"Sticky" Wiper Blades?
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 787
Likes: 110
From: BNE, Australia
W205 C250BT
"Sticky" Wiper Blades?
On the C200 I've got on loan at the moment, the wiper blades seem to get very sticky when wet - a condition that gets worse the more rain there is on the windshield. It causes the blades to kind of grab and jump all over the screen. Makes a terrible racket.
I seem to recall reading somewhere about this before.. has anyone found a similar problem and a solution?
I seem to recall reading somewhere about this before.. has anyone found a similar problem and a solution?
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 651
Likes: 2
From: London, UK
MB W204, VW Polo, Audi R8 V10 - SOLD.
This could be due to any wax or residue from cleaning the car being left on the windscreen. You can buy products that clean this off and the windscreen less 'sticky'.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 2,075
Likes: 59
From: Manchester, UK
BMW e89 Z4 sDrive 35i & MB S205 C200 AMG Premium Plus
People overlook cleaning the blades. The blades have all the muck and grease on them. Clean the screen and clean the blades. A little vinegar on a rag will do.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 13,799
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2014 E63S; AMS 100 octane ECU dyno tune; EDOK TCU tune; BB intakes; sprintbooster
Wiper judder has been talked to death, for example
https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w211/51477-noisy-wipers-just-me.html
Search "wiper judder"
Lots of interesting ideas
https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w211/51477-noisy-wipers-just-me.html
Search "wiper judder"
Lots of interesting ideas
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Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 356
Likes: 13
From: San Francisco, CA
'16 GL550, '12 C350
My wife's W204 had this issue and I purchased new blades from Mercedes and they were Bosch made-in-Germany with the a little gold-pad-stamp Star logo on them with a wear indicator that fades over time to warn replacement and they haven't chattered since. Different than the ones that came with the car new. That chatter drives me absolutely NUTS...
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Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 787
Likes: 110
From: BNE, Australia
W205 C250BT
Oh well.. tried quite a few things, but nothing lasts for very long. These blades are graphite coated AFAIK and they've probably been damaged through prior cleaning with a solvent or god know what.
As PeterUbers suggested, there are so many stories on the web - it's certainly not a new thing. Nothing seems to stand out in terms of a fix though. Anyway, if it was my car I'd just go get new blades, which is undoubtedly the only resolution that pays off. With this being a loaner I really didn't want to go bother the dealer with service issues. Thanks for the various suggestions though.
As PeterUbers suggested, there are so many stories on the web - it's certainly not a new thing. Nothing seems to stand out in terms of a fix though. Anyway, if it was my car I'd just go get new blades, which is undoubtedly the only resolution that pays off. With this being a loaner I really didn't want to go bother the dealer with service issues. Thanks for the various suggestions though.
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
From: Indiana
2019 ES300h
I had the same problem with new OEM blades. Cleaning the windshield and treating it with RainX did not solve the issue. However, cleaning the blades and treating the blades themselves with RainX has cured the chatter for several months
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jun 2004
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2014 E63S; AMS 100 octane ECU dyno tune; EDOK TCU tune; BB intakes; sprintbooster
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 16
Likes: 1
2015 C300
wiper problem
I have driven in 3 rain storms since I got my C300 in November. After about 10 minutes of use they begin to stick and chatter. I have clayed my windshield, tried vinegar no help. I have been to dealer 3 times. They said they replaced the blades on the second visit. I do not know if this is true since they said it was a new part number that needed to be ordered. Who needs new blades already when the car is so new? The third visit they tried them and said they work perfectly. Today was rain storm number 4 and they were as bad as ever. I video taped the wipers during the rain and did a voice recording of the continuous chatter. I will be at the dealer tomorrow morning to voice my frustration after driving 2 hours in the rain with these wipers.
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 787
Likes: 110
From: BNE, Australia
W205 C250BT
I'm currently having a run of luck with what I tried last. Seems to be the longest lasting so far but now the weather has dried up so I can't say how durable the solution is. I cleaned blades and windscreen with denatured alcohol, then applied M-Seal from the Chemical Guys to both the screen and wipers. Nothing sticks to that stuff, it's brilliant. Doesn't leave any streaks or visible residue on the glass.
Member
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 93
Likes: 8
From: South Florida
2018 E43 AMG
I have driven in 3 rain storms since I got my C300 in November. After about 10 minutes of use they begin to stick and chatter. I have clayed my windshield, tried vinegar no help. I have been to dealer 3 times. They said they replaced the blades on the second visit. I do not know if this is true since they said it was a new part number that needed to be ordered. Who needs new blades already when the car is so new? The third visit they tried them and said they work perfectly. Today was rain storm number 4 and they were as bad as ever. I video taped the wipers during the rain and did a voice recording of the continuous chatter. I will be at the dealer tomorrow morning to voice my frustration after driving 2 hours in the rain with these wipers.
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 16
Likes: 1
2015 C300
bad wipers
I also have a Lexus, Ford and a Honda out in the same rain storm. They all worked perfectly without any special treatment to the glass or wipers when I wash or detail them. Thousands of other cars were also on the road working fine without doing anything special to them. Why does a new 2015 Mercedes glass and wipers need special attention? Is the glass different? I think this is more a mechanical or blade adjustment problem. Do other new 2015 C class owners wipers work perfectly smooth and quiet without doing anything but turning them on?
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
SLK250
I had the same problem with my car when I bought it brand new from the MB dealer nearly 3 years ago. I took the car back to the dealer 7 times and they did nothing to address the problem. On the final visit, 1 and 1/2 years later, they changed the wiper blades under warranty. However, it did not fix the problem. At the end, I have no other alternative but to pay money and bought myself a new set of Bosch blades to replace the genuine Mercedes blades. When I saw the new Bosch blades glide effortlessly across the windscreen (and still do after another 1 1/2 years), I realised that the problem is with the Mercedes blades.
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 61
Likes: 0
From: Belgium
C 180 (W205)
While waiting for the delivery of my C-class (May 2015) I'm still driving a 3-year old B-class which recently developed the same annoying racket.
I've cleaned the blades and windshield but this made no change at all.
The blades looked like they were still like new but I just went to my dealership anyway and they changed the blades.
Instantaneously the annoying sound was gone
The technician told me that after a while the blade material ages and hardens, causing that effect. Mine were 3 year old so it seems legit.
I've cleaned the blades and windshield but this made no change at all.
The blades looked like they were still like new but I just went to my dealership anyway and they changed the blades.
Instantaneously the annoying sound was gone
The technician told me that after a while the blade material ages and hardens, causing that effect. Mine were 3 year old so it seems legit.
Super Moderator
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 19,942
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From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
There has always been a procedure in the WIS to adjust the wiper angle of attack to stop this. Dealers never read it. They require a special toolkit to measure and adjust. Of course the plant should get it right.
The text editor is crap on this board but I will do my best.
Windshield Wiper Arm Adjustment
• Aero wiper blades equipped on all lines
• Windshield Wiper Arm Adjustment Kit
– Countermeasure for wiper noises (shudder/squeak)
– Measure and adjust wiper blade angle to windshield
• Angle of attack at park position
• Angle of attack at direction change
– Applicable for all
– Service Tool Kit number ~ Model dependent
• Order put in to Germany
Sorry ~ some of the translation to English is not perfect.
WIS = Workshop Information System.
Caveat. The screen must be free of silicone & mineral deposits. Cane sugar Coke works well. US corn syrup Coke less so. It's the Phosphoric acid in Coke that cleans well.
EDIT: Blades must be good.
The text editor is crap on this board but I will do my best.
Windshield Wiper Arm Adjustment
• Aero wiper blades equipped on all lines
• Windshield Wiper Arm Adjustment Kit
– Countermeasure for wiper noises (shudder/squeak)
– Measure and adjust wiper blade angle to windshield
• Angle of attack at park position
• Angle of attack at direction change
– Applicable for all
– Service Tool Kit number ~ Model dependent
• Order put in to Germany
Sorry ~ some of the translation to English is not perfect.
WIS = Workshop Information System.
Caveat. The screen must be free of silicone & mineral deposits. Cane sugar Coke works well. US corn syrup Coke less so. It's the Phosphoric acid in Coke that cleans well.
EDIT: Blades must be good.
Last edited by Glyn M Ruck; Feb 27, 2015 at 04:33 PM.
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 393
Likes: 25
From: S. Ca.
2015 C300, 2015 F-350 Platinum, 1969 Mach 1 428cj, 2007 Roadking
There has always been a procedure in the WIS to adjust the wiper angle of attack to stop this. Dealers never read it. They require a special toolkit to measure and adjust. Of course the plant should get it right.
The text editor is crap on this board but I will do my best.
Windshield Wiper Arm Adjustment
• Aero wiper blades equipped on all lines
• Windshield Wiper Arm Adjustment Kit
– Countermeasure for wiper noises (shudder/squeak)
– Measure and adjust wiper blade angle to windshield
• Angle of attack at park position
• Angle of attack at direction change
– Applicable for all
– Service Tool Kit number ~ Model dependent
• Order put in to Germany
Sorry ~ some of the translation to English is not perfect.
WIS = Workshop Information System.
Caveat. The screen must be free of silicone & mineral deposits. Cane sugar Coke works well. US corn syrup Coke less so. It's the Phosphoric acid in Coke that cleans well.
The text editor is crap on this board but I will do my best.
Windshield Wiper Arm Adjustment
• Aero wiper blades equipped on all lines
• Windshield Wiper Arm Adjustment Kit
– Countermeasure for wiper noises (shudder/squeak)
– Measure and adjust wiper blade angle to windshield
• Angle of attack at park position
• Angle of attack at direction change
– Applicable for all
– Service Tool Kit number ~ Model dependent
• Order put in to Germany
Sorry ~ some of the translation to English is not perfect.
WIS = Workshop Information System.
Caveat. The screen must be free of silicone & mineral deposits. Cane sugar Coke works well. US corn syrup Coke less so. It's the Phosphoric acid in Coke that cleans well.
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 368
Likes: 0
B200T
There has always been a procedure in the WIS to adjust the wiper angle of attack to stop this. Dealers never read it. They require a special toolkit to measure and adjust. Of course the plant should get it right.
The text editor is crap on this board but I will do my best.
Windshield Wiper Arm Adjustment
• Aero wiper blades equipped on all lines
• Windshield Wiper Arm Adjustment Kit
– Countermeasure for wiper noises (shudder/squeak)
– Measure and adjust wiper blade angle to windshield
• Angle of attack at park position
• Angle of attack at direction change
– Applicable for all
– Service Tool Kit number ~ Model dependent
• Order put in to Germany
Sorry ~ some of the translation to English is not perfect.
WIS = Workshop Information System.
Caveat. The screen must be free of silicone & mineral deposits. Cane sugar Coke works well. US corn syrup Coke less so. It's the Phosphoric acid in Coke that cleans well.
The text editor is crap on this board but I will do my best.
Windshield Wiper Arm Adjustment
• Aero wiper blades equipped on all lines
• Windshield Wiper Arm Adjustment Kit
– Countermeasure for wiper noises (shudder/squeak)
– Measure and adjust wiper blade angle to windshield
• Angle of attack at park position
• Angle of attack at direction change
– Applicable for all
– Service Tool Kit number ~ Model dependent
• Order put in to Germany
Sorry ~ some of the translation to English is not perfect.
WIS = Workshop Information System.
Caveat. The screen must be free of silicone & mineral deposits. Cane sugar Coke works well. US corn syrup Coke less so. It's the Phosphoric acid in Coke that cleans well.
Super Moderator
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 19,942
Likes: 192
From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
Yes ~ possibly. Most Coke in the US is made with high fructose corn syrup. I know because I stole Coke's International Marketing Manager, Genie Stringer, away from them to come & work for us. She now lectures at one of Atlanta's Universities.
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 16
Likes: 1
2015 C300
Took my car to the dealer. I played my audio and video of my wipers in the rain to both the advisor and technician. All they did was replace the wiper blades. Had some light rain today, they do not seem to be any better then before. I will try and replace them with a different brand. Lastly, are all other 2015 C owners wipers working perfectly smooth and quiet?
Last edited by Mercedessophie; Mar 2, 2015 at 02:46 AM.
Member
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 151
Likes: 1
From: Boston, MA
2015 C300 Luxury
The OEM wipers and fluid are horrible, probably worse than stuff on a Toyota Corolla.
Mine were ragged after only 3 weeks or so.
I had to wash my windshield with Rain-X windshield washer/repellant, then I replaced the wipers with Rain-X wipers and everything is great now. Goes through ice and snow and wipers don't show any sign of wear.
Mine were ragged after only 3 weeks or so.
I had to wash my windshield with Rain-X windshield washer/repellant, then I replaced the wipers with Rain-X wipers and everything is great now. Goes through ice and snow and wipers don't show any sign of wear.
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 667
Likes: 8
From: Boston 'burbs
2018 E300 Lux, 2006 Corvette Z51, 2015 Mercedes ML350 (wife's)
When this happened on my W204 they needed to adjust the arm itself, which fixed the issue. Replacing brand new MB wipers that judder with more brand new wipers from MB won't solve the issue.
