Wiper hitting the A pillar
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 193
Likes: 11
From: Bedford, MA
2013 S350, 2021 GLS450, 2003 SLK32
Wiper hitting the A pillar
My new to me 2006 E320 CDI has a problem where the wiper hits the A pillar intermittently. Sometimes it will go for a few minutes without hitting it and then <tap> <tap> <tap> for the next few. Sometimes it only hits every fifth wipe. I took it into my mechanic, European Auto Solutions. They tried adjusting the wiper arm angle but it didn't help and they suspect there is something wrong with the wiper transmission.
I have been searching the threads on here and noticed the TSB about the wipers but I think that is related to wipers chattering. I never saw anything about them hitting the sides of the windshield trim.
I have been pondering my options and weighing how annoying this tapping is going to get. The wipers work fine except for the noise, like some sort of torture device. Replacing the wiper transmission seems like an expensive propositon to cure a little noise.
I have been thinking of buying a wiper blade that is 25" instead of the OEM 26". That might be enough clearance to stop the tapping, though I'm not sure if I can just grab one at any auto parts store, the wiper attachment mechanism looks a bit odd. Is there a smaller Mercedes blade that will fit on my wiper arm?
I have been searching the threads on here and noticed the TSB about the wipers but I think that is related to wipers chattering. I never saw anything about them hitting the sides of the windshield trim.
I have been pondering my options and weighing how annoying this tapping is going to get. The wipers work fine except for the noise, like some sort of torture device. Replacing the wiper transmission seems like an expensive propositon to cure a little noise.
I have been thinking of buying a wiper blade that is 25" instead of the OEM 26". That might be enough clearance to stop the tapping, though I'm not sure if I can just grab one at any auto parts store, the wiper attachment mechanism looks a bit odd. Is there a smaller Mercedes blade that will fit on my wiper arm?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 5,017
Likes: 16
From: Ft. Lauderdale Area, USA
2015 ML 350
Are you sure the wiper blade on the arm is the correct OEM one, and not an aftermarket "fits Mercedes W211"?
BTW... The blades are not your typical mount. You lift the arm off the glass, turn the blade 90 degrees to the arm, & slide the blade off the "post".
BTW... The blades are not your typical mount. You lift the arm off the glass, turn the blade 90 degrees to the arm, & slide the blade off the "post".
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 666
Likes: 4
From: Boston, MA USA
03 E320 -wife's car now; 07 Porsche Boxster S - my toy
SnowCub,
Barry has a good idea and you should check that since the car is "new to you". I would do that first. You can also remove the wiper arm and reposition it slightly.
When I had to replace the coolant switchover valve, I removed the wiper motor/linkage (probably what you're calling the wiper transmission) to get more working space and removed both wiper arms to get the rest of the assembly out. I put tape on the window to mark off the locations for both wipers when they're in the rest position so I could re-install them correctly. You can do this for the driver's side and then remove the wiper arm and re-position it slightly (below the mark). Good luck.
BTW, I see you're from Chelmsford, and I work in Bedford, so if you want to link up some day so I can show you, let me know.
Regards,
paul...
Barry has a good idea and you should check that since the car is "new to you". I would do that first. You can also remove the wiper arm and reposition it slightly.
When I had to replace the coolant switchover valve, I removed the wiper motor/linkage (probably what you're calling the wiper transmission) to get more working space and removed both wiper arms to get the rest of the assembly out. I put tape on the window to mark off the locations for both wipers when they're in the rest position so I could re-install them correctly. You can do this for the driver's side and then remove the wiper arm and re-position it slightly (below the mark). Good luck.
BTW, I see you're from Chelmsford, and I work in Bedford, so if you want to link up some day so I can show you, let me know.
Regards,
paul...
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 431
Likes: 4
From: Cross Roads, PA
2008 ML320CDI
I have an issue as well. On my 06, the passenger wiper doesnt always stop in the same position, in wipe mode, it sometimes just meets the wipe path of the drivers blade, and sometimes it overlaps the wipe path of the drivers blade. Doesnt seem to depend on speed, whether high or low, and its not consistent. When I first got the car, the passenger blade wouldnt meet the drivers wipe path at the very top there was a V left unwiped most of the time, occasionally the passenger blade would meet the drivers path as it should (made me crazy). I adjusted passenger blade, so now it always at least meets the drivers wipe path (at top of windshield, just to left of rearview mirror) but now it sits up a bit in the park position.. These are OEM blades from MB. Maybe thats the way its supposed to work.. I think I need to do some videos on Youtube
