schaffs04

All,

I just got my 2011 GL450 about a month ago. I noticed the wipers were chattering, so I replaced them (took off the old MB OEM's and used Michelin Latitude Beam blades). We've had about a week of rain here, and the new ones chatter too, though not quite as bad. That, and the rain sensitivity seems to be set at warp factor 9 even on the lowest setting.

I have a suspicion the prior (and only) owner treated the windshield with Rain-X or something similar, since if I leave the wipers off at highway speed, I can see just fine (the rain beads and flows off like it does in the YouTube videos I've seem using Rain-X).

Anyone else have the same issue and if so, how did you fix it? Also, can anyone tell me how to tell if it's been treated, and if so, how to get it off?

Chattering wipers are second only to rattles on the list of things that will drive me bat-****e crazy in a car.

Thanks in advance!

DennisG01

I haven't used RainX in many, many years. I don't recall it, itself, causing any chattering - but again, it's been a while. Maybe there's just a build-up of 'whatever' on the windshield? Just about any decent cleaner/solvent should take it off. Rubbing alcohol, acetone, etc. Use some rubbing alcohol on the wiper blades, too.

BlownV8

Aftermarket wiper blade do that on this car. I tried the Latitude blade and I quickly changed them out for oem. Never had a problem with the oem blades.

a2j

OEM blades work great with or without rainX. Never had any kind of issues.

Bimmer777

Also, can try and claybar the windshield. That should help as well.

schaffs04

Thanks all. I tried first cleaning the windshield with 50/50 water and vinegar (carefully avoiding the paint), which helped for about a day. Tried lubricating the wipers with silicone spray as suggested elsewhere, which did nothing.

Looks like when I swap these out in the fall (in Minnesota one uses their blades about 8 months out of the year) I'll go back to the OEM version and see what happens.

I'm reminded of the answer I got from Land Rover service when I asked if I could buy aftermarket blades for my wife's LR2 (which run me $130 for a set of 3). *smile* "If you can find them someplace, let me know. These things are stupid expensive for what they are".

Now, on to the infamous musty smell from the A/C.

BlownV8

Look on ebay. Some good deals there.

CBR2200

I replaced my blades with Rain-X brand Latitude wipers. No issues under ~75 mph. Above that the driver's side blade lifts off the glass a bit at the top of its sweep. But I guess I shouldn't be going 90 in the rain so... But no chattering.

DennisG01

If that worked a little bit, it might be worth a shot to clean it with something stronger. Doesn't cost anything, anyways.

DennisG01

Came across this and it reminded me of you: http://forums.vwvortex.com/showthrea...rm-Shutter-Fix

Makes sense - if there's 'play' where the blade attaches.

Chrisk1

Hi Schaffs04,
I have had my E class since new in 2004, I have done 165000Klm so far and have the original wiper blades, I am just now looking at replacing them. Over the years I have always removed and dressed the wiping edge with 1200 wet and dry paper thus removing perished rubber, I also rain X my screen, I do these things once a year, I never put polish or silicone anywhere near my windscreen. I hope this is of some help to you.
Chrisk1

sak335

I use Bon-Ami (gently) for the same reason. Seems to get the old rubber off there and keep the wipers quiet.

lkchris

My recently installed OEM wipers (now with a Mercedes star!) chattered a little on the bottom end. I slid the reinforcing clip down a little and that stopped that.

schaffs04

Fixed it! Took the advice of a few of you and cleaned the windshield with straight white vinegar. For an abrasive, I used a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser (normal strength) and it worked like a charm.

The wipers no longer chatter at all, and now that the rain isn't being sheeted off the windshield and over the rain sensor (causing the wipers to work at Warp Factor 7 even in the lightest rain), all appears to be as it should be.

Note: The Magic Eraser is a miracle worker. Scuffs or smudges on the back tailgate plastic? gone. Scuffs and dirt on the doorsill plates? Gone. Grime stuck to the wheels? Gone.

I'm in love.

DennisG01

"Warp factor 7" That's funny!

Cool - a quiet windshield is a good windshield.

One note on the Magic eraser... Be careful what you use it on and how much you use it. That abrasive part will catch up to you.

Bimmer777

Good to know. Will be vinegar treating all my windshields shortly.