Vauxhall Zafira wiper blades collide (and disintigrate)
Variant: 1.8 club
Model Year: 2004
Categories:
Running Rough, Starting & Power Loss
Hello all, I came across this site, searching Zafira Wiper problem, actually I only put in Zafira w AND google added the rest - so many many problems !!!
It is a 2004 on a 53 plate, or a 2003 registered in 04. (it has the orange bulb indicators).
I imagine this issue has been addressed before, so apologise for duplicity to the regulars.
Basically during light rain the wipers caught and one disintigrated (drivers side)
Went to halfords they listed 2 x 24" (own brand).
Bosch listed driver 24" passenger 22"
I bought the Bosch option.
The only way to get them to "miss" each other is to put the passenger side on top, as high as possible so that it hits the frame!
Then the driver side as low as possible leaving a good 4 inches of windscreen dirty, visibility is lousy already - with this much dirt, downright dangerous.
It's always been bad - the passenger gets better visibility than the driver! NUTS! (I thought I could sort it by putting the driver side on top - so that it cleans to the frame, and the passenger as low as possible - didn't work).
The owners manual doesn't give wiper size or any info on setting up the wipers, nor does the Haines book. Halfords and Bosch quote different sizes.
If I go to a dealer - I'll be fleeced clean (I imagine)
For now I am using the driver side only installed, which in my mind is the safest option, as it minimizes that blind area - it's too big to be called a spot! Affording the DRIVER a decent visibility.
HELP much appreciated ! Thank You!
It is a 2004 on a 53 plate, or a 2003 registered in 04. (it has the orange bulb indicators).
I imagine this issue has been addressed before, so apologise for duplicity to the regulars.
Basically during light rain the wipers caught and one disintigrated (drivers side)
Went to halfords they listed 2 x 24" (own brand).
Bosch listed driver 24" passenger 22"
I bought the Bosch option.
The only way to get them to "miss" each other is to put the passenger side on top, as high as possible so that it hits the frame!
Then the driver side as low as possible leaving a good 4 inches of windscreen dirty, visibility is lousy already - with this much dirt, downright dangerous.
It's always been bad - the passenger gets better visibility than the driver! NUTS! (I thought I could sort it by putting the driver side on top - so that it cleans to the frame, and the passenger as low as possible - didn't work).
The owners manual doesn't give wiper size or any info on setting up the wipers, nor does the Haines book. Halfords and Bosch quote different sizes.
If I go to a dealer - I'll be fleeced clean (I imagine)
For now I am using the driver side only installed, which in my mind is the safest option, as it minimizes that blind area - it's too big to be called a spot! Affording the DRIVER a decent visibility.
HELP much appreciated ! Thank You!
Posted: May 15, 2010 (14 years ago)
Check this out , should help you ,
http://www.vauxhallownersnetwork.co.uk/showthread.php?178697-Zafira-Front-Wiper-Blades-Keep-Colliding
http://www.vauxhallownersnetwork.co.uk/showthread.php?178697-Zafira-Front-Wiper-Blades-Keep-Colliding
Posted May 15, 2010 (14 years ago)
Thanks mate,
I already found that thread, it doesn't seem to offer a solution,
The diagram shows the shorter blade on the drivers side??
Also in this config the drivers side is not fully cleared by the wiper.
(I just put the one (driver side) blade in that position, wiper clears 4" short!
Not what Bosch have in their book.
Bosch say driver side 24" passenger 22"
Halfords list both as 24"
Or is this some euro model fudged for the UK market??
I already found that thread, it doesn't seem to offer a solution,
The diagram shows the shorter blade on the drivers side??
Also in this config the drivers side is not fully cleared by the wiper.
(I just put the one (driver side) blade in that position, wiper clears 4" short!
Not what Bosch have in their book.
Bosch say driver side 24" passenger 22"
Halfords list both as 24"
Or is this some euro model fudged for the UK market??
Posted May 15, 2010 (14 years ago)
On checking see how you are confused re. size and fitting ,differing opinions and sizes.For example ,
The best way is to leave the 24 inch blade on the passenger arm and fit a 22 inch on the driver’s side. You will loose a little unswept area but reduce the chance of a collision. I am surprised you have not had them catching slightly before now, I know I did have. The problem is that when the wipers are returning to the parked position during their wipe cycle and any slight delay through perhaps judder or a dry screen causes the drivers side wiper tip to hit the following passenger’s side blade almost at 90 degrees. By fitting a slightly shorter blade, you ensure the driver’s blade is clear of the contact area and minimise a repeat occurrence.
Is there no wear / play on wiper linkage ?
The best way is to leave the 24 inch blade on the passenger arm and fit a 22 inch on the driver’s side. You will loose a little unswept area but reduce the chance of a collision. I am surprised you have not had them catching slightly before now, I know I did have. The problem is that when the wipers are returning to the parked position during their wipe cycle and any slight delay through perhaps judder or a dry screen causes the drivers side wiper tip to hit the following passenger’s side blade almost at 90 degrees. By fitting a slightly shorter blade, you ensure the driver’s blade is clear of the contact area and minimise a repeat occurrence.
Is there no wear / play on wiper linkage ?
Posted May 15, 2010 (14 years ago)
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