Follow along with the video below to see how to install our site as a web app on your home screen.
Note: This feature may not be available in some browsers.
Ford Explorer Community - Maintenance - Modifications - Performance Upgrades - Problem Solving - Off-Road - Street
Explorer Forum Covers the Explorer ST, Explorer Sport, Explorer Sport Trac, Lincoln Aviator, Mercury Mountaineer, Mazda Navajo, Ford Ranger, Mazda Pickups, and the Ford Aerostar
I have noticed that on my Rear window wiper that the blade does not get the whole area..It seems like it skips the middle section. I have replaced the blades but this does nto help any....Any Help would be great..
I have the same problem with mine too. The whole wiper arm/motor assembly can be moved quite a bit from the outside. The wiper blade contacts the glass fairly well, but it does miss about 30% when it swipes. I hope you all know the trick about adding an O-Ring to the wiper blade to keep it from scratching the back door when the car wash grabs it. The O-Ring only allows the wiper blade to move a little. And no, it doesn't restrict the wiper operation, I've tried it both ways!
If you physically bend the arm just a little, it doesn't take much. It puts more tension on the blade and it will work for about 6 months, then you will have to do again. That is the only thing I have found that works.
The rear wiper coverage problem of the rear glass seems to be due to the fact that Ford tried to make this wiper unit still work after they changed the shape of the rear window glass (don't know what year that happened). The "newer" rear glass shape is much more curved than before. The problem is caused by a metal stop preventing the arm from resting flush on the glass as it goes through its sweep. I lifted the wiper arm out, and using some wire cutters, very crudely hogged off some metal that prevented the arm from laying truely flush on the rear glass. Now it wipes 100% of the glass in its arc as it sweeps.
I used to bend mine too, but then I stopped caring after the arm just stopped working. Anyone happen to know what could be wrong with it? It still shoots washer fluid.
GR899V8,
I have the SAME darn problem w/my '98 X! I've
checked my ex wifes Escort wagon & the wiper shaft
doesn't move one bit (she thinks this is funny her el-
cheapo car vs my manly SUV)! Also other brands
(Blasers, Bravado & Yukon) wiper shafts are tight! I've bent the wiper arm & it'll skip in other places, frustrating!
I have the same problem!!!! Gets the edges of the window but the center is left with water!! I am going to try and look at this problem tommorrow and get back with you guys about what I find!:exp:
I'm having the same problem with my 98 sport. I bought a new blade yesterday which did nothing to solve the problem. I guess I'll bend the arm a little.
everyone of them has had problems w/ the rear wiper.
i open and close the rear hatch, and then the wiper doesn't work until i go and pull on it or mess with it.
Had the same problem wiht mine and used to use the "bending technique" but it wouldn't last. Finally went to ford since it was still on warranty...they replaced the motor and wiper assembly and I havn't had a problem since.
I drove my new 99 Explorer in the rain for the first time since I bought it...and sure enough, the rear wiper hardly touches the glass. I tried bending the arm to all angles, but really did not help much.
I was hoping there were some more ideas, or people who have conquered this problem since this thread last appeared. How 'bout it...anyone have any luck?
For those who had Ford replace the entire arm, motor, etc...what changed that helped it work better?
Thanks
Ken
Those rear wiper blades are useless. I never use mine, in the rain, that is. If the rain is so heavy that I need the rear wiper on, I think I'd have most of my attention out the front, searching for what I'm about to hit.
On the topic of the rear wiper, I actually modified mine into a road-rage weapon of sorts. By installing the washer fluid nozzle backwards on the wiper arm, I can fire washer fluid at tailgaters at the touch of a button. Inspired by James Bond, of course. I know it risks scratching the glass, but I don't care. It's funny.