Rear wiper recommendation for '98 XLT?

[KeithZ]

Does anybody else have a problem with the rear wiper only contacting the rear window for about 1/2 of the sweep of the wiper? I have replaced the wiper blade and the problem seems to get better for a little while then goes back to the 1/2 sweep contact again. Thanks for any suggestions. KZ

'98 XLT 5.0 AWD Flowmaster 50

 

[KEbert]

You could:
A - Take it to Ford and have them fix it

or B - Bend it in about an inch.

 

[icon34]

Hell ya!! I know a few people who have that problem and not just on Explorers. My friend has a Grand Vetara (sp?) with the same problem and we had it with our Jeep Grand Cherokee and mini van. On my Explorer I just bent the arm ever so slightly and that seems to have worked.

 

[KillerXLT]

I had the same problem when I replaced my rear wiper blade. The replacement wipers do not work properly on EXs. I bought a factory replacement blade from the dealership and it works fine opposed to the Bosch replacements.

 

[X24]

mine wipes the middle find but the top and bottom doesnt get very clean. also, everytime mine shuts off and goes back into its little holder, the metal part that holds the blade in hits my paint and scratches it. i try not to use it much.

the part in the center of the door where it comes out seems to be loose. if i grab a hold of it i can wiggle it around. anyone else have this problem? seems to me like it might be sitting crooked or something.

 

[Campo]

Mine will clean the bottom and sides good but leaves the middle top, I just replaced the blade 2 months ago, it was fine for awhile but, the problem is back... I guess I'll try the factory blade's....

 

[KeithZ]

Thanks for the feedback guys. I tried Kyle's suggestion and bent the arm slightly to put a little more pressure on the wiper blade. That seems to have helped a bunch but now the wiper "stand" will not go back in it's little holder (resting place) in the "parked" position. I don't see how that can hurt anything though. Now I'm glad to be able to see out the back window again when it's raining

 

[b]

How do you get the arm off or the blade attachment in order to remove the blade? I must be dumb, but can't figure it out and have needed a replacement for a couple years now.

 

[Mike]

i had the same problem and took the truck to ford.. all fixed.. they replaced the arm and blade

 

[03ExplorerSPT]

I replaced the blade on my X. The whole thing that attaches to the arm has to be replaced. To get the piece off, there is a thing that has to be pushed in so that you can get it off. I remember, I had to use needle nose plyers to get to the lock piece to push it in to get the piece off. Its relatively easy. Let me know if you need more help.

 

[2000_x]

I had the same problem where it was not even touching. The dealer tried and could not get it fixed properly, so I just bent the arm and re-adjusted the wiper so it will sit properly in the holder. I had to lower my hatch window a bit because at first because it was getting stuck in the crack. Now it works great!!! Becareful with the window because if it is not lined up properly or if you tighten it too much it will shatter!!

 

[b]

Finally figured out how to use small flathead to push the spring and remove the blade off the post and replace.

 

[A Wise Guy]

Be careful not to bend the wiper's arm too much because when the wiper lands in it's holder you will still be making contact with the paint on the tailgate. At least on my Honda they figured out how to stick on some 3M paint protection film so the wiper won't scratch the paint.

 

[Garth]

I might have figured out why it dont wipe clean, even after bending and all(3 blades before it even clean half as good). I was looking a the rubber housing that arm sticks out of in the back and I found that it was moving around. Should it feel solidly mounted or is this the standard feel. I was reading some old threads and this guy stated that you can tighten a nut in there to make it ripe better and stay in the proper location. Btw which is the standard wiper blade 'size' for the back?

 

[98EBV8]

Someone suggested some time ago that cleaning up the "hinged" part of the wiper arm works. I have tried using with WD-40 and it works for a while until it get all crudded up. So, I would do as a routine maintenace like at every car wash.

Maybe installing a rear air deflector would be better to keep the crud away from the hinge.

Shane