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I have been experiencing this issue since I got my 2008 GLI in July of 2009. It has gotten worse over time. I have attempted to have the issue fixed under warranty through Volkswagen, but to no avail.
I have had the following replaced by Volkswagen; wiper motor/transmission/linkage, wiper arms, and wiper blades.
After my third visit, I "Googled" the issue in hopes of an answer. I did find some answers from Australia, which has helped me solve my issue and write this DIY.
The Issue:
While using the wipers, in any speed, the arms and blades will jump and shutter across the windshield. Sometimes this happens going up, sometimes when going down, and sometimes both.
Not my car or video...but same issue. Turn volume up to hear the stutter.
The Cause:
The spacing on the channel on the wiper arm sometimes has just a hair too much of a gap when the wiper is inserted. This allows the wiper to not only rotate normally, but to wiggle side to side. The side to side motion is what causes the arm to shutter.
The Fix:
Adding a shim in the channels will tighten up the wiper blade when installed.
Tools Needed:
- Electrical tape
- Scissors
- Clean rag
The Process:
- Step 1: Place your wipers into service mode. This is done by turning you ignition on, then off, and without removing the key, bumping the wiper stalk down.
DSC_0145 by santorum, on Flickr
- Step 2: Raise wiper arms off of the windshield.
DSC_0151 by santorum, on Flickr
- Step 3: Remove wiper blades from arms.
DSC_0146 by santorum, on Flickr
- Step 4: Make sure wiper blade channel is clean so the electrical tape will adhere to the surface.
DSC_0147 by santorum, on Flickr
- Step 5: Cut a small piece of electrical tape to fit in the side parts of the channel. * NOTE; you may only need to put a piece of tape on one side of the channel. Before doing both sides, check the fitment of the wiper blade. You want the blade to fit snug, but still needs to be able to pivot.
DSC_0148 by santorum, on Flickr
DSC_0149 by santorum, on Flickr
- Step 6: Install wiper blades.
DSC_0150 by santorum, on Flickr
- Step 7: Place wiper arms back onto windshield.
DSC_0145 by santorum, on Flickr
- Step 8: Take wipers out of service mode by turning on the ignition, and bumping the wiper stalk up one click.
---
I hope this is a help to all on here. This has been a frustrating issue for me and I know there are others out there with this issue. Please note that all DIY rules apply and I am not responsible for any damages to your car. I have had this fix done to my GLI For almost two months with no stuttering issues thus far. My wife's R32 has never done the stutter, but I did add one piece of tape to her channels to ensure it doesn't happen. My GLI required two pieces per arm.
:beer:
I have had the following replaced by Volkswagen; wiper motor/transmission/linkage, wiper arms, and wiper blades.
After my third visit, I "Googled" the issue in hopes of an answer. I did find some answers from Australia, which has helped me solve my issue and write this DIY.
The Issue:
While using the wipers, in any speed, the arms and blades will jump and shutter across the windshield. Sometimes this happens going up, sometimes when going down, and sometimes both.
Not my car or video...but same issue. Turn volume up to hear the stutter.
The Cause:
The spacing on the channel on the wiper arm sometimes has just a hair too much of a gap when the wiper is inserted. This allows the wiper to not only rotate normally, but to wiggle side to side. The side to side motion is what causes the arm to shutter.
The Fix:
Adding a shim in the channels will tighten up the wiper blade when installed.
Tools Needed:
- Electrical tape
- Scissors
- Clean rag
The Process:
- Step 1: Place your wipers into service mode. This is done by turning you ignition on, then off, and without removing the key, bumping the wiper stalk down.
DSC_0145 by santorum, on Flickr
- Step 2: Raise wiper arms off of the windshield.
DSC_0151 by santorum, on Flickr
- Step 3: Remove wiper blades from arms.
DSC_0146 by santorum, on Flickr
- Step 4: Make sure wiper blade channel is clean so the electrical tape will adhere to the surface.
DSC_0147 by santorum, on Flickr
- Step 5: Cut a small piece of electrical tape to fit in the side parts of the channel. * NOTE; you may only need to put a piece of tape on one side of the channel. Before doing both sides, check the fitment of the wiper blade. You want the blade to fit snug, but still needs to be able to pivot.
DSC_0148 by santorum, on Flickr
DSC_0149 by santorum, on Flickr
- Step 6: Install wiper blades.
DSC_0150 by santorum, on Flickr
- Step 7: Place wiper arms back onto windshield.
DSC_0145 by santorum, on Flickr
- Step 8: Take wipers out of service mode by turning on the ignition, and bumping the wiper stalk up one click.
---
I hope this is a help to all on here. This has been a frustrating issue for me and I know there are others out there with this issue. Please note that all DIY rules apply and I am not responsible for any damages to your car. I have had this fix done to my GLI For almost two months with no stuttering issues thus far. My wife's R32 has never done the stutter, but I did add one piece of tape to her channels to ensure it doesn't happen. My GLI required two pieces per arm.
:beer:
