For attaching windshield wiper blades
Currently, various types of fastenings are used.
This is usually due to the desire of manufacturers to make extra money on spare parts, although some mounting options are significantly smaller than others, which improves the aerodynamic resistance of the brushes and improves appearance. Until 1999, most automakers produced cars with standard windshield wiper mounts - a “hook”
. This type of fastening is currently the most common. In 1999, Ford equipped its Taurus with a new mount, and then almost all automakers began equipping their cars with various “tricky” mounts. Until recently, Japanese manufacturers refrained from such steps, although the first cases have already occurred - for example, Nissan Quashqai, Honda Civic and Mazda 3.
Car windshield wipers, commonly referred to as “windshield wipers,” are one of the consumable parts of all cars. They serve to remove water and dirt from the surface of the windshield, and sometimes also the rear window, that interfere with visibility. Since blades from different cars are not fundamentally different from each other, replacing windshield wipers is done the same way for all cars. Let's look at how to change them with your own hands.
Replacement
The process of replacing old windshield wiper blades with new ones does not cause serious problems
It is only important to carry out all actions carefully, not to break the plastic fastener included in the kit. The replacement process includes the following steps:
lift the wiper up, it is fixed in this position - perpendicular to the windshield;
Next, you need to take the brush body in your hand and squeeze it, then move it down - slight swaying will simplify the procedure;
then the brush is simply removed from the lever.
The installation process is performed in reverse. Many brush models are supplied with special adapters.
They must be used carefully. Plastic is usually fragile
If it is damaged, it will be impossible to install the brush in place. What will lead to the impossibility of using it?
When choosing a brush, it is important to focus on the brand. To date, Bosch, Champion and Denso have proven themselves well.
It is important to replace brushes in a timely manner, since road safety directly depends on this. Otherwise, precipitation falling on the windshield simply will not be removed in time
Frame brushes for Kalina
For those who prefer to drive with frame wipers, I offer the following options:
- set of wipers with spoiler Bosch Twin Spoiler 601 S (3397010297),
Buy.
- set of classic frame brushes Bosch Twin 601 (3397118304),
Buy.
- Denso piece windshield wipers (items DM-560 and DM-040),
Buy: → driver's license, → passenger's license.
- piece Bosch Eco 60C (3397004673) and 40C (3397004667) are the most affordable brand wipers.
Buy: → driver's license, → passenger's license.
What to look for when choosing?
It is no secret that the level of visibility to the rear depends on the efficiency of the brush, which is especially important when maneuvering in cramped conditions and in bad weather. When choosing, you should lean toward high-quality branded products that will not subsequently emit an annoying squeak when rubbing against the glass and do not have to think about how to remove and replace the wiper. You should also inspect the integrity of the working element of the brush, which initially should not have cracks or breaks. An important role is played by the force with which the rear wiper is pressed to the surface of the glass, as well as the material from which the product is made.
What are wipers and when should they be changed?
Windshield wipers are a device in which a metal arm is connected to a rubber wiper surface . The wiper blade is secured to the lever with a special holder with a plastic plug. They come in two varieties: framed and frameless.
Frame brushes have moving parts called rocker arms. They hold the cleaning surface on the windshield. The fundamental disadvantage of such “wipers” is the presence of hinged joints, which are vulnerable to the ingress of snow and ice, which disables the wipers. In addition, the rubber brush often does not adhere tightly to the glass, which makes its work ineffective.
Possible malfunctions and how to eliminate them?
Intermittent operation of the rear wiper mechanism is a very common situation faced by owners of the Lada Kalina station wagon. The solution is simple - you need to replace the fuse. It is located in the mounting block, which in turn is located under the panel to the left of the steering column. Sometimes a replacement requires a relay, which can be found in the same mounting module.
When the rear windshield wiper completely refuses to function after activating the button, then diagnostics of the electric drive of the LADA Kalina station wagon will be needed. The wiring goes to the electric motor itself. Here you need to make sure that the contact at the ground terminal is reliable. In most cases, the problem is eliminated by simply cleaning the contacts from oxides. If such manipulations do not give the desired result, disassembling the mechanism and probably replacing the motor will be required. Sometimes the culprit for the lack of purifier functionality is the steering column switch.
When is it necessary to replace windshield wipers in Kalina?
Over time, owners of practical Lada Kalinas notice the appearance of brush marks on the surface of the windshield. Such “artifacts” create an obstacle to good visibility. In this situation, the indicated components will need to be replaced, and the trapezoid will likely need to be replaced
Many experienced owners advise purchasing frameless brushes, which, in their opinion, are able to “bravely” withstand temperature changes and can demonstrate a relatively longer service life of approximately 1.5 million cycles
Before replacing, you should understand the required size of the products. For Lada Kalina, you should purchase a driver's side brush with a length of 600 mm, and for the glass area opposite the passenger - 400 mm. For stern glass, the brush has a standard parameter of 360 mm. This wiper needs to be replaced much less frequently, since the intensity of its work is significantly lower compared to the front components.
Frameless windshield wipers for Kalina
An excellent option is the Bosch Aerotwin Retrofit AR 601 S kit (article number 3397118907). This is a pair of brushes of the “native” size and fastening. Cleans well in any weather, quiet, durable. They are produced in Belgium. Find out more about Bosch Aerotwin.
Buy.
Bosch Aerotwin Retrofit AR 24 U (article number - 3397008538) and AR 16 U (article number - 3397006824) brushes
Buy: → driver's license, → passenger's license.
Champion piece brushes 600 mm (item ER60/B01) and 400 mm (item ER40/B01). They are easy to install and clean glass well. Read more about Champion Izivision.
Buy: → driver's license, → passenger's license.
SWF piece brushes : 600 mm (article 119860) and 400 mm (article 119840). Asymmetrical spoiler, excellent cleaning, easy to install. Read more about SVF windshield wipers.
Buy: → driver's license, → passenger's license.
What are the causes of breakdowns?
The most likely factor causing the wipers to stop is the blown working element in the fuse. Eliminating this malfunction involves performing the simplest action - replacing the fuse link. It is located in the corresponding mounting block, located on the left side of the steering column. It will be useful to stock up on a fuse diagram, which will help you easily find the insert we need.
When the purifiers stopped functioning intermittently, the control relay most likely became unusable. This component is also located in the previously designated block. When a relay fails, it is replaced with a new analogue. However, we note that according to numerous reviews from owners of domestic small cars, certain statistics have been formed indicating the small number of cases of breakdowns of this kind.
The most common cause is the destruction of bushings. They are made of plastic, so they do not boast a long service life, which reaches a maximum of three years. The process of destruction of elements is primarily influenced by the quality indicator of the material. Here, the only effective measure is replacement, and to carry it out you should acquire a repair kit, which is available at a specialized retailer. In this case, the trapezoid is replaced.
If the owner of a Lada Kalina discovers that the wiper drive is not working, this indicates that the unit’s motor has failed. In order to verify this fact, you will need to make sure that voltage is supplied to the motor contacts from the on-board network. This procedure is easily performed using a regular tester. If there is power, then we definitely change the motor.
Advantages and weaknesses of wipers
Each type of brush has certain advantages, and at the same time, both product options are not without disadvantages. Frameless versions have great durability, because for their production manufacturers use high-quality rubber and weather-resistant plastic. Over time, although the rear brush wears out, this process is not intensive.
In operation, frameless brushes for the Lada Kalina station wagon do not emit unpleasant squeaks and do not greatly rub the surface of the rear window. Also, the products adequately withstand the onslaught of temperature changes.
Now the disadvantages. There is only one point here - it is overpriced.
In addition to the metal base, frame brushes have plastic structural components that are integrated into the frame itself. Cleaners are low-cost and widely distributed in the retail chain.
Among the disadvantages of frame options, one can highlight their small resource. After a couple of years of use, the working elements of such a brush become unusable and require inevitable replacement. A constant companion to the work of the wiper is an annoying squeak.
How to choose wipers?
When buying wipers, you need to not only consider the size of the wipers, but also decide what type you want to use. The market today offers consumers two types of devices.
Frame
According to experts, the use of frame options is more relevant if the windshield is strongly curved outward. The frame option is, in principle, less reliable, but its price is lower. According to experts, due to their design, frame devices will be able to clean the glass as much as possible. Frame-type devices are made of metal with plastic inserts; their service life is shorter, since the clamps and fasteners wear out quickly. Moreover, in severe frost the structure wears out even faster.
Frameless wiper Gabarit
Frameless
The use of frameless options is more relevant if the windshield is flatter. In the production of such brushes, plastic and rubber are used; the devices themselves have an arched shape. One of the main advantages of such wipers is resistance to frost, as well as relative noiselessness during operation. In addition, their service life is much longer, and if replacement is necessary, it is much easier to carry out.
It is necessary to take into account that frameless wipers fit more tightly to the glass, therefore, during operation there is a possibility of damage to it. Signs of abrasion, as well as defects and scratches may appear after several years. Before purchasing, it is advisable to make sure that the use of these brushes will not harm the car.
Possible causes of the malfunction and ways to eliminate them:
When the windshield wiper is on, the electric drive does not work:
Fuse blown:
- remove the cover located to the left of the driver, under the steering column, under it there is a mounting block;
- on the cover of the mounting block there is a diagram of the location of the relays and fuses of the car, we find the required fuse and change it if necessary;
Relay fault:
If the wipers on the Lada Kalina do not work intermittently, you need to change the relay located in the mounting block, next to the fuses.
Wiper motor malfunction:
- we check the ground terminal of the electric motor, screwed to the car body next to the rack;
- we clean it and the attachment point;
- install in place;
VAZ 1117 If this does not have a result, disconnect the connector for the electric drive of the windshield wiper, located under the windshield frame.
Using a tester or any other continuity test, we check whether power is coming to the connector. If power comes in, then it is necessary to change the wiper motor.
Disconnect the terminals from the battery. Remove the decorative caps from the leashes. Unscrew the nuts securing the leads and remove them. Remove the plastic grille under the windshield frame by unscrewing the bolts that secure it. Having unscrewed the trapezoid fastening (two bolts and one nut), remove the electric motor from the box and disconnect it from the trapezoid. We install a new one, repeating the procedure in reverse order.
If power does not come to the connector, the steering column switch must be replaced. Disconnect the battery terminals. Remove the plastic steering column cover. Disconnect the switch block and, pressing the latches on both sides, remove the steering column wiper switch. Install a new one by repeating the process in reverse order. Assembling the casing.
When turned on, the wipers on Kalina do not work, but the electric drive rotates
It is necessary to check the condition of the gearbox and wiper trapezoid.
Unscrew the plastic grill under the windshield frame. First remove the wiper arms and unscrew the nuts that secure them. We check whether the gearbox axis of the electric windshield wiper drive rotates.
If the axis rotates and the trapezoid is stationary, check the splined connection of the gearbox and trapezoid, and if necessary, tighten the fastening nut. If the connection is severely worn, it is necessary to replace this unit.
If your windshield wipers on your Lada Kalina do not work, this is not a reason to despair. As a rule, the cause is a minor malfunction. Such as a blown fuse or a loose nut on the spline connection between the gearbox and the windshield wiper drive, which can simply be tightened.
The windshield wiper electric drive system is quite reliable and does not require special maintenance. It is enough to follow basic operating rules. If during the winter period the wipers are frozen to the windshield, then before turning on the windshield wiper, it is necessary to free them from ice. And they will serve you without causing any problems.
Removing the windshield wiper mechanism completely is quite an easy job, for this we need 10 by 13 heads, a ratchet, a knob, a 10 and 13 ring spanner, you can also use an open-end wrench.
First of all, you need to get down to work on removing the wiper arms and plastic linings; detailed information on removing the plastic linings can be read here: Replacing the cabin filter on a Lada Kalina.
If you have sorted out the removal of the plastic covers, we proceed to the process of unscrewing the trapezoid mounting bolts. First, unscrew it on the left, as shown in the picture.
Then in the center.
After this, unscrew the nut on the right side; for this it is better to arm yourself with an open-end wrench.
Now there is nothing holding the trapeze, you need to slightly tilt it forward.
We take it out of the seat.
The final step when removing is to disconnect the power plug of the motor. To do this, you just need to bend the plug lock and remove the plug. First you need to disconnect it from the body; the plug is attached to a clip.
Removing and installing the windshield wiper motor on Lada Kalina
The motor is connected to the trapezoid by 3 bolts and one nut. So we unscrew the 3 bolts using a 10mm socket.
After this, unscrew the nut securing the trapezoid and the motor shaft.
You can remove the motor, since there are no more fasteners.
If there is a need, we replace the trapezoid or motor and assemble it in the reverse order.
How to change the rear ones
Rear wipers are also installed on hatchbacks and station wagons, since the rear window in such cars is quite large and gets very dirty, and a good view through it is also important.
The design of the rear wiper mounts is very different from that of the front ones. It is impossible to give universal advice here, since the rear wipers are mounted differently on all cars. Let's take the Kalina station wagon as an example.
The sequence of actions in this case is as follows:
Fines for crossing the stop line and speeding will no longer bother you!
- It is necessary to lift the protective metal cap of the wiper, under which there is a fastening nut.
- Take a 10mm wrench and unscrew the nut. Please note that there is a small washer under it to prevent it from being dropped. Slightly turning the wiper, pull it towards you and it can be removed without much difficulty. Now you need to remove the brush itself.
- With the wiper removed, you need to pull the blade, and at the same time, use a screwdriver to slightly release the latch that holds it to the lever. The brush will come off. You can change it as described above.
Do-it-yourself troubleshooting
To do this, you need to remove the trapezoid, which is located under the plastic decorative trim under the windshield. Windshield wiper repairs are carried out in the following order:
- unscrew and remove the windshield wiper blades along with the leads;
- unscrew and remove the plastic cover, for which you will need a TORX T20, or “star”;
- unscrew the trapezoid, which is attached to the car body with a nut and two bolts;
- disconnect the windshield wiper drive from the battery;
- remove the trapeze together with the drive.
If you do not remove the trapezoid, then when installing the bushings you can bend the hinges, which will lead to improper operation of the wipers. Therefore, it is better to remove the entire trapezoid and replace it not with weight, but with emphasis.
The destroyed bushing is immediately visible. It can be simply removed using wire cutters. To insert a new one, it and the locking ring must be steamed in hot water, otherwise it will not be possible to put it all on the hinge. Before putting on the locking ring, the bushing should be treated with lubricant (for example, lithol). All disassembly and assembly work takes a maximum of 40 minutes.
But if the central bushing “flies”, then most likely the entire windshield wiper mechanism will have to be replaced. Replacing a windshield wiper trapezoid is an even simpler task than the process of removing and installing new bushings. All work is carried out according to the algorithm described above.
Naturally, a complete replacement of the windshield wiper trapezoid will cost more than repairing the windshield wiper. But it will be more reliable. New ones are almost guaranteed to last longer than refurbished ones. Although some Lada owners claim that a rebuilt and repaired Kalina wiper trapezoid can easily last two years. Well, you should always base it on whether you are willing to spend time or money.
