C900 wiper subtlety

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11 November 2010
euromobile900

C900 wiper subtlety

I try to change my wipers every 4 years, whether they need it or not. They always need it after 1 year, but I am cheap and don't drive that much. The new (Bosch) wipers I got four years ago were disappointing. I fitted them and found that they did not conform to the curve of my wraparound windshield. I ended up using my old wiper frames and sticking the new rubber in them. This got me through for four years.

It turns out that good c900 wiper frames have to be asymmetrical in order to wipe properly at the corners of the windshield, due to its extreme curve. Let me show you what I mean:
http://saabworld.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=2501
Top is a very old Bosch wiper. Middle is a very old Champion wiper. Bottom is a newer Bosch wiper. You can see the bend in the middle of the wipers. To the left is the side that goes up (away from the wiper arm). This bend allows the outside of the wiper to operate along the curved windshield. The new wiper ISN'T BENT. Shame on Bosch for cheapifying their design.

And here is a close up of the bend in the middle.
http://saabworld.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=2504
It is possible, if you do not have old wipers, to kink your own, as a sort of "redneck mod". Just don't get overzealous. A little bit goes a long way.
11 November 2010
jlrSAAB

the wiper blade must slide freely in the arm guides otherwise stuck and the curve areas are not cleaned due to there is not contact in the windscreen.
11 March 2011
peva

I've used modern flat wipers with silicone rubber blades on mine. I'm still impressed after 18 months.:thumbsup:
12 March 2011
euromobile900

Hey Peva! Nice to see you here. Your c900 knowledge gives me a run for my money, so I'll have to watch my tongue around you! I've never used the silicone blades. Are they that much better?

If you like, I'll send you a bent wiper blade so you can experience the difference in side-by-side tests :P
12 March 2011
peva

Euro, don't worry about your tongue. I can cope with that. It's the bent wiper blades you're going to send me. I can make my own thanks. I put the flat wipers on 'cause I like the look and to try them. The silicone blade certainly seems to cut through the grease more than standard rubber.

Thanks for the welcome.
12 March 2011
euromobile900

I posted some of your hard-won expertise in the Cooling System Thread. I thought it would make you happy to see that your hard-won fight with Jim did not go to waste.

Speaking of which, I sure wish Jim would come over.
20 June 2011
rodentmaster

Made a nice discovery lately...............you can fit 20" wipers to the vert model wipers. 18" looked too small for the increase in windscreen surface area.
20 June 2011
peva

Quote:

Originally Posted by rodentmaster

Made a nice discovery lately...............you can fit 20" wipers to the vert model wipers. 18" looked too small for the increase in windscreen surface area.

Yes you can. And I normally put on the largest size that just misses the rubber. And my last set were silicone flat-blade wipers too. Absolutely, bloody, fantastic.:thumbsup: