Wiper Thump -- 2005 HL

[jzack]

My wipers make a thump sound each time they return to the horizontal (down) position while operating. I'm guessing the arms might need to be adjusted? Anyone run into this issue -- the thump is loud enough to be annoying...

[edwardh1]

I put on amco blades - mine then started to thump when they reverse direction.

[LifeTech]

@ only 3 months old when my 06 HL was new...I changed out my Toyota blades and arms...sure the Dealer would have warranted them as they have done so in vehicles past,...but over the years of owning Toyotas, I find that the Toy. rubber inserts are of low grade quality. They skip and become hard with colder temps.
I always used Bosch Wipers for replacements. They use a graphite in their rubber composition and thus glide more easily along the glass.

I currently have the Bosch Icons on my HL (close to 3 years old) They are not working like new...yet visibilty is more than adequate... but hey I got my moneys worth and they never chatter or "thump" as yu state. Three winters out of a set of blades is great even @ $45 for the pair if yu ask me. Money well spent.
Springtime they will get replaced.

There is NO adjustment to remedy the Thump noise yu are hearing. Sorry.

Remember maintenance is key. Always wipe down and wash your blades when yu wash your car/truck. Keep the windshield clean. For years, I've always used Rain-x along with the Rain-x washer fluid. I feel that adds a benefit to the longevity of the blades by reducing friction between the glass and the rubber blades.
Time for a new set of blades/arms.

LT

[jzack]

Actually - by dumb luck I just figured it out. Was cleaning some icy slush off the psngr side window and just moved the wiper arm up about 1 inch above plastic cowling. The thump is now all gone - arm doesn't hit the cowling on the downswing. Trying to move it higher on the windshield than 1 inch I encountered resistance and the drive side arm started to move too.

I've never seen a wiper arm move that freely without the other (driver) side moving as well? The adjustment seems to have worked for now -- did a 15 run with no changes. I'll need to dig into this a little more when the weather gets a little warmer. Was very suprised to find the arm linkage had that much freeplay? I'm guessing either something is loose or a fitting/linkage needs to be replaced???

[LifeTech]

The linkage type/style arms always get fouled up with ICE. The linkage gets loose and sloppy as well over time. This allows for a poor wiper sweep motion. The rubber blades don't sit perpendicular to the glass well with this wear. Especially with ice and snow buildup.

I suggest TRYING a set of non linkagedesigned arms/ blades when yu decide/need to replace your blades.

Valeo, Bosch and Rain-X make them. There is little metal on this design and they won't freeze as readily.

[jzack]

Thx - can you clarify a bit? Does replacing the arms improve the fit of the arm end (where bolt slides thru) in staying more firmly attached to the spline? Most wiper arms I've ever seen press fit onto that spline -- is that the case with the HL design? You mentioned some rubber parts in the posting above -- so maybe this design differs and that's what wears out???

Is there anything underneath the cowling that also needs to be looked at? Usually there's some kind of bar with linkages the connect over to the motor.

Agree replacing the arms + blades generally helps overall. Firmer springs in the arms and better wiping action of the blades...

[jzack]

OK - fixed the issue. The nut holding the wiper arm to the spline(splindel) wasn't snug. I removed the arm - cleaned up the spline, applied some white grease and re-tightened the nut. Checked the driver side arm and that nut needed to be snugged down a bit too.

[LifeTech]

I've never seen this happen to any Toyota wiper arm as of late. But I remember when working at The Dealer (early 80's) A new Supra came in for warranty because one arm completely fell off for the same reason. But the splined shaft was stripped beyond use. The nut came completely off. (Drivers side) Owner didn't realize the problem before it was too late. It was a mess . But under warranty in any event.I installed new linkage, new arm... much labor. I believe the Glass was scratched also. That also was replaced by Toyota.
We should all check these Arm Retainer Nuts for proper torque!
LT