GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

So I've noticed that the rear wiper has been streaking badly lately. No biggie, insert replacement time, right? Wrong. Replaced the insert and still no better. It appears the spring on the wiper arm has weakened to the point that there is insufficient pressure on the window to make a clean swipe. Does anyone have a replacement part number handy for either the spring or the entire arm on an '03 or '04? Or any suggestions on how to revive the spring tension?

You need something like this.Any auto part store should have them.

Here is a diagragm of the parts, it does not have a spring listed. The #1 Selection MSRP Price is about $76.00 through GM, but is available for about $46.00 online. Odd no spring is shown though. Looks like than assembly has to be purchased all-as-one.

Attached files

The helper springs cost $8-$12 for a pair last time I looked. They also come in diffrent sizes.

you sure the arms pivot doesn't just need some lube? I can't say I've seen a "lot" of springs lose their spring over time like that..

thanks for the replies everyone -- I was offline for a couple of days. I'll try some lube first, but will probably end up with the helper spring. Thanks star_deceiver! I didn't know those helper springs existed.

I use them in the winter with the giant winter-booted wiper.They dance around at highway speed without them.

Just a follow up -- I got some springs from surewipe.com, but they do NOT fit the rear wiper due to its rounded profile. They fit fine on the fronts however. Back to square one.

No luck with removing the plastic that covers the attaching bolt (#3 in Grizz's image) and trying the spring without it?

nope, tried it, no luck.

Quote, originally posted by ou.grizzly »Here is a diagragm of the parts, it does not have a spring listed. The #1 Selection MSRP Price is about $76.00 through GM, but is available for about $46.00 online. Odd no spring is shown though. Looks like than assembly has to be purchased all-as-one. Mine was doing the same thing....had to replace the whole arm on mine as the plastic arm stripped........very cheap.Bad toyota bad!

The back wiper does not get pulled from the glass often therefore the pivot in the arm closest to the pivot point will get sticky or seized. So as the blade wears down, tension on the blade decreases. Lift the cover on the arm at the windshield and remove the nut. Lift the windshield wiper arm off the bolt. Remember the location of the arm for reinstall. Use a penetrating oil on the pivot point and move the arm back and forth several times. You should notice that the arm flexes more as you move it. You may have to reuse penetrating oil. Then use a good exterior silicone lube spray on the pivot point. Reinstall the wiper arm and nut and close the plastic cover. Hope it works better. Had it happen to me and I found that the arm would not move and keep tension on the blade.

There are a couple of tabs under the arm. Just gently pry and the cover will come up and expose the nut.