When To Replace Subaru Windshield Wipers
Do you have a sneaking suspicion that your windshield wipers are failing? Do they seem to leave streaks and not clear the windshield thoroughly during a rainstorm? Or are your wipers malfunctioning in any other way?
In this guide, we'll help you figure out whether your wiper blades are failing. If so, we'll help you figure out which part is failing.
The Components In A Subaru Windshield Wiper Assembly
The windshield wiper assembly on your Subaru has several different components:
- Wiper motor: used to move the wipers across the windshield
- Wiper blades: used for clearing rain, snow and debris from the windshield
- Wiper blade arms: used to hold the wiper blades in position for use on the windshield
- Arm brackets: for holding the wiper arms in place
- Wiper pivot bolts: used to secure the position of the blades on the arm brackets
- Windshield washer fluid reservoir and hose: contains washer fluid that moves through a nozzle at the base of the assembly to clean debris off of your window.
- Windshield washer pump: pressurizes and dispenses fluid from the reservoir into a spray nozzle at the base that is designed to clean debris from your windshield.
In order for the wipers to perform well, all these components must work right. Sometimes, an individual component may fail or wear out prematurely. This may cause other problems with your Subaru windshield wiper assembly as a whole.
Signs Of Failure In Your Windshield Wiper Assembly
The following are a few common symptoms of windshield wiper assembly failure:
Excessive Wiper Noise
A squeaking, screeching or grinding noise when the wipers are in use is a sign of an issue with either your wiper arm bracket or wiper pivot bolt. This can be caused by rust and corrosion that damages these components over time. If you want your wiper assembly to operate smoothly, you'll want to replace both parts.
Subaru Windshield Wipers Don't Move Anymore
If your wipers have become stationary and will not move, it's usually a sign of a bad motor. To replace the motor on your Subaru windshield wiper assembly, you'll need to remove the blade arms from the windshield. Next, detach the wiring harnesses running to the motor with an appropriate tool.
Subaru Windshield Wipers Won't Turn Off
If your wipers wont turn off, your windshield wiper motor is malfunctioning. If this happens, you'll need to replace either the motor or the wiper switch. When your wipers won't turn off, your blades keep dragging across the windshield. That will wear out the blades quickly, and may scratch the windshield.
Streaks Or Missing Spots On The Windshield
Are your wipers leaving streaks or missing spots on the windshield while in use? It's usually a sign that your blades are too worn out to work effectively. You may need to replace the wiper blade perhaps the windshield wiper arm bracket.
Checking The Windshield Wiper Assembly
Image Credit: Christopher Dungeon
It's common to replace the windshield wiper blades every 6-12 months. If streaks or missing spots on the windshield is the only symptom, then the rest of the assembly is likely fine. In this case, you would only need to replace the wiper blades.
If you notice other symptoms, then you want to check all the other components of the wiper assembly. You want to make sure you know which components have gone bad. This way, you'll get to restore your windshield wiper assembly back to good working order.
Inspecting The Windshield Wiper Blades
If you see any signs of damage or wear on the blades, it means one of two things:
- The blades have worn out
- There's another issue within the wiper assembly that's causing the blades to wear out
To check your windshield wiper blades, give it a visual inspection. Look for the following signs of wear or damage:
- Build-up grime and corrosion
- Cracking
- Breakage
- Rounded edges
Checking The Wiper Motor
If your wipers won't turn on, or if they won't turn off, there's an issue with the motor. The motor may not be broken, though, so don't be quick to replace it. You want to check the fuse first to see if it has blown. Also, check the switch. It's possible that the switch is stuck in the wrong position.
Checking The Hardware And Wiper Arms
When your windshield wiper assembly has a loose or broken bolt, bracket, or wiper arm, the wipers won't be able to clear the windshield. So you want to visually inspect all the hardware and wiper arms. Look for any looseness or clear signs of damage.
Checking The Windshield Washer Assembly
If windshield washer fluid isn't coming out, you may have a problem with:
- The wiper fluid reservoir (may be empty)
- The washer nozzle (may be clogged or worn out)
- The washer pump (may be broken)
If you want to check your wiper fluid reservoir, locate it under the hood and look at the side of it. If the reservoir is empty, you'll need to fill it up with windshield washer fluid and recheck everything.
Visually inspect the nozzle to see if it's clogged or worn out.
It's also helpful if you can test out the pump. Have someone activate the washers while you listen to the pump (with the car in accessory mode). You should be able to hear it.
Finding The Right Replacement Windshield Wiper Parts For Your Subaru
If you need to replace any part in your windshield wiper assembly on your Subaru, we likely have the part(s) you need. We'll help your Subaru windshield wipers replacement process go as smoothly as possible.
At SubaruPartsPlus.com, we provide OEM Subaru accessories and replacement parts. On our website, you can easily find the windshield wiper parts you need for your Subaru vehicle. All you need to do is look up your Subaru model here. We carry all kinds of Subaru wiper parts, ranging from wiper motors to wiper arm covers.
We have been supplying OEM parts to Subaru drivers since 2005 with tens of thousands of customers worldwide. If you need help finding the right Subaru windshield wiper part for your vehicle, please contact us.