Beam-style wipers vs. traditional frame-style | FerrariChat
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Beam-style wipers vs. traditional frame-style

Discussion in 'Technical Q&A' started by bisel, Jan 24, 2017.

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  1. bisel

    bisel Formula 3
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    Steve Bisel
    #1 bisel, Jan 24, 2017
    Maybe it just me, but having now replaced the frame-style wipers on my 360 and my Acura MDX, I am finding that a few months later the beam-type wipers are chattering. Beam-type wipers come at a premium and I am finding that they work just fine when new, then so do new frame-type wipers. Maybe it is living in Arizona .. the wipers are pretty much unused for months, and then when you need them you discover the rubber wiper is hard and inflexible and the wiper chatters. Very annoying. I am going back to frame-type. Less expensive and last as long or longer than beam-type.

    Has anyone else had this experience?

    Steve
     
  2. ago car nut

    ago car nut F1 Veteran
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    #2 ago car nut, Jan 25, 2017
    I believe the rubber takes a set from the sun, and doesn't flip flop.
     
  3. 4redude

    4redude Formula Junior

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    #3 4redude, Jan 25, 2017
    When I lived in AZ, I used Rain-X on the glass and would clean the rubber with either rubbing alcohol or aerosol brake parts cleaner. Had good success with that.
     
  4. bisel

    bisel Formula 3
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    #4 bisel, Jan 25, 2017
    Yes, I think you are correct. The heat/sun here puts a set on the rubber. And, giving them a good cleaning is always good idea. That said ... I have habit of forgetting about the cleaning part and I have found that frame-style wipers last longer here than beam type. My hypothesis is that even though the rubber might get hard or take a set in the heat/sun ... the frame-style wiper has more flex than the beam-style. So they perform to spec longer. And, in my experience ... they both perform equally well when new or nearly new. And ... they are less costly. I can replace frame-style wipers at least twice for less cost than a single pair of beam-style wipers.

    Lastly ... and this is purely subjective ... I think frame-style wipers look better.

    Steve
     
  5. moysiuan

    moysiuan F1 Rookie
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    #5 moysiuan, Jan 25, 2017
    I have been disappointed with beam wipers, I have tried various brands and they do not follow a window countour with enough pressure. I am certain it is a design to reduce cost of manufacture. Older style frame wipers work best. Weird that the beam ones generally sell for a premium.
     
  6. ago car nut

    ago car nut F1 Veteran
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    #6 ago car nut, Jan 25, 2017
    Remember when you could cheaply buy the rubber insert only? The wiper manufacturers put a stop to that. Now you buy the whole wiper for much more money.
     
  7. bisel

    bisel Formula 3
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    #7 bisel, Jan 25, 2017
    Those inserts are still available.

    Steve
     
  8. tomberlin

    tomberlin Formula Junior
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    #8 tomberlin, Jan 28, 2017
    Honda/Aucra and Toyota still do that, and they make the best wipers to begin with.

    Just my opinion,
    Tom
     
  9. 4rePhill

    4rePhill F1 Veteran

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    #9 4rePhill, Jan 29, 2017
    Surely the wipers on a Ferrari are just for show? ;)

    :p
     
  10. 2NA

    2NA F1 World Champ
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    #10 2NA, Jan 29, 2017
    Emergency use only! :eek:
     
  11. hessank

    hessank Formula 3
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    #11 hessank, Jan 29, 2017
    I thought they were to pass the Safety Inspection then you remove them.
     
  12. bisel

    bisel Formula 3
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    #12 bisel, Feb 2, 2017
    I purchased a set of Bosch Excel + wipers on Amazon. Much less costly than Auto Zone. I got the 24" length for the driver's side and 20" length for the passenger. I expect one could actually use 21" length on the passenger side without any problem, but the Bosch web site indicated that 20" was the appropriate length.

    The frame-style works better than the beam style and it looks better. At least, that is my story and I am sticking with it.

    Steve
     

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