1999 Forester Front Wiper Problem

[Mike]

My 1999 Subaru Forester makes a loud slapping noise when the front
windshield wipers are on. Also, the wipers don't always park in the
same location. Sometimes are they are up a couple inches more than they
should be from the bottom of the windshield. I tried replacing the
wiper blades but it didn't make a difference. I tried to reposition
the wiper arms by unscrewing the nut and then retightening it very
tight, but that didn't help. Interestingly, when the wiper blades are
parked I can manually move them up and down on the windshield a couple
inches. Does anyone know what's causing this and what I need to do to
fix it?

Thanks in advance.
Mike

 

[mulder]

My 1999 Subaru Forester makes a loud slapping noise when the front
windshield wipers are on. Also, the wipers don't always park in the
same location. Sometimes are they are up a couple inches more than they
should be from the bottom of the windshield. I tried replacing the
wiper blades but it didn't make a difference. I tried to reposition
the wiper arms by unscrewing the nut and then retightening it very
tight, but that didn't help. Interestingly, when the wiper blades are
parked I can manually move them up and down on the windshield a couple
inches. Does anyone know what's causing this and what I need to do to
fix it?

Thanks in advance.
Mike

It sounds like the drive linkage for the wipers is worn out.

 

[who]

It sounds like the drive linkage for the wipers is worn out.

Or there is some looseness in the wiper drive.

 

[Jim Stewart]

My 1999 Subaru Forester makes a loud slapping noise when the front
windshield wipers are on. Also, the wipers don't always park in the
same location. Sometimes are they are up a couple inches more than they
should be from the bottom of the windshield. I tried replacing the
wiper blades but it didn't make a difference. I tried to reposition
the wiper arms by unscrewing the nut and then retightening it very
tight, but that didn't help. Interestingly, when the wiper blades are
parked I can manually move them up and down on the windshield a couple
inches. Does anyone know what's causing this and what I need to do to
fix it?

Rain-X the windshield and install Bosch
Microedge blades. Every year.

 

[Mike]

Problem was fixed by replacing the linkage. Cost $47 plus one hour of
labor.