Windshield wiper arm scraping metal under the hood

[MDR SEA]

Apparently wiper linkage pivot wear is a common issue on the MS. I noticed a clunking on mine and found the notch in the hood. I have a used motor & linkage (2019) en route but I made a temp mod to avoid more damage as we're in the rainy season here.
I cut a piece of corrugated poly drain tile hose (see pix) and positioned it over the wiper arm attachment nut and closed the hood on it. The curved piece holds pressure on the pivot shaft so the wiper arm won't contact the hood.

 

[jjvan]

I just had this same problem. The wiper arm was hitting the hood and carved out a nice notch in the metal rim on the underside of the hood. Tesla is fixing the wiper arm today under warranty. They said they will refer me to a body shop to have the hood fixed too under warranty.

Before I could get it fixed though, I taped a thin piece of plastic cut from a plastic container onto the edge of the hood to prevent more damage. It worked for about 2 weeks until the plastic wore through.

 

[oakvillemike]

Anyone try to install a new/used wiper assembly themselves? My Tesla shop wants over $1,000 to install a new one!

 

[philip295]

I replaced the wiper mechanism with a used part on my RH drive 2014 85S. I found it quite straightforward. The outer mounting can be made to sit lower by reversing the metal tube /washer. This moves the wiper arm away from the hood a fraction.

 

[MDR SEA]

Wiper motor/linkage is straight forward if you have a decent set of tools and moderate mechanical aptitude.
Here's a good video -

 

[Ulfilias]

Just done mine in the UK. Got the motor/linkage from a Tesla SC when I was over for another issue.
About 3hrs all in which included a bit of faff and checking stuff in guides and youtube.

https://service.tesla.com/docs/ModelS/ServiceManual/en-us/GUID-47977C8A-5AB1-447C-8B14-67C94B6111D1.html

The strut brace is the one on drivers side in the UK, there's an extra 10mm bolt which is no hassle and obvious. Two bits are tricky, removing the wipers on the spline, highly recommend a splitter as per manual.

The other is the central strut brace bolt. 13mm iirc and it's a fair reach, because just under the windscreen. A ratchet spanner was useful and a magnetic tool is handy for the last few turns of a few bits.

Oh and one vid didn't remove the windscreen rubber shroud bit, which makes seeing things a lot easier, worth cleaning it and the groove before putting back.
I also fitted all the bolts in the struct and wiper with a few turns, but then tightened them all after.
Worth a bit of grease on the wiper splines and checking movement before tightening down.

I *WAS* fairly shocked once removing the strut brace covers, you could see daylight and the top arms have a fair bit of rust because of the road wet and dirt. Going to have to rust paint and protect tomorrow, it's quick to pop the covers once you get the hang of the plastic pop fasteners (Small screwdriver the middle up, then use a leaver tool, didn't break one)

 

[streamfour]

Just found this thread. I wonder if anyone that has replaced the wiper assembly has an issue with the wiper arm (and blade) sitting too high after replacement? On mine the wiper now only makes proper contact at top and bottom - almost like the arm spring is not pressing it hard enough (tried another arm) or the whole assembly is sitting too high (but there is no adjustment).

I posted here last night before I found this thread. 2016 (Post Refresh) Wiper Not Clearing Screen Properly

Notice a few other RHD UK'ers here (lots of rain!).

 

[philip295]

Just found this thread. I wonder if anyone that has replaced the wiper assembly has an issue with the wiper arm (and blade) sitting too high after replacement? On mine the wiper now only makes proper contact at top and bottom - almost like the arm spring is not pressing it hard enough (tried another arm) or the whole assembly is sitting too high (but there is no adjustment).

I posted here last night before I found this thread. 2016 (Post Refresh) Wiper Not Clearing Screen Properly

Notice a few other RHD UK'ers here (lots of rain!).

I had that issue, sitting too high. I used a block of wood and lump hammer to lower the flange and nut that the outer part of the wiper assembly bolts to. I also inverted the tube/washer in the rubber grommet. This allows the grommet to squash lower when bolted. My next step was going to be reaming out the wiper arm hole, but I didn't need to do that.

 

[MSJack]

pictures

Get it fixed ASAP, It will eventually wear out a chunk of metal in the bonnet.

 

[Gethin T Evans]

2015 Model S 70D - 180,000 Kms - Same problem, drivers side wiper has been taking chunks out of the hood. Booked into the local Tesla service centre to replace the complete wiper mechanism. $1,069. Will have to fix the hood damage myself. They said it's because the wipers have been used on the fast speed too much.......maybe they should fix their rain sensing system which randomly makes it go fast for no reason? Lots of others with the same issue. Always used OEM blades etc from SC.

Replacing my passenger rear door handle mechanism too - again - this is the fourth door handle replacement on this car, second time for this door. $708 - last time it cost me $350 ?

Replacing broken left hand side thumbwheel selector on the steering wheel $381 as it's pushed in - broken shaft? I'm always gentle on it.

Repairing rear object sensor that's fallen inside the bumper causing false readings $367.70

Replacing both headlights / ballasts as they randomly shut off and come back on again next drive $622.50

Total bill $3,525 Canadian with taxes

Other things that I've replaced on the car in the past are coolant Y pipe that failed, and rear parking brake calipers which seized, window switches.

 

[Zuikkis]

Pretty much all of the above are basic DIY jobs that cost only a few hundred bucks if you source the parts from the ebay. Or if you can't do it yourself, take it to some small shop.

The wiper mechanism is actually repairable. There is a Finnish shop that sells a kit:

Tesla Model S - pyyhkijänvivuston korjaussetti

Tesla Model S:n pyyhkijänvivusto on huonolaatuinen. Osat kuluvat herkästi niin, että vivusto väljistyy ja pahimmassa tapauksessa alkaa hangata konepeltiin. Tällä kotimaisella Nekko Oy:n valmistamalla korjaussarjalla korjaat jo väljentyneen pyyhkijänvivuston paremmaksi kuin uutena. Vivuston...

www.vempele.fi

But as you can see from the image, it's pretty basic stuff. You can probably find a local machinery that can make them you. Then again, the shipping from Finland probably isn't that expensive for such a small product. Vempele.fi is a trustworthy shop.

 

[Gethin T Evans]

Great thanks for the reply. That finnish mod to replace wiper bushing really looks like the solution to a design fault - very cool. Easy to machine those bushings too I'm guessing.

Yes I agree I could do most of this stuff myself but it all sort of came at once and I dont have the time right now kind of swamped at work.

I did find the thumb wheel on Aliexpress for $57 and also ebay - also mods to change it from plastic to a metal shaft to stop it from snapping off.

I was trying to avoid 'hacking' this car with DIY mods (being that have owned Subarus and currently own a Jeep JK which are heavily 'modded' lol) but I guess I'll be sucked down this rabbit hole too with an ageing Model S to avoid expensive repairs.

Cheers.