I noticed this approximately a month ago. When it rains, the lower part of the driver's side wiper makes a shudder in the rain.
However, unlike previous posts, which reported left over rain (and is a known problem), the blade does remove the rain in that area. I brought it in for service and they replaced the blade (Bosch). No help. I insisted Ranger come to my house ( I live an hour away for the service center), He also replaced the blade--No help, so he stated he would return with a new arm. He did--No help. He stated its the best he could do. Back to the service center and I spoke with the manager. He stated that this is similar to other Tesla's and there is no fix-it was a "design issue" (although he was apologetic). Really? Is this what everyone else is experiencing? Thanks
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byan1232
Member
Oh I had that same problem! Delivery was 3/14/16. Took it to the service center and they replaced both blades. Seems to happen with a lot of cars.
byan1232
Member
I do think its a design flaw. There are ways to improve it, like an Bosch Icon blade (which seems to be softer but still more hydrophobic, so squeezes against the windshield less rigidly). There is an adjustment the service center can apply, but it doesn't work great.
I simply have developed the habit of manually activating the windshield wiper intermittently for mild - moderate rain, and letting it run for more severe rain.
I simply have developed the habit of manually activating the windshield wiper intermittently for mild - moderate rain, and letting it run for more severe rain.
What kind of wiper fluid are you using? I just took delivery of my S, it came without washer fluid so I put some in. I never had this issue until I sprayed the fluid the first time, from that day on same exact issue as you're having. I ended up cleaning the windshield with some dish soap to remove the RainX (the green kind) the fluid had in it and it helped but now i need to empty the whole container and probably use just water from now on.
BertL
Active Member
OP, I had/have the same problem. Reported to my SC the first time I returned after delivery; they "tweaked" the arm, but my SA said while the problem would likely be better, it may not be completely resolved to my satisfaction. His comment to me was it was a known problem, and would likely take engineering one day (i.e. no ETA) to redesign the arm and/or blade.
I think it makes sense the driver's side arm/blade has a design flaw or the Tesla spec for rigidity of the blade itself is insufficient. The MS driver's side blade is extraordinarily long and with the blades Tesla has spec'd, IMHO are not stiff enough to cease all chattering, especially when cross-wind is at certain angles. Other threads have suggested replacing the blades yourself with a different Bosch version ( forget which one right now) that is stiffer and has helped some owners. I've not tried that and just put up with the bit of chatter -- as they say it's doesn't rain often here in Southern California, so it's not something I have to put up with often. I think there may be something to this whole blade thing ... my previous Lexus RX450h had a very long driver's side blade as well, but zero chatter in all conditions -- the big difference from my MS was their blades had an integrated metal strip on both sides of the lower part of the wiper blade that stiffened it significantly before sliding the blades back into the arm. BTW, I have encountered the same chatter with a virgin windshield, as well as with Aquapel applied (lasts longer than RainX).
FWIW, I frankly doubt this occasional annoyance is on Elon or Tesla's radar to resolve, so it's something I just live with. If it bothers me too much one day, I'll try purchasing my own stiffer alternate Bosch blades.
I think it makes sense the driver's side arm/blade has a design flaw or the Tesla spec for rigidity of the blade itself is insufficient. The MS driver's side blade is extraordinarily long and with the blades Tesla has spec'd, IMHO are not stiff enough to cease all chattering, especially when cross-wind is at certain angles. Other threads have suggested replacing the blades yourself with a different Bosch version ( forget which one right now) that is stiffer and has helped some owners. I've not tried that and just put up with the bit of chatter -- as they say it's doesn't rain often here in Southern California, so it's not something I have to put up with often. I think there may be something to this whole blade thing ... my previous Lexus RX450h had a very long driver's side blade as well, but zero chatter in all conditions -- the big difference from my MS was their blades had an integrated metal strip on both sides of the lower part of the wiper blade that stiffened it significantly before sliding the blades back into the arm. BTW, I have encountered the same chatter with a virgin windshield, as well as with Aquapel applied (lasts longer than RainX).
FWIW, I frankly doubt this occasional annoyance is on Elon or Tesla's radar to resolve, so it's something I just live with. If it bothers me too much one day, I'll try purchasing my own stiffer alternate Bosch blades.
I have the same chattering wiper blade problem on my 16 refresh S. I included this problem on a list of warranty issues during my last SC visit and the advisor said it's 'known design issue' but they would 'adjust' the blade to minimize the noise.
No improvement.
The problem wasn't even noted in the final paperwork. How does the factory know the extent of problems if the SC isn't even documenting the problems to begin with?
Any suggestions on what to do next?
BertL
Active Member
Exact same situation with me. You're stuck from a Tesla POV as they have not prioritized changing the spec and/or redesign of the blade/wiper to fix the issue. I just put up with the chattering, and have it as another one of the little annoyances my otherwise great MS has.
Your possible alternative is to buy the alternative Bosch blades that others have referenced upthread and in others. Some have said they found them to work well. They contain a metal stiffner insert (like my Lexus RX450h used to have as standard on it's very long wiper inserts) that is absent in Tesla's design.
I had the same problem. It was bad enough that even the kids were asking what was wrong with my wipers. Fixed it by getting the Bosch Icon wiper blade in the shorter size (26" I think). It still covers plenty of the windshield. AP camera is covered by the passenger blade, so that is unaffected. Just remember to tell them not to replace wipers on your annual service, or you'll be back to the too-long factory blades.
If it's a known engineering issue then the engineers are most likely checking it out on cars themselves.
I took delivery of my Tesla Model S in Sept 2016. Finally we got much needed rain in Southern Calif. Only to find that my wipers shudder and make this annoying sound. Tesla needs to replace the wipers and fix this issue for everyone. It is obvious a design problem .
BertL
Active Member
The challenge for those of us owners that encounter this annoying problem, is the issue has existed as long as MS has been available in the market. IMHO after more than 4 years with no change, it's not a priority for Tesla to resolve.
Robwoodruff
Member
I was told not to use RainX because it would make the windshield too slippery and the wiper blades would vibrate or shutter. I like RainX, so I put it on anyway. Sure enough, they now shutter. It doesn't bother me so I never tried the shorter blades that other people say fix the problem.
Disappointing to hear there hasn't been any movement on addressing this problem. It's quite annoying to live with.
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