Wiper blades - What, where & size

[rikward]

I need to change the blades front and rear on the VR4. I went into Halfords to purchase some Bosch blades, but nothing appears to fit. I looked at the reference chart available and the nearest thing to it was a '95-'97 Galant. However, the only blade that would fit is the drivers side according to the reference.

Does anybody know the best place to order these from (not Mitsu as they'll charge and arm and a leg) and please do not suggest simply replacing the rubbers. I have tried this once and never again.

Perhaps I should go into Halfords with the old blades in hand and simply size them up.

Any thoughts?

[psbarham]

if i was you i would do as you say and go into halfrauds with the blade and measure them up. their charts are bl##dy useless about like the staff , i wouldn't even bother asking for help in there either, coz when you tell them what car it's for you'll just get a blank stare.

[Roadrunner]

I replaced my Bosch blades recently with Halfords own brand (cheaper and better quality ;) ). Their size chart features the Galant and they do have a kit (driver's side with spoiler and passenger side without) for less money than buying the two blades separately. IIRC, the driver's side is 22" and the passenger side 18" (but not absolutely sure :rolleyes: )

Used Bosch for years, but not happy with the quality of the current stuff ...

[I-S]

I recently put Bosch ones on, which have absolutely destroyed the Valeo wipers that mitsubishi put on the car. They're quiet!

However, the rear wiper on the estate is an issue! It needs a special profile, otherwise it fouls the arm, and lifts off the top of the window at the top of the arc. I bought a bosch one for the back, but it does not work!

Just measure the blades with a tape measure. The fitting is standard, but you need to be sure that the clip is tight. If it's loose (like the valeo), you will get a loud "clack" sound from the wipers. I found the bosch to be tight.

[pezza]

I got mine from Halfords too.. the bosch ones :D nice n quiet compared to the previous ones.. I think that they are 22inch drivers and 18inch passenger as H.7 says....

The reference in their book should match the car.. I used this to buy mine and they fit ok...

HTH

Cheers

D

[Paul Beazer]

[QUOTE=Isaac Sibson]

However, the rear wiper on the estate is an issue! It needs a special profile, otherwise it fouls the arm, and lifts off the top of the window at the top of the arc. I bought a bosch one for the back, but it does not work!QUOTE]

You might want to check the wiper arm itself, specifically where it hinges outwards to pull it away from the glass. If its very stiff, it needs freeing up 'cos the spring on the arm cant pull the blade into the glass. My V6 sport had an awful one and took copious amounts of WD40 to loosen it off. I think its probably down to all the spray drawn up by the turbulence round the rear. It wipes much better, even up by the brake light. The new blade I put on yesterday was a Bosch and its fine.

Paul

[I-S]

That's not the problem paul. The spring is fine and isn't seized at all... it's just that the bosch blade was too high a profile, and the blade pivoted, comes into contact with the arm and can't pivot any further because the arm stops it, so it can't follow the slope of the window. If this is no longer a problem with the bosch blade then perhaps they changed the design because of this issue.

[Jimbo]

I've just bought these: PIAA (http://www.speeding.co.uk/acatalog/Piaa_Wiper_Blades.html)

£38.98 including vat and delivery, although I can't vouch for them as I have no car to put them on yet. Thought I'd give them a go, I'm bored of Bosch ones.

This site says 24" and 18" for the Galant 99- so from what I've read here, they probably won't fit :dozey:

If I do ever get my car back and they do happen to fit and they seem ok, I'll let you know ;)

[Jimbo]

Here's the sizing chart on the main site: PIAA (http://www.piaa.co.uk/wipers/wipershow.asp?make=MITSUBISHI)

Totally different size for the 97/98 and 99- ...... :headsc:

[Kieran]

That is because the PIAA sizings are for the USDM Galants Jimbo, hence a different size for 1997-1998 models (In the US this was still the 7G shape).

I bought some INTEC titanium-spoilered blades from ebay.... I think it was 22" and 19".... But as I´m several thousand miles away from Hordak, I can't confirm this!!! :$ :$

[Paul Beazer]

That's not the problem paul. The spring is fine and isn't seized at all... it's just that the bosch blade was too high a profile, and the blade pivoted, comes into contact with the arm and can't pivot any further because the arm stops it, so it can't follow the slope of the window. If this is no longer a problem with the bosch blade then perhaps they changed the design because of this issue.
I see what you're saying, seems like an odd one. Hope you get it sorted soon!
Paul

[Jimbo]

.... I think it was 22" and 19"....

Oh ****!

Oh well....nothing a pair of scissors and some sticky tape won't solve :$

[rikward]

All done and working fine. I bought the Halfords double pack 22" / 18" and the Halfords single 15" for the rear.

The sizes are not quite right and I think the windscreen coverage would be improved with the following:

Driver: 23" (mabe even a 24" if the inch was at the bottem of the blade)
Passenger: 18"
Rear: 16"

The quality is pretty good, but I always preferred Bosch in the past. The rear blade also seems to miss a few mill at the top, but nothing to :Cry1: about.

[Jimbo]

Just to ressurect this.......those PIAA blades I bought (24" and 18") fit perfectly. Loads bigger than the old Valeo ones (which I suspect were too small - they were on the car when i bought it), but they do fit nice and snug.

At "rest", there's about 1cm gap between the passenger blade and the edge of the windscreen, and about a 3cm gap between the two blades.

This news probably complicates things even more for some people, but as Rik confirms, it seems like a driver blade anywhere between 22 and 24 is fine.

[bernmc]

And, like Lazarus, back from the dead again....: (might be worth sticking these in the library)

I can confirm that the standard sizes on the prefacelift Legnum VR4 are:

22/18/16 inch --- Driver/Passenger/Rear

I went to 24/18/16. The 24 is fine. The std 18in passenger wiper on my car ends about half an inch from the end of the screen, so I think it would be pointless going any longer. You may get away with another inch on the rear - I'll check this weekend- but again, I'm not sure that it'll make a lot of difference.

My old wipers were the PIAA's which I haven't been impressed with - smeary for ages, and recently squeaky. No sign of the problem with the rear that Isaac mentions.

I've gone for TP Performance Wipers which won the Auto Express group test (http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/product_test/43861/windscreen_wipers.html) (click for full article) when pitted agaist the likes of Bosch, Halfords, Trico and others.

They're available from Car Parts Direct (http://www.carparts-direct.co.uk/so_wiperblades.cfm), and cost £16.95 inc VAT and postage per pair (any combo of sizes). Delivered next day.

Initial impressions are good - absolutley silent and clean sweeps. I'll see how they go, and how long they last.

One word of warning about this company - I've used them before, and they deliver promptly. However, one of my orders a while back was supposed to come with a free inspection lamp. They claimed they were out of stock at the time, and would send it on when new stock arrived. They also supplied the wrong oil to me once, and promised to collect and replace it. Several years down the line, I still don't have an inspection lamp, and the oil is still awaiting collection! Seems they're not so good when things go wrong, and don't believe any of their 'specials / free gifts'.

Wipers got here though.

[Kieran]

If anyone does have an issue with Carparts Direct in the future, let me know. I live 2 mins away from one of their two stores and can feed back to Martin on any issues. Not sure if it'll have any effect, but I get on very well with him and they've NEVER let me down yet.

[bernmc]

Well, you can tell him why he hasn't received an order from me for three years then ;)

[Kieran]

Well, you can tell him why he hasn't received an order from me for three years then ;)

Heh! He must have head about you Bern. You and that Camel Spotting habit of yours....:inquisiti

[bernmc]

Heh! He must have head about you Bern. You and that Camel Spotting habit of yours....:inquisiti

Nothing wrong with camels you phillistine/Grrr

[BraindG]

unless you have to marry one..

[bernmc]

unless you have to marry one..

mmmm :iloveyou:

[Paul Beazer]

Enough of the camels already!

Going back to the rear blade for those of us with big bottomed cars (estates for the phillistines amongst you!). Has anyone else experienced the blade missing the screen at the top if its sweep?
I tried a bit of judicious bending and it helped a bit, but my 1 year old botch blade isnt very effective and im wondering whether to go for an alternative, or just bung a halfudge one on there.

[bernmc]

Enough of the camels already!

Going back to the rear blade for those of us with big bottomed cars (estates for the phillistines amongst you!). Has anyone else experienced the blade missing the screen at the top if its sweep?
I tried a bit of judicious bending and it helped a bit, but my 1 year old botch blade isnt very effective and im wondering whether to go for an alternative, or just bung a halfudge one on there.
I think this is what Isaac was talking about earlier in the thread. It's not a problem with the blades I've used this time (which are universal fit).

[Polabear]

I need to change the blades front and rear on the VR4. I went into Halfords to purchase some Bosch blades, but nothing appears to fit. I looked at the reference chart available and the nearest thing to it was a '95-'97 Galant. However, the only blade that would fit is the drivers side according to the reference.

Does anybody know the best place to order these from (not Mitsu as they'll charge and arm and a leg) and please do not suggest simply replacing the rubbers. I have tried this once and never again.

Perhaps I should go into Halfords with the old blades in hand and simply size them up.

Any thoughts?

Just replaced all of mine last week for MOT. from Halfrauds, Drivers 22" Passenger 18" Rear 16" all Bosch bout £28 in all.......:2thumbsup

[Polabear]

I think this is what Isaac was talking about earlier in the thread. It's not a problem with the blades I've used this time (which are universal fit).

Had the same prob (even with a new blade) Its all down to the spring in the arm itself Bern, they lose tension over time, just put a new rear on mine and bent the arm slightly..and robert is your mothers brother....:2thumbsup

[bernmc]

Just changed my wife's blades for these tp things too. Last set were bosch, and they were sh!t!!!!

[Bazlightyear]

Talking of wiper blades, has anyone had a problem of the drivers blade lifting off the screen in the rain at 120mph+

[Jimbo]

Can I be the 2nd person to say that PIAA wipers are tosh.....they were brilliant to start with, but then after a few months they just start smearing, as Bern says. Totally useless, not what I expected for that kind of money.

[WildCards]

I've got PIAA carriers on mine. I've bought some new blades and threaded them through. About £2 each I think from Graham Goodes. Thwy work a treat too.

[Nick Mann]

Talking of wiper blades, has anyone had a problem of the drivers blade lifting off the screen in the rain at 120mph+

/pan

It's all in the spoiler design. Try wipers without spoilers and the drivers wiper will start lifting at 80.

[Bazlightyear]

/pan

It's all in the spoiler design. Try wipers without spoilers and the drivers wiper will start lifting at 80.


I bought new blades (with spoilers) from Halfords last year when I got the car, funny really coz it had just passed an MOT and the rear blade had virtually no rubber on it and the fronts were sh*t.

I suppose I've got two options, dont do 120+ in the rain or get the passenger to put his/her head out of the side window.

[Paul Beazer]

RainX is worth it if you can be bothered, it does make a difference. Plus it looks cool to see the rain just beading off the glass at 80mph!

[Niraj]

I have to agree with Paul!

The RainX works very well. It will last for about 10 heavy rainfalls, although if you prefer to wash your car regularly, you'll be applying RainX alot of the time, because a simple sponge wash can take it all off.

If anyone can figure out whats in the yellow bottle, it will save you alot of money, because i think it might just be a form of 'diluted alcoholic spirit'.

[MPBVr4]

I have to agree with Paul!

The RainX works very well. It will last for about 10 heavy rainfalls, although if you prefer to wash your car regularly, you'll be applying RainX alot of the time, because a simple sponge wash can take it all off.

If anyone can figure out whats in the yellow bottle, it will save you alot of money, because i think it might just be a form of 'diluted alcoholic spirit'.

Hello mate, welcome to the site. I see your a newbie. Thinking of moving
over to a VR4?:inquisiti
The IS200 is nice car but you ought to try the real thing:evilgrin:

[Niraj]

Haha, thanks for the welcome mate :)

I've been a long time Mitsubishi lover, but since about 3 years ago, my love for Lexus has grown strong and overwhelmed me.

My dad and uncle are Mitsubishi specialists (25years in business), another uncle works and travels for Mitsubishi Japan.

My family has owned various Lancers, Galants, Colts, Mirage's, Starion Turbo's (deadly weapons), L200's, Shoguns.

My dad has recently purchased a 1999 Galant V6 2.5l.

But I will definitely be sticking with my lovely IS :)

Hope that doesn't stop me from being allowed to come to your VR4 meets ? :inquisiti

[MPBVr4]

Hope that doesn't stop me from being allowed to come to your VR4 meets ? :inquisiti

No, not at all we're a very accomodating bunch, we've got full paid up members with Skyline's You're more than welcome :2thumbsup

[Paul Beazer]

My dad and uncle are Mitsubishi specialists (25years in business), another uncle works and travels for Mitsubishi Japan.

Hi Niraj, welcome to to the club, even if you do have a Lexi! /pan

Just out of interest have your dad and uncle got much experience in VR4s or Galants in general?

Paul

[Niraj]

Hi Paul,

Prior to the last 10 years, both worked as Mitsubishi Specialists... all mitsubishi's (i forgot to mention Sigma's ^^^).

They have been Japanese car specialists for the last 10 years individually... my father has his own place Harts Motors, in Luton, and my uncle has his own place Fleet Garage in Edgware.

My uncle still does alot of diagnosis and technical help for Humming Birds. (basically when humming birds can't fix it they go to my dad or uncle)

Not sure of their experience with VR4's, but if there is something you wish to ask feel free, and i will find out for you :)

[Nutter_John]

Hi Niraj

I live and luton and it would be good if you could ask him how well he knows the VR4's as he may get my trade :)

[Niraj]

I will ask this evening, and let you guys know.

His garage is in Markyate... off the A5... you may already be aware of it :)

[Nutter_John]

I will ask this evening, and let you guys know.

His garage is in Markyate... off the A5... you may already be aware of it :)


I don't know of it persay but is that the one the trading standard raided the other week

/lol only joking - not too far from Luton and probably have passed it

[sanct]

if i was you i would do as you say and go into halfrauds with the blade and measure them up. their charts are bl##dy useless about like the staff , i wouldn't even bother asking for help in there either, coz when you tell them what car it's for you'll just get a blank stare.


Hey unfare!
I got a blink outa them.

[psbarham]

Hey unfair!
I got a blink outa them.
that means he'll be sacked tonight for using facial expressions without scratching his ass hole

[chris g]

Well found this thread after some help from Kieran

So will be looking for brands and websites mentioned to decide aboit replacement wipers

But how the hell do camels and camel spotting make it onto thread about wiper blades...

...some strange behavious going on here whilst I have been away...?

[HMG1K]

Chris - these look good following on from my Auto Express posting on your last thread:

http://www.speeding.co.uk/acatalog/Valeo_XTRM__Flat_Wiper_Blades.html

£10 cheaper that Auto Express quote with free delivery - the performance stats are amazing, though not sure I'll benefit from the 160+ mph speeds!

[n13l pm]

Chris - these look good following on from my Auto Express posting on your last thread:

http://www.speeding.co.uk/acatalog/Valeo_XTRM__Flat_Wiper_Blades.html

£10 cheaper that Auto Express quote with free delivery - the performance stats are amazing, though not sure I'll benefit from the 160+ mph speeds!

So anyone used or have a opinion on these Valeo Silencio X-TRM Flat Blades? I know there is a thread somewhere on flat "retro" style blades, but I remember there being mixed reviews..