Blade, Wiper: Description: Front

Fig 1: Identifying Front Wiper Blade

Courtesy of CHRYSLER GROUP, LLC

Each front wiper blade is secured by an integral latching pivot block (2) to the hook formation on the tip of each wiper arm, and rests on the glass near the base of the windshield when the wipers are not in operation. The wiper blade consists of the following components:

• Superstructure (1)  - The superstructure includes several stamped steel bridges and links with claw formations (4) that grip the wiper blade element. Also included in this unit is the latching, molded plastic pivot block that secures the superstructure to the wiper arm. On vehicles manufactured for export markets, the driver side front wiper blade has an additional molded black plastic airfoil secured to the superstructure, which is oriented toward the base of the windshield when the front wipers are in their parked position. All of the metal components of the wiper blade have a satin black finish applied.
• Element (3)  - The wiper element or squeegee is the resilient rubber member of the wiper blade that contacts the glass.
• Flexor  - The flexor is a rigid metal component running along the length of each side of the wiper element where it is gripped by the claws of the superstructure.

All vehicles have interchangeable windshield wiper blades with non-replaceable rubber elements (squeegees), except those export vehicles with an airfoil on the wiper blade superstructure. The blades are 47.50 centimeter (18.70 inch) long. The wiper blades cannot be adjusted or repaired and, if ineffective, worn, or damaged the entire wiper blade unit must be replaced.