Wiper Chatter

**camhabib** · 12-11-2008 05:12 PM

I feel somewhat stupid posting this problem, but I'm pretty much at my breaking point as far as this goes. I drive at least 2 hours each day, mostly highway, and live in the Northeast. That means that at a minimum, I have my wipers on probably once a week. In the past, this hasn't been a problem, and the car (2007 A4 2.0T) has been a pleasure to drive in the rain. However, as of about a little over a month ago, unless the wipers are at their highest speed setting, they make a horrible chatter (like I was running them dry). This comes regardless of rain conditions, speed, temperature, etc. It is ridiculously loud and after listening to it for an hour strait, I have the worst headache imaginable.

I was hoping to wait until the summer to replace the blades, since they're about $40 each ($80 for a set is a hell of a lot), and didn't want brand new blades to get destroyed during the salty NE winter. Any suggestions? Should I just go ahead and order new blades from the dealer? Is there someplace cheaper I can get them from? Is there something I can do to alleviate this problem? Any help is appreciated.

**3.0L AUDI A4** · 12-11-2008 05:53 PM

Did you ever use RainX?

I used to use rainX with no problem, Then once I stopped using RainX my wipers started to chatter horrible like yours. (I have aero blades). After that I used alcohol to completely remove rainx from my windshield and I waxed it with car wax ( i don't know why I waxed it actually. I just thought it was the right thing to do after the alcohol..)

It stopped chirping for about 2 - 3 months, then started back up again just now.

I am just going to bite the bullet and replace the blades...

**JRMSLINEA4** · 12-11-2008 06:19 PM

I noticed today mine do that even on the low setting but then it will go away.

**a4audi4fun** · 12-11-2008 06:41 PM

Have you wiped down the blades themselves? Use a soapy water solution on them. You'll find a whole bunch of black stuff ends up on the rag or paper towel you use. Also try some of that 20/10 Windshield cleaner stuff.

**AF4** · 12-11-2008 06:50 PM

Originally Posted by 3.0L AUDI A4

Did you ever use RainX?

I used to use rainX with no problem, Then once I stopped using RainX my wipers started to chatter horrible like yours. (I have aero blades). After that I used alcohol to completely remove rainx from my windshield and I waxed it with car wax ( i don't know why I waxed it actually. I just thought it was the right thing to do after the alcohol..)

It stopped chirping for about 2 - 3 months, then started back up again just now.

I am just going to bite the bullet and replace the blades...

Which rainX blades fit? I just checked the site and it says it doesnt fit the B7.

**4RingRook** · 12-11-2008 06:58 PM

Just buy a set of new blades from pure-ms. They're $40 for a set. I just got mine in the mail.

**A4_Joe** · 12-11-2008 07:41 PM

yeah i would say to wipe it down with soapy water or just replace it

**cstarky15** · 12-11-2008 08:27 PM

Originally Posted by AF4

Which rainX blades fit? I just checked the site and it says it doesnt fit the B7.

He isn't saying rainX blades, he is saying the rainX liquid stuff. like you put on the make the water run better. As far as I know the only blades that fit are OEM ones.

**dave405nyc** · 12-11-2008 08:31 PM

use the front window defogger while it chatters, once the defogger is on the chattering goes away!

**AF4** · 12-11-2008 09:08 PM

Originally Posted by cstarky15

He isn't saying rainX blades, he is saying the rainX liquid stuff. like you put on the make the water run better. As far as I know the only blades that fit are OEM ones.

Thanks for clearing that up for me!