Best modern classics 2023 UK: retro heroes on a budget

[jaffa_jim]

I was out driving in the rain yesterday with my 2001 1.2TDI and it didnt do it. It has the newer type of arm though.

I swapped to the newer arms (then swapped again for the renovated @depronman versions) on both my 1.4 petrol and the 1.6 FSI. I seem to recall owners of the comparatively heavier diesels not experiencing the wiper wobble on high speed. I imagine the 1.2 is a lighter block so that is interesting. Wonder what differences cause it to avoid the wobble.

 

[PlasticMac]

I swapped to the newer arms (then swapped again for the renovated @depronman versions) on both my 1.4 petrol and the 1.6 FSI. I seem to recall owners of the comparatively heavier diesels not experiencing the wiper wobble on high speed. I imagine the 1.2 is a lighter block so that is interesting. Wonder what differences cause it to avoid the wobble.

Load v Suspension, I'd think.
The sprung mass of the car has a resonant frequency, governed by springs, dampers, and weight.
(Remember the Elk Test). Frequency will vary a bit, but if the sweep rate of the wipers is close to, or a harmonic of, the resonant frequency, then very little energy will be needed to induce the wobble.
The engine speed, particularly at tick over could be close to, or a harmonic of, too.
Mac.

 

[depronman]

The hook arm end of the wiper arm is indeed a bit heavier than the end used on the aero arm which is much thinner pressed steel
Plus the hook arm has a injection moulded plastic clam shell cover

So all in all the hook arm will be heavier

I doubt there is much weight difference in the blade itself but if there is the hook arm blade will be the heavier of the two

Add up that increase in mass and the wipers on full speed and I could believe it possible to induce a wobble. Likely more on the lighter petrol than the heavier tdi

Paul


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