Wipers. [Archive] - International Audi A2 Owners' Club

Kaine

15-02-2003, 02:04 PM

The wiper has caused endless discussions on the forum. Most of the discussions are based around noise caused by 'wrong' design wiper. 2003 model year cars now have a improved design, however I think the wiper power is still the same. I think Clarkson actually mentioned this movement during operating the wiper on one of the latest TOP GEAR programs. :)

Kaine

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In the land of Mordor where the shadows lie

Rob Earl

16-02-2003, 12:56 AM

Yes the wiper does rock the car but this is a cute characteristic rather than a problem.

1.4SE petrol in Merlot Red, Biege interior, 16" 5 spoke alloys, DIS, Open Sky, Elec rear windows.

Kaine

16-02-2003, 12:59 AM

Rob,

I agree!!

----------------------------------------------------------
In the land of Mordor where the shadows lie

runboy

16-02-2003, 07:41 PM

The new wiper (floppy) does lessen the rock effect a lot. But not all 2003 models has it fitted-only 2003 models after a certain build were fitted as standard, even though Audi said ALL 2003 models will have the new wiper. So Audi messed up there and if your 2003 doesn't have the floppy wiper you go back to the dealer and tell him to put one on NOW!.

Steve - 2002 1.4SE petrol, Silver, black/black interior, Then an identical replacement 2003 A2. Now a Toyota Corolla 1.6 T-Spirit

RTV

19-02-2003, 10:23 PM

How easy is it to fit the new wipper ?

Do you know the cost invovled ?

2002 TDI SE - Silver - Open Sky System

Rob Earl

19-02-2003, 11:30 PM

I think most people who have had the new wiper fitted in place of the older design have been fortunate enough to have knowledgeable and helpful Audi dealers who were willing to change the wiper free of charge and without any moaning ([:o)]), so cost has not entered the equation.

1.4SE petrol in Merlot Red, Biege interior, 16" 5 spoke alloys, DIS, Open Sky, Elec rear windows.

McMuffin

20-02-2003, 05:35 PM

Can only speak for my German Dealer, but a retro-fit of the new wiper would come to about 60 Euros (most of the costs are for parts). It isn't much of a deal, as all you need it the complete Wiperarm of the new design. Then unscrew the old arm and fit the new one.

A2 1.4TDI Silver, CC, Blaupunkt Hamburg CD70, still fairly standard :(

maersk

23-02-2003, 12:58 PM

Blade is about £9 if i remember right and the arm £27 ish. Its on an archived post somewhere.

images/icon_smile_cool.gif

Johann

26-02-2003, 05:20 PM

My Audi dealer said you have to replace the whole motor etc when I wanted to get the newer blade system... so I just ended up buying a new blade... grrr...

2001 A2 TDI SE Crystal Blue with Open Sky, 6CD Symphony, DIS and HALF a winterpack!

edver

01-03-2003, 01:49 AM

I have also a 1.4 benzine from 2000. Is it fit? the new one i meen?
Is he expensive? how deer is a new one in england?
Please let me know. I have big problems with it.
e.verstraeten@hccnet.nl

quote:Originally posted by Kaine

The wiper has caused endless discussions on the forum. Most of the discussions are based around noise caused by 'wrong' design wiper. 2003 model year cars now have a improved design, however I think the wiper power is still the same. I think Clarkson actually mentioned this movement during operating the wiper on one of the latest TOP GEAR programs. :)

Kaine

----------------------------------------------------------
In the land of Mordor where the shadows lie

yes

edver

01-03-2003, 01:52 AM

maersk

02-03-2003, 09:07 PM

Stiched up by the dealer. A staright swap of arm and blade. Total cost about £40.

images/icon_smile_cool.gif

maersk

05-03-2003, 01:34 PM

The only reason for adopting the floppy wiper as far as I am concerned is that it is SIGNIFICANTLY quieter in 'the cruise' that the original design, which being of the school of design that brought us the Eiffel Tower and the Forth Rail Bridge was incredibly LOUD in the wind rush department. I think it was a 'govvy' job by a BMW designer as I have found their make to sufer a lot of wind noise at speed - and not just from flatulent passengers.

images/icon_smile_cool.gif

hollyrescue

13-03-2003, 03:00 PM

I have just been to my dealer. He did not know that there was a new wiper and said the only solution was a new blade (to prevent judder etc.)but that when the part was ordered I would automatically get a replacement for the old blade not the new one. I had to take him outside to show him the difference in the 2 types, he was amazed!!! I seem to be stuck, biut will ring Audi customer services.

Rob Earl

13-03-2003, 04:12 PM

How old is your A2 Hollyrescue? If you have a newer A2 (Mid 2002 on) you should be able to procure a new wiper as this is what the car should have been fitted as standard.

1.4SE petrol in Merlot Red, Biege interior, 16" 5 spoke alloys, DIS, Open Sky, Elec rear windows.

hollyrescue

13-03-2003, 04:46 PM

My A2 is the first, so I was told, of the 2002 build supplied end of 01. I have now rung customers services who tell me they do not know of a wiper change, and no problems have been reported with wipers. To be fair though, they are investigating and have promised to ring back

hollyrescue

13-03-2003, 04:55 PM

Rob Earl, just to complete the picture.
1.4 E in Island green metallic, winter pack,open sky,electric rear windows,DIS, electric lumbar support,pearl nappa leather, heated front seats, acoustic parking system (so good I retro fitted one on my Volvo).

Rob Earl

13-03-2003, 07:20 PM

I think you may be just before the changeover to the new style wiper, so you may not have much luck.

Prices have been quoted (£60 springs to mind) on previous threads regarding this issue.

Sounds like a very nice, loaded A2 you have there. Don't think I've seen one in that colour.

1.4SE petrol in Merlot Red, Biege interior, 16" 5 spoke alloys, DIS, Open Sky, Elec rear windows.

runboy

14-03-2003, 01:51 AM

Hollyrescue

I brought the wiper matter to the attention of my dealer when I took delivery of my 2003 model A2 and found it was the old style. They informed me that the changeover happened during the 2003 model life, and low chasis number 2003 model A2's will have the old wiper style.

This flies 100% against Audi's own advertising blurb that states 2003 model A2's have the revised wiper. End of story.

Afraid you could have a challenge on your hands if yours is a 2002 model-officially not built with the revised wiper, but then they must have revised the wiper for a reason (wind noise and car shake when the wiper is sweeping side to side) so I would go in for the kill on those matters. If the revised wiper helps with these then they should fit it and recoup the cost from Audi directly. Good luck anyway!.

Steve - 2002 1.4SE petrol, Silver, black/black interior, Then an identical replacement 2003 A2. Now a Toyota Corolla 1.6 T-Spirit

Ade

14-03-2003, 09:27 AM

I had exactly the same situation as Runboy, a 2003 model A2, but just the wrong chassis number. How they can defer the new wiper beyond the new 2003 model launch is beyond me. How this can work I don't know. Anyway, I complained and they finally fitted a new one FOC. (All thanks to this forum!)

It did take, however, 3 attempts for them to get me the wiper arm as both of the first two they had delivered were damaged in transit. What was more frustrating was that the first time they didn't find out until I had actually taken the car down there, i.e. they hadn't checked when they received it.

I would try your luck as it has certainly stopped the judder across the screen. I have only seen a marginal improvement in the car rocking though.

Audi A2 1.4SE
Build Wk40/2002 | OpenSky | Azure Blue | Climate | DIS | APS | Lumbar | Rear Drinks Holder | Floppy Wiper!
http://www.audi-a2.co.uk/uk24.htm | http://homepage.ntlworld.com/adriancharles/

shezlee

14-03-2003, 01:43 PM

Help!!

I think I understand, are we saying that the new floppy wiper can be fitted to any A2 you just need to buy the new wiper and arm?

Lee and Sheridan,
TDI SE, Dolphin Grey,
50% Brighter Bulbs : Original Audi 6 CD Changer (Fitted in proper location by me): Rear drinks holder
http://www.audi-a2.co.uk/uk18.htm

Ade

14-03-2003, 02:09 PM

Johann

14-03-2003, 06:30 PM

My dealer said you had to replace the motor as well... but I thought someone on here had already changed an older A2 to one with a floppy wiper? Or was this done by Audi and it is not known what exactly was changed?

__________________________________________________ ________________________
2001 A2 TDI SE Crystal Blue with Open Sky, 6CD Symphony, DIS and HALF a winterpack!

and iPAQ 3970 with Sat-Nav sleeve

http://www.audi-a2.co.uk/uk23.htm

Rob Earl

14-03-2003, 07:04 PM

As our car had the old style, which was then changed for the new style, I presume that you can quite happily interchange from old to new - providing you get the new arm as well as wiper.

1.4SE petrol in Merlot Red, Biege interior, 16" 5 spoke alloys, DIS, Open Sky, Elec rear windows.

ecoangel

14-03-2003, 08:14 PM

can't believe you'd need a new motor Johann

By the way did you say you lived in SA before London? I grew up near Gabs in Botswana - used to drive to J'burg for supplies in the 70s!

Lukas

First A2 1.2 TDI in UK
Style pack + Chorus + Advance pack + winter wheels + iRiver MP3CD

shezlee

14-03-2003, 08:20 PM

I ve ordered the new wiper from VAGPARTS and the motors are the same and so are the motor brackets so the wiper arms should fit straight on tell you next week when it arrives.

Lee and Sheridan,
TDI SE, Dolphin Grey,
50% Brighter Bulbs : Original Audi 6 CD Changer (Fitted in proper location by me): Rear drinks holder
http://www.audi-a2.co.uk/uk18.htm

hollyrescue

14-03-2003, 10:46 PM

Audi customer services promised to ring me back re: wipers. They didnt, but I will keep trying. Thanks for all the helpful info on this.

shezlee

26-03-2003, 11:03 AM

The wiper arm and blade turned up this morning, so I will fit it tonight, I'll produce a Guide for the A2OC website

Lee and Sheridan,
TDI SE, Dolphin Grey,
50% Brighter Bulbs : Original Audi 6 CD Changer (Fitted in proper location by me): Rear drinks holder
http://www.audi-a2.co.uk/uk18.htm

Stuart_D

26-03-2003, 12:32 PM

Thanks Lee,
I'm looking forward to this one.
You'll have to give us another update if it ever rains again as it'd be interesting to see if it makes a beneficial difference in the rain.

2001 TDi SE | Cobalt Blue Metallic | Open Sky Roof | Kenwood Mask CD | Front Centre Armrest
www.Audi-A2.co.uk | www.A2Forum.net

Ade

26-03-2003, 01:07 PM

I can comment on the before/after. I had the old wiper for a month before Audi replaced it for the new one.

The car still rocked with the arm (slightly less, but probably mind games)
The wiper was a lot quieter (i.e. wind noise dramatically reduced)
The wiper did not judder across the screen, smooth as can be
As my old wiper was new anyway, didn't discern any major improvement in 'water clearing' ability

Ade

Audi A2 1.4SE (2003)
Build Wk40/2002 | OpenSky | Azure Blue | Climate | DIS | APS | Lumbar | Rear Drinks Holder | Floppy Wiper!
http://www.audi-a2.co.uk/uk24.htm | http://homepage.ntlworld.com/adriancharles/

shezlee

26-03-2003, 07:06 PM

The one some have been waiting for...

I've fitted the floppy wiper, its so simple, if Audi charge for it then I'm in the wrong business.

Basic Guide. (one with photos tools etc will be an other installation guide)

Remove Bonnet.
Rotate wiper to vertical position - need to switch electrics on for this.
Remove plastic covers for nuts and then the nuts.
Remove old wiper arm - needed some WD40 and a firm hand
Switch on electrics to return the wiper motor to its starting position.
Align new wiper and add the top nut.
Rotate wiper to vertical position again add second nut.
Tighten both nuts and replace plastic covers.
Check wiper movement and starting position.
Replace bonnet.

The new wiper is a lot smoother than the old one - old one a 15 months old.
Clears water very well - sprayed on from hose better than the old one.
Didn't notice the car rocking that or I am so use to it.
As for wind noise haven't driven it since - tell you tomorrow.

Lee and Sheridan,
<h6>TDI SE, Dolphin Grey,
50% Brighter Bulbs : Original Audi 6 CD Changer (Fitted in proper location by me): Rear drinks holder : Floppy Wiper : Centre Tray - Nearly
http://www.audi-a2.co.uk/uk18.htm</h6>

hollyrescue

26-03-2003, 08:57 PM

Sounds good to me. I'll buy one

shezlee

27-03-2003, 09:04 AM

Wiper wind noise or lack of:)
At 70mph this morning there was very little noise from the wiper even when in use.
The most wind noise is now from the mirrors:( can't have everything.

The first thing you notice about the new wiper when fitted in sits a lot closer to the windscreen as the arm connects directly to the blade and not the old style metal blade frame.

Have to confess, I used it for the hell of it...

Lee and Sheridan,
<h6>TDI SE, Build 11/01, Dolphin Grey,
50% Brighter Bulbs : Original Audi 6 CD Changer (Fitted in proper location by me): Rear drinks holder : Floppy Wiper : Centre Tray - Nearly
http://www.audi-a2.co.uk/uk18.htm</h6>

Johann

27-03-2003, 10:35 PM

My wiper arrived this morning with the cupholder and a luggage net for the boot... thanks for these tips... the vertical bit is something I had not thought about... but then I have not looked at the connection sans bonnet yet... can't wait to get it fitted though... a nice weekend jobbie!

__________________________________________________ _______________________________________
2001 A2 TDI SE Crystal Blue with Open Sky, 6CD Symphony II, BOSE upgrade, DIS and HALF a winterpack!

and iPAQ 3970 with Sat-Nav sleeve

http://www.audi-a2.co.uk/uk23.htm

rmallan

29-03-2003, 08:51 PM

My wiper arrived this morning. Took 10mins to fit thanks to the suggestions earlier in the forum. One think to watch is be careful what happens to the nuts. There is a drain hole with a big pipe which guides anything dropped in it nicely into the deepest recesses of the engine (this is where mine ended up). Thank goodness for my telescopic magnet nut/bolt retreival tool.:D

Johann

01-04-2003, 02:00 PM

Finally raining for the first time since I put the wiper on... nearly a week! Now normally I don't beg for rain, but this is special... I shall have lunch somewhere outside the office then to do a proper rain test!!! Back in an hour! :D

__________________________________________________ _________________________
2001 A2 TDI SE Crystal Blue with Open Sky, 6CD Symphony II, BOSE upgrade, DIS and HALF a winterpack!

and iPAQ 3970 with Sat-Nav sleeve, rear cupholders, luggage net and floppy wiper!

http://www.audi-a2.co.uk/uk23.htm

Johann

01-04-2003, 02:56 PM

Far better than the old one... well the old one was never really bad as such, but after seeing the pics of the streaks on this website I realized that I had them too, just never noticed... The most noticeable thing though is that it definitely rocks the car less when stationary. It still rocks in the fastest setting, but under normal speed you have to point it out before a new passenger would ever notice... whereas before anyone would notice the rocking... Difficult to say, but I do think it is quieter as well... £40 well spent and it looks far slimmer and neater to boot...

__________________________________________________ _________________________
2001 A2 TDI SE Crystal Blue with Open Sky, 6CD Symphony II, BOSE upgrade, DIS and HALF a winterpack!

and iPAQ 3970 with Sat-Nav sleeve, rear cupholders, luggage net and floppy wiper!

http://www.audi-a2.co.uk/uk23.htm

Johann

02-04-2003, 10:47 AM

Here is the picture Martyn sent me:

http://www.audi-a2.co.uk/wiper1.jpg

__________________________________________________ _________________________
2001 A2 TDI SE Crystal Blue with Open Sky, 6CD Symphony II, BOSE upgrade, DIS and HALF a winterpack!

and iPAQ 3970 with Sat-Nav sleeve, rear cupholders, luggage net and floppy wiper!

http://www.audi-a2.co.uk/uk23.htm

hollyrescue

02-04-2003, 02:37 PM

OOOH, I can't wait for mine to arrive, must be any day now.RMALLAN thanks for the tip re dropping the nuts. I am a firm believer in the law according to Dr Sodt.

yoyoman

03-04-2003, 10:59 PM

Well today I was ready to have my floppy wiper attached to our car I was with a friend of my who owns a garage *(www.primoto.nl) after dinner we went to his workplace because he said he had the right tools to do it very quick.
When we drove up there he told me about the advantages of the new floppy wiper compared to the old one who was on my car at that moment.
When arriving in his garage we took off the hood he loosened the bolts off the old wiper in the mean time I unwrapped the new one I gave it to him and suddenly my friend Eric could not stop laughing he asked me you ordered this in England?
I said yes he said this wiper is for a car with a right hand steering yours is completly the other way round.
So that means that I have here a brand new floppy wiper in the Netherlands for an Audi A2 with a steering wheel on the right hand side.
Maybe I can change it in the place where I ordered it from if not it is for sale for one of the group members If someone wants to buy it from me I pay for the sending costand I put in as a bonus one of my minuture A2 toy cars.

Jeff Huisman
http://www.audi-a2.co.uk/yoyoman.jpg
2000 silver coloured A2
http://www.audi-a2.co.uk/europe5.htm

Johann

04-04-2003, 05:10 PM

That is a real bummer!!! I'm sure Martyn will exchange it?! Have you emailed him?

__________________________________________________ __________________________________
[img=left]http://image1ex.villagephotos.com/180225.jpg[/img=left]
2001 A2 TDI SE Crystal Blue with Open Sky, 6CD Symphony II, BOSE upgrade, DIS and HALF a winterpack!

iPAQ 3970 with Sat-Nav sleeve, rear cupholders, luggage net and floppy wiper!

http://www.audi-a2.co.uk/uk23.htm

yoyoman

04-04-2003, 05:15 PM

Yes i did and you were right we had quite a laugh over it today at our coffee

Jeff Huisman
http://www.audi-a2.co.uk/yoyoman.jpg
2000 silver coloured A2
http://www.audi-a2.co.uk/europe5.htm

hollyrescue

08-04-2003, 06:04 PM

New wobbly wiper arrived today. So out I went full of smiles and a tool kit to die for. I followed the instructions posted on this site, no problems... then I got to the bit about "remove wiper arm". I gave up in the end after trying all the tricks of the trade modified by a strong reluctance not to make even the slightest mark anywhere. O.K. so I *****footed around it. No joy, I'll try tomorrow it might be a bit warmer. Now where did I put that blow lamp....... I don't know why, but I have undertaken some of the most complicated gearbox and engine repairs etc. over the years but I'm getting scared of a wiper change and a headlight bulb change on my A2.[:I[:I][:I]

hollyrescue

08-04-2003, 08:03 PM

I've never been bleeped before, it wasn't a naughty word, honest.[:I]

Rob Earl

08-04-2003, 08:25 PM

Hollyrescue, Have you got the nuts off yet? If so, how about using something like a bearing puller to assist the wiper from the stud.

For all I know, this might be no use whatsoever, having not attempted to do our wiper ourselves - we left it to Audi. But you never know!

http://www.robspage.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/A2%20front%20side_small.jpg1.4SE petrol. http://www.audi-a2.co.uk/uk14.htm

hollyrescue

08-04-2003, 08:44 PM

Rob Earl
My bearing pullers are too clumsy, I was going to see if there is anything smaller in Halfords tomorrow. I was getting cold today anyway, there was a very cold wind whipping around my neck. I think that if those small pullers which used to exist to pull battery terminals off are still around they would probably do. To avoid another bleep, I was treading very soft footed like a cat (geddit) to avoid scratching anything. I suppose it doesn't matter if I am discarding the wiper arms though. I've tried wedging and hammering,and obviously straight pulling, any other ideas from anyone would be appreciated. I have never had this trouble before, but then I've never treated any other car as gently as the A2 (cos I love it). I had a British Leyland once.......

hollyrescue

08-04-2003, 08:45 PM

Rob Earl
Sorry, yes the nuts came off no probs.

JohnW

08-04-2003, 11:08 PM

Hollyrescue, have you tried a bit of gentle heat from say, a hair dryer, ( without putting a 3 foot crack in the windscreen!!! ), or soaking the thing in " Plus-Gas " penetrating fluid. Good luck!!!
Regards John W. 2002 TDI SE.

hollyrescue

08-04-2003, 11:22 PM

I've tried WD40, and I've got some Shimano releasing fluid, that IS good, I'll try it tomorrow. The hair dryer may work, it'll keep me warm anyway! I dont think it's corroded, just tight. I can't beleive that a wiper arm is beating me. With my British Leyland a big hammer solved everything.

shezlee

09-04-2003, 09:13 AM

Hollyrescue,

Your not losing your strength you need to be VERY firm and wiggle...The wiper that is... Lift the wiper off the screen, I needed to be very generous with the WD40.

Hope it helps..

Lee and Sheridan,
TDI SE, Build 11/01, Dolphin Grey,
50% Brighter Bulbs : Original Audi 6 CD Changer (Fitted in proper location by me) : Rear drinks holder : Floppy Wiper : Centre Tray - Nearly : Elasticated Belt System - Nearly.
http://www.audi-a2.co.uk/uk18.htm

hollyrescue

09-04-2003, 10:45 AM

Shezlee
Thanks I'll try that , but it's cold enought freeze the ...... I feel a bleep coming on. When it warms up I'll attack it. I found a few well chosen cuss words gets wallpaper to stick, p'raps they'll unstick wipers, must be worth a try.

Johann

09-04-2003, 11:04 AM

I also struggled and used a fair few bleeps... :D But WD40 did the trick in the end...

__________________________________________________ __________________________________
[img=left]http://image1ex.villagephotos.com/180225.jpg[/img=left]
2001 A2 TDI SE Crystal Blue with Open Sky, 6CD Symphony II, BOSE upgrade, DIS and HALF a winterpack!

iPAQ 3970 with Sat-Nav sleeve, rear cupholders, luggage net and floppy wiper!

http://www.audi-a2.co.uk/uk23.htm

hollyrescue

09-04-2003, 01:28 PM

Far too cold now. Snow, sleet, hail, it'll have to wait. It could be a competition at the social, first to remove the wiper arm gets a McDonalds, last gets three. Ok maybe not.

Johann

09-04-2003, 04:12 PM

quote:Originally posted by hollyrescue

Far too cold now. Snow, sleet, hail, it'll have to wait. It could be a competition at the social, first to remove the wiper arm gets a McDonalds, last gets three. Ok maybe not.

:D:D I used to many bleebs doing my own one thanks!!! So I'm not doing another... not even for a Maccie Burger!

__________________________________________________ __________________________________
[img=left]http://image1ex.villagephotos.com/180225.jpg[/img=left]
2001 A2 TDI SE Crystal Blue with Open Sky, 6CD Symphony II, BOSE upgrade, DIS and HALF a winterpack!

iPAQ 3970 with Sat-Nav sleeve, rear cupholders, luggage net and floppy wiper!

http://www.audi-a2.co.uk/uk23.htm

Rob Earl

09-04-2003, 04:58 PM

Make it 5 big macs and i'll do it really slowly[:p]

http://www.robspage.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/A2%20front%20side_small.jpg1.4SE petrol. http://www.audi-a2.co.uk/uk14.htm

Johann

09-04-2003, 05:03 PM

I'll do it for some Boots carrot sticks though... :D BTW Rob there's a reply for you in the Hotspots thread...

__________________________________________________ __________________________________
[img=left]http://image1ex.villagephotos.com/180225.jpg[/img=left]
2001 A2 TDI SE Crystal Blue with Open Sky, 6CD Symphony II, BOSE upgrade, DIS and HALF a winterpack!

iPAQ 3970 with Sat-Nav sleeve, rear cupholders, luggage net and floppy wiper!

http://www.audi-a2.co.uk/uk23.htm

hollyrescue

11-04-2003, 02:08 PM

Dunnit!!!:DThe floppy wiper is on, and it's nearly in the right position , but it stays that way[8D] The secret, if there is a secret, is to depress the arm against the spring so that the bit on the wiper spindle is parallel, then wiggle and pull. It's surprising just how heavy the old one is compared with the floppy. I think I'll go for the 50% brighter bulbs next.

floppy wiper|A2SE|