Rear wiper / 2003

[baz957]

Did anyone noticed the different design and the opposite parking position of the rear wiper on 2003 verses 2002 model ?
Atlas.

[wiz]

What's different about the design?

[pico de luuks]

The difference is in the "start-position"of the wiper: left or right. I think somebody made a remark about this when discussing a spot for his/her volvoXC.com decall. apparantly left = out (till '03) and right = in (new).
Personally: couldn't care less. http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif

http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/pico.gif

[wiz]

But http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/pico.gif Atlas is talking about design as well as parking... http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/huh2.gif

[Art]

Atlas,

Here are a couple of rear view shots of both MY's. Apart from their opposing resting positions, there does appear to be a subtle design change to the '03 wipers. Looks a bit beefier, similar to that of a winter blade. http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/huh2.gif

Ron3KL's MY 2002 XC
http://xc70.com/iB_html/uploads/post-1-51766-volvo_xc_decal.jpg

Hrd_rok's MY 2003 XC
http://xc70.com/iB_html/uploads/post-1-84006-xc_sticker.JPG

[coastal]

hmm.. wonder why the change.  http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/huh2.gif

I have noticed that on my 2001, the rear wiper doesn't entirely conform to the rear window, specifically the top couple inches seem to get a sporadic wipe. That could explain the wiper redesign, but I'm a little stumped as to why they'd change sides on us... new and improved for 2003?  http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/blush.gif

[Nick Roger]

On my MY2003 it is exactly the same as in the MY2002 picture that Art shows.
So are you sure about model year differences?

[Art]

Hmmm....now that is intriguing Nick. Both Ron3KL's and Hrd_rok's signatures indicate that the MY's above are correct. Could it be that it's just the N/A '03 version of wipers that assume the right resting position? Anyone care to comment? http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/confused.gif

[baz957]

Thanks for the pictures, Art !
Atlas.

[budrichard]

My MY03 XC70 which was the first into the US with DSTC has the resting position on the right. Looking at the XC70 sticker placement photo, I noticed at that time that the position and the design was different. Ended up putting my sticker on the left side of the vehicle. Go figure? -Dick

[dcawd]

Further to Art's and Taylor's comments on the wiper design, the wiper itself seems similar to the 02, but the metal cover/top face is now of a three part (two hinge) design. Perhaps this helps it to conform better to the window to deal with the sporadic wipe issues at the top edge of the blade.  For what its worth, my rear wiper is on the right side.

[cmon4day]

Does your rear wiper make the awful noise on the return swipe?  When I turn on the rear wiper, the forward swipe is quite and smooth.  The return wipe makes an annoying "chattering" type noise and it skips acoss the rear window leaving lines where it skipped.
Anyone else with this problem?

Vic

[Art]

Vic,

Have you changed the wiper blade recently? Several factors at play could be responsible for the chatter. If your car is parked outside in the sun for long periods, the rubber tends to harden and the blades can develop a set and won't follow the curvature of the windshield. Cold weather can also shorten the lifespan of the rubber making it hard and brittle.

I usually change mine every 6 months and use winter blades to keep snow/ice from accumulating on the wiper assemblies. http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif