Checking the condition and replacing the windshield wipers (Opel Astra H)

Note: Metal reinforcing strips are installed inside the frameless flexible rubber brushes.

Checking the condition of the brushes

1. Good visibility is an important component of driving safety. The condition of the windshield wiper assemblies should be checked regularly in accordance with the vehicle's routine maintenance schedule (see Section 1). Over time, road film accumulates on the windshield wipers, reducing their efficiency, so the wipers should be washed regularly in a mild cleaning solution. It is recommended to replace the windshield wipers at least once a year.

2. Windscreen wiper assemblies with blades should be inspected regularly; if hardening or cracks are found on the rubber of the blades, replace them.

Note: Before inspecting the windshield wipers, the wiper arms must be moved to the service position (see below).

If nothing unusual is found during inspection, wet the windshield/rear window, turn on the wiper, let it run for a while, then turn it off. Uneven marks from the wiper on the glass or streaks on clean glass indicate that the blade should be replaced.

3. If the brush does not clean the glass well enough, it is possible that wax or other material particles have gotten onto the glass or the wiper blade. In this case, it is necessary to wipe the outer surface of the glass using a soft cleaning solution. You can check the cleanliness of the glass by rinsing it with clean water. Drops of water should not form on clean glass.

Note: Using a liquid with wax-dissolving properties to clean glass can significantly improve the performance of windshield wipers.

Then wipe the brush with a soft cloth soaked in the cleaning solution and rinse it with water. If the brush still does not clean the glass well enough, replace the brush (see below)

4. During operation of the windscreen wiper mechanism, the mounting nuts may become loose, so they should be checked and, if necessary, tightened each time the brushes are checked.

5. Check the correct position of the brushes on the glass in the parking position of the windshield wipers. To do this, measure the distance from the edge of the windshield to the middle of the wiper blade (see accompanying illustration).

Note: The brush should not touch the glass when measuring. If necessary, adjust (see Chapter 12, Section 9).

Replacing windshield wiper blades

6. Turn off the ignition, without removing the key from the lock, press the right steering column switch (see Chapter "Controls and operating techniques", Section 17) down and hold it in this position for about 4 seconds - the windshield wiper arms will move to the vertical position. Remove the key from the ignition switch.



7. Turn the brush 90° and remove it from the lever (see accompanying illustration).



8. Installation is carried out in reverse order.

Replacing the rear window wiper blade

9. Move the wiper arm away from the glass surface, turn the blade 90° and remove it (see accompanying illustration).

10. Place the new blade on the wiper arm and snap it into the retainer clips. Check that it is securely fastened.