I have a 2012 Lincoln MKS and the driver side wiper is out of spec or something. I have had to replace several blades already. I was driving in rain yesterday afternoon and noticed the blade was flopping from side to side and moving in a jerky fashion. The passenger side was going back and forth quite orderly.

Think the arm could be bent?

Not seated properly?

Is it jumpy/skipping (blade/glass contact), or is it physically rotating on the wiper arm (not seated/connected fully)?

Coating on the windshield? RainX or similar?

Jumping and skipping. It is just not straight like the other. No coatings on the windshield.

Replaced with the same blades each time? Maybe an incompatibility between those blades & the glass?

I know Mercedes had a lot of issues with wiper chatter on the 4th gen C-class. Lots of replaced windshields.
Maybe pitting in the glass causing the blades to jump?

If you use Rain-X, you don't need any wipers!

I would just buy a new set and make sure they are of good quality. Some low cost have plastic parts that break even when installing.

Have you tried tightening the nut that holds the wiper arm onto the motor?

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Originally posted by dkjbama:
Have you tried tightening the nut that holds the wiper arm onto the motor?

Check the wiper linkage as well.

well...., if it isn't right, make it a left

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No coatings on the windshield.

clay bar the windshield just to make sure something on it is not causing the problem

Be sure to use the proper length blades. One that is too long could potentially drag too much.

It was raining again today and I was only a block from where I bought the wiper, so I stopped by and they gave me a new unit under warranty. It seems to work better.

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Originally posted by maxwayne:
It was raining again today and I was only a block from where I bought the wiper, so I stopped by and they gave me a new unit under warranty. It seems to work better.

Your windshield probably has a substance on it causing your wiper issues. I'd actually try Rain-x-ing it as Rain-x does a pretty good job at cleaning imperfections out of the glass.

Otherwise IMAR makes an excellent glass polish that is easy to use and will get all imperfections out of the glass. Then Rain-X afterwards to protect the glass.

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Your windshield probably has a substance on it causing your wiper issues. I'd actually try Rain-x-ing it as Rain-x does a pretty good job at cleaning imperfections out of the glass.

I put at least three coats on the glass and let it set until dry and buff. It there is still a haze, wipe with a clean wet cloth. It seems to cover up the small rock chips.

I have been in heavy down pours and the water just rolled off like a ducks back. It provides a real safety benefit.

Try cleaning the windshield really well with a good glass cleaner. Then wax it with Nu-Finish. Put two coats on it. Wipers should run smooth as can be then. And no, I do not use Nu-Finish on the paint of any of my cars. Strictly glass alone.

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Originally posted by PowerSurge:
Try cleaning the windshield really well with a good glass cleaner. Then wax it with Nu-Finish. Put two coats on it. Wipers should run smooth as can be then. And no, I do not use Nu-Finish on the paint of any of my cars. Strictly glass alone.

Are you trying to put Rain-X out of business?? If it is that slick, will the wipers fly off into the wild blue yonder??

The only people who use Rain-X are the people who have never tried Aquapel. Rain-X is nothing but a layer of silicone and wears off too quickly.

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Originally posted by houndawg:
The only people who use Rain-X are the people who have never tried Aquapel. Rain-X is nothing but a layer of silicone and wears off too quickly.

In my experience, yes Aquapel lasts longer, but it only lasts about twice as long as Rain-x. But it’s much more expensive than Rain-x. Rain-x is the better value, imo.

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Originally posted by PowerSurge:

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Originally posted by houndawg:
The only people who use Rain-X are the people who have never tried Aquapel. Rain-X is nothing but a layer of silicone and wears off too quickly.

In my experience, yes Aquapel lasts longer, but it only lasts about twice as long as Rain-x. But it’s much more expensive than Rain-x. Rain-x is the better value, imo.

Aquapel lasts around 6 months for me. Rain-X last about a month and leaves a nasty waxy residue where the windshield wipers don't hit. And yes, I apply it properly.