I have a 1990 SE. Occasionally, when I turn the windshield wipers on, there is a very loud screeching sound.

Then after a second or two the sound suddenly stops and I don't hear it again for weeks or months.

Any idea what the problem might be?


Thanks,

Greg

 

Welcome to the org!
Buy new windshield wipers.
That is all.

 

Thanks, but it seems like it's probably not the wipers themselves because when the wipers reach the end of their travel and stop and change direction, the sound doesn't briefly stop or change in any way.

Is there a belt associated with turning the wipers on? The sound seems a little bit like a slipping belt, though still quite a different sound than any slipping belt I've ever heard.

Thanks,

Greg

 

I would assume it is the motor for your wipers then.
I would be pretty surprised to hear that the wipers are belt driven.

 

When a windshield gets old and pitted the wipers will screech a bit. The flex wipers seem to help get rid of the squeaking...other than that a new windshield works.

 

Thanks. It sure seems like a strange noise for an electric motor to make, though.

Greg

 

Thanks, but if it's the windshield, I don't understand why the noise doesn't momentarily stop or change in any way when the wipers stop at the end of their travel to change direction.

Greg

 

the wipers are electric... and the alternator is belt-driven. I think that's what he was getting at.

I suppose a belt check of the alternator is worthwhile. Perhaps also a lubrication inside the wiper motor.