Irritating noise from windshield wipers

[Dave-T]

On my 84 60 there is a hissing type noise coming from somewhere below the dash drivers side whenever you turn the wipers on intermittent. It is almost constant and very annoying. On the steady setting I have heard the noise infrequently. Please advise where it's coming from and what I can do to stop it. Thanks.

 

[gray]

I assume you are talking about some new noise, and not the standard grindy kinda noise that the wiper motor makes, seems more apparent when on intermittant??

My experience with wipers and noises has to do with motors going bad or the linkage binding, which often is more of a squeaking or creaking. When the motor is going bad, the wipers tend to move slower, and the motor often will make a whining/grinding/whirring noise; never heard a hissing from a motor however.

Have you stood outside the truck, hood up, ear by the wiper motor (engine off and on) while someone else runs the wipers? You'll need to keep the windshield wet of course, so bring a garden hose to spray water on it during your test. The wiper motor relay might possibly be the source; check your FSM; some relays can make a noise when going bad.

 

[Dave-T]

Thanks gray,

I am certain it has nothing to do with the linkage or the motor itself. It is underneath the dash, just haven't had time to investigate deeper. Plus I'd like to know what to look for.....

 

[wobble]

have you looked or listened at the wiper relay? It can make a rather irritating sound, but the relay is pretty easy to open up and clean. it is the big square looking relay on the driver side under the dash, sort of infront of the hood release handle, along with several other relays

 

[nilpoc]

I have a similar issue... sounds like a pissed-off 2 lb. hornet in the fuse box while wipers are on intermittent. I assume relay but I don't yet know how to fix.

 

[High Desert]

There are threads on this fix..search..or find the relay, pull it off, open it up, use silicon grease and lube the gears that are in there..that will shut it up..one of the best tips I've gotten off this board.

 

[Dave-T]

Cool. I have the relay (wiper control) apart right now. I'll clean and lube it as best as I can. It actually looks really good inside though.

 

[Diesel Weasel]

100% it is the relay. Pop it off, take the lid off and grab hold of the plastic gear that sits on top. Quickly spin the gear back and forth.. Sound familiar? Lube it up and put it back and you're done. 5 minute job.

 

[Dave-T]

100% it is the relay. Pop it off, take the lid off and grab hold of the plastic gear that sits on top. Quickly spin the gear back and forth.. Sound familiar? Lube it up and put it back and you're done. 5 minute job.

Done, and so far it's worked!! Will test it in the rain and snow tomorrow.

That's exactly what I did, grabbed that gear and son of a ......... heard the noise.

 

[marting]

100% it is the relay. Pop it off, take the lid off and grab hold of the plastic gear that sits on top. Quickly spin the gear back and forth.. Sound familiar? Lube it up and put it back and you're done. 5 minute job.

Where is this relay? does it say "wiper realy" on or something? i have the same thing... very annoying...

 

[nilpoc]

It's under the dash, near the driver's side kick panel. Looks like a box, 2 inches square. If yours is like mine, turn on your intermittent wipers and grab the box. Its obvious the sound is coming from there. Mine did not have a difficult connector to pull the box down... but be careful, one you pull it off, you'll find a small wire with another plug going into the relay.

I have mine in hand, now for the grease.

 

[MoCoNative]

I used Crisco on mine. A dab of vasoline may work too.

Just a small dab on the gears. Be careful not to get too much on it, so it won't throw it on the contacts.

So far, 6 years of operation and no more squal, hiss, noise from it. Only thing wrong with mine is that the contacts sometimes stick for the first few minutes of operation and I get a bonus wipe on each cycle. Seems worse in cold weather.

 

[nilpoc]

I didn't have proper grease, so I just sprayed a bit of Liquid Wrench Silicon spray on it and popped it back in. I imagine it will wear off soon, but no sound yet.

Thanks for the info guys.

 

[SKINNER]

I didn't have proper grease, so I just sprayed a bit of Liquid Wrench Silicon spray on it and popped it back in. I imagine it will wear off soon, but no sound yet.

Thanks for the info guys.

Be careful using anything silicone based as silicone is an excellent insulator. I have seen interior cleaners (heavy silicone for water dispersion) foul contacts on stop lamp switches.

 

[nilpoc]

noted.

thanks.

 

[Beaver State Bogger]

Ha! I just stumbled on this, and thanks to all of you! That noise has been driving me bat-s*** for over a year and a half.

Sounds like a malfunctioning buzzer, or something...

 

[dmaddox]

Mine totally does this too......going out to check now......

dallas

 

[NorCal60]

yup!!!