Anyone Remove the Passenger Wiper?

[MadMax]

I know it isn't the biggest "performance mod," but would improve the aerodynamics if only slightly! :biggrin:

I have been contemplating removing the small passenger wiper from my 08 liftback.

First, I hate how it stops almost in my line of sight and leaves a smudge there.

Secondly, I don't really see it being much of a benefit except for a passenger.

So I was wondering if anyone's tried it, and if so, how was it? :iono:

Cheers! M2

[Jason@SportsCar]

Works fine. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gm4NJaZ3CHo

[Profotoiam]

right know im running wiper free [no wipers at all] only problems ive had is when it rains.............

[MadMax]

right know im running wiper free [no wipers at all] only problems ive had is when it rains.............

Good one! :thumbsup:

[BEEF]

I was thinking you could get wing nuts (with lock washers) and just keep them in the trunk. pop them on if it rains. you wouldn't get the weight advantage (not really that much weight) but you would get the aerodynamic advantage (not really that much of that either).

it was an idea.

[bronsin]

That would be ZERO benefit. And you might get a ticket or get sued in an accident.

[BEEF]

why would you get a ticket or get sued? I could see if you were running without them when it was raining.

though there is usually a low pressure zone at the cowl on most cars, I would assume that the low pressure zone on the yaris is much smaller given the short hood and the slope of the front. that would mean that the advantage of lessening the drag at that point would be greater than on other cars. admittidly it is a small advantage but it is still an advantage. everything makes a difference. nothing makes ZERO difference. sometimes it's good sometimes it's bad.

fluid dynamics is an awesome field.

[MadMax]

That would be ZERO benefit. And you might get a ticket or get sued in an accident.

Are you addressing removing both of them, or just one? As according to Texas law, all that is required is a "device" that clears moisture from the windshield...

§ 547.603. WINDSHIELD WIPERS REQUIRED. A motor vehicle shall be equipped with a device that is operated or controlled by the operator of the vehicle and that cleans moisture from the windshield. The device shall be maintained in good working condition.

Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.

As long as one blade still remains and clears the windshield for the driver, there's no way you can be legally cited for it.

Plus, there are so many other obvious infractions of our vehicle code that a missing passenger wiper arm is not likely to catch an officer's attention even in an accident.

Believe it or not, it is legal to drive without a windshield in this state; as long as you have eye protection. I have dropped the windshield on my Jeep before, it's OK for toodling around the neighborhood or on a ranch but there's no way I'd drive on major roads like that!

Cheers! M2

[cali yaris]

Mine are off. It never rains here. The only water I see is on my neighbor's lawn every morning and in bottles at the store.

[cali yaris]

From CA DMV.
We may actually have to run two wipers per the Federal standard (which I am not looking up :smile: )

Windshield Wipers

26706. (a) Every motor vehicle, except motorcycles, equipped with a windshield shall also be equipped with a self-operating windshield wiper.

(b) Every new motor vehicle first registered after December 31, 1949, except motorcycles, shall be equipped with two such windshield wipers, one mounted on the right half and one on the left half of the windshield, except that any motor vehicle may be equipped with a single wiper so long as it meets the wiped area requirements in Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards Governing Windshield Wiping and Washing Systems.

[Yaristeve]

though there is usually a low pressure zone at the cowl on most cars, I would assume that the low pressure zone on the yaris is much smaller given the short hood and the slope of the front.

Actually, the base of the windshield is a high pressure zone. Thus, the cowl induction hood scoops.

To OP: if ultimate aerodynamics is your goal, not only can you remove the passenger side wiper, but how about resetting the actuator arm to make the driver side "rest" in the up position along the A-pillar...

[BEEF]

Actually, the base of the windshield is a high pressure zone. Thus, the cowl induction hood scoops.

I stand corrected.

[Bluevitz-rs]

Actually, the base of the windshield is a high pressure zone. Thus, the cowl induction hood scoops.

To OP: if ultimate aerodynamics is your goal, not only can you remove the passenger side wiper, but how about resetting the actuator arm to make the driver side "rest" in the up position along the A-pillar...

I did this for years until the GF complained about it :cool:

The mod is so simple, just unbolt the idler arms from the motor and turn 180, then re attach.

[Scubaru Steve]

mine works fine with no pass wiper :biggrin:


Yaris wiper video (http://s523.photobucket.com/albums/w357/scubarusteve/?action=view&current=Yariswiper.mp4)

i wonder if this could be a swap to older models. refills are cheap at $12

[MadMax]

mine works fine with no pass wiper :biggrin:


Yaris wiper video (http://s523.photobucket.com/albums/w357/scubarusteve/?action=view&current=Yariswiper.mp4)

i wonder if this could be a swap to older models. refills are cheap at $12

OK, you've got my attention! Details on this mod, please...

[Bluevitz-rs]

^^It's called a 2012 Yaris. :wink:

[MadMax]

^^It's called a 2012 Yaris. :wink:

Wow, I never noticed that on the new model...

It would be interesting to see if it would retrofit.

Cheers! M2

[Bluevitz-rs]

not a chance LOL. Unless you're thinking of replacing the entire front cowl

[RedRide]

Fist off..... it may improve aerodynamices slightly.... mayby a a fraction of a nano second in the quarter ... it you are riunning times of 3 nano seconds or less. :wink:

So, that leaves us with safety and aesthetics.

It definately is not safer as less of the windshied would be wiped.

As far as aesthetics, IMO it looks absoulutely ridiculous on any car!
It screams the car is owned by a teen aged ricer!

[Yaristeve]

Fist off..... it may improve aerodynamices slightly.... mayby a a fraction of a nano second in the quarter ... it you are riunning times of 3 nano seconds or less. :wink:

So, that leaves us with safety and aesthetics.

It definately is not safer as less of the windshied would be wiped.


Wellll, one other point to consider (at least, I think about this from time to time):

I always keep my windshield coated with Rain-X (I know there are other, possibly better products, but I've been too lazy too try them). As such, I hardly ever use my wipers in the rain (Ironically, I use my wipers more when it is dry and I need to wash off the accumulated dust, dirt, and road gunk). Having the wiper in the up position might actually let the raindrops bead off more quickly and efficiently since the wiper would no longer be blocking air flow over the windshield. BUT, since I am too lazy to try something other than Rain-X, I am less likely to try and change my wiper position. Maybe someone else has and can report? :)

[MadMax]

Damn! :cry: