Tips from experts on replacing windshield wipers with your own hands on a Granta liftback

The quality of road visibility is one of the key factors in safety and accident prevention. Almost every third driver faces the problem of poor-quality windshield/rear window cleaning.

In sunny weather this is not as important as in rain, fog, snow, when every second counts. The most common defect is the formation of “islands” of dirt in the center and edges of the windshield. When driving in a straight line, visibility is not hampered, but when you start to turn, you feel all the “charm”. There is only one solution to the problem - replacing the Grant liftback wipers, even despite the actual absence of defects or damage.

Types of wipers for Lada Granta

Domestic VAZ models can be equipped with one of three types of windshield wipers:

• frame;
• hybrid;
• frameless.

By default, frame type is installed from the factory, as the most economical option. However, this design is short-lived and ineffective due to rapid wear and deformation under the rays of the sun. The basis of the brush is a metal strip with movable arms and a rubber cleaner.

The hybrid version of the wiper differs from its predecessor in that it is smaller in size and low-slung. The frameless model is made of impact-resistant plastic with a rubber seal at the end.

The non-contact option is considered the most effective, with a long service life and good adaptation to temperature changes.

There is a fourth type of brushes - winter ones. They are designed for use at sub-zero temperatures. The structure at the base is sealed with an additional layer of plastic. There is a special ledge on the surface for removing snow and ice from the windshield.

The method of fixing all four types is “J”-shaped. Previous modifications had an excellent mechanism, which is considered outdated and ineffective.

Alternative sizes

It is clear that they are trying to increase the size of the brushes, not decrease them. Let's look at what happens as a result:

• 60 x 40 is the most common option;
• 65 x 40 is a good alternative. The “triangle” at the bottom between the brushes will be reduced to the limit;
• 60 x 45 – use this option only if you are installing frameless frames;

  Brushes 60 x 45 cm

• 65 x 42.5, frameless – remove the “triangle” completely.

Probably, the reader managed to understand the main idea: the total length of the brushes should not exceed 105 cm. In the latter version, by the way, one “wiper” can come into contact with another. In practice, this does not happen, since the “left brush” is located above the “right”.

The most extreme combination used in reality is 65 x 43!

Dimensions of Granta liftback wipers

№	Location	vendor code	Price, rub.)*
1.	Front right (400mm)	3397004667	from 150
2.	—/— left (600mm)	3397004673	from 190
3.	Rear wiper size Grant liftback, station wagon (500mm)	3397004951	from 250
4.	Analogues from AVS Crystal	AV9014426S	from 250

*prices are as of September 17, 2018. The given prices are for budget components; when purchasing products from famous brands, the cost increases.

Tips for choosing brushes for Granta-liftback

After selecting the product model you like, we recommend paying close attention to its quality aspects. To implement this action, we arm ourselves with these methods.

1. The smell. An original and high-quality product is devoid of such a bright property as smell, or the factor manifests itself to a very insignificant extent. Counterfeits and China reek of an unpleasant odor.
2. Wiper blade size and flexibility. Quality windshield wiper blades are not overly flexible. If this point (slight flexibility) is present, then purchasing such “devices” is not recommended.
3. Manufacturer's marking. All brand products have this marking located directly on the surface of the part. Chinese false analogues do not have this property.
4. Appearance. The quality of design of original products (coloring, the same markings, etc.) is always at its best. If there are defects (crooked fonts, uneven coloring, etc.), then this is direct evidence of the presence of a counterfeit product.

Where is the wiper relay located on the Granta liftback?

Many motorists are faced with the fact that their windshield wipers periodically stop working properly, suddenly turning on or off. In 95% of cases, the reason lies in the relay - regulator. It is located under the dashboard on the left side. For access with subsequent replacement, you will need to unscrew the plastic cover and remove the relay. Next, replace it with a new one and close the plastic case again.

The Grant liftback rear (front) wiper relay has several pause modes. This is very useful for reducing the frequency of cleaning when there is light rain. The pause range varies from 1 to 65 seconds. The driver independently regulates the most optimal mode. Catalog number: 723.3777. The product is completely identical to the relay on the VAZ, Priora, Kalina, Kalina 2 models. On VAZ models produced before 2001, a relay with four contacts is installed, unlike the new ones, which have six.

Original sizes of brushes on Grant

The length of the driver's windshield wiper is 600 mm. The length of the passenger wiper is 410 mm. Fastening type - “hook” (in English hook).

Foreign manufacturers indicate the length of the windshield wiper in inches, so the suitable length for a passenger blade is 16″. Sixteen inches - 406 mm, probably because of this, brushes with lengths of both 40 and 41 cm can be installed on the right side of the Granta. If desired, you can install a passenger windshield wiper up to 45 cm, but I would recommend staying in the range of 400...410 mm.

I have added brush article numbers to the selection: they will help you find specific products in stores that sell auto parts (this is faster and, most likely, cheaper). Also, the articles will allow you to avoid compromises in the form of several centimeters in the length of the brushes - choose only what is made specifically for your car.

Finally, a comparison of prices for windshield wipers.

Step-by-step instructions for replacing wipers yourself

Front

1. We place the car on a level platform, squeeze the handbrake, turn off the engine;
2. Using a “10” wrench, we unscrew the nuts on the rods of the glass holders one by one, and remove the brushes;
3. We carry out preventive maintenance of splines, inspect their condition and integrity, and make a decision on the advisability of replacement;
4. install new cleaners, screw the nuts again.

Rear

We change the Grant liftback rear wiper according to a similar scenario:

1. fold back the plastic protective cap at the base of the purifier mount;
2. unscrew the nut to “10”;
3. We remove the entire product, replace it with a new one, and screw the nut again.

When is it necessary to replace wipers?

Replacing windshield wiper blades on Lada Granta is seasonal. Like many global automobile manufacturers, Lada recommends changing wipers twice a year: before winter and after the spring season. But, there are signs that the windshield wiper blade is already deteriorating.

Signs of bad wipers

Let's take a closer look at these factors:

• Cloudy glass. Of course, this may be the cause of poor windshield washer fluid, but in some cases, only replacing the windshield wipers that have a buildup that prevents them from cleaning the glass properly will help.
• Lots of stains and uncleaned areas. Usually, the reason for this is wear on the rubber bands of the brush.
• Vertical uncleaned stripes. This is more of a frame-type disease of windshield wipers. The reason may be deformation of the frame itself or wear of the rubber bands.
• Narrow stripes. In this case, it is the wear of the rubber bands.

Reviews

№	Positive
1.	Gennady, 42 years old: a year has passed since buying the car, there are no complaints, everything works properly. The windshield wipers will last one more season, after which I will replace them with new ones. By the way, the original factory ones were installed.
2.	Kirill, 38 years old: there is no money to buy a garage yet, so the car sits on the street all year round. This is of course bad, but what can you do? Despite the harsh winter, the wipers withstood the frost and clean well, without islands. Installed from the factory: 3397004667, 3397004673.
3.	Vyacheslav, 35 years old: Grant is already in its second year, overall I’m happy with the car. I don’t drive it much, I fill it with good oils and fill it with high-quality fuel. Surprisingly, the seals are in good condition, and the windshield wipers are also in good condition. My advice to car enthusiasts. For this price it is difficult to find something better.
4.	Nikolai, 41 years old: I work as a taxi driver, I drive all day long, the car is working hard. The other day I replaced the right wiper because it started to leave a little streaks. I don’t consider this a defect, although it could still serve as a service.
5.	Dmitry, 39 years old: I work as a manager in a car store, specializing in spare parts for domestic VAZs. Grant parts are in less demand, the reasons are obvious - quality has improved. The same cannot be said about Priora, although the car is also good.
6.	Sergey, 39 years old: I had an accident a month ago and had my windshield replaced. The windshield wipers began to rub badly, I had to replace them with new ones, I don’t blame the defect, rather the glass was installed with an excessive slope.
Negative
1.	Nikolai, 45 years old: after purchasing Grant, I immediately replaced a number of parts and components, including wipers. They don't clean them enough, they squeak occasionally, this is unacceptable to me.
2.	Victor, 50 years old: after winter, the left wiper began to tap on medium mode. I replaced it with a new factory one, but the problem was not solved. The store advised me to buy from Renault Logan, I’ve been using it for several months, no complaints.

Conclusion The process of replacing Granta liftback wipers yourself is not at all complicated. It takes no more than 10 minutes. Subject to the purchase of original brushes, the service life of the last 2 - 3 years, without mileage limitation. Regarding the manufacturer's brand, the decision here is purely individual for each owner. The choice depends on the size of the budget you are willing to spend on a car.

Windshield wiper blades and wiper size for Lada Kalina

Windshield wipers are important elements in any car. They, by clearing the windshield of dirt, enable the driver to view the roadway in bad weather. If these elements are faulty in bad weather, then driving such a car will pose a danger not only to the person in the car, but also to all other road users.

In the video, replacing wiper blades with frameless ones.

Size of wipers on Lada Kalina

The following are standard for Lada Kalina:

1. Driver's side brush – 60 cm.
2. Passenger side brush – 40 cm.

Editorial Kalina kindly agreed to pose to show the size of the wipers

Alternative brush sizes

Some Kalinovods from our community change the passenger wiper blade to a 43 cm size. We tried it, end to end. But, you can adjust the trapezoid, and it will be better. But we didn't like it!

Replacing wiper blades (+ video)

The blades are removed and the lock on the end of the windshield wiper is unfastened. Next, the rubber bands that are mounted on the frame are removed. Work must be done carefully. Next, new brushes are installed. If necessary, they are trimmed. You need to use scissors for this. The new rubber bands are tightly attached to the windshield wiper. Here you may need to straighten the fasteners or push the brushes under them. In the first option, you can accidentally damage the terminals, and in the second, you can fiddle with the work for a long time. Here everyone should choose the most convenient method for themselves.

As you can see, replacing and repairing wipers is a fairly simple job. This does not require certain skills and knowledge from the driver. The main thing is to understand the design of this system and know where to look for a fault. You also need to be quite careful when carrying out work. In winter, you need to make sure that the brushes are not frozen and there is no ice on them, as this can lead to damage to the glass.

Selecting wiper blades

Denso frameless wipers are good, but the “hook” will have to be finished off a little with a grinder

Depending on the purpose, wiper blades may be different. They are distinguished by:

1. Degrees of resistance to low temperatures.
2. Size.
3. The cycle of work.

Frame

Frame wipers are the most reliable (in my humble opinion)

Frame brushes are made of metal with plastic inserts. If they are used frequently, their resource quickly runs out. All fastening elements in them become loose. Also, these wipers cannot work at low temperatures.