Wiper Blade Kit on XC70

Hi All,

Yesterday I had my 2002 Volvo XC70 serviced. I was advised that I would
need a new wiper blade kit. No problems I thought as this should only be a
$20AU expense at most. I was advised that Volvo does not just replace the
rubber but the whole wiper arm assembly on both wipers. This then means that
you get charged $96AU.

I am sorry, but this appears to be a ridiculous expense to change over two
strips of rubber (essentially). Not to mention a waste of materials, which
is strange coming from a company that prides itself on being so green and
eco-friendly.

Is this the same deal for XC's elsewhere in the world ? Does anyone know of
ANY other car manufacturers that have this bizarre policy ?

Look forward to hearing your responses.

Regards,

....Ian...

 

Are you referring to the headlight wipers? If not why don't you goto the
Australian equivalent of Canadian Tire and replace the windshield wipers
yourself? It's great to go to dealers for major service but the little
things you can do by yourself. The last time I replaced the wipers it cost
me $15 CDN.

Jordan 1999 S70 Loaded!

 

The stock wipers on my 2001 XC70 were one piece. I had the option to
replace with the same kind of one piece arms from Volvo, or going to a
mass market car parts place where they sold me a two piece arm with
replaceable wipers. I elected to get the new arm with replaceable
wipers. This was much cheaper than the Volvo arms.

Now you ask why doesn't Volvo do this in the first place. Well, there
are at least 6 different standards for replaceable wipers and Volvo
would have to pick one brand which may not be available in a particular
customer's area. So they have the one they stock and you are welcome to
get any of the many others you want. The replacement arms are cheap
since they make their money on the wiper refills.

 

It's not just your new Volvo that's like this... My 93 960 you replace the
whole thing, my VW's are the same way (91 Golf - sold, 99 Golf, 2003
Golf)... Except it costs like $25 not $90

 

Hi, Ian - - -

FWIW, I'd advise a visit to your nearest supplier of Bosch wipers and
refills. Bosch is most likely the manufacturer of the OEM equipment on
your Volvo. While their price in the U.S. (for instance) is a bit above
average, it's still a *long* way below what Volvo charges, and all you
need to get is the refill set.

bob noble
Reno, NV, USA

 

Are we talking about the wiper blade (just the rubber) or are we talking
about the wiper head (the rubber and metal) that snaps onto the wiper arm?
Surely Volvo doesn't make you replace the entire wiper arm? In my experience
it's the metal part of the wiper head that fails most frequently. What with
snow, ice and salt on it for many months of the year I wouldn't want to just
replace the rubber bits. I would want to replace the entire head. Actually
the rubber can be revitalized many times with rubbing alcohol.

Jordan 1999 S70 Loaded and ready for Fall!

 

I'm talking the metal blade with all those spring loaded things that hold
the track that holds the rubber piece, and usually an air deflector for the
drivers side blade.

Not talking about the bit with the hook at the end that bolts into the wiper
motor.

 

Hi Ian

Same thing with my V70. The service guys ring me to say "we need to
replace the wipers" and I say OK. I can buy them at Marlows or wherever
for about $10 a set, so I guess that I'll be charged $20 to $25 for
genuine Volvo parts. When the bill came in, it was $65 !

Now I take nothing for granted - ask them to guarantee the price and
demand that they keep the old parts so that I can examine them.

On the same topic, I was shopping for cross bars for the roof rack.
Thule make a kit with the aerodynamic bars for $189. Volvo supply
square bars for $189, and the aerodynamic bars are $289. They look
suspiciously like the Thule bars. When I asked the parts guy at my
dealer, he admitted that Thule make the bars for Volvo and Volvo
re-badge them and charge an extra $100. At last, some straight talk.

Chris

Ian F