Owners of hatchbacks and station wagons Skoda Fabia Often faced with the need to maintain the rear windshield cleaning system. Unlike front wipers, the rear window cleaner has a more complex mounting design, which causes difficulties for most motorists when trying to simply replace rubber tape.
Incorrect actions can lead to the breakage of plastic latches or even damage to the lever itself, which is under high tension of the spring. To avoid unnecessary costs for repair and purchase of new spare parts, it is necessary to understand the principle of operation of the mechanism and the sequence of actions for safe dismantling.
Tools and workplace preparation
Before proceeding with the direct removal of the janitor, it is important to prepare the necessary tools. You wonโt need complex equipment to work, but having certain items will significantly speed up the process and reduce the risk of injury.
You will need a flat screwdriver with a thin blade, preferably wrapped with tape or fabric, so as not to scratch the paint coating of the body. Clean rags will also be useful to remove dust from the mounting area and gloves to protect your hands from the sharp edges of plastic.
Donโt forget to buy a new brush or replacement gum corresponding to the model. Skoda Fabia. Second and third generation hatchbacks often use specific types of fasteners that differ from standard hook systems of front windshield wipers.
- ๐ง Thin flat screwdriver (scratch-safe)
- ๐งค Working gloves to protect your hands
- ๐งผ Clean cloth for cleaning glass and plastic
- ๐ New brush or replacement gum
Removing the plastic hinge cover
The first step is always the removal of the plastic lining, closing the fastening mechanism. This detail masks the nut and spring, creating an aesthetic appearance, but it becomes the first obstacle. The lid is usually fixed to plastic latches, which can eventually stick to the body due to dirt and reagents.
Carefully tuck the edge of the lid with a screwdriver. Donโt put too much effort into it, as the plastic on older cars becomes brittle and can crack. The movements should be smooth, with a little swaying to release all the fixtures at once.
After removing the lid, you will see the nut head, which attaches the lever to the wiper pin. Here.
โ ๏ธ Warning: Do not try to tear off the lid with a jerk, as the locks can break off, and the plastic part will lose its tightness, passing water inside the mechanism.
Why isn't the lid off?
If the lid does not lend itself, it is possible that the latches "stuck" from the dirt. Try splashing WD-40 or silicone lubricant slightly at the joints and wait 5-10 minutes before trying again.
Removing the windshield wiper arm
The most important moment is the unscrewing of the nut that holds the lever. Nana Skoda Fabia Often a 10 mm nut is used, but sometimes other sizes are found depending on the year of production and configuration. Use a suitable end key or head.
When you unscrew the nut, do not remove it completely immediately. Leave it for a few turns so that the lever does not "shot" under the action of the spring. A sharp movement of the lever can lead to a blow to the glass, which is fraught with the appearance of cracks or chips.
To safely remove the lever, it is necessary to apply a force upwards, overcoming the tension of the spring. Do this smoothly by controlling the position of the lever with your hand. Once the nut is fully unscrewed, carefully remove the lever from the pin.
- ๐ Use a head of 10 mm (or the corresponding nut size)
- ๐ Leave the nut on the thread until the lever is completely removed.
- โ Control the tension of the spring with your hand
โ๏ธ Check before lever removal
Replacing the brush on the removed lever
After the lever is removed and lies on a soft surface (for example, on a rag), you can start replacing the brush itself. Structure of anchorages Skoda Fabia usually is a latch system or a special connector into which a rubber part is inserted.
Find the lock on the body of the brush. It can be a plastic button or a movable tongue. Press it and, holding in this position, pull the rubber part in the direction opposite to the lever.
Make sure the new brush is suitable for the length and type of attachment. Sometimes manufacturers change the standards, and universal brushes may not work without additional adapters. Check if all the necessary adapters are available.
โ ๏ธ Warning: When installing a new brush, make sure the lock is completely snapped. Incomplete connection can cause the brush to fall on the glass during operation.
Before installing the new brush, moisten it with water or silicone lubricant. This will improve the slip and extend the life of the rubber, preventing the appearance of creaks.
Installation and position adjustment
The assembly process is mirrored by the opposite of dismantling, but requires special care. Put the lever on the wiper pin, combining the holes. It is important that the lever stands flat, without distortion.
Swipe the nut manually to make sure the thread is not broken. Then, tighten it with a key with moderate effort. Excessive puffing can damage the plastic sleeve or deform the lever, which will lead to improper fit of the brush.
Replace the plastic cover. It should fit tightly, without gaps. If the lid does not close, check that the nut is installed correctly and that there is no extra element in the way.
Turn on the windshield wiper and check the operation of the mechanism. The brush should adhere to the glass evenly along its entire length, without missing areas or leaving streaks. If necessary, adjust the angle of the lever.
- ๐ Align the holes of the lever and the pin
- ๐ Tighten the nut without distortion
- โ Check the wiper operation in different modes
Proper tightening of the nut is critical to the durability of the mechanism: too loose will lead to play, too tight will cause thread breakage.
| Year of production of Fabia | Mounting type | Nut size | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2007โ2010 (I facelift) | Latch + nut | 10 mm | The plastic cover is fixed with clips |
| 2010โ2014 (II generation) | Quick release + nut | 10 mm | Reinforced lever spring |
| 2014โ2018 (II facelift) | Hook type mount | 10 mm | Installation of universal brushes possible |
| 2018+ (III generation) | Specific connector | 10 mm | Requires original or specialized brush |
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
Many owners make the mistake of trying to remove the wiper without turning off the power or locking the lever. This could cause the spring to force the lever back, breaking the glass or scratching the body.
Another common problem is using the wrong brushes. On Skoda Fabia The rear wiper has a specific movement geometry, and standard blades may not provide a proper fit to curved glass.
Ignoring cleaning the mechanism also negatively affects the operation. Dirt and sand accumulated in the hinge can jam it, causing the wiper motor to burn out when turned on.
โ ๏ธ Attention: If the wiper is jerky or squeaks after installation, stop immediately and check that the blade is installed correctly and the spring tension is correct.
- Once a year
- Once every six months
- Only when it stopped working
- I don't remember
Technical nuances of service
To extend the service life of the mechanism, it is recommended to regularly lubricate the hinge and rotation axis. Use special silicone lubricants that are not washed out by water and do not attract dirt.
If you notice that the brush leaves streaks even after replacing the rubber, the problem may be the wear of the lever itself or its geometry. In such cases, it may be necessary to adjust the angle of inclination or replace the entire assembly.
It is also worth paying attention to the condition of the glass. Dirt, tar stains or insect marks can quickly ruin new tires. Regular glass washing and use of anti-rain will help maintain cleanliness and transparency.
FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions
Is it possible to remove the rear wiper without removing the cover?
No, on most models Skoda Fabia The lever fastening nut is covered with a plastic cover, which must be removed as the first step.
Which nut should I use for tightening?
Typically a 10mm nut is used. It must be tightened with moderate force so as not to strip the threads and damage the plastic bushing.
What to do if the lever cannot be removed?
Perhaps the nut is stuck. Try applying penetrating lubricant to the joint and gently rock the lever without using excessive force.
Do I need to disconnect the battery?
No, you do not need to disconnect the battery to replace the brush, since the work is carried out mechanically without interfering with the electrical circuit.
Can I use universal brushes?
For some generations Skoda Fabia Universal brushes are suitable, but it is better to use original or specialized models to ensure a perfect fit.
Removing and replacing the rear wiper with Skoda Fabia - a procedure available to every owner with a minimum set of tools and following the instructions. The main thing is to act carefully and not neglect the preparation stages in order to avoid damage to expensive body parts.
Pay special attention to the tightening torque of the nut: this determines whether the lever will not fall off while driving on a bad road.