2022 Ford F-350 SD visibility complaints

Filed Feb 22, 2022 · Visibility · NY

02/05/2022: Severe ice storm in Northeast. Windshield adequately thawed and cleared with ice pieces and snow remaining in windshield wiper "bay". Upon energizing windshield wipers in preparation for departure, wipers made several clearing swipes with minor resistance when the driver's side wiper disengaged. After investigation the following theoretical engineering/design flaws were noted: 1) windshield wiper arm hub is larger than splined shaft not allowing 360-degree engagement on spined shaft. Ford has chosen a keyseat in the shaft and a keyway in the hub combined with a key to make the assembly a keyed joint in what appears to be an effort to make a satisfactory drive assembly. 2) The wiper arm is retained on the splined shaft with a spring-loaded lever recessed in a groove. This spring-loaded lever is neither strong nor protected. 3) the wiper arm and blade are heavily spring-loaded on the windshield. My theory is that the ice debris became lodged beneath the wiper arm hub forcing the wiper arm retention lever open (note: lever can be displaced by your thumbnail) popping the wiper arm up with the assistance of the heavily preloaded spring force downward on the windshield. The key fell out when the arm was displaced which left the assembly disengaged from the splined shaft. The key was found in the bay. It is my contention that this assembly poses a serious safety issue for these vehicles. They are purchased to be used in inclement weather (i.e.: snowplowing) and there is not a reliable windshield wiper arm to shaft retention device nor an adequate drive spline. Had this happened while I was driving down the road (especially in inclement weather), it would have been an immediate and severe safety crisis which could have been disastrous.