Driver’s side windshield wiper arm on these models tends to change shape over the years to the point that it doesn’t apply sufficient pressure on the wiper blade to properly clear the glass.
This was the case here where it didn’t wipe cleanly even with new wiper blades. Temporarily tried bending the arm back for some improvement but it isn’t much and won’t last.
Replaced the wiper arm with a new part. You can see the difference in the angle of the arm at the motor end (new one at bottom).
Just a single nut holding the arm in place; easy job.
Edit 4/14/2013: IPD posted a video on this common problem and their suggestion for improving wiper performance by selective bending. I have had little luck making this work well or for long, which is why I replaced the arms on both of my 850s. Perhaps the most useful tip in the video is tweaking the angle of the blades to cure chattering. You can locate the video here: http://www.ipdusa.com/techtips/10127/wiper-arm-fix-for-850-models Fun how their car in the video looks much like this one (red wagon).
$47.95
1997 Volvo 850 Wagon Project 