Yes, you can replace a wiper arm yourself. Replacing a wiper arm is a relatively straightforward automotive repair that most car owners can tackle at home with some basic tools and a little bit of know-how. In most cases, you’ll just need to remove the old wiper arm, install the new one, and make any necessary adjustments.
Some key things to know about replacing wiper arms:
– It’s a good idea to replace wiper arms in pairs. If one is worn out, chances are the other is close behind. Replacing both improves safety and ensures even wiping of the windshield.
– You’ll need some basic hand tools like screwdrivers, wrenches, pliers, and rags. Always disconnect the battery before working near electrical components like wiper motors.
– Buy a replacement arm that is an exact match to the original. Look for the manufacturer part number stamped on the arm.
– Be prepared to make some adjustments after installation to ensure proper contact with the windshield.
Replacing a wiper arm takes less than an hour for most DIYers. With a little patience and the right techniques, you can restore clear windshield visibility and safe driving conditions.
Page Contents
When to Replace Wiper Arms
Here are some signs that it’s time to replace your wiper arms:
– Streaking, skipping, or chattering across the windshield. This indicates loss of proper contact with the glass.
– Worn or split rubber blades that no longer wipe cleanly.
– Excess noise or squeaking when in operation.
– Loose fit at the pivot points or base attachment.
– Rust, corrosion, or excessive play indicating a worn pivot joint.
– Difficulty staying in the parked position when turned off.
– Difficult or impossible to adjust for proper contact with windshield.
Wiper arms are constantly exposed to weather, debris, and daily use over thousands of wipe cycles. The arms and pivot joints gradually wear out over time.
Replacing the rubber blades regularly helps, but deteriorating arms will still cause wiping problems. It’s recommended to inspect arms whenever installing new wiper blades.
Catching worn wiper arms early and replacing in pairs helps restore proper wipe quality and driver visibility in wet conditions.
How to Replace a Wiper Arm
Here are the basic steps to replace a wiper arm:
1. Turn wipers to the service position. This raises the blades off the glass for access. Consult owners manual if unsure how.
2. Disconnect the negative battery terminal. This disables the electrical system while working.
3. Remove the wiper arm nut or bolt. Usually this is exposed when raised to the service position. You may need to pry up a small cap first.
4. Pull the arm away from the pivot joint. Rocking it back and forth or using a wiper puller tool can help free a stuck arm.
5. Clean the pivot mount area and inspect for rust or damage. Fix any issues to ensure proper installation.
6. Install new arm. Line up the splines and push into place. Pivot should move freely.
7. Reinstall nut or bolt and tighten securely. Overtightening can damage the pivot.
8. Carefully lower wiper back on windshield. Adjust arm positioning as needed.
9. Reconnect battery terminal when finished.
10. Turn wipers on and inspect coverage area and wipe performance. Make adjustments as needed.
With the new arm installed, make sure to replace the worn wiper blade with a fresh one that matches the length. Adjust the blade angle and arm height as needed until the wipers rest flush along the windshield.
Tools and Parts Needed
Here are the basic tools and supplies needed for replacing wiper arms:
| Tools | Parts |
|
|
The specific socket, wrench, and screwdriver sizes depend on the wiper arm fasteners on your vehicle. Checking the vehicle owner’s manual or an online database can help identify the correct tools and hardware needed.
Having some rags and a parts cleaning brush helps clear away dirt and debris around the wiper arm bases for a clean installation. An optional wiper puller tool can also quickly release a stuck wiper arm.
Be sure to get replacement arms that match OEM parts. The part number is usually printed somewhere on the arm. You may need to lookup diagrams or talk to a parts specialist to find the exact replacement arms for your vehicle make and model.
How to Remove Stuck Wiper Arms
Over time, wiper arms can become stubbornly stuck to the pivot shafts, making removal difficult. Here are some tips for removing stuck arms:
– Spray penetrant lubricant on the joint and let soak for 10-15 minutes. This helps free up rust and corrosion.
– Use a wiper puller tool if available. The fork design grabs and lifts the arm for easy removal.
– Gently pry up the arm with a screwdriver, being careful not to damage the pivot mount.
– Use a wrench or pliers to rock the arm back and forth, applying upward pressure. The rocking motion helps break the seal.
– Spray lubricant on the shaft and underside of the arm and let soak if very stubborn.
– As a last resort with the nut removed, strike the top of the arm near the pivot with a hammer using moderate force. This can help jar it loose.
– Avoid excessive prying or hammering as this can damage the pivot mount area. Be prepared to replace heavily corroded assemblies.
Patience and care is needed when freeing stuck wiper arms. A combination of penetrating lubricants, leverage, and rocking/hammering generally does the trick for removal.
How to Adjust Wiper Arms
After installing replacement arms, proper adjustment helps ensure clean contact with the windshield:
– With arms lowered onto glass, assess wipe coverage area. Adjust arm angle if needed.
– Check where blade rests on windshield. It should sit flush at both ends for even pressure.
– If blade is not flush, twist the arm at the pivot to raise or lower tip.
– Consult vehicle owner’s manual for how to adjust arm tension at the pivot joint.
– For traditional hook-style arms, gently bend the arm to adjust height as needed.
– Assess wipe performance and re-adjust as needed. Signs of streaking mean more adjustment is required.
– Be careful not to over-tighten arms at pivot joint. This can hinder motion and damage components.
– If adjusting traditional arms, don’t bend the arm excessively. Make small incremental adjustments.
Take a test drive after adjusting the arms. Assess wipe quality at various speeds and re-adjust if needed. Even pressure along each blade’s length is key for a streak-free wipe.
Troubleshooting Wiper Issues
Here are some common wiper troubles and potential solutions:
| Problem | Potential Causes |
|---|---|
| Streaking / Skipping |
|
| Squeaking / Chattering |
|
| Poor Windshield Coverage |
|
Careful inspection of the blades, arms, and glass will help pinpoint the cause. Check the condition of each component and make adjustments as needed. Replacing worn parts promptly helps restore proper wiping function.
Conclusion
Replacing worn out wiper arms is an easy and affordable DIY repair on most vehicles. With some basic tools, new quality replacement arms, and the proper installation techniques, car owners can restore streak-free windshield wiping. Pay attention to potential warning signs of worn arms and replace in pairs for optimal safety and visibility in inclement weather.