How much does it cost to replace rear windshield wiper arm?

The rear windshield wiper arm is an important component of any vehicle’s rear window cleaning system. Over time, the wiper arm can wear out, break, or otherwise malfunction, requiring replacement. When this happens, drivers need to know the typical costs involved in replacing the rear wiper arm so they can budget accordingly. In this article, we will provide an overview of rear windshield wiper arm replacement costs, what factors affect the price, and tips to find affordable services.

What is the Rear Windshield Wiper Arm?

The rear windshield wiper arm is a metal or plastic arm that connects the wiper blade to the pivot mechanism inside the vehicle. The pivot allows the arm to swing back and forth, moving the wiper blade across the rear window glass to clear away rain, snow, dirt, and debris.

Without a functioning wiper arm, the wiper blade will not be able to contact the glass properly. This can greatly reduce visibility out of the back window while driving.

Some key components of the rear wiper arm include:

– Arm bracket – Connects the arm to the pivot mechanism. Usually made of durable plastic or metal.

– Hinge joints – Allow the arm to fold or pivot as needed.

– Attachment adapters – Connect the wiper blade to the arm, often using a hook or pin system.

– Linkages – Transfer force from the motor to move the arm.

– Springs – Help return the arm to the proper resting position.

Why Does the Rear Wiper Arm Need Replacement?

There are several common reasons the rear windshield wiper arm may need to be replaced:

– Normal wear and tear over time. The continual motion of the arm over many miles can cause joint wearing, stripped gears, bent components, etc. Most arms have a typical lifespan under normal use.

– Accident or collision damage. If the rear wiper mechanism gets smashed or impacted, the arm can bend or break entirely.

– Exposure to weather elements. Things like sun damage, rust, corrosion over many years outdoors can degrade parts.

– Stripped or broken pivot joints. Key hinge points on the arm can wear down or tear, preventing proper motion.

– Broken springs or linkages. The interior spring and linkage system is prone to fatigue cracks or snapping.

– Burned out wiper motor. A bad motor can sometimes damage the arm when it seizes up.

– Upgrading to a winter wiper blade. Some winter or all-season blades require a heavier duty arm.

– General lack of effectiveness. Over time the arm may lose pressure and ability to clear the window fully.

When the wiper arm is struggling to move smoothly across the rear glass, generates noise, leaves streaks or unwiped areas, or fails to return to the resting position, a replacement is required.

Cost to Replace Rear Windshield Wiper Arm

The total cost to replace a rear windshield wiper arm can range from $50 to $250 or more, with most vehicles costing between $75 and $150 for parts and labor.

Here are some of the factors that affect overall replacement costs:

– Vehicle make and model – Costs can vary significantly between vehicle brands and models. More complex wiper systems on luxury cars tend to cost more.

– Arm type – Basic plastic arms tend to be cheaper than heavier metal arms common on trucks and SUVs.

– Single arm vs pair – Sometimes only a single damaged arm needs replacement, other times both left and right arms should be swapped as a pair.

– Additional repairs – If surrounding parts like motors or linkages also need replacement, costs add up.

– Shop fees – Labor rates, trip fees, and shop supplies can vary between mechanics. Dealerships often charge more than local garages.

– Parts brand – OEM factory arms tend to be priciest. Aftermarket or used parts can sometimes save money.

– Location/region – Prices range across different areas due to labor costs, taxes, overhead, etc. Urban areas are generally more expensive.

To give an idea of price range:

– Basic plastic arms average $50-$100 for just the part.
– Complete replacement at a shop often ranges $100-$200 including about 1 hour labor.
– Higher-end cars with dual metal arms can be $200-$300+ in some cases.

Parts Cost

For the rear windshield wiper arm itself, prices typically range from about $50 on the low end, up to $150 or more for higher-end parts. Pricing depends on the specific vehicle’s arm type and materials. Some examples:

– Simple plastic arm for an economy sedan – $50-$75
– Hardened plastic arm for mid-size SUV – $60-$100
– Heavy duty metal arm for pickup truck – $90-$150

Many luxury and performance models have special adaptive arms with complex pivot joints that can exceed $200 in some cases just for a single arm.

Aftermarket or salvage yard arms tend to range from $50 to $100 less than OEM parts in most cases.

Labor Costs

The job of actually removing the old wiper arm and installing a new one has a labor time ranging from 0.5-1.5 hours in most cases, with 1 hour being typical for most vehicles.

At a shop rate of $100 per hour, this puts total labor costs in the $50 to $150 range, with $100 being average. Luxury or performance car shops may charge $150 per hour or more, raising labor prices.

DIY arm replacement can avoid the labor fees, but requires automotive tools and expertise.

Other Potential Costs

– Some mechanics will add on service fees like charging for shop supplies/materials or disposal fees for the old part. These typically add $10-$30.

– If the wiper motor or other components also need repair, expect added labor and parts costs.

– Trip fees may be charged for mobile mechanics or roadside assistance calls.

– Sales tax will need to be added onto parts and labor.

– If new wiper blades are needed, add on $10-$30 per blade.

– On rare occasions, a stuck or damaged wiper arm can scratch the rear glass when removed. Windshield replacement due to damage can cost over $500 in some cases. Avoid this by using a protective cloth when removing the arm.

How to Save Money on Rear Wiper Arm Replacement

Here are some tips to find affordable rear windshield wiper arm replacement:

– Shop around for quotes – Prices can vary over $100 between different mechanics.

– Check junkyards for used OEM arms from your vehicle make and model.

– Purchase aftermarket arms instead of higher-cost factory parts. Verify the arm matches your vehicle.

– Buy the part yourself online to avoid shop markup. Then pay for labor only.

– Ask if installing both arms as a pair would be cheaper than just one arm.

– Have the work done at an independent mechanic rather than the dealer.

– Consider DIY replacement if you have tools and auto repair experience.

– Ask about discounts for purchasing other services at the same time, like wiper blades or rear window cleaning.

– Avoid unnecessary add-ons like shop supplies or hazardous waste fees.

– Take advantage of coupon specials or seasonal sales that repair shops may offer.

With some smart shopping, you can typically find rear wiper arm replacement for $100 or less per arm at an independent shop in most vehicles. Proper part selection and repair work is still critical for safety, despite the lower cost.

Factors That Impact Rear Wiper Arm Replacement Cost

The make, model, and age of your vehicle play a significant role in replacement part prices. Here are some key factors that can raise or lower the total costs:

Vehicle Type

– Luxury vehicles often have complex multi-joint wiper arms that cost much more than basic single-piece arms.

– Large trucks and SUVs tend to use heavy duty metal arms rather than plastic. These are typically more expensive.

– Sports cars may require specially adapted short or long arms to fit their shape. Custom arms cost extra.

– Older vehicles generally have cheaper and simpler arm designs. Newer models may require proprietary parts.

Arm Design

– Multiple joint articulating arms are pricier than solid one-piece arms.

– Heavier gauge metal or reinforced plastic costs more than thin basic plastic.

– Shorter or longer arms designed for particular vehicle shapes add cost.

– Vehicles requiring dual rear wiper arms will be more expensive than single arms.

Added Repairs

– If the wiper motor, linkage, or other parts also need repair, overall costs stack up.

– Damage to the rear glass, paint, or body from arm replacement would require extra costs for proper correction.

– Upgrading to winter blades, new nozzles, or washer fluid tubing adds to the total bill.

Shop and Location

– Dealerships and OEM part prices will be some of the highest.

– Rural shops tend to have lower labor rates than urban shops.

– Regional factors like wages, real estate, and taxes influence local prices.

– DIY parts bought online avoid any shop markup or labor fees.

Rear Windshield Wiper Arm Replacement Cost by Vehicle

Rear wiper arm replacement costs will vary quite a bit depending on your particular vehicle’s make and model. Here are some examples of typical price ranges for some popular vehicles:

Vehicle	Arm Type	Parts Cost	Labor Time	Total Estimate
Toyota Camry	Plastic	$75	1 hr	$175
Honda Civic	Plastic	$60	0.5 hr	$110
Ford F-150	Metal	$125	1.5 hr	$275
Chevy Silverado	Metal	$140	1.5 hr	$290
BMW 3-Series	Multi-Link	$200	2 hr	$400
Mercedes E-Class	Multi-Link	$240	2 hr	$440

These are just general estimates – real-world costs can be above or below these figures based on your specific parts needed, shop, location and other factors discussed earlier. Be sure to get an inspection and exact quote for your particular vehicle.

DIY Rear Wiper Arm Replacement

Ambitious do-it-yourselfers can save on labor costs by performing rear wiper arm replacement themselves. However, this does require moderate mechanical expertise, automotive tools, and the ability to work carefully in tight spaces.

Here is an overview of the DIY rear wiper arm replacement process:

Supplies Needed:

– New wiper arm specific to your vehicle
– Basic mechanics toolset (sockets, wrenches, screwdrivers, pry bars etc)
– Protective gloves, glasses
– Clean cloths and degreaser

Steps for DIY Replacement:

1. Turn vehicle ignition to “off” and turn wipers switch “on” to park arm in lower resting position.

2. Disconnect negative battery terminal to prevent accidental short circuit while working.

3. Remove old wiper blade from the arm. Pry off clip connector adapter.

4. Protect rear glass and paint with cloths to avoid scratching.

5. Apply penetrating oil or lubricant to arm joints and pivot nuts.

6. Access wiper arm nuts from inside hatch or liftgate area.

7. Loosen and remove nuts holding arm to pivot mechanism. Avoid stripping.

8. Slide arm off of pivot posts. You may need to gently pry it loose from the splined post.

9. Clean pivot posts and arm sockets to remove grime before installing new arm.

10. Install new arm following reverse order of removal. Apply thread locker to reinstall nuts.

11. Verify correct resting park position, then reconnect battery power.

12. Make sure washer nozzles are pointed correctly and test operation.

With proper tools and care, DIY rear wiper arm replacement can be completed in 1-2 hours by an experienced mechanic, saving on labor fees. However, having a shop perform the service is often the way to go for most owners.

When to Replace the Rear Wiper Arm

Here are some signs that indicate it is time to replace a worn-out or damaged rear windshield wiper arm:

– Streaks or unwiped areas remain on rear glass after use.

– Wiper arm is visibly cracked, warped, or broken.

– Wiper skips, bounces, or loses contact with window at times.

– Arm gets stuck mid-cycle and needs manual returning to rest position.

– Worn pivot joints causing sloppy or loose wiper motion.

– Rear wiper making grinding noises, squeaking, or chattering.

– Arm corrosion visible – rust eating away mounting points.

– No motion at all when the wiper switch is activated.

– Rear window washer spray missing glass or spraying errantly.

– Finding the proper resting park position is difficult.

– Wiper fluid leaking at joints – rusted out seams.

Waiting too long to replace a declining wiper arm can allow glass damage from poor cleaning. Catching the problem early provides the best visibility and safety. Most mechanics recommend inspecting and testing rear wiper operation at least yearly as maintenance.

How Long Does the Rear Wiper Arm Last?

The average lifespan of a rear windshield wiper arm is typically 3-5 years in most conditions. However, many factors affect longevity:

– Make and quality of the arm – cheaper arms tend to wear out faster

– Material – plastic arms degrade faster than metal in sun and winter

– Usage frequency – arms on vehicles in snowy areas wear faster

– Sun exposure and UV damage – causes cracking

– Grease and grime buildup – can restrict motion

– Driving conditions – frequent bumps and debris hits accelerate wear

– Number of articulating joints – complex arms break down sooner

Signs of aging like cracked housing, sloppy joints, or stripped gears indicate time for replacement before total failure happens at an inconvenient time. Periodically inspecting and operating the rear wipers helps spot problems.

For preventative maintenance, many vehicle owners plan to replace the rear wiper arm at least every 5 years or 50-75k miles as the effects of wear add up over time. This helps avoid being stuck with a non-functional wiper when driving in poor weather conditions. Catching problems early also prevents damage from arms that detach at speed. Following the vehicle manufacturer service schedule is recommended.

Conclusion

Having to replace a failed or aging rear windshield wiper arm is an annoying but unavoidable maintenance need for most vehicles eventually. Costs for a typical single arm replacement at a shop will run between $100-$200 in parts and labor. Several factors like vehicle make, arm type, and service location can alter the total bill.

Carefully inspecting the condition of rear wiper operation and watching for signs of a deteriorating arm allows owners to plan service in advance rather than be surprised by a sudden failure. With some price research and shopping around, drivers can find quality professional replacement service at affordable prices to keep that back window clear.