How To Replace Windshield Wiper Arm (DIY) | Family Handyman

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How To Replace Windshield Wipers and Wiper Arms

Total Time:1 hourComplexity:BeginnerCost:Varies

By Jay Cork

Reviewed by Bob Lacivita

Family Handyman's Editorial Process

Updated on Sep. 20, 2024

Get rid of those skipping windshield wipers and keep yourself and your passengers safe.

Time

1 hour

Complexity

Beginner

Cost

Varies

Introduction

I started working on cars long before I was allowed to drive them legally, and later managed an auto parts store. Now I fix and maintain my own cars, and I'm pretty picky. Every time my windshield wipers start streaking or missing a spot, it's right in my line of sight, and sometimes a new set of wiper blades doesn't fix the problem.

Based on my experience, this means the windshield wiper arm itself isn't functioning properly. That's usually caused by corrosion on the hinge near the base of the wiper arm.

You might get by with a little oil on the hinge. But if there's significant rust or corrosion, you'll need to replace the wiper arm entirely. This is easy to do and makes your vehicle safer to drive!

What does the windshield wiper arm do?

It carries the wiper blade over the surface of the windshield. Connected on one end to a spline and stepper motor, it must move freely to properly sweep rain or snow off your windshield.

Does your windshield wiper arm need to be replaced?

If there's severe rust or corrosion, yes, because it can cause a windshield wiper arm to fail. Inspect the hinge joints for deterioration. If they're rusty or broken, it's time to replace.

Are windshield wiper arms universal?

No. Your car's make and model requires a specific part. Someone at an auto parts store can guide you to the correct one.

What are the different types of windshield wiper arms?

For some reason, there are dozens of types of windshield wiper arms that all connect to the wiper blade differently. The good news is, unless you drive an exclusive vehicle, adapters are always included with new wiper blades that make them work on most makes and models. To keep things simple, replace your wiper arms with original equipment manufacturer (OEM) products.

What kind of windshield wiper arm does your car need?

If you don't have an auto parts store close to you, call a dealership or look up your part online. Most major auto part retailers have a good search function on their site that allows you to enter all the details of your vehicle and search for specific parts.

How do you measure a wiper arm?

To make sure you are getting the correct replacement part, measure the straight line distance from the center of the pivot shaft to the center of the wiper blade connection point.

When should I call a pro?

If your wiper arm seems to be skipping a gear, doesn't want to engage or randomly gets stuck all the way up, this may be an indication the stepper motor or the gears in the actuator are about to fail.

Replacing the windshield wiper actuator is a much bigger job than replacing the windshield wiper arm. You should probably leave this fix to your trusted mechanic.

Tools Required

• Flat-head screwdriver
• Ratchet and socket set
• Shop rag
• Wire brush

Materials Required

• Anti-seize grease
• New windshield wiper arm
• New wiper squeegees (if needed)

Project step-by-step (5)

Step 1

Inspect your wiper arm

• Take a good look at your windshield wiper arm(s). It/they should have a hinge at the base that allows the arm to flex as it follows the curvature of the window.
  • If the wiper skips over certain spots, even with a new wiper blade, chances are the hinge is binding from corrosion. It’s most common on rear window wipers because they’re used less often.

Step 2

Remove the retaining nut

• Remove the wiper blade/squeegee assembly.
• Place a heavy towel at the base of the windshield to keep the windshield wiper arm from smacking into the glass.
• Lift the plastic cover and remove the retaining nut. Then pull the arm off the splined shaft.

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Alternative: Slide out the locking clip

• Lift the wiper arm a few inches off the glass and slide the locking clip out. Then lower the arm and pull it off the splined shaft.

Step 4

Clean the splined shaft

• Use a shop rag to clean the splines of the shaft. If you see rust or corrosion, use a wire brush to clean the shaft.

Step 5

Install the new wiper arm

• Apply a small amount of anti-seize grease to the spline with your finger, making sure you cover the entire surface.
• Replace your wiper arm by sliding onto the spline, then tightening the bolt or slipping the retaining clip back in place.

Pro tip: “To test windshield arm pressure, place a dollar bill between the wiper squeegee and the windshield,” says Bob Lacivita, ASE Master Technician, vocational educator and FH.com contributor. “Feeling some resistance when pulling the bill out signifies the wiper arm is placing the right amount pressure to the squeegee.”

Next, learn how to replace the windshield washer pump.