How To Replace The Windshield Wiper Arm?

Do your windshield wipers leave streaks on the glass despite having new blades? Most likely, corrosion has caused the hinge to bind. We’ll demonstrate how to swap out the wiper arm and resolve this issue.

What Is A Windshield Wiper Arm?

Although not the most essential part for the windshield wiper system to operate, the windshield wiper arm serves an important purpose. It connects the windshield wiper motors, contained underneath the car’s hood, with the blades that keep the windshield clean.

Windshield Wiper Basics

Knowing a little bit about how your car’s windshield wipers operate will help you keep them in good working order.

A car usually has two windshield wipers to keep the front windshield clean. For the rear windshield, some cars also have a single rear wiper. 

Each wiper is made up of two main parts: the wiper arm and the wiper blade. 

• Wiper arm: The majority of wiper arms are made of metal. The arm moves the wiper from one place to another as it extends across the glass. 
• Wiper blade: It is connected to the arm by a wiper blade. The wiper’s blade makes contact with the windshield glass on your car.

The windshield wipers on your car’s front windshield typically come in various lengths. Which side of the windshield does the longer wiper go on? The wiper arm on the driver’s side is frequently longer. It can occasionally be different, though. Before making replacements, it is a good idea to measure each arm. 

The windshield wipers on some cars can detect when it is raining. They are also referred to as automatic wipers.

So how do automatic windshield wipers function? A sensor that detects whether there is rain on your car’s windshield is typically included with vehicles that have these wipers. The wipers are automatically turned on if precipitation is detected. 

Your Windshield Wiper Arm May Need To Be Replaced.

Every windshield wiper arm has a hinge at the base that enables it to flex as it follows the window’s curve. Even with a new blade, if the wiper skips over some areas, there’s a good chance that corrosion has bound the hinge. Due to their infrequent use, rear window wipers are the most frequently affected.

You can oil the hinge, but that’s just a temporary fix—the corrosion and binding usually return. To fix the problem permanently, replace the wiper arm (available at an auto parts store).

How Do You Know When To Replace Windshield Wipers?

How frequently should windshield wipers be replaced? Your windshield wiper blades should be changed every six to twelve months.

You’ll be less likely to experience blade failure while driving through snow or rain if you replace the blades on a regular basis. Always keep in mind that defective or worn-out blades pose a safety risk. 

Usually, the wiper arms are constructed to last as long as the car. However, they might get damaged for one reason or another, in which case they’ll need to be replaced. 

The blades may need to be changed more frequently if your wipers are used frequently. Here are some warning signs that it might be time to replace your wiper blades:

• The wiper blades aren’t making complete contact with the windshield’s surface
• The wipers squeak or chatter when traveling across the windshield
• The wipers leave streaks on the windshield’s glass
• The wiper blades make slapping noises when in motion

Windshield Wiper Arm Removal: How Do I?

To fix the problem permanently, replace the wiper arm (available at an auto parts store). A splined shaft is compatible with all wiper arms (see photo 1). Some are secured in place with a nut. Lift the protective cap, remove the nut, and pull off the arm to replace that kind (Photo 2).

How Can A Windshield Wiper Arm Be Replaced?

What You’ll Need

You’ll need a few things before starting the process of replacing the windshield wipers on your car.

• Screwdriver
• Tape measure
• Needle-nose pliers

Of course, you’ll also need the right wiper blades for your car, which you can find out by using your tape measure to measure the length of the current blades, consulting your car’s manual, or simply asking the store clerk when you go in to purchase new blades.

Making The Change

Windshield wiper-arm mounts come in three different basic categories.

To change a blade with a hook slot connector, which is the easiest type of wiper blade to replace, bring the wiper arm to a right angle and then locate the flap or tab that connects the wiper in the slot. The blade must then be released by either pushing it in or unlatching it, which will allow you to pull it out. If it doesn’t come out easily, you can use your pliers to pull it. The replacement windshield wiper should be inserted and slid along the slot until it locks in place.

A similar process is used to replace a blade with a pin-type arm, except that a pin will be visible instead of a tab. You might need to use your screwdriver to push on the pin from behind the blade or lift it out. Move the wiper blade around until it is fully released. Put the new blade firmly into the pins.

Replacing a wiper blade with a straight-end connector can be more complicated. If the blade is held in place by a notch or a tab, all you need to do to replace it is remove the old one by sliding it in and locking it in place after releasing the notch or tab with your screwdriver.

Before you can remove the old blade and install the new blade, you’ll need to remove any screws that are holding it in place. The screws are delicate, so take care when taking them out and putting them back in.

That’s all there is to it; you’re done! I bet it was simpler than you anticipated, and you can now start driving with a clear windshield.

Conclusion

Windshield wipers need to be replaced at least once a year, but if you notice that they are deteriorating more quickly, there may be something you are doing that is hastening the blades’ demise. Use a soft cloth to remove any visible debris from your wiper blades prior to driving in order to maintain their condition.

When the windshield is dry or covered in ice, it’s also a good idea to refrain from using the windshield wipers. When the windshield is dry, the rubber blades are dragged across the glass, potentially damaging the windshield and wearing down the rubber. The rubber on your wipers can be cut, gouged, and other types of damage by ice, so use an ice scraper rather than relying on them to remove ice.

You can save time and money by taking good care of your wiper blades and reducing the frequency of their replacement.