A windshield wiper motor is a device used to remove rain, snow, ice and debris from a windshield. Almost all motor vehicles, including cars, trucks, trains, watercraft with a cabin, and some aircraft, are equipped with such wipers, which are usually a legal requirement. If the windshield wiper motor is not functioning correctly, the signs will include the wipers only moving at one speed and stopping in the wrong place, or not moving at all.
Part 1 of 1: Replacing a windshield wiper motor
Materials Needed
- Allen set metric and standard sockets
- Assorted pliers
- Assorted screwdrivers
- Brass hammer
- Clip remover
- Combination wrench set, metric and standard
- Disposable gloves
- Emery cloth/sandpaper
- Flashlight
- Metric and standard wrench set
- Pry bar
- Ratchet ⅜ drive
- Seal remover
- Socket set metric and standard ⅜ drive
- Socket set metric and standard ¼ drive
- Torque wrench ⅜
- Torx socket set
- Wiper removal tool
Step 1: Remove the wiper blades. You will have to remove the wiper blades in order to gain access to the cowl, which is where the windshield wiper motor is located. Use a windshield wiper removal tool to release the tension on them so you can remove them.
The cowl might have some clips holding it down. You will need to remove them using a clip remover or another suitable tool.
Step 2: Remove the old windshield wiper motor. Now that you have gained access to the wiper motor, you can unplug it and unbolt it from the wiper gearbox assembly that connects to the wiper blades. Once you remove that, then you can remove the motor from the vehicle.
Step 3: Install the new windshield wiper motor. Remount the windshield wiper motor back onto the wiper gearbox assembly. Bolt it back onto the cowl housing and plug it back in, then reinstall the cowl plastic and the clips.
Step 4: Reinstall the wiper arms. Once you have finished installing the new motor and putting the cowl back together, reinstall the wiper arms and wiper blades onto the wiper gearbox assembly.
Tighten them down to the correct torque. Make sure you put them in the correct location so that when you activate them they will clean the windshield properly. If they don't, you can always readjust them.
Replacing your windshield wiper motor is very important because this motor operates your wipers and allows you to clean the rain, snow and dirt off your windshield. If you want to get this repaired quickly and easily, YourMechanic can send a professional mechanic to your home or office to complete the windshield wiper motor replacement for you.
