Vannin' Home Forums Ford How to... Windshield wiper Arms

I would like to remove the wiper arm assemblies from the posts so I could remove the vented cowling. Are they just pressed on or is there a special way to remove them. I figured I'd ask before I broke something!

Thanks.

Most wiper arms are simply splined on. However, dirt and time make them virtually welded to the posts. I would hit them with some WD40 or penetrating oil for a while first. The arms will need to be in the up position off of the windshield glass in order to be removed as there is a retaining mechanism that holds the pivot in place when down. Basically they just pull off or wiggle off. Mine were so stuck that I gingerly used a flat blade screwdriver to aid in wiggling them off. Just take your time and be careful. A little anti-seize on the splines when you reinstall wouldn't be a bad idea either.

I will post a pic of the latch mech during the afternoon for you, so you can see what it looks like for sure. Very easy job to do.

Fords have a little tab that locks around the bottom of the knurled post of the wirer mechanism. You need to hold it back (with a small screwdriver)while pulling up on the base of the arm.

Thanks Guys... I took two pics to show the two areas I think are latches. #1 looks like you stick a screwdriver in and twist so it lifts upward pivoting toward the shaft. #2 looks like you can stick a screwdriver in the slit and possibly lift. Which one is it?
Thanks, Arnie

The number #1 tab take a small screw driver and pry it away from the wiper arm it releases like a tab then you will be able to remove wiper arms..

And just fyi
On Chevy there is two small pin holes on top and bottom of the arm. You need to lift the arm and insert a small screwdriver or awe through these holes to release the arm.

Not on mine..mine are similar to these...

Huh, maybe they changed after 1990
Anyway, changing wipers is a small thing to a giant.

Ah, sorry. Darrin is correct. It's the Dodge that has the little tab on the bottom.

Wiper arms are pretty easy to remove.You'll get it.
Just don't wait until 2am when its raining & your out in the Wal-Mart parking lot.Don't ask how I know.

Lift the wiper arm them slide #1 to the side, Tab #1 will hold the arm up
and let the it lift off the post.
Good luck, Cloudy.

OK. The arms came off easy enough..... now I'm thinking that the bushings in the wiper linkage are worn out, that's why they're jumping at times. Does anybody know where I can start looking for bushings?

Well, I called Green Sales, they have tons of Ford parts. The guy said that according to his list there's no bushings only grommets holding the arms together. He thinks it could be the wiper transmission, the trouble is, I looked in my shop manuals that I bought when I bought the van in 1983....there are no transmissions. Just a linkage leaving the electric motor and going to the wipers. Any ideas?? Maybe the pivot points on the arms are worn a bit?

Those 'ARMS' are the transmission

Those arms are the transmissions! Not my idea of a transmission, but then again they do transmit the energy of the motor to the wiper arms. Well, I removed the arms and the cowling, the arms didn't have that much play in them. I cleaned the pivot points and lubed them up. They seemed to work, but I'll have to see when it rains. I still think that there are some sort of bushings in those clips, who knows, I may still be able to find them.

Sorry, I don't name the parts.

If I remember correctly, if you are having a skipping problem, you need to replace the spring in the arm. Been a long time since I've messed with them.

It's not skipping, bouncing off the windshield. It shudders with the wipers in contact with the glass. We'll see, it's not like they don't work. I just want them to work better!
Thanks for all the advice guys!!!!

my wiper post went dry inside, they have two bushing inside.
Drilled a hole for a grease fitting and filled them with axle grease.
I thank the transmission is part of the motor assemble.
The wiper arm springs go bad with time, so replace the arms.
The wiper linkage can ware out if not lubricated.
The wiper linkage retaining clips can rust and fall off too.
Don't ask.
Good luck, Cloudy.

Now I have to ask. . . . ! Do tell Cloudy

Will, it's a long story. So if you got time,
It was no a Sunday coming home after a great time at LMDW in N.Y.
Was coming through Palisade N.J. in a terrible down pour.
Will, you know what happened to the Van? ........

YIKES ! Sorry I asked. . . glad you is okay from that!