Step-by-step Procedure for Beginners to Remove Windshield Wipers

When To Remove Windshield Wipers?

Sometimes, windshield wipers no longer work to wipe the glass. The reason could be that the wiper is stripped of or bent, such that it no longer works. If you have a knowledge about removing the wipers, it can be helpful when you need to remove them.

The windshield assembly is available in various fixing types for various cars. Some models are fixed using bolts, while some others are fixed using clips. Also, fixing of some models need no bolts or clips. Based on the type of fixing method, the removing method varies accordingly.

Procedural Steps

Before you start to remove the wiper assembly, first mark its position on the windshield with a soap bar or wax. This loosens the wiper arm.

Next step is to remove the wiper assembly. This completely depends on the type of fixing.

Removing Bolt On Model

Direct the wiper arm away from the point of its base attachment. If necessary, open the hood.

Choose appropriate socket that matches with the hex nut size.

Now, place the ratchet on the hex nut.

Position yourself to a point from where you can have best access to work with the hex nut.

Move the ratchet in a direction that spins the hex nut in counter clock wise direction so that it loosens.

Ensure that the linkage does not cross the limit of the designed range of motion while you twist the ratchet. For this, hold the wiper arm steadily with one hand, while accessing the ratchet and hex nut with the other hand.

Make one or two turns with the ratchet and you will observe that the hex nut loosens.

Now keep the ratchet aside and use your fingers to loosen the hex nut completely and keep it aside for using it again while fixing back the wiper assembly.

Be careful while trying to take the assembly off from the attached position. Ensure that you do it gently, or else the threading might lose its shape.

Removing Clip On Model

Direct the wiper arm away from the point of its base attachment. If necessary, open the hood.

Examine the base sides that are positioned to be near the bottom of the main projection of the wiper assembly.

Find a screwdriver that possesses the tip of a suitable size.

Position the screwdriver between the flange and the base.

If you want to safeguard the finish, try to place a small piece of cardboard between the base and the screwdriver.

Now, pry the screw driver accordingly so that gap is created at the junction where the flange and base are attached.

Once it is loose, try to use fingers or tools like screwdriver or pliers to further increase the gap. Do this until the gap reaches to a size of 1/4^th to 3/8^th of an inch.

Be careful while trying to take the assembly off from the attached position. Ensure that you do it gently, or else the threading might lose its shape.

Removing The Wiper Assemblies That Neither Use Bolts Nor Clips

Inspect the hinge that is near the point where wiper arm is fixed.

Find the hole that exists on each side of the wiper arm, next to the hinge pin.

Direct the wiper arm completely towards up and away from the windshield.

Place a thin steel pin in any one of the available holes of the wiper arm such that it appears on the other side of the arm.

Now, while the pin stays in the hole, release the upward directed wiper arms such that it rests on the pin.

Gently rock the wiper arm in upward and downward directions until the attachment is off the joint.

Now that you removed the wiper assembly from the attached junction based on the fixed method, now clear the drive post from rust, debris and other contamination’s by making use of a wired brush.

Apply one or two drops of a light lubricant so enable smooth motion of the wiper arms.

Fix the wiper arms back in reverse direction in accordance with the fixing method.

Conclusion

Removing the wiper assembly, cleaning the point of attachment and installing them back is a part of car maintenance.One should ensure that the wiper assembly is maintained properly for a good wiper assembly lifespan and better safety and drivability.

Therefore, it is important to have a good knowledge about the removing, cleaning and re-installing the wiper assembly so that you need not depend on a professional every time.