Windshield Wiper Arm Loose and Making Noise, Wiper Flops Across Windshield, Inconsistent Wiper Operation (Replace Wiper Pivot Screws)

Some customers may comment on one or more of the following effects in the wiper system:

The condition may be caused by the pivot housing screws becoming loose.

Replace the pivot housing screws with new screws, P/N 19153456 (service kit that contains 4 screws). These new screws have a different type washer and the threads are coated with Loctite® to prevent them from backing out. Use the procedure listed below.

Pivot Housing Screw Replacement

1. Remove the driver and passenger side wiper arms. Refer to the Wiper Arm Replacement procedure in SI.



2. Remove the air inlet grille panel.

2.1.	Open the hood.

2.2.	Remove the screws (1-7) retaining the air inlet grille panels to the cowl vent.

2.3.	Disconnect the washer hoses from the air inlet grille panel.

2.4.	Remove the air inlet grille panel from the vehicle.




3. Remove the inboard and outboard driver side wiper pivot housing screws (1). Discard the screws. Install the new screws.

Tighten
Tighten to a torque of 5.0 to 5.5 N·m (44 to 49 lb in).

Important: If the 5.0 N·m (44 lb in) minimum torque is not achieved or the plastic pivot housing is damaged or cracked, then the wiper linkage assembly must be replaced at this time. Refer to the Wiper Transmission Assembly Replacement procedure listed below.




4. On the passenger side, remove the wiper transmission assembly retaining bolt (2).
5. Remove the inboard and outboard passenger side wiper pivot housing screws (1). Push down on the wiper pivot shaft to access the outboard screw. Discard the screws. Install the new screws.

Tighten
Tighten to a torque of 5.0 to 5.5 N·m (44 to 49 lb in).

Important: If the 5.0 N·m(44 lb in) minimum torque is not achieved or the plastic pivot housing is damaged or cracked, then the wiper linkage assembly must be replaced at this time. Refer to the Wiper Transmission Assembly Replacement procedure listed below.

6. Reinstall the wiper transmission assembly retaining bolt.

Tighten
Tighten the bolt to 8 N·m (71 lb in).




7. Reinstall the air inlet grille panel.

7.1.	Align the retainers in the body with the tabs on the grille panel. Press the retainers into place.

7.2.	Connect the washer hoses to the air inlet grille panel.

7.3.	Install the screws in sequential order (1-7), to retain the air inlet grille panel to the cowl vent.

Tighten
Tighten the screws to 1.7 N·m (15 lb in).

7.4.	Close the hood.

8. Reinstall the driver and passenger side wiper arms. Refer to the Wiper Arm Replacement procedure in SI.

Wiper Transmission Assembly Replacement

1. Disconnect the electrical connector from the wiper motor.



2. Remove the wiper transmission assembly retaining bolts.
3. Remove the wiper transmission assembly from the vehicle.



4. Disconnect the drive link from the wiper motor crank arm using the Wiper Transmission Separator J 39232.



5. Remove the two bolts retaining the wiper motor.
6. Remove the wiper motor from the transmission assembly.
7. Install the wiper motor to the new transmission assembly with the two bolts.

Tighten
Tighten the bolts to 8 N·m (71 lb in).




8. Connect the drive link to the wiper motor crank arm using the Wiper Transmission Installer J 39529.
9. Install the wiper transmission assembly to the vehicle.
10. Install the wiper transmission assembly retaining bolts.

Tighten
Tighten the bolts to 8 N·m (71 lb in).

11. Connect the electrical connector to the wiper motor.
12. Perform steps 7 and 8 from the above Pivot Housing Screw Replacement procedure.

U.S.:

Parts are currently available.

Canada:

Parts are not expected to be available until November 8, 2006.

For vehicles repaired under warranty, use: