Change windshield wiper motor

DIY instructions

Home page " Replacing the windshield wiper motor - instructions

Want to change your windshield wiper motor without having to make an extra trip to the workshop?
This step-by-step guide explains how to diagnose and replace a faulty windshield wiper motor.

The car manufacturer doesn't matter here, as the basic structure is the same for almost all cars. Our aim: to save you from unnecessary costs! This repair is simple and can be carried out with standard tools without major effort.

Symptoms & diagnosis of defective windshield wiper motor

In the article Defective windshield wipers - causes and solutions you will find a detailed list of symptoms and causes that indicate a defective windshield wiper motor.
As you can see from the article, the damage does not necessarily have to be to the motor. However, if the signs clearly indicate damage to the wiper motor, you are on the right track with this guide. Here is a brief summary of the symptoms:

Symptoms of defective windshield wiper motor:

No function despite functioning relay (clicking of relay audible, wipers remain off)
rattling or a knocking can be heard from the engine compartment during the wipe attempt.
Wiper arms "stuck" in sections (blocking).

Tools required

A puller *
You need the puller to remove the Pulling out the wiper arms.
Theoretically, it is also possible without a puller, but there is a risk of causing damage to the paintwork and bodywork. We will go into both methods later.



A ratchet set *
For the entire disassembly Indispensable and you will need the ratchet again and again. You probably already have a ratchet set lying around somewhere anyway.


Screwdriver (Torx, cross) *
The same applies here as for the ratchet set. Screwdrivers are used always need and no workshop should be without them. We again recommend a complete set.


Disassembly tool
Not absolutely necessary for the conversion. However, with the disassembly tool it is a lot easier. easier to remove all plastic covers.

Step 1: Position of the windshield wiper motor

The windshield wiper motor with its wiper linkage is located either on the Driver's side or in the center of the engine compartment. Immediately after the windshield, the linkage is under a plastic cover in the engine compartment.

Position of the windshield wiper motor for replacement in the engine compartment
Position of the windshield wiper motor and its linkage under the plastic trim in the engine compartment

Step 2: Remove the windshield wiper motor

INFO BOX:

We recommend that you mark the position of the wiper blades on the windshield before removing them. This will ensure that the angle remains the same when reassembling.

Marking position of the wiper arms
Mark the position (angle) of the wiper arms approximately

Remove plastic cover

The first step is to Remove the plastic cover and the engine compartment seal. Depending on the car manufacturer, the cladding is either Plastic clips plugged or screwed in. If they are "Plastic rivets", the disassembly kit is a good help. But you can also do it with needle-nose pliers or a screwdriver. The problem with this is that these Plastic clips can be sensitive and can break very quickly. If you want to remove them cleanly, we recommend the disassembly kit.

Fastening material Plastic rivets
"Plastic rivets" for fastening the plastic cladding

Pull off wiper arms

Once you have removed the cover, you are faced with a freely accessible wiper linkage. First of all, loosen Use the ratchet to tighten the two nuts on the joint of the wiper arms.
The next step is to Removing the wiper arms from the linkage. This step is quite tricky and strenuous if the wiper arms are getting on in years. Normally they can be replaced with Apply pressure to the middle joint and pull out firmly.

Tactics for pulling off the wiper arms
Remove wiper arms without remedy using tools

In most cases, the wiper arm will not pop out simply by pushing and pulling. If this is the case, there are two methods you can use to get it to come out:

➔ With the puller

This is certainly the simplest and fastest option.
Take your puller and place it in the middle of the threaded rod.
The three or two arms (depending on the model) grip the wiper arm itself. Now turn the tip of the puller in the middle onto the threaded rod. This will give you a Leverage effect and the wiper arm comes loose.

We recommend the Minimally screw the nut back onto the threaded rod beforehand. This gives you a larger surface for the puller to twist on. You turn the puller in until you reach the "Plopping" of the wiper arms coming out. Now remove the upper nut and the wiper arm can be taken out.

The puller is, so to speak, the Opposite of a corkscrew. With a corkscrew, the tip pulls out the cork and the arms are "the lever". With the puller, however, the arms pull out the wiper arm. The tip that you turn onto the threaded rod (nut) is the lever.

Tactics for pulling off the wiper arms with the puller
Pull out wiper arms with puller

➔ With pipe wrench & wrench

This method we generally do not recommend. With this method you can mistakes happen quickly (slipping)that can damage the paintwork. However, we know that sometimes you simply don't have the time to get a squeegee. In this case, use a wrench and place it under the wiper arm. Using the pipe wrench, place one jaw under the wrench and the other jaw on the tip of the threaded rod (or on the nut).). Now squeeze the pipe wrench with a lot of force (but be careful) to create the lever effect until you hear the popping sound again.

As I said, this method is quite "risky" and unprofessional. But it still works.

Tactics for removing the wiper arms without a puller (pipe wrench & wrench)
Pull out wiper arms without puller

Dismantling the windshield wiper linkage

The windshield wiper linkage is usually equipped with 3-4 screws attached to the vehicle. Before you disconnect it, unplug the windshield wiper motor and place the cable with the plug safely in the engine compartment. In most cases, this is Windshield wiper linkage and the motor are one unit. When the screws are loosened, the entire package comes out. The engine usually only hangs on the linkage and is not attached to the vehicle body.

Instructions for dismantling the windshield wiper motor replacement
Dismantling the windshield wiper linkage

Detach windshield wiper motor from linkage

To separate the two components, loosen the Torx or Phillips screws that connect the wiper linkage to the wiper motor. On some car models, these can also be conventional hexagon head bolts. The motor shaft is bolted to the linkage joint with a nut. After loosening the nut, the two components are separated and you can start testing the motor.

Replace windshield wiper motor and detach from linkage
Dismantling the windshield wiper motor

Step 3: Check & test windshield wiper motor

To clarify the cause of the error, plug the Windshield wiper motor without the wiper linkage on the cable back on. Start the test by activating the steering column switch. If the shaft rotates smoothly without interruption, the wiper motor is not missing anything. The problem is then more likely to be with the wiper linkage. Depending on how you assess the "immobility" of the linkage, you should either lubricate the old wiper linkage or replace it with a new one.

INFO BOX:

Note during installation: WD40 is not a lubricant, but a cleaner. Use grease to lubricate the windshield wiper linkage.

NIGRIN multi-purpose grease, 6 x 250 ml tube, protects engines against corrosion and ageing, temperature-resistant *
  • Scope of delivery: 6 x 250 ml NIGIRN multi-purpose grease
  • Has an extremely wear-reducing effect
  • Provides long-lasting lubrication for engine and machine parts, especially high-speed rolling and...
  • Protects against corrosion, wear and premature ageing

However, if the motor shaft does not run completely smoothly and Blocks or stuttersyou have to change the windshield wiper motor.

Step 4: Assembling and adjusting the wiper arms

After replacing the windshield wiper motor, install in reverse order to these instructions.
When reassembling, make sure that the new linkage is in the starting position when you screw it back on.

The last step involves the right Adjusting the angle. If you have made a mark, this step is no problem for you. Place the windshield wiper arms on the marking and press them back onto the threaded rod. Put the nut on - tighten - and finished!

If you have not set a marker:

Leave the windshield wipers on until half and switch off the ignition. If the rubber lip of the wiper blades pulls back, the angle is set correctly. If the rubber lip pushes forward, you must adjust the angle again.
In principle, the wiper arms are installed and the angle adjusted as follows A sense of proportion. The wiper path must look "normal" in your eyes. The wiper blades must not touch the side edge of the windshield.

Windshield wiper motor replacement costs

The price of a new windshield wiper motor ranges from between 40€ - 90€ depending on car model and quality.
A You can get windshield wiper linkages from €35 upwards.
The parts (linkage + motor) are often available second-hand in one piece for around 130-160€.

In this guide, we recommend that you use cars with younger construction year rather invest in new components. In this case, the costs are quite manageable and you are not taking any risks. In most cases, you only need a new motor or a new linkage anyway. It is rare for both components to be damaged at the same time.

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* Affiliate links are marked with a *. Nothing changes for you and the offer remains the same. You can find more information about affiliate links here here.

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