Change windshield wiper motor
DIY 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
- Tools required
- Step 1: Position of the windshield wiper motor
- Step 2: Remove the windshield wiper motor
- Step 3: Check & test windshield wiper motor
- Step 4: Assembling and adjusting the wiper arms
- Windshield wiper motor replacement costs
- More articles
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:
Tools required
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.
Step 2: Remove the windshield wiper motor
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.
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.
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.
➔ 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.
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.
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.
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.
- 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.
*Favorable offers for Windshield wiper motor can be found here:
* 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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