Rear Wiper & Washer System Inspection

WIPER SYSTEM
The rear wiper blade and wiper arm should be inspected periodically, not just when wiper performance problems are experienced. This inspection should include the following points:
1. Inspect the wiper arm for any indications of damage, or contamination. If the wiper arm is contaminated with any foreign material, clean as required. (Refer to REAR WIPERS/WASHERS - CLEANING). If a wiper arm is damaged or corrosion is evident, replace the wiper arm with a new unit. Do not attempt to repair a wiper arm that is damaged or corroded.
2. Carefully lift the wiper blade off of the glass. Note the action of the wiper arm hinge. The wiper arm should pivot freely at the hinge, but with no side-to-side looseness evident. If there is any binding evident in the wiper arm hinge, or there is evident side-to-side play in the wiper arm hinge, replace the wiper arm.

CAUTION: Do not allow the wiper arm to spring back against the glass without the wiper blade in place or the glass may be damaged.

3. Once proper hinge action of the wiper arm is confirmed, check the hinge for proper spring tension. The spring tension of the wiper arm should be sufficient to cause the rubber squeegee to conform to the curvature of the glass. Replace a wiper arm if it has low or no spring tension.

Fig.2 Wiper Blade Inspection:

4. Inspect the wiper blade and squeegee for any indications of damage, contamination, or rubber deterioration. If the wiper blade or squeegee is contaminated with any foreign material, clean them and the glass as required. (Refer to REAR WIPERS/WASHERS - CLEANING). If after cleaning the wiper blade and the glass, the wiper blade fails to clear the glass without smearing, streaking, chattering, hazing, or beading, replace the wiper blade. Also, if a wiper blade is damaged or if the squeegee rubber is damaged or deteriorated, replace the wiper blade with a new unit. Do not attempt to repair a wiper blade that is damaged.

WASHER SYSTEM
The washer system components should be inspected periodically, not just when washer performance problems are experienced. This inspection should include the following points:
1. Check for ice or other foreign material in the washer reservoir. If contaminated, clean and flush the washer system. (Refer to REAR WIPERS/WASHERS - CLEANING).
2. Inspect the washer plumbing for pinched, leaking, deteriorated, or incorrectly routed hoses and damaged or disconnected hose fittings. Replace damaged or deteriorated hoses and hose fittings. Leaking washer hoses can sometimes be repaired by cutting the hose at the leak and splicing it back together using an in-line connector fitting. Similarly, sections of deteriorated hose can be cut out and replaced by splicing in new sections of hose using in-line connector fittings. Whenever routing a washer hose or a wire harness containing a washer hose, it must be routed away from hot, sharp, or moving parts. Also, sharp bends that might pinch the washer hose must be avoided.