Wipers/Washers - Rear Wiper Arm Removal

Body and Accessories

09-006/04

2001-2004 TRIBUTE - REAR WIPER ARM
REMOVAL

APPLICABLE MODEL(S)/VINS

2001-2004 Tribute

DESCRIPTION

During rear wiper arm service, it may be difficult or impossible to remove the rear wiper arm from the rear wiper motor shaft, even though release lever on wiper arm has been moved to "release" position. This is caused by corrosion on the splines between the wiper arm and motor.

For vehicle service requiring the removal of the rear wiper arm, the following service procedure will help remove the wiper arm from the motor shaft.

REPAIR PROCEDURE

NOTE:

^ Unless the reason for service is a failed rear wiper motor, do not remove the wiper arm by cutting the motor shaft with a hacksaw or grind tool. Cutting the motor shaft will make the motor unusable requiring replacement. In addition, damage to the liftgate glass may occur.

^ If the reason for service is due to an inoperable rear wiper motor and the wiper arm is seized, then cutting the motor shaft is an acceptable means of removal. Use caution to prevent damage to the vehicle paint, glass, body panels, etc. Install protective tape and/or a protective covering around the liftgate area, on rear bumper horizontal surface and below the rear wiper motor.





1. Confirm that wiper arm is seized on motor and that the wiper arm retainer latch is in the "release" position.





2. Mark and lightly center punch the exact center of arm mount "circle" (area over motor shaft).





3. Carefully drill through wiper arm using a 1/8" drill bit. Do not drill into the motor shaft.

CAUTION:
Use Caution to prevent metal shavings from falling onto the body or paint as damage may occur.





4. Enlarge the drilled hole using a 3/8" drill bit.

5. Apply a small amount of penetrating oil at contact area of splines for wiper arm and motor.

6. Tap on joint area lightly to create vibration and facilitate penetrating oil working into splines of arm and motor.

7. Allow the oil to penetrate for several minutes.

NOTE:
Be sure the wiper arm retainer clip is in the "release" position before continuing with step 8.





8. Install a puller with a 5/16" or smaller center screw. Install small puller to wiper arm to the wiper arm so that jaws of puller are pulling against the arm, and center post of puller is pressing against center of wiper motor shaft.

NOTE:
Be sure that jaws of puller are pulling against wiper arm and not motor shaft bushing.

9. Tighten puller in very small increments while tapping lightly on the wiper arm and center shaft of puller. With pressure applied to the wiper arm and shaft a light shock should pop arm off of motor shaft.

CAUTION:
Be careful that arm and puller do not fall and damage the liftgate and/or bumper.





10. When installing the new wiper arm, remove all corrosion/rust from motor splines and apply anti- seize compound to splines of arm and motor.

CAUTION:
If after performing this procedure, the wiper arm still cannot be removed, carefully cut motor shaft and replace motor and wiper arm. Use caution not damage the vehicle paint, glass, body panels, etc. Install protective tape and/or a protective covering around the liftgate area, on rear bumper horizontal surface and below rear wiper motor.





WARRANTY INFORMATION

NOTE:

^ This warranty information applies only to verified customer complaints on vehicles eligible for warranty repair. Refer to the SRT microfiche for warranty term information.

^ Additional diagnostic time cannot be claimed for this repair.