You Should Know This About Your Car Wiper Arm
What Is Wiper Arm?
Do you know how
important a wiper arm is?
Well, Parts Avatar has covered all the information you need to know. The
windshield wiper arms are essential as they grip the wipers in the required
position through the entire range of motion. They are geared on one end to take
the motor that supposedly drives the wipers while the other end has more than
one clip designs. The windshield wiper arm gets attached tightly into the clip
so that it can remain tucked between the windshield wiper arm and the
windshield.
How Do Wiper Arm Work?
Power reaches the windshield wiper
motors from one of two paths, when the windshield wipers actuate and the switch
sends a signal through the fuse or a relay. The motor starts moving back and
forth as per the driver? needs when it reaches the windshield wiper motor. The
wiper blades drag the liquid off the glass as soon as the motor turns the wiper
arms that are connected to the motor.
Symptoms Of Bad Wiper Arm
It is only because of the windshield
wipers that the windshield remains free of rain, snow, grit and debris.
Although, the entire thing will be a failure if the wiper blades don?t receive
the right assistance from the windshield wiper arm. Generally situated under
the engine hood (and directly in front of the dashboard), the wiper arm is
connected to the windshield wiper
motor. It is because if this entire procedure that the driver
is able to see properly and drive safely.
Well, these wiper arms are composed
of durable metals that include steel and aluminum. These are designed to endure
constant use and harsh weather. Although, they are designed to last a lifetime,
an unforeseen situation may end up damaging the wiper arms. So, if the wiper
arms of your vehicle are damaged, you are likely to notice the following
symptoms:
- The paint starts flaking from the
wiper arm -
Generally, wiper arms are painted with black protective powder that helps it
withstand the elements. Although durable, at times it may start flaking or
wearing down off the wiper blade arms. So, when the paint washes off, the metal
is exposed leading to rust or metal fatigue, ultimately leading to damage being
caused to wiper arm. If noticed immediately, the wiper can be repaired rather
than simply being removed.
- The windshield gets streaked - The dirt and other materials are
properly cleaned when the wiper blades function in order while damaged ones can
lead to the blades bowing in or out. This can lead to streaks on the
windshield. In case you notice steaks, note that the wiper arm is not getting
the required tension on the blade that helps in keeping it across the
windshield.
- The windshield wipers chattering - In case you encounter the blades
chattering as the wiper arms go across, then take this as a warning. The reason
behind this includes improperly lubricated wiper blades or cracked windshields.
Change your bent wiper as soon as possible if you notice the windshield wiper
blades chattering or running roughly.
- Failed contact between the wiper
shield and the wiper blades -
This is also indicative of an underlying issue with the windshield wiper arm
that is present. When the blade fails to establish a contact with the
windshield, a bent wiper arm (usually upwards) should be suspected. This leads
to failure in maintaining the right pressure to keep the blade edge on the
windshield. So, make sure that both the wiper arms and wiper blades are working
well in synchronization.
- No movement in the wiper blades
after actuation -
Mostly, this symptom is indicative of a problem with the wiper motor, but at
times, the wiper arm can also trigger this problem. It happens due to stripped,
lose or broken wiper arm attachment. In such cases, you are likely to hear the
motor running without any actual movement in the wiper blades.
Tools Needed For Wiper Arm
Are you thinking of repairing your wiper arm on your own? Then
there is one thing which you must have, that is the right tools needed for
repairing your wiper arm. It is essential to make sure that you are outfitted
with the right tools to get the work done properly. Have a look at some tools
which you might need to get started with your repair work:
- Some free repair manuals
- Number of makes and models
- A pair of
protective gloves
- A ratchet, extension and sockets of the appropriate size
- Red Loctite (not always)
- A pair of safety
glasses
- A small flat head
screwdriver
- A wiper arm puller (not always)
Top Brands For Wiper Arm
When it comes to vehicle owner?s choice, the brands really matter a lot. You might pay a premium for a specific car part brand, over time, as it has created a perception of quality, stability as well as trust. There are some leading car parts brands which are more than just products or services as they give rise to memories and emotions related with the quality. So have a look at some of the top brands for wiper arm:
Related Parts Of Wiper Arm
Know about the parts linked to wiper arm? It is very important to arm
yourself with information before you shop any auto part. We are here to help
you dive deep into the names of the wiper arm related parts:
Total Costs & Repair Times, Effort For Wiper Arm
Wiper
Arm replacement cost can differ wildly depending on application, the brand of
the Wiper Arm as well as who does the work. All you have to do is to replace
your faulty Wiper Arm with us online and then you can leave your car to the
mechanic and pick it up a few days later. Just be sure that the car mechanic is
highly skilled and has a good reputation. Sometimes the additional service
level might cost you more than what you have expected. We also recommend you to
take pictures of your car before you leave it with them so that you are sure
that later on it is returned back to you in an unharmed condition. Generally,
the cost of replacing a windshield wiper arm can be estimated around $138 and
$146. Installation costs are estimated somewhere around $17 to $23 while the
price of the parts starts from $121 to $123. Note that gauge does exclude
duties and expenses.
How To Change Wiper Arm
Confused
about where to start from? Well, the windshield wiper arm is attached to the
wiper linkage. It holds the blades together. As time passes, the arm often gets
bent or damaged, mostly during the winter season. So, when the windshield wiper
arm is damaged, you are likely to encounter wiper streaks and chatters across
the windshield. Sometimes, there is no movement at all. So, following these
instructions, you can change the wiper arms:
Step
1
- Begin
with replacing the wiper arm. For that remove the pivot arm nut cover using a
small screwdriver (one with a flathead). Carefully, go to the pivot nut cover
to remove it. Then disconnect the arm retaining nut.
Step 2
- Make
use of a ratchet, extension and socket of the required size to remove the arm
retaining nut.
- Remove
the wiper arm by pulling it up and off the linkage stud immediately. It is
important to note that on a number of vehicles, the wiper arm is pressed on and
might require a special puller for complete removal.
Step 3
- Fix
the arm on the linkage stud and install the arm retaining nut back again.
Tighten it up using a ratchet, extension and socket of the right size. Well, it
is always better to put the red Loctite on the retaining nut threads in order
to prevent the arm from backing off. Finally, after all has been done, install
the pivot nut cover back again.