You Should Know This About Your Car Wiper Motor
What Is Wiper Motor?
The
windshield wipers,
generally mounted on the firewall or under the cowl (the space under the
windshield’s base), are powered by a small electric motor. a linkage is
activated by the motor that moves the wiper arms forward and backward. For
vehicles which are provided with a rear window wiper, a separate motor is
present for the purpose of powering the one in the rear. there are numerous
signs exhibited by faulty wiper systems such as slow or intermittent operation,
wipers which operate at only one speed, or arms which when turned off, stop in
the middle of the windshield. However, there could be several other issues
related to other parts of the wiper system which cause problems in working of
the wipers. For example, trying to use wipers in winter season, when the blades
are stuck to the windshield due to the ice or snow can cause the circuit
breaker to trip or can blow the fuse for the motor. Other problems with the
system could be due to the interior switch which functions as the control for
the wipers failing, fault in the wiring of the system, or the breaking of the
linkage which moves the wipers back and forth. Corrosion or gunk in the moving
parts of the linkage may also be one of these problems.
Important Features Of Wiper Motor
Parts
Avatar has listed all the important features
of the wiper motor that should be known:
- Output
and power transmission same as for the original part
- Special
O.E. needs by automakers are added (park position, respect of wiper angle and
area)
- Favorable
high-speed characteristics; wiping speed that generally conforms to O.E.
requirements and EU directives
- Lower
noise due to high quality manufacturing. This helps in avoiding vibrations too.
How Does Wiper Motor Works?
When the windshield
wipers are activated, the switch sends a signal through the
fuse, and possibly a relay, and power reaches the windshield wiper motors from
one of two paths. When it reaches the windshield wiper motor, the motor will be
moving a rod back and forth as quickly as the driver has selected. The rod is
attached to the windshield wiper arms, and forces the arms to move in unison
with the driven rod. When the rod pushes the arms across the windshield, the
wiper blades remove moisture and contaminants from the glass.
Symptoms Of Bad Wiper Motor
Common
signs include wiper blades that move slower than programmed, only have one
speed, do not move at all, and don't park in the correct position.
If
in case, you can't see the road, it's virtually impossible to safely operate a
vehicle. These windshield wipers are specially designed in a way that aids in
clearing the rain, snow, dirt, and other debris from the windshield. Each wiper
system is unique for every vehicle, manufactured for maximum efficiency and in
many cases to improve the vehicle’s aesthetics. If the wiper blades are the
arms and hands of your car's wiper system, the wiper motor would definitely be
the heart.
In
order to move back and forth across the windshield, the windshield wipers are
controlled by the windshield motor. When you activate the windshield switch on
your turn signal indicator or other control arm next to your steering wheel, it
sends a signal to the motor and operates the wipers at different speeds and
duration. In situations, when the wiper blades fail to move after turning on
the switch, a malfunction in the wiper motor should be suspected.
Although
the likelihood of having a problem with your windshield wiper motor is rare,
there are a few warning signs that will alert you that the wiper motor is
damaged or needs to be replaced.
- Wiper
blades move slower than programmed - Today's modern cars, trucks,
and SUVs have programmable wiper blades that can operate at multiple speeds and
different delays. If you activate the wiper switch to a fast speed or high
setting and the wiper blades move slower than they should, it may be caused by
a problem with the wiper motor. Sometimes the mechanical components inside the
motor will be clogged with debris, grime, or other particles. If this happens,
it can impact the speed of the motor. If you experience this type of problem
with your wiper blades, it's a smart idea to contact a local ASE certified
mechanic as soon as possible, so they can inspect the wiper motor and other
components that may be causing this problem.
- Wiper
blades only have one speed - On the opposite side of the
equation, if you activate the wiper switch and try to change speeds or
settings, but the wipers move the same all the time, it may also be a problem
with the wiper motor. The wiper motor receives a signal from the wiper module,
so the issue may be with the module as well. When you notice this symptom,
before you decide to replace the wiper motor, make sure you work with a local
ASE certified mechanic so they can determine if the problem is with the motor
or module. You'll save a lot of money, time, and trouble by contacting the
mechanic first.
- Wiper
blades don't move - If you've turned on your wiper switch and the
blades don't move at all or you don't hear the motor working, it's very likely
that the motor is damaged or that an electrical problem exists. Sometimes it
can be caused by a blown fuse that operates the wiper motor. However, a fuse
will only burn out if there is an electrical overload of power to that
particular circuit. In any case, a more serious problem exists which should
inspire you to contact a mechanic to diagnose what is causing the electrical
issue and repair it so it does not damage other components on your vehicle.
- Wiper
blades don't park in the correct position - When you turn the
wiper blades off, they are supposed to move into a "parked" position.
Typically, this means the wiper blades will return to the bottom of your
windshield and lock into place. This is not always the case, so you should
check your owner manual to verify that your car, truck, or SUV has this option.
However, if you turn your wiper blades off and the blades stay in the same
position on your windshield, blocking your view, an issue with the motor should
be suspected. If not corrected, it results in requiring a replacement of the
windshield washer motor. The windshield wiper motor is usually not a part that
is repaired. Due to the complexity of the device, most windshield wiper motors
are replaced by certified ASE mechanics. A new wiper motor can last a very long
time, and with routine service, you should never experience a problem with your
wiper blades. If you notice any of the above warning signs, contact a local ASE
certified mechanic so they can diagnose the precise mechanical fault and repair
it as soon as possible.
Tools Needed For Wiper Motor
Do you like repairing your car on your own? Thinking of opening up
your own car body shop? It is a great business opportunity if you love cars and
possess a good work ethic. Now if you want your shop to be successful, then you
will require a combination of effort as well as car mechanic training. And of
course, the correct equipment which would upgrade your speed as well as make
your repair work easy. If you have the right tools, then you can easily meet
the demands of today's car body structures. Here are some of the most essential
tools which you might need to repair your wiper motor:
- Allen set metric and standard sockets
- Assorted pliers
- Assorted
screwdrivers
- Brass hammer
- Clip remover
- Combination wrench
set, metric and standard
- Disposable gloves
- Emery cloth/sandpaper
- Flashlight
- Metric and standard
wrench set
- Pry bar
- Ratchet ⅜ drive
- Seal remover
- Socket set
metricand standard ⅜ drive
- Socket set
metricand standard ¼ drive
- Torque wrench ⅜
- Torx socket set
- Wiper removal tool
Top Brands For Wiper Motor
You won’t have to think a lot while purchasing if you are already using a particular car part brand and are fully satisfied with it. There are a lot of people which trust a specific brand and would go with it once again with a minimum of thought. Here we have the best wiper motor brands to help you out in choosing your favorite one in case you don’t have any. So, what are you waiting for? Have a look below and choose the best brand for your wiper motor.
Related Parts Of Wiper Motor
There might be a big-picture overview of wiper motor in your mind,
and now it’s time to look at its related components:
Total Costs & Repair Times, Effort For Wiper Motor
There are a lot of factors which should be considered when you are
thinking of replacing wiper motor. First you have to decide that if you require
some related parts of wiper motor or a whole wiper motor. Then after that the
next step is to decide what type of make as well as type of wiper motor you are
actually dealing with and then from where will you get a brand new one. Just
keep in mind that a brand-new wiper motor which would come from a warehouse
would cost much more than the one you will get in a junkyard. After that the
next point which should be considered is that from where you are going to get
it replaced and how quickly it needs to be done. The tentative cost for the
replacement of a windshield wiper motor replacement is estimated between $284
and $349 while the labor costs around $82 and $105. The price of parts can be
estimated around $202 and $244. Note that these estimated prices don't include
taxes.
How To Change Wiper Motor?
The car windshield wiper motors play the role of cleaning the
water and debris from car windshields. If you notice the car windshield wipers
moving at one speed or no movement at all, change the motor.
The windshield wiper motor is a mechanism that functions to remove
rain, snow, ice and debris from a windshield. All the motor vehicles namely
cars, trucks, trains, watercraft with a cabin, and some aircraft, have such
wipers installed. They are usually a legal requirement. If the windshield wiper
motor is not functioning correctly, the signs will include the wipers only
moving at one speed and stopping in the wrong place, or not moving at all.
Step 1 - Remove the wiper blades
You will have to remove the wiper blades in order to gain access
to the cowl, which is where the windshield wiper motor is located. A windshield
wiper should be used as a removal tool in order to release the tension on them
so you can remove them.
The cowl might have some clips holding it down. Well, remove them
utilizing a clip remover or another suitable tool.
Step 2 - Disconnect the old windshield wiper motor
Now that you have gained access to the wiper motor, you can unplug
it and unbolt it from the wiper gearbox assembly that connects to the wiper
blades. Next, you can remove the motor from the vehicle.
Step 3 - Install the new windshield wiper motor
Then the windshield wiper motor should be fixed back onto the
wiper gearbox assembly. Bolt it back onto the cowl housing and plug it back in,
then reinstall the cowl plastic and the clips.
Step 4 - Reinstall the wiper arms
Now that you are done with the installation of the new motor and
putting the cowl back together, reinstall the wiper arms and wiper blades onto
the wiper gearbox assembly. Tighten them down to the correct torque. Make sure
you put them in the correct location so that when you activate them, they will
clean the windshield properly. If they don't, you can always readjust them.