Top Picks For Wiper Motor Related Parts

A wiper motor is a component of your windshield washer system and powers the windshield wipers. As the wiper motor spins, it rotates a mechanism that includes a worm gear, an arm, and, finally, the windshield wiper blades that clear the dust and debris off the windscreen, increasing visibility. A wiper motor assembly comprises many components, including the motor itself, a gear mechanism, connectors, and switch. The wiper motor is usually located in the engine bay just below the hood cowl and some cars also have a wiper motor for the rear window. The gearbox comprises a worm and a wheel gear that multiply torque and transmits the motion to the wiper arms. A wiper motor also consists of a park switch that supplies power to the motor whenever you turn off the wipers to ensure that the wiper blades move to a park position and do not obstruct your view while driving.

Windshield wiper blades are responsible for keeping your windshield clean and they do that by moving back and forth, wiping mud, snow, rain, and wiper fluid off the windshield. The wiper blades are attached to wiper arms, which are driven by the wiper motor and they feature a thin rubber strip that drags across the windscreen leaving no streaks. The blades are attached to a single point in the middle, but a series of arms branch out, connecting the blade from several places which allow exerting an even pressure across the length. Conventional, Flat, and Hybrid wiper blades are a few types of wiper blades, but flat wiper blades are mostly used on vehicles today. They feature tensioned metal flexors that support the rubber element and form a blade profile that exactly matches the windscreen for uniform pressure. They are also available in different sizes, with rubber and often synthetic compounds for superior blade flexibility to withstand hot and cold weather conditions.

The general rule of thumb is to replace your wiper blades once every year. But you may have to replace them sooner because they can often wear out prematurely due to poor blade quality, extreme weather, and driving conditions, etc. When your wiper blades start to deteriorate or fail, they will show some symptoms like loose, cracked, or stiff rubber on the wiper blades, resulting in an unclear windshield. A simple visual inspection is enough to notice any signs of cracks, tears, rounded edges, or if the rubber is splitting away from the frame. Corroded joints and blade frames are another sign of a potential failure. Finally, if your wiper blades chatter and screech while operating, offering a streaky wipe across the windshield, your blades are old or damaged and need replacement.

The windshield washer pump comes as a single unit that comprises a small electric motor that picks up the washer fluid from the reservoir and transports it to the nozzles via hoses. The nozzles then spray the fluid onto the windshield. A washer pump is located along the lower portion of the washer fluid reservoir and the assembly usually sits behind the front bumper. When the washer switch is operated, a signal is sent to the control module (BCM), which operates the windshield washer pump via a relay.

One of the most common symptoms of a failing washer pump is when you cannot hear the washer motor running when activated by the switch, indicating an obvious pump failure when no fluid sprays from the nozzles. However, a disconnected, leaking or cracked hose can also lead to no fluid from the nozzles. If the pump does not start, yet you notice no fluid from the nozzles, then there might be an issue with the electrical connections. If it does start then the lines may be clogged. If your washer pump isn't able to start or pump the fluid after checking for clogs and ensuring all connections are correct, the pump is probably faulty and you should have it replaced.

The purpose of wiper arms is to support the wiper blade and regulate its movement. Wiper arms are made from galvanized steel or stainless steel to prevent corrosion. They are manufactured according to specific dimensions based on manufacturers' requirements and painted for protection from rust. The wiper arms are driven by the wiper motor and are fixed to a stud, also known as a pivot point. These arms are engineered to pivot along with a specific range of motion for the required movement on the windshield.

Windshield wiper arms are made from metal and they last a long time, but they can get damaged due to corrosion, time, and age. If you have replaced your wiper blades and you still notice streaks and unwiped spots on your windshield, your wiper arms may be bad and have to be replaced. Wiper arms can also get bent due to vandalism, improper handling while maintenance, or an accident and it is impossible to straighten them out.

A wiper switch is usually located in the steering column and it triggers and controls the speed of the wiper arms. It comprises a stick with a knob with several options, like choosing between front or rear wipers, speed of the wipers, and washer fluid. In some vehicles, the wiper switch can be a part of a bigger multi-functional switch or lever and can also be located separately on the other side of the steering column or on the dashboard. When the wiper switch is operated, it transmits a signal to the control module that activates the washer system. 

The windshield wiper switch can wear out, which can make it inoperable at all speeds or the wiper speeds won't change. If there's a major fault, the windshield wipers won't turn on and off and might need replacement. However, this problem can also arise due to a faulty wiper relay, so make sure to check it before replacing your switch. If you find it difficult to switch between high, medium, and low wiper speeds and the washer pump doesn’t activate, along with the aforementioned symptoms, get your system fully checked to confirm it is a faulty switch and get it replaced.