How to Remove the Wiper Arm Shaft?
2 Answers
First, fully raise the wiper arm to avoid damaging the windshield during the removal process. It is recommended to place a cloth on the windshield when removing the wiper arm. Adjust the angle of the wiper blade, preferably making it at a 90-degree angle to the wiper arm. This is because the entire wiper blade is secured to the arm with a clip. Once positioned correctly, you can begin the removal. First, use one hand to lift the rubber blade, exposing the fixing hook between the wiper arm and the blade. To remove the entire wiper blade, use one hand to pry open the rubber blade sideways while pressing down firmly on the bracket with the other hand to separate the wiper blade from the arm.
I've done the wiper arm shaft removal a few times myself before. First, disconnect the car's power to avoid accidental activation of electrical components. Then, lift the wiper arm to make it more vertical, which makes it easier to access the nut securing the shaft head—I used a socket wrench or pliers to gently loosen and remove the nut. If the wiper arm shaft is rusted and stuck, don’t force it; spray some WD-40 lubricant and let it soak for a while, then gently wiggle or tap it to loosen before pulling it out. Be careful not to damage the windshield or wiper motor during the process. After removal, wipe the shaft head clean of rust and dust with a cloth to prevent issues during reinstallation. I recommend doing this in the cool seasons of spring or autumn—summer heat can make you impatient and prone to mistakes, while winter cold makes metal brittle and prone to breakage. Before installing a new wiper arm, check if the shaft is too worn; otherwise, it may wobble when reinstalled, causing the wiper to swing poorly and affect visibility and safety. Take your time, have all the tools ready, and it should take about 15 minutes to complete.
