My wipers have stopped working several times this winter. You can hear the motor working but the arms don't move. I found that the wiper motor nut loosens. I tightened the nut pretty tight but not too tight for fear of stripping it out. It has a lock washer. Any secret as to keeping this from happening? The wipers work great until something like ice or snow puts a little too much load on the wiper arms. I live in the NorthEast and as you know, we have been hit with quite a bit of snow lately. I'm frustrated because I know it shouldn't be that hard to figure out. But obviously, I'm missing something. Any help or ideas would be appreciated!

Starz

 

Tighten them up more, good and snug.
You may need to replace the lock washers or put Loc-Tite on the threads.

 

Try using thread lock or a nut with a plastic insert.



Rey
DII2001LE 69k
head gaskets, brakes, timing cover gasket, crankshaft seal gasket, water pump gasket, oil pan seal, tranny pan seal/filter, serpentine belt, t-stat. 60K service.
To do: u joints.

 

I'm having the same issue with my passenger one - so awkward when ONLY that side starts getting lazy haha!

Next time I'm gonna grab some red loctite from work - that'll teach it!

 

before you retighten the nut,
first remove it then remove the arm from the pivot, run the wiper s till they stop in the park position.
This sets the motor in the correct position.
then use a wire brush to clean out the grooves in the arm/ motor . if they are worn down consider using a jewlers file to cut new grooves, or replacing the worn down part.
Then use a new nut/lockwasher and red loctite also make sure the nut isnt bottoming out on the shaft.
lastly dont run the wipers when there is lots of snow ice on the windshield, and make sure the wipers are free , not iced to the glass before use

 

make sure you have the wiper arm pushed all the way down on the nut before putting the bolt on and make sure you hold the wiper arm still when tightening the bolt down if you need more pressure use some loc tite, but make sure you have it in the correct position for rest and extension before using the loc tite.

 

I wouldn't use red locktite as it is non-removable(read VERY difficult). Blue would probably work better, unless you know for sure you don't want to get it off then use the green stuff. The green is like welding it.

 

I should have read this post before tightening the nut for the 3rd time. I turned too hard and broke the post clean off. Do I now have to replace the motor? Is this something that I can do myself?

mrcbates
DII, 2000, 111,000 mi.

 

Yes.

Maybe.

Depends on your skill.