How do you replace the rear windshield wiper on a 97 Explorer?

[catkisson34]

Hello,

I am having trouble replacing my rear windshield wiper on my 97. Need help

 

[scucci]

You didn't get very specific here so this is my page on rear wipers:
http://www.siriusnet.net/fordexplorer/Wiper Repair.html

Hope this helps
Scucci

 

[hunterdan]

It should be just like replacing the front. It should have the same style adapter. There should be a small tab you push in and then slide the wiper out.

Dan

 

[Fredness]

Scucci,

Great write up! But what about mechanical issues? My electrics are great, but there is a contact issue where only half the window gets clean.

I read the other posts (using the search function) about grinding the wiper arm stops, but this seems like a band-aid. I can move my wiper shaft 1/2" in any direction, this would suggest (to me) that the wiper gear box is either toast or inadequately supported from the factory. Ford swapped the motor and arm out 2 years ago when we bought it because the wiper didn't work at all. Any ideas?

 

[scucci]

Fredness,
I had that problem also. At the bottom of my page it explains this somewhat. The wiper motor/gearbox mounts get soft and flimsy with age, just the opposite of other rubber products. This wastes some of the wiper arm spring pressure. I put a slight bend in the arm and use Trico blades and I always get a full swipe. I talked to the local Ford dealer and they have a new arm available with more pressure supplied against the glass. It is just not a very well engineered system. The slop you are talking about is most likely the rubber mounts. I think you can order them from your local dealer. A new wiper motor assembly comes with the bracket and mounts. The design of the rubber mounts has been changed to make them stiffer. A brand new motor assembly costs $62.00 at O'Reilly auto parts, it's the newer design motorcraft with the new mounts. You just have to try all the tricks to get everything working smoothly.

Scucci

 

[Fredness]

Thanks, I'll gut it this weekend and see what's going on in there...