Loose wiper arms

[rickcormier54]

The front wiper arms on my 2000 Explorer XLS have loosened. How do I tighten them? The looseness is at the male/female spline interface. (The male spline is still tight on the spindle.)

 

[phlawford]

I recently discovered the same thing on my 2000 when I came to fit new blades. I picked up 1 new arm to see what the difference would be and it is considerable. I did clean the splines on the stub and applied a smear of waterproof grease. The new arm is a much tighter fit.

I then changed the other arm. I guess after 7 years and with the snow and ice we get here it is not suprising. I much prefer the old fashioned tapered spline with a nut on the end though.

Having said that, the wipers do clear the screen much better after fitting new arms.