Rear wiper question

[That911guy]

Hey guys its the noob again. My rear wiper on my 2000 XLS isn't working properly. It gets power and all that jazz, the washer works, but it doesnt contact the glass until about the last 3-5" of the glass (the side opposite of the starting position). I have only had the truck about 5-6 weeks, so I thought maybe it was just an old blade, so I purchased a new one and same problem. So my question is do you think its the wiper arm that needs replacing? Or maybe its just bent out of shape a bit?

 

[Joe Dirt]

The later Gen II arms suck. The Dorman replacement does better, but doesn't have splines cut into it, it is held on by tension and the retainer nut. Ford did revise the arm though.

I also think the motor is allowed to move around a bit, and if it gets out of perfect alignment, it is also a cause.

 

[windsors03cobra]

2nd Gen Exploder disease I resigned to not worry about mine due to all the problems associated with the design.

I think the auto industry as a whole has gone away from this type of design most newer rear wipers I see are mounted to the glass and I think most of those back glasses are now stationary, many are too small to be useful if opened anyway with this new high beltline trend.

 

[BurnTheLight88]

Do a search of the forums, this is a popular topic and there is more than 1 write-up on how to fix it. I personally ground down the two "hook" type objects behind the wiper arm when you fold it out. That's the most popular option I believe. It worked for a while anyhow, but mine is acting up again. Like was said, the motor can move around a little bit and that can really screw things up.

 

[whitemage25]

I purchased a new replacement arm at my local stealership. Happily was only like 20 bucks and it works like a dream. They made some modifications to the arm but I don't know exactly what they where. I've had the new one on for over a year now with no repeat problems.

Good luck!

 

[willzilla]

Do you have the part number for the new revised rear wiper arm??

I purchased a new replacement arm at my local stealership. Happily was only like 20 bucks and it works like a dream. They made some modifications to the arm but I don't know exactly what they where. I've had the new one on for over a year now with no repeat problems.

Good luck!

 

[Joe Dirt]

It supersedes the other one, so if they look it up they will give you the new design...

 

[willzilla]

Ahh, ok, awesome. I was going to pick it up from online or something versus going to the stealership, so was checking Thanks.