Windshield Wipers suddenly not working

[scottie7]

Silver Dude,
Thanks for the in depth answer. That sounds like my problem exactly. I am making a long trip soon so i may have to just take it to the dealership due to time restraints, but if i have time i will have to try what you did. Thanks again.

[coachhart]

This is exactly what happened. I think that I'll try to tie it together. They will attach and stay w/o any type of tie, but as soon as I start the wipers, then they separate again.

[theranch]

I bought replacement caps for the linkage rods at my local Autozone but they are a little loose in the arm and I can't get it to pop on the junction in the middle of the truck.
And...it's going to rain tomorrow...this thing popped off this weekend in the rain.

[BuenasNalgas]

Thanks for this write up and illustration, my wife's 03 X driver side wiper recently stopped working. I did exactly what you had posted and it worked perfectly.....

Turned out that the 12mm nut just needed to be tightened, it was so loose i could turn with my fingers with no force!

Thanks for this and rep added!

Originally Posted by Silver Dude

I'd check to see if the metal shafts are spinning under the wiper arms. If so at least then you know the linkage is still attached and all your have to do is tighten the tapers. However not likely since both wipers are not working. My guess is that you will have to remove both wiper arms. Then remove that plastic window shroud (looks like it just snaps in). After you get the shroud out of the way you may have to remove a plastic thingy or two to get a look at the linkage. But, the linkage consists of metal rods with these plastic ball cups that like to pop out of the rods. So pop them back on and your good to go secure with a zip tie if the little lock is broken. If both wipers are still attached to each other (you move one it moves the other) Chances are the linkage popped off at the wiper motor so keep that in mind. It's much easier then it sounds once you see what your working with.

On mine the taper just worked itself loose. Same situation, icy windshield, one wiper came disconnected. Here is how I tightend it.

O-ring pick any hook will work. I'm sure you could even use a allen wrench if you want.


Pull out not up.


Remove nut with a 12mm wrench.


At this point if the linkage is bad remove the plastic cover to get a look.


However, mine just needed to be cleaned and tightened.


Align the wipers straight like they were originally and tighten the nut. Pop the cover back on done..

[bastardpete]

Hate to resurrect an old thread on my first post, but here goes:
Had the linkage come apart on my wipers. Went to taking everything apart and the passenger side mount for the wiper was also broken, so I needed to replace the linkage (called a wiper transmission at the junkyards, by the way) .... go get the part, and get back and realize it isn't the same .. not exactly. My old linkage connected to the wiper motor by a notched link that fits over the shaft of the motor. The one the yard gave me has splines to go on the motor. I figure - no problem - i try to replace that one section of the linkage with my old section.. now I realize the little ball joints are also a different size. I cant replace this one segment of my linkage because the two wont fit into each other. Has anyone else taken their linkage off of the motor, and how does it connect, splines or a notch? I've got a 2000 xterra 4wd. I'm trying to figure out if i have some oddball wipers (every picture of this part I can find shows splines) or if I got the wrong part from the yard.

[Teethree]

Yea this was also my problem earlier today, out of nowhere that shaft from the motor to the first wiper and elbow disconnected, no reason for it just might have gotten loose, popped it back on after reading up and bingo

thanks dudes!