Windshield Wiper & Washer

What is in this category

This branch covers the parts that clear and clean the glass: front and rear wiper arms, 12-volt wiper motors, motor linkage and pivots, wiper switches, arm nut caps and washer pumps. Many listings are for classic and modern Jeep models, including hardtop rear window arms and a motor and linkage set for 2007 to 2017 JK Wranglers.

Diagnosing a wiper problem

Work from the symptom to the part.

• Wipers do not move at all: check the fuse and switch first, then the motor.
• Motor runs but arms do not sweep: suspect worn linkage, loose pivots or a stripped arm splines.
• Wipers will not park or stop in the right place: look at the motor's internal park switch.
• Arms leave streaks or lift off the glass: the arm's spring tension may be weak or the blade may be worn.
• Washer does not spray: check the pump, the hose and the nozzle for clogs.

A quick test with a voltmeter or by applying power directly to the motor (using the wiring diagram) helps separate a motor failure from a wiring or switch fault.

Fitment points to check

Wiper parts vary by year and body style, so confirm front or rear, driver or passenger side and hardtop or soft top. Switches are listed with details such as intermittent or non-intermittent operation and the number of prongs on the back, which must match your wiring. Motor listings may note whether they suit systems with or without a delay feature.

Arm length, spline size and attachment style also vary. Compare your old arm before ordering, and check the manufacturer's specifications for your model.

Installation tips

Disconnect the battery before working on wiper motors or switches. Mark the parked position of the arms before removal so they go back at the right angle, and lubricate pivots with a light grease on reassembly. Replace worn blades at the same time, since new arms with old blades will not fix streaking.

Rubber seals around rear wiper mounts and the nut cap protect against leaks, so reuse or replace them correctly to keep water out of the cabin.

Maintenance that prevents wiper failures

Most wiper trouble starts with neglected maintenance rather than a failed motor. Dirt and dried washer residue make the blades drag, which strains the motor and linkage, and a stiff pivot can eventually strip plastic bushings or bend a link. Cleaning the glass and blades regularly, and replacing blades once a year in harsh climates, protects the mechanical parts behind them.

• Wipe blade edges with a damp cloth and replace them when they chatter, streak or split
• Never run wipers on dry or frozen glass, because the motor draws extra current and the arms can bend
• Clear leaves and debris from the cowl so the linkage and drain area stay open
• Use washer fluid rated for your climate to avoid frozen lines and a cracked pump
• Check that wiper arms are set so the blades park off the glass sight line and do not hit the windshield frame

When a rear wiper or washer stops working on a vehicle with a hardtop or liftgate, also look for a pinched or disconnected washer hose and a broken wire where the harness flexes at the hinge. These simple faults are common and are quicker to find than a failed motor, so check them before ordering parts.