How to Tighten a Windshield Wiper Retaining Nut

Most people have experienced slush and ice buildup on their windshield wiper blades. Normally this is a quick easy fix by reaching out the window, grabbing the wiper and knocking the ice off against the windshield. However, doing this can cause a wiper retaining nut to come loose and make the wipers unusable.

Tightening the Retaining Nut

Turn the windshield wiper switch off. You should allow the blades to drop into the rest position. Turn the vehicle ignition switch off and remove the key.

Follow the wiper arm away from the wiper blade to its base. This may require that the hood be opened.

Place a rubber mat, cardboard or some other piece of material in the area around the base of the wiper arm and position it to protect the glass and paint finish in case a tool slips.

Pry up the plastic dust cap covering the nut. Verify that the arm position is still correct and use a small flat screwdriver to pry the plastic cap covering the nut at the base of the arm away from the recessed nut well. The plastic cap may have a small slot to assist in inserting the screwdriver. With this dust cap removed, you will have the access you need to remove the nut.

Select a socket sized to fit the hex nut. Now that the dust cap is removed and you can analyze the hex nut that holds the wiper arm onto the drive post you should choose a socket that fits it. Place the socket on the ratchet or, if needed, on an extension that is attached to the ratchet.

Set the ratchet to allow it to tighten the nut. Ratchets are designed both tighten and loosen nuts and bolts. You want to be sure you are set to spin in a clockwise direction. This will tighten the nut.

Tighten the nut. Place the socket (and short extension if needed) onto the ratchet handle slide it over the nut. Gently attempt to tighten the nut. If it turns easily, continue to tighten until it gets snug and then go about 1/8 of a turn more to secure the nut. If the nut is already very tight, stop this process.

Test the wipers. Turn the ignition key on, turn the wipers on and test the travel of the arm for proper operation. If the arm slips, you will need to replace it.

When you need emergency car glass repair, time is of the essence. That’s why we offer a prompt response time to our customers in Sydney CBD, so you can get back on the road as soon as possible.At OZ autoglass, we only use high-quality materials for our repairs and replacements. We understand the importance of having durable and long-lasting car glass, which is why we source our materials from trusted suppliers.

Replacing the Arm

Mark where the windshield wiper blade rests. If your wiper problem was not the result a loose nut, your wiper arm might be stripped out. In this case you need to replace it. The new arm needs to rest exactly where the original rested to insure proper travel. Bar soap, wax, or another easy to remove mark will work fine to mark this spot.

Remove the entire wiper arm from the drive post. Lift the wiper blade up from the windshield with one hand and hold the point of attachment with the other. Gently “rock” the wiper blade back and forth while lifting with both hands and remove from the drive post.

Clean the drive shaft splines with a wire brush and some WD-40. This will remove trapped metal and dirt from the shaft splines. Be sure to wipe the shaft completely dry after cleaning.

Examine the new arm. Ensure that it has matching splines that will mate with the shaft.

Install the new arm. Line up the splines so that they mate with the shaft. Make sure that your wiper arm is in the correct resting position on the windshield (it should land on the same mark you made with the original wiper).

Gently tap the arm down onto the shaft. It is ideal to use a tool that will not scratch your new wiper arm. Rubber mallets work well for this.

Clean the threads for the retaining nut. This will help prevent the nut from cross-threading, stripping or being damaged when you tighten it.

Install the retaining nut by hand. Ensure that the nut turns freely and is not cross-threaded. If it turns easily, continue to tighten until it gets snug and then us the ratchet to go about 1/8 of a turn more to secure the nut.

Test the travel of the arm for proper operation. Spray water or windshield wiper fluid onto your windshield. Next turn the ignition key on and then turn on the wipers.

Tap the plastic cap back down. Use a small rubber mallet if necessary, and be sure to align any grooves or tool prying slots to their original positions.

At OZ Autoglass, we understand the stress and inconvenience that can come with car glass emergencies. That’s why we offer prompt, reliable, and affordable emergency car glass repair services to our customers in Sydney CBD. Contact us today to schedule your appointment and get the quality repairs you need to get back on the road.