what holds the wiper arm onto the motor arm? its fallen off on the 89 beater and it looked like it was just a rubber grommet at one time. it's pretty darn chewed up and discolored so i cant really tell what it is. also, how do i reattach it without removing the wipers and vent grille? pull the wiper motor out?

 

First go to NAPA get yourself 4 wiper bushings ~$2 each package of 2. Do a search if you like for the NAPA part number, I think I posted it recently. Then simply remove the cowl panel, held on with some screws. Oh gotta remove the wiper arms first to remove the cowl panel. Pull out the two wiper linkages. You might have to break/bust the old bushings off. 4 total. Don't just replace one. It won't be long til another one falls off. Easiest way to get the new bushings into the linkage is with a vise and socket big enough to go over the bushing. Press the new bushing into the linkage. Once the linkages have the bushings installed then snap them onto the wiper motor arm and wiper arm rods/linkages.

Everyone should do this. Our trucks are old, and this is bound to happen. Sucks when your away from home in a downpour, and one of these fail. This will also get rid of some of the slop in the wipers and maybe some noise.

 

how might one go about removing the wiper arms? i was hoping i could just do it all through the hole that the wiper motor arm comes through.

 

Removing the wiper arms is much easier than removing the wiper motor. Plus if you just replaced that one at the motor, you've left 3 others that soon will fail. Just eyeball the wiper arms, some have a lever on the side to swing out then the arm pulls off. Others have a 'key' of some sort you removed from underneath the arm, then pull the arm off. You'll figure it out, just look. Simple pick, screwdriver and or needle nose pliers is all that is needed for the job. You'll fight it if you try to install only one bushing through the motor hole.
Edit: wiper linkage bushing NAPA part number 665-1537, found on the turn-rack where all the odd and end parts are- door handles, choke cables etc.

 

Thanks Homeslice!

 

If you purchase them can you post the part number?

Mine are all broken and ready to fall apart. The arm is just sitting on there right now and rainy season in FL is ready to kick in soon.

Thanks,
Den

 

NAPA part number 665-1537

 

I know this is an old post but Mr. Gilbert's advice is still prescient. Our entire windshield wiper system is dependent upon a small plastic bushing (one of four). Luckily I was near home when mine failed. My truck is low mileage but in my experience the failure of of plastic and rubber parts is more time-related than it is mileage-related. Buy the bushings from NAPA and replace all four before you're caught in a rainstorm with no wipers.

 

if you dont have a napa local, you can get these in the HELP! aisle at your local parts store. i can dig up a part# when im at work tomorrow.

 

Thanks for the info Bill I think I have the keyed wipers on my 72 and the level on my '89. New bushings will go in.