Stubborn windscreen wiper arm

chicochapman · 30th March 2023, 15:33

I need to get the wiper arm off to fit a new spring but of course, it wont budge. I bought a well made wiper arm removal tool but no luck.
I've been dosing it with WD40 over the last couple of days and I've tried heat and tapping it while under tension but its not having it. The tool is fitted with just a small "arm" (presumably) by design, so do I just need a more substantial tool?

The spindle goes through what looks like an aluminium insert in the arm and I'm wondering from chemistry lessons whether I should try an alkali of some sort to loosen things.
Any suggestions anyone?
thanks,
Malcolm
2002 ZTT KV6

macafee2 · 30th March 2023, 17:12

I have never removed a wipe arm but is this video any help?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=62J7n09A8zk

There are a number of other videos on YouTube

macafee2

KWIL · 30th March 2023, 18:26

Easy to do.

Loosen the nut several turns but do not remove. With bonnet closed raise wiper arm to relieve the pressure on the lower arm. Move lower arm up and down to encourage the aluminium wedge to loosen, This may take some time if corroded. Small amount of thin oil (not WD40) on the square may help.

When loose, now remove the nut (left on to stop the aluminium flying off and dropping somewhere in the engine!)

When you re-install the arms, do not over tighten until you have the wipers moving over the correct arc without hiting the surround etc.

As it happens I did all of this today when I removed the scuttle cover.

chicochapman · 31st March 2023, 09:37

Fantastic - got the b****r.
Kwil, thanks very much for your advice; as you said, came off easy.
Good tip about leaving the nut on as well.
Thanks again,
Malc

30th March 2023, 15:33	#1
chicochapman Avid contributor MG ZT-T Join Date: Feb 2019 Location: Stockport Posts: 138 Thanks: 56 Thanked 22 Times in 20 Posts	Stubborn windscreen wiper arm I need to get the wiper arm off to fit a new spring but of course, it wont budge. I bought a well made wiper arm removal tool but no luck. I've been dosing it with WD40 over the last couple of days and I've tried heat and tapping it while under tension but its not having it. The tool is fitted with just a small "arm" (presumably) by design, so do I just need a more substantial tool? The spindle goes through what looks like an aluminium insert in the arm and I'm wondering from chemistry lessons whether I should try an alkali of some sort to loosen things. Any suggestions anyone? thanks, Malcolm 2002 ZTT KV6

30th March 2023, 17:12	#2
macafee2 This is my second home Rover 75 Saloon & Tourer Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Lincoln Posts: 14,967 Thanks: 1,630 Thanked 3,032 Times in 2,181 Posts	I have never removed a wipe arm but is this video any help? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=62J7n09A8zk There are a number of other videos on YouTube macafee2

30th March 2023, 18:26	#3
KWIL Precise Rover 75 Tourer 2.5KV6 Connoisseur SE Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Fleet Posts: 2,961 Thanks: 630 Thanked 617 Times in 480 Posts	Easy to do. Loosen the nut several turns but do not remove. With bonnet closed raise wiper arm to relieve the pressure on the lower arm. Move lower arm up and down to encourage the aluminium wedge to loosen, This may take some time if corroded. Small amount of thin oil (not WD40) on the square may help. When loose, now remove the nut (left on to stop the aluminium flying off and dropping somewhere in the engine!) When you re-install the arms, do not over tighten until you have the wipers moving over the correct arc without hiting the surround etc. As it happens I did all of this today when I removed the scuttle cover.

31st March 2023, 09:37	#4
chicochapman Avid contributor MG ZT-T Join Date: Feb 2019 Location: Stockport Posts: 138 Thanks: 56 Thanked 22 Times in 20 Posts	Fantastic - got the b****r. Kwil, thanks very much for your advice; as you said, came off easy. Good tip about leaving the nut on as well. Thanks again, Malc