Original rear wiper arm was not seating blade against the glass. Removed it and found that the hinge was frozen thus not allowing the spring to seat the blade against the glass. I tried every substance known to man to loosen the hinge without luck.

So, I ordered a new one. Then I learned the original has splines and the new "perfect fit" one does not (and the hole diameter was smaller...wouldn't even fit over the motor shaft).

I have called and searched and can't find a new rear wiper arm with splines (trying salvage yards tomorrow). Everyone, including dealerships, wants to tell me that it is not splined. Then I show them that it is and they say the motor must have been replaced. I've had this vehicle since it had 20K on it, so, unless it failed before then or was wrecked (no evidence of either) its the factory original.

Any other ideas or places to look? It's a 2003 Suburban 1500 LS, 4x4, 5.3 V8 flex fuel.

Thanks!

 

soak the old one in a bucket of trans fluid...work it back and forth, soak repeat for a couple days.

 

Thanks tech2. I revisited loosening the original arm later that night by soaking it in some PB Blaster overnight. It loosened some by morning but still not normal. I then followed your advise...and wow...what a difference! Back to normal. I originally thought there was a bushing or something in that hinge that was causing it to hang up. Now I know differently. Thanks again!

 

glad to hear...sometimes I get one right!lol


trans fluid has some great detergents...that's why tranny rebuilders never have dirty fingers

 

Nothing like thinking outside of the box every once in a while. Thanks again for the suggestion...I'll tuck that tidbit away for other uses another day. Have a good one!