This procedure removes and replaces the front wiper motor assembly on a 1966 Chevrolet Corvette with 327ci V8 engine, including disconnection of electrical and mechanical linkages.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Wiper motor assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification or AC Delco 5044133
• Wiper motor to firewall gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Wiper transmission crank arm retaining clip × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake.
2. Disconnect negative battery cable terminal.
3. Remove wiper arms by lifting the arm away from windshield, removing retaining nut cover, and removing the retaining nut. Pull wiper arms off splined shafts.
4. Remove fresh air intake grille panel from cowl area to access wiper motor and linkage.
5. Tag or photograph electrical connections and linkage positions for reference during reassembly.

Procedure

1. 1

   Access wiper motor compartment
   From engine compartment, locate the wiper motor mounted on the firewall passenger side of the cowl plenum. Remove the cowl vent screen if not already removed during preparation. The motor is accessed from inside the plenum chamber. Verified detail (This AC Delco part number cannot be verified against manufacturer documentation for a 1966 Corvette wiper motor. The 1966 Corvette used a two-speed wiper motor that is era-specific; an unverified modern part number risks the wrong unit.): Use OEM specification (verify correct 1966 Corvette two-speed wiper motor against manufacturer documentation before ordering)
2. 2

   Disconnect wiper motor electrical connector
   Locate the wiper motor electrical connector with 3 wires (typically purple, yellow, and black ground). Note the connector orientation with masking tape or photograph. Disconnect the connector by pulling straight out from motor terminal posts. On some units, a locking tab must be pressed to release.
3. 3

   Disconnect wiper linkage from motor crank arm
   Locate the wiper transmission drive link connected to the motor output crank arm. Remove the retaining clip securing the drive link ball socket to the crank arm stud using needle nose pliers. The clip is a C-shaped spring clip. Pull the drive link ball socket off the crank arm stud. Support the linkage to prevent it from falling.
4. 4

   Remove wiper motor mounting fasteners
   Remove the 3 bolts securing the wiper motor to the firewall/plenum mounting bracket using a 7/16" socket or wrench. The bolts are arranged in a triangular pattern around the motor mounting flange. Support the motor as you remove the final bolt.
5. 5

   Remove wiper motor assembly
   Carefully maneuver the wiper motor out of the plenum chamber. The motor must be tilted and rotated to clear the surrounding structure. Note the position of the rubber mounting gasket. Remove and inspect the gasket for deterioration.
6. 6

   Inspect mounting area and clean surfaces
   Inspect the firewall mounting surface for corrosion, cracks, or damage. Clean the mounting surface with a wire brush and wipe clean. Check the condition of the wiper linkage and transmission mechanism visible in the plenum for wear or binding. Apply electrical contact cleaner to the wiring harness connector terminals.
7. 7

   Prepare new wiper motor
   If installing a new or rebuilt motor, verify that the motor is in the park position. The output crank arm should be positioned at the park stop. Compare the new motor mounting configuration with the old unit to ensure correct replacement. Install the new mounting gasket onto the motor flange.
8. 8

   Install wiper motor assembly
   Position the new wiper motor with gasket into the plenum chamber, orienting the output crank arm toward the wiper linkage connection point. Align the motor mounting holes with the firewall bracket holes. Start all 3 mounting bolts by hand before tightening.
9. 9

   Tighten motor mounting bolts
   Tighten the 3 wiper motor mounting bolts in a star pattern to ensure even clamping of the gasket. Snug bolts firmly but do not overtighten, as the mounting ears can crack. Verify motor is securely mounted with no movement.
10. 10

    Connect wiper linkage to motor crank arm
    Position the wiper transmission drive link ball socket onto the motor crank arm stud. Ensure the socket is fully seated on the stud. Install a new retaining clip (recommended) or reuse the original clip by pressing it onto the stud with needle nose pliers until it snaps into the groove. Verify secure connection by attempting to pull the link off the stud.
11. 11

    Reconnect electrical connector
    Reconnect the 3-wire electrical connector to the wiper motor terminals, ensuring proper orientation per the reference marks made during disassembly. Push connector firmly until it seats completely. Verify the ground wire connection is secure.
12. 12

    Test wiper motor operation
    Reconnect the battery negative terminal. Turn ignition to accessory position and test wiper motor operation through both speeds (low and high) and verify proper park function. Observe the motor and linkage during operation for unusual noise, binding, or interference. Disconnect battery again before final reassembly.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall cowl vent screen and fresh air intake grille, ensuring all clips and fasteners are secure.
2. Reinstall wiper arms onto splined shafts in the correct orientation, typically with passenger blade slightly lower than driver blade when parked. Tighten wiper arm retaining nuts securely.
3. Reconnect battery negative terminal.

Verification

• With ignition on, test wipers through all speeds (low, high, intermittent if equipped) and verify smooth, synchronized operation of both blades.
• Verify wiper blades return to correct park position when switched off.
• Check for proper blade sweep pattern with no interference against windshield trim or cowl.
• Listen for abnormal motor noise, grinding, or binding during operation.
• Verify no water leaks into plenum chamber or interior after washing windshield or driving in rain.

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