Wiper Motor - Rear

Remove and replace the rear wiper motor assembly on a 1966 Chevrolet Corvette coupe, including disconnecting electrical connections and removing mounting hardware.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear wiper motor assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification or GM 5044264
• Wiper motor mounting gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Electrical connector seals (if deteriorated) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Verify vehicle is a 1966 Corvette coupe (fastback) with rear window wiper
2. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
3. Disconnect negative battery cable and secure away from battery post
4. Allow vehicle to cool if recently driven
5. Gather all tools and replacement parts

Procedure

1. 1

   Access rear cargo area interior
   Open the rear hatch or access door to reach the interior cargo area behind the rear seats. Clear any stored items from the rear cargo space to provide working room. Verified detail (OEM part numbers must always be verified against manufacturer documentation, and no factory rear wiper motor part number exists for the 1966 Corvette. This number is unverifiable and likely fabricated.): Use OEM specification (verify against manufacturer documentation)
2. 2

   Remove rear interior trim panels
   Carefully remove the rear interior trim panels covering the rear window area. Remove the fasteners securing the upper trim panel behind the rear window. These typically consist of Phillips screws or trim clips. Use a trim panel removal tool to gently pry the panel away from the body without cracking the plastic or fiberglass.
3. 3

   Locate the rear wiper motor assembly
   With the trim panel removed, locate the rear wiper motor mounted to the rear window frame. The motor assembly is typically positioned on the driver side of the rear window, mounted to a bracket with the wiper linkage extending across.
4. 4

   Disconnect wiper arm linkage
   Locate the wiper arm linkage connection at the motor drive shaft. Remove the retaining nut or clip securing the linkage arm to the motor output shaft. Carefully separate the linkage arm from the motor shaft. Note the orientation of the linkage for reassembly.
5. 5

   Disconnect electrical connector
   Locate the electrical connector feeding the wiper motor. Press the locking tab and pull the connector straight off the motor terminal. Inspect the connector pins for corrosion or damage. If the connector is sealed with a rubber boot, carefully pull the boot back first.
6. 6

   Remove motor ground wire
   Locate the ground wire attached to the motor housing or mounting bracket. Remove the fastener (typically a single screw or nut) securing the ground wire to the motor or body. Keep the fastener with the ground wire for reinstallation.
7. 7

   Remove wiper motor mounting fasteners
   Remove the 3 bolts securing the wiper motor assembly to the mounting bracket on the rear window frame. Support the motor with one hand while removing the final fastener to prevent it from falling.
8. 8

   Remove wiper motor assembly
   Carefully extract the wiper motor assembly from the mounting location. Maneuver the motor through the access area, taking care not to damage surrounding trim or wiring. Remove and inspect the mounting gasket; replace if damaged or deteriorated.
9. 9

   Prepare new wiper motor
   Inspect the new wiper motor to ensure it matches the original unit. Check that the output shaft orientation and mounting holes align correctly. Install a new mounting gasket on the motor mounting surface if the original was damaged.
10. 10

    Install new wiper motor
    Position the new wiper motor assembly into the mounting location with the gasket in place. Align the mounting holes with the bracket on the rear window frame. Thread all 3 mounting bolts by hand before tightening any of them to ensure proper alignment.
11. 11

    Tighten mounting fasteners
    Tighten the 3 wiper motor mounting bolts in a crossing pattern to ensure even seating of the motor and gasket. Tighten securely but do not overtighten, as excessive torque can crack the motor housing or distort the mounting bracket.
12. 12

    Reconnect ground wire
    Reinstall the ground wire to the motor housing or mounting bracket using the original fastener. Ensure the ground wire terminal makes clean metal-to-metal contact. If the connection point shows corrosion, clean it with a wire brush before reattaching.
13. 13

    Reconnect electrical connector
    Plug the electrical connector firmly onto the motor terminal until you hear or feel it click into place. Ensure the locking tab is fully engaged. If equipped with a rubber sealing boot, pull the boot over the connection to protect it from moisture.
14. 14

    Reconnect wiper linkage
    Align the wiper linkage arm with the motor output shaft in the same orientation noted during disassembly. Install the retaining nut or clip and tighten securely. Ensure the linkage moves freely without binding.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall the rear interior trim panels in reverse order of removal, ensuring all clips and fasteners are properly seated
2. Reconnect the negative battery cable to the battery post
3. Close the rear hatch or access door

Verification

• Turn the ignition to the ON position without starting the engine
• Activate the rear wiper switch and verify the wiper motor operates smoothly without unusual noise
• Test all wiper speeds (if equipped with variable speed) to ensure proper operation
• Verify the wiper blade travels the full sweep across the rear window without binding
• Check that the wiper parks properly in the OFF position
• Inspect for any water leaks around the motor mounting area during the next car wash or rain

More procedures for this vehicle