Wiper Motor - Rear

This procedure covers removal and replacement of the rear wiper motor assembly on 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 trucks equipped with rear sliding windows.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear wiper motor assembly × 1 — GM 15086137 or equivalent
• Wiper motor mounting gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Ensure rear wiper is in parked position before starting work
3. Open negative battery terminal cover and disconnect negative battery cable using 10mm socket
4. Wait minimum 2 minutes after battery disconnect before proceeding to allow capacitors to discharge
5. Lower tailgate for access to rear window area

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove rear wiper arm
   Lift the wiper arm away from the glass. Remove the wiper arm retaining nut cover by prying gently with flathead screwdriver or trim tool. Use 10mm socket to remove the wiper arm retaining nut. Rock the wiper arm back and forth while pulling away from the window to remove from the motor shaft. Mark the position of the arm on the glass with tape for proper reinstallation alignment.
2. 2

   Access interior trim panel
   From inside the cab, locate the rear window interior trim panel. This panel covers the rear window frame and wiper motor mounting area. Use trim panel removal tools to carefully release the retaining clips around the perimeter of the panel. Start at the bottom corners and work upward to avoid breaking clips. Disconnect any electrical connectors for rear window defrost if equipped before fully removing panel.
3. 3

   Disconnect wiper motor electrical connector
   Locate the wiper motor electrical connector behind the trim panel. Press the connector lock tab and pull the connector straight away from the motor. Inspect connector pins for corrosion or damage. If connector appears corroded, clean with electrical contact cleaner and allow to dry completely.
4. 4

   Remove wiper motor ground connection
   Locate the ground strap bolt attached to the wiper motor bracket or nearby body panel. Clean any dirt or corrosion from around the bolt area. Use 10mm socket to remove the ground strap bolt. Keep the ground strap and bolt together for reinstallation.
   ℹ️Ground connection surfaces must be clean and free of paint or corrosion for proper electrical function
   Torque spec

   Ground Strap Bolt16 Nm (12 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove wiper motor mounting bolts
   Locate the three wiper motor mounting bolts securing the motor assembly to the window frame. Use 10mm socket with extension to remove all three mounting bolts. Support the motor assembly with one hand while removing the final bolt to prevent it from falling.
   Torque spec

   Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove wiper motor assembly
   Carefully pull the wiper motor assembly away from the window frame. The motor shaft extends through the window frame opening. Angle the motor as needed to clear the mounting area. Inspect the mounting gasket or seal on the motor and window frame. Remove old gasket material completely from the window frame using a plastic scraper if necessary.
7. 7

   Prepare new wiper motor
   Unpack the new wiper motor assembly and verify it matches the original unit. Install the new mounting gasket onto the motor assembly, ensuring it seats properly in the gasket groove. Verify the motor shaft rotates freely and the electrical connector is undamaged. Position the motor assembly near the mounting location for installation.
8. 8

   Install new wiper motor
   Guide the motor shaft through the window frame opening from inside the cab. Align the mounting holes in the motor bracket with the threaded holes in the window frame. Start all three mounting bolts by hand to ensure proper alignment before tightening. Torque mounting bolts to specification in a star pattern to ensure even gasket compression.
   Torque spec

   Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Reconnect ground and electrical connections
   Clean the ground strap contact surfaces on both the motor bracket and body panel with electrical contact cleaner or wire brush. Install the ground strap and bolt, torquing to specification. Connect the wiper motor electrical connector, ensuring it clicks into place and the lock tab engages fully. Gently tug on the connector to verify it is secure.
   Torque spec

   Ground Strap Bolt16 Nm (12 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Reinstall interior trim panel
    Reconnect any rear window defrost electrical connectors if equipped. Position the interior trim panel and align all retaining clips with their respective holes. Starting at the top, press firmly around the perimeter to seat all clips. Ensure panel is flush and secure around entire perimeter.
11. 11

    Reinstall wiper arm
    Clean the motor shaft with shop towel to remove any debris. Align the wiper arm with the position marks made during removal or position approximately 2 inches from bottom edge of window when parked. Install the wiper arm onto the motor shaft, ensuring proper spline engagement. Install the retaining nut and tighten securely with 10mm socket. Install the retaining nut cover.
12. 12

    Reconnect battery and initialize system
    Reconnect the negative battery cable and torque the battery terminal bolt to specification. Close the negative terminal cover. The rear wiper motor may require initialization if it does not return to proper park position. Cycle the wiper on and off several times to allow the motor to self-calibrate the park position.
    Torque spec

    Battery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Torque all fasteners to specifications in the order presented
2. Ensure all electrical connections are fully seated and locked
3. Verify wiper arm is properly aligned and does not contact window frame in any position
4. Reset power window auto functions if needed by rolling each window fully down then fully up while holding switch

Verification

• Turn ignition to ON position and test rear wiper on all speed settings
• Verify wiper returns to proper park position when turned off
• Check for proper wiper blade contact across entire sweep pattern
• Verify no rattling or abnormal noises during wiper operation
• Test rear washer function if equipped to ensure motor vibration does not affect washer operation
• Inspect for water leaks around motor mounting area after next rain or car wash

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

Codes that commonly send this job to the bay — tap one for symptoms, causes, and diagnostic steps.

Chasing one of these codes and not sure which part is guilty? Ask a master mechanic about YOUR car →

More procedures for this vehicle