Wiper Linkage

This procedure covers removal and replacement of the windshield wiper linkage assembly on a 1994-2007 Dodge Ram 2500 with 5.9L Cummins diesel engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Wiper linkage assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Wiper motor bushing × 1 — Often included with linkage

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Turn ignition off and remove key
3. Disconnect negative battery terminal
4. Mark positions of both wiper arms with tape or marker at their rest position
5. Open hood and secure with prop rod

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove wiper arms
   Lift the wiper arm away from the windshield. Locate the small tab or nut cover at the base of each wiper arm. Flip up the cover and remove the retaining nut (typically 15mm) securing each wiper arm. Use a rocking motion to pull the wiper arms straight off the drive posts. Remove both driver and passenger side wiper arms.
2. 2

   Remove cowl cover panels
   Remove the plastic cowl cover panels that run along the base of the windshield. Remove the rubber weatherstrip seal if present. Remove all screws securing the cowl panels using a 10mm socket or flathead screwdriver depending on fastener type. These are typically located along the outer edges and center. Carefully lift and remove both cowl panels to expose the wiper linkage assembly.
3. 3

   Disconnect wiper motor electrical connector
   Locate the wiper motor electrical connector on the driver side of the wiper assembly. Press the locking tab and disconnect the electrical connector from the wiper motor. Move the wiring harness aside to provide clearance for linkage removal.
4. 4

   Remove wiper motor mounting bolts
   Using a 10mm socket, remove the bolts securing the wiper motor to the firewall/plenum panel (verify count against your vehicle). Support the wiper motor and linkage assembly as you remove the final bolt to prevent it from dropping.
   Torque spec

   Motor Mounting Bolts10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove linkage pivot nuts
   Locate the pivot posts where the linkage arms connect to the drive posts (where the wiper arms were attached). Remove the 10mm nuts from both the driver and passenger side pivot points. These secure the linkage assembly to the cowl panel.
   Torque spec

   Linkage Pivot Nuts12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove wiper linkage assembly
   Carefully maneuver the entire wiper linkage and motor assembly out of the cowl area. You may need to angle and rotate the assembly to clear the firewall and cowl structure. Work slowly to avoid breaking the plastic linkage arms. Once clear, place the assembly on a clean work surface.
7. 7

   Transfer wiper motor to new linkage (if needed)
   If reusing the existing wiper motor, remove it from the old linkage assembly by removing the mounting bolts (verify count against your vehicle). Inspect the motor drive bushing for wear and replace if necessary. Install the motor onto the new linkage assembly, ensuring the drive arm is properly seated in the linkage socket. Torque the motor mounting bolts to specification.
   Torque spec

   Motor Mounting Bolts10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Install new linkage assembly
   Position the new wiper linkage and motor assembly into the cowl area, routing it carefully through the opening. Align the pivot posts with their mounting holes in the cowl panel on both driver and passenger sides. Install the pivot nuts finger-tight first to ensure proper alignment.
9. 9

   Secure linkage pivot points
   Using a 10mm socket and torque wrench, tighten both driver and passenger side linkage pivot nuts to specification. Ensure the linkage moves freely without binding at the pivot points.
   Torque spec

   Linkage Pivot Nuts12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Mount wiper motor
    Align the wiper motor to its mounting position on the firewall/plenum panel. Install the three mounting bolts and tighten to specification using a torque wrench. Verify the motor sits flush against the mounting surface.
    Torque spec

    Motor Mounting Bolts10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reconnect electrical connector
    Reconnect the wiper motor electrical connector, ensuring it clicks into place securely. Verify the locking tab is fully engaged.
12. 12

    Reinstall cowl covers
    Position the cowl cover panels back in place over the wiper linkage assembly. Install all retaining screws and tighten to specification. Reinstall the rubber weatherstrip seal if equipped. Ensure all clips and fasteners are properly seated.
13. 13

    Reinstall wiper arms
    Place each wiper arm onto its respective drive post, aligning with the marks made during disassembly to ensure proper park position. Park the arms according to the reference marks made during disassembly to ensure correct park position. Install the retaining nuts (typically 15mm) and tighten securely. Close the nut covers.
14. 14

    Reconnect battery and test
    Reconnect the negative battery terminal and torque to specification. Turn the ignition to the ON position and test wiper operation in all modes (intermittent, low, high). Verify wipers park in the correct position and operate smoothly without binding or unusual noise. Check that both arms move in sync throughout their sweep.
    Torque spec

    Battery Terminal Bolts7 Nm (5 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure all electrical connections are secure and properly routed
2. Verify cowl panels are fully seated and all fasteners are installed
3. Check that wiper arms are properly aligned and torqued to prevent them from coming loose during operation
4. Test wiper operation before closing the hood

Verification

• Start engine and test wipers in all speed settings - they should operate smoothly without hesitation or binding
• Verify both wiper arms move synchronously across the windshield
• Check that wipers return to proper park position when turned off
• Listen for any unusual clicking, grinding, or rattling noises during operation
• Inspect for proper clearance between wiper arms and cowl panel - arms should not contact the cowl
• Spray windshield washer fluid and verify wipers function properly with fluid on the glass

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

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