Wiper Linkage

Remove and replace the windshield wiper linkage assembly on a 1972 Ford F-100, including disconnecting the wiper motor and removing the linkage through the cowl area.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Wiper linkage assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Wiper linkage bushings × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Wiper arm nut retainers (if damaged) × 2 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and set parking brake
2. Disconnect negative battery cable to prevent accidental wiper motor activation
3. Open hood and secure in upright position
4. Remove wiper arms by lifting the arm away from windshield and removing the retaining nut at the base of each arm

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove cowl vent grille
   Remove the cowl vent grille panel located between the hood and windshield. Remove the sheet metal screws securing the grille using a flathead screwdriver or 1/4" socket (typically 4-5 screws). Lift the grille away from the cowl area to access the wiper linkage and motor assembly beneath.
2. 2

   Disconnect wiper motor electrical connector
   Locate the wiper motor on the driver side of the cowl area. Disconnect the electrical connector from the wiper motor by pressing the locking tab and pulling the connector straight off. Move the wiring harness aside to provide working clearance.
3. 3

   Remove wiper pivot shaft nuts
   From under the cowl grille area, locate the two wiper pivot shafts that protrude through the cowl panel. Remove the retaining nut from each pivot shaft using a 1/2" socket or wrench. Note the position of any washers or spacers for reassembly.
4. 4

   Disconnect linkage from wiper motor
   Locate the linkage arm connection to the wiper motor crank arm. Remove the clip or retaining nut securing the linkage to the motor crank. Use needle-nose pliers to remove the retaining clip if equipped, or use a 7/16" socket to remove the nut. Separate the linkage from the motor crank arm.
5. 5

   Remove wiper motor mounting bolts
   Remove the 2 bolts securing the wiper motor to the firewall/cowl area using a 1/2" socket with extension. Support the motor as you remove the final bolt to prevent it from falling.
6. 6

   Remove wiper motor
   Carefully maneuver the wiper motor out of the cowl area. It may be necessary to rotate the motor and manipulate the linkage slightly to clear the motor from its mounting location. Set the motor aside if reusing, or prepare the new motor for installation.
7. 7

   Remove wiper linkage assembly
   With the motor removed, carefully extract the wiper linkage assembly from the cowl area. The linkage will need to be maneuvered through the cowl opening, typically by collapsing the linkage arms and rotating as needed. The pivot shafts will pull through their mounting holes in the cowl panel from underneath.
8. 8

   Inspect and prepare new linkage
   Inspect the new wiper linkage assembly and compare it to the old unit to ensure correct application. Check all pivot points and bushings for proper fit. Apply white lithium grease to all pivot points, bushings, and the motor crank connection point on the new linkage.
9. 9

   Install new wiper linkage assembly
   Feed the new wiper linkage assembly into the cowl area, guiding the two pivot shafts up through their respective mounting holes in the cowl panel. This requires careful manipulation of the linkage arms to fit through the cowl opening. Ensure both pivot shafts protrude through the cowl panel correctly.
10. 10

    Install wiper pivot shaft hardware
    From above the cowl panel, install any washers or spacers onto each pivot shaft, then thread on the retaining nuts. Hand-tighten the nuts at this stage to allow for motor alignment in the next step.
11. 11

    Install wiper motor
    Position the wiper motor in its mounting location and connect the linkage arm to the motor crank arm. Install the retaining clip or nut to secure the linkage to the motor crank. Install the 3 motor mounting bolts and tighten securely using a 1/2" socket. The motor should be firmly mounted with no movement.
12. 12

    Final tighten pivot shaft nuts and reconnect electrical
    With the motor installed and linkage connected, final tighten the two wiper pivot shaft nuts from above using a 1/2" socket or wrench. Reconnect the electrical connector to the wiper motor, ensuring it clicks into place securely.
13. 13

    Test wiper operation before installing cowl grille
    Reconnect the negative battery cable temporarily. Turn the ignition to the accessory position and test the wiper motor operation through its available speed settings and verify the linkage moves smoothly without binding. Cycle the wipers and allow them to return to the park position. Disconnect the battery again before proceeding.
14. 14

    Reinstall cowl vent grille and wiper arms
    Position the cowl vent grille back into place and secure with the sheet metal screws (typically 4-5 screws). Install the wiper arms onto their respective pivot shafts in the previously marked positions, ensuring they are in the proper park position. Install the retaining nuts and tighten securely. Reconnect the negative battery cable.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all electrical connections are secure and properly routed
2. Verify wiper arms are positioned correctly in park position before final tightening
3. Check that cowl grille is properly seated and all fasteners are tight

Verification

• Turn ignition to accessory position and test wiper operation at all speed settings
• Verify wipers return to proper park position when turned off
• Check for any unusual noise, binding, or hesitation in wiper movement
• Spray windshield with washer fluid and verify wipers operate smoothly across entire windshield surface
• Visually inspect for proper clearance between wiper arms and all cowl trim pieces

More procedures for this vehicle