Wiper Motor - Front

Remove and replace the front wiper motor assembly on a 1972 Ford F-100, including disconnecting electrical connections and linkage arms.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Wiper motor assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Wiper motor mounting gasket (if equipped) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake.
2. Disconnect negative battery cable and secure away from battery terminal.
3. Turn wiper switch to OFF position.
4. Remove wiper arm assemblies by lifting the spring clip at the base of each arm and pulling the arm off the pivot shaft.
5. Note the position of the wiper motor crank arm in the parked position for proper reinstallation.

Procedure

1. 1

   Access the wiper motor
   The wiper motor on this truck is mounted under the dash inside the cab, typically on the passenger side, attached to the cowl/firewall structure. Access is from inside the cab rather than the engine compartment. Locate the motor and note the orientation of its electrical connector before disconnecting.
2. 2

   Disconnect electrical connector
   Locate the electrical connector attached to the wiper motor. Squeeze the locking tab on the connector and pull it straight off the motor terminal. Inspect the connector for corrosion or damage.
3. 3

   Disconnect wiper linkage clip
   Locate the drive link arm connecting the wiper motor output crank to the wiper linkage. Use a flat blade screwdriver to pry off the retaining clip securing the linkage arm to the motor crank. Remove the clip and set aside. Carefully separate the linkage arm from the motor crank pin.
4. 4

   Remove wiper motor mounting bolts
   Remove the bolts securing the wiper motor to the mounting bracket (verify exact count and head size against OEM documentation for this vehicle before purchasing tools). Support the motor with one hand while removing the final bolt to prevent it from falling. Verified detail (Torque spec is an explicit AI guess and is unverified for this platform. The wiper motor mounts to a cowl bracket, not directly into thin sheet metal in most cases; the guessed value should not be presented as a spec.): Tighten mounting bolts snugly and evenly; do not overtighten. Consult factory shop manual for exact torque if available.
5. 5

   Remove wiper motor assembly
   Carefully maneuver the wiper motor assembly away from the firewall and out of the engine compartment. You may need to rotate it slightly to clear the mounting bracket and linkage. Remove and retain any spacers or gaskets on the mounting studs.
6. 6

   Clean mounting surface
   Use a wire brush to clean the motor mounting surface on the firewall and the mounting bracket. Remove any rust, old gasket material, or debris. Spray with electrical contact cleaner if corrosion is present on electrical mounting points.
7. 7

   Prepare new wiper motor
   Verify the new or rebuilt wiper motor matches the original in mounting hole pattern and electrical connector type. Ensure the motor output crank is in the parked position, matching the crank position you noted on the original motor before removal. Install new mounting gasket if equipped.
8. 8

   Install new wiper motor
   Position the new wiper motor against the firewall mounting bracket, aligning the 3 mounting holes. Install the mounting bolts (matching the count removed) and tighten evenly to ensure proper seating. Tighten bolts snugly but do not overtighten into the sheet metal.
9. 9

   Reconnect wiper linkage
   Connect the wiper linkage arm to the motor output crank pin. Ensure the pin is fully seated in the linkage socket. Install the retaining clip by pressing it firmly onto the pin until it clicks into the retention groove. Verify the clip is fully seated on both sides.
10. 10

    Reconnect electrical connector
    Push the electrical connector onto the wiper motor terminal until the locking tab clicks into place. Gently tug on the connector to verify it is locked and will not pull off.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall wiper arm assemblies onto the pivot shafts in their original positions with the blades in the parked position at the bottom of the windshield.
2. Press each wiper arm down firmly until the splined shaft engages and the spring clip locks into place.
3. Reconnect the negative battery cable.

Verification

• Turn the ignition to the ON position without starting the engine.
• Test the wiper motor on all speed settings (LOW, HIGH, and INTERMITTENT if equipped) to verify proper operation.
• Verify the wipers park correctly in the down position when turned off.
• Check that the wiper blades sweep the windshield smoothly without binding or unusual noise.
• Verify all electrical connections are secure and no wires are pinched or rubbing against hot or moving components.

More procedures for this vehicle