Wiper Motor - Rear

Procedure for removing and replacing the rear wiper motor on a 1972 Ford F-100 with 302ci V8, including accessing the motor through the rear cab panel and disconnecting electrical connections.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear wiper motor × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Wiper motor gasket or seal × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Wiper motor mounting hardware kit (if corroded) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake.
2. Disconnect negative battery cable to prevent electrical shorts.
3. Mark the position of the rear wiper arm on the rear glass with a grease pencil or tape for proper reinstallation.
4. Apply penetrating oil to visible mounting hardware and allow to soak for 15-20 minutes if corrosion is present.

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove rear wiper arm and blade assembly
   Lift the wiper arm away from the glass. Locate the retaining clip or nut at the base of the wiper arm where it mounts to the motor shaft. Remove the retaining nut using an appropriate socket (typically 1/2"). Rock the wiper arm gently while pulling away from the motor shaft to remove it. If stuck, use a small amount of penetrating oil at the base and wait before attempting removal again.
2. 2

   Remove exterior wiper shaft bezel
   From the exterior of the cab, remove the decorative bezel or trim ring surrounding the wiper motor shaft. This is typically held by a retaining ring or clips. Use a flathead screwdriver or trim removal tool to carefully pry it away from the cab surface. Set aside the bezel and any washers or gaskets in order of removal.
3. 3

   Access interior cab panel
   Move to the interior of the cab behind the rear window. Remove any interior trim panels or headliner material that provides access to the rear wiper motor mounting area. On the 1972 F-100, this typically involves removing 4 Phillips head screws securing the upper rear cab trim panel. Carefully pull the panel away to expose the wiper motor assembly.
4. 4

   Disconnect wiper motor electrical connector
   Locate the electrical connector feeding the rear wiper motor. This is typically a 2 or 3-wire bullet or spade-terminal connector. Pull the terminals apart by hand. Press the release tab and pull the connector straight off the motor terminals. If corrosion is present, gently wiggle while pulling. Note the wire colors and positions for reinstallation.
5. 5

   Disconnect wiper motor ground wire
   Locate the ground wire attached to the wiper motor body or mounting bracket. Remove the ground wire retaining screw or nut using the appropriate socket or wrench. Set the ground wire aside and retain the fastener.
6. 6

   Remove wiper motor mounting fasteners
   Remove the 3 bolts securing the wiper motor assembly to the rear cab panel using a 7/16" socket or wrench. Support the motor with one hand as you remove the final fastener to prevent it from dropping. Note the location and orientation of any spacers, washers, or grommets on the mounting studs.
7. 7

   Remove wiper motor from vehicle
   Carefully withdraw the wiper motor assembly through the interior access opening. Maneuver the motor and linkage arm (if attached) through the panel opening. The motor shaft will need to pass through the hole in the cab exterior panel. If resistance is encountered, check for any remaining fasteners or linkage connections.
8. 8

   Inspect mounting area and clean surfaces
   Inspect the mounting surface on the cab panel for rust, corrosion, or damage. Clean the mounting surface with a wire brush and wipe clean. Inspect the motor shaft hole in the exterior panel for rust or rough edges that could damage the new motor seal. Apply a light coat of rust preventative or paint to bare metal if needed.
9. 9

   Prepare new wiper motor for installation
   If not pre-installed, place the new gasket or seal onto the new wiper motor mounting flange. Ensure the motor shaft seal or grommet is properly seated in the mounting flange. Compare the new motor to the old unit to verify correct replacement and confirm all mounting hole locations align.
10. 10

    Install new wiper motor
    Carefully maneuver the new wiper motor into position from the interior, guiding the motor shaft through the hole in the exterior cab panel. Align the mounting holes with the threaded holes or studs in the cab panel. Start all 3 mounting bolts by hand to ensure proper thread engagement before tightening.
11. 11

    Tighten motor mounting fasteners
    Tighten the 3 mounting bolts in a star or alternating pattern to ensure even pressure on the motor flange and gasket. Tighten bolts snug but do not over-torque, as excessive force can crack the motor housing or distort the mounting flange. Ensure the motor shaft is centered in the exterior panel hole and the gasket is seating evenly.
12. 12

    Reconnect electrical connections
    Reconnect the ground wire to the motor body or mounting bracket and secure with the retaining screw or nut. Reconnect the main electrical connector to the motor, ensuring it clicks or seats fully into place. Gently tug on the connector to verify it is locked.
13. 13

    Reinstall interior trim panel
    Reposition the interior trim panel or headliner material over the wiper motor area. Secure with the 4 Phillips head screws removed during disassembly. Ensure the panel sits flush and all clips or fasteners are properly engaged.
14. 14

    Install exterior bezel and wiper arm
    From the exterior, install the wiper shaft bezel or trim ring with any washers or gaskets in the reverse order of removal. Align the wiper arm with the reference mark made during disassembly. Press the wiper arm onto the motor shaft splines and secure with the retaining nut. Tighten the nut snug to prevent the arm from slipping during operation.

Reassembly

1. Reconnect the negative battery cable.
2. Verify all interior trim panels are securely fastened and properly aligned.
3. Ensure the wiper arm is positioned correctly at the bottom of its travel (park position) before final tightening.

Verification

• Turn the ignition to the accessory or run position without starting the engine.
• Activate the rear wiper switch and verify the wiper motor operates smoothly through its full range of motion.
• Check that the wiper arm parks in the correct position when switched off.
• Verify no water leaks around the motor mounting area during operation or when washing the vehicle.
• Listen for abnormal noises such as grinding, clicking, or binding during wiper operation.
• Check that the wiper blade makes proper contact with the glass throughout the entire sweep.

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