This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the windshield wiper linkage assembly on a 2015-2020 Ford F-150 with 5.0L V8 engine, including motor removal and reconnection.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Wiper linkage assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Cowl panel retaining clips (if damaged) × 6 — Ford W711149-S300

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and apply parking brake
2. Turn ignition off and remove key
3. Disconnect negative battery terminal and secure cable away from battery post
4. Remove both wiper arm assemblies by lifting the protective cap, removing the retaining nut, and pulling arms off the pivot shafts using a rocking motion
5. Mark the position of wiper arms on the shafts with tape or marker for reinstallation reference
6. Clear debris from cowl area and hood-to-cowl seal

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove cowl panel assembly
   Remove the rubber hood-to-cowl weather seal along the rear edge of the hood. Remove all plastic push-pin fasteners securing the cowl vent panel using a trim removal tool. Lift the cowl panel straight up and away from the vehicle, taking care not to damage the windshield washer nozzles. Disconnect washer hoses if necessary by gently pulling them from the nozzle barbs.
2. 2

   Access wiper motor and linkage
   With the cowl panel removed, locate the wiper motor on the driver side of the cowl area. Clean any debris, leaves, or water from the wiper motor mounting area using a shop vacuum or compressed air. Identify the electrical connector on the wiper motor and the linkage assembly pivot points.
3. 3

   Disconnect wiper motor electrical connector
   Press the locking tab on the wiper motor electrical connector and pull it straight off the motor. Move the connector and wiring harness aside and secure it with a cable tie if needed to prevent interference during removal.
4. 4

   Remove wiper motor mounting bolts
   Remove the three 10mm bolts securing the wiper motor to the mounting bracket. Support the motor with one hand while removing the final bolt to prevent it from dropping. Carefully pull the motor away from the linkage, noting the crank arm connection point.
   Torque spec

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

   Disconnect motor from linkage
   Separate the wiper motor crank arm from the linkage drive arm. This typically requires prying the plastic bushing connection apart with a flathead screwdriver. Be careful not to damage the plastic socket on the linkage arm. Remove the motor completely from the vehicle.
6. 6

   Remove linkage pivot nuts
   Locate the pivot nuts securing both the driver and passenger side linkage pivot shafts to the cowl structure. These are typically 13mm nuts accessed from above. Remove both pivot nuts while supporting the linkage assembly from below.
   ⚠The linkage assembly will become free once both pivot nuts are removed; ensure you are supporting it to prevent it from falling
   Torque spec

   Linkage Pivot Nuts12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Remove linkage assembly
   Carefully lift the entire wiper linkage assembly up and out of the cowl area. Maneuver it to clear both pivot shafts and any obstructions. Inspect the pivot bushings and linkage joints for wear or damage. Clean the mounting surfaces on the cowl structure.
8. 8

   Install new linkage assembly
   Position the new or replacement linkage assembly into the cowl area, aligning both pivot shafts with their mounting holes in the cowl structure. Ensure the linkage is oriented correctly with the motor mounting location on the driver side. Push both pivot shafts down through their respective mounting holes until fully seated.
9. 9

   Install pivot nuts
   Install both pivot nuts onto the driver and passenger side pivot shafts. Tighten by hand first to ensure proper threading, then torque to specification using a torque wrench.
   Torque spec

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

    Connect motor to linkage
    Position the wiper motor so the crank arm aligns with the linkage drive arm socket. Press the crank arm into the plastic socket until it clicks and locks into place. Verify the connection is secure by attempting to pull it apart.
11. 11

    Install wiper motor
    Align the wiper motor mounting holes with the bracket. Install all three 10mm mounting bolts and tighten to specification using a torque wrench in a star pattern to ensure even seating.
    Torque spec

    Motor Mounting Bolts10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reconnect electrical connector
    Push the wiper motor electrical connector onto the motor terminals until it clicks into place. Ensure the locking tab is fully engaged. Tug gently on the connector to verify it is secure.
13. 13

    Reinstall cowl panel
    Reconnect windshield washer hoses to the nozzles if previously disconnected. Position the cowl vent panel over the wiper linkage area, aligning all mounting holes. Install all plastic push-pin fasteners, ensuring they are fully seated and secure. Reinstall the hood-to-cowl weather seal along the rear edge of the hood.
14. 14

    Reinstall wiper arms
    Reconnect the negative battery terminal and torque to specification. Turn the ignition to ON and activate the wipers to cycle them to the parked position, then turn off. Install both wiper arms onto their pivot shafts in the marked positions. Install the retaining nuts and tighten securely. Close the protective caps.
    Torque spec

    Battery Terminal Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure all cowl panel fasteners are fully seated and the panel is flush with surrounding body panels
2. Verify wiper arms are properly aligned in the parked position with reference marks made during removal
3. Check that all electrical connectors are fully engaged and locked

Verification

• Turn ignition to ON and test wiper operation at all speeds (intermittent, low, high) to ensure smooth operation without binding or unusual noise
• Verify both wiper blades travel across the windshield in the correct arc and return to the proper parked position
• Test windshield washer function to ensure nozzles are connected and spraying correctly
• Listen for any clicking, grinding, or abnormal sounds during wiper operation which could indicate improper installation
• Check that the cowl panel is secure and not vibrating during wiper operation

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