This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the windshield wiper linkage assembly on a 2016-2024 Hyundai Tucson with the 2.5L I4 engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Wiper linkage assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Cowl cover clips (if damaged) × 8 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

• Windshield Washer Fluid — 0.5 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Turn ignition off and remove key from vehicle
3. Open hood and support with prop rod
4. Mark the position of both wiper arms relative to the windshield edge for reference during reinstallation
5. Prepare a clean workspace to lay out the cowl cover and components

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove wiper arms
   Lift the wiper arm away from the windshield. Remove the plastic cap covering the wiper arm nut. Use a 13mm socket to remove the wiper arm mounting nut from each arm. Use a rocking motion to pull the wiper arms off the pivot shafts. Set arms aside in a safe location where they won't get stepped on.
2. 2

   Remove cowl cover
   Use trim panel tools to carefully pry up the cowl cover starting from the passenger side. Release all plastic clips securing the cowl cover to the body. There are typically 8-10 clips along the length of the cover. Gently lift the cowl cover up and away from the windshield area, disconnecting any washer hoses if attached. Set the cowl cover aside.
3. 3

   Disconnect wiper motor electrical connector
   Locate the wiper motor electrical connector on the driver side of the linkage assembly. Press the locking tab and disconnect the electrical connector from the wiper motor. Move the connector aside to prevent damage during removal.
4. 4

   Disconnect ground wire
   Locate the ground wire connection near the wiper motor assembly. Use a 10mm socket to remove the ground bolt. Note the position of the ground wire terminal for reinstallation. Keep the bolt and terminal together in your parts tray.
   Torque spec

   Ground Bolt14 Nm (10 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove wiper motor mounting bolts
   Using a 10mm socket, remove the three mounting bolts securing the wiper motor to the linkage assembly. Support the motor as you remove the final bolt. The motor may remain attached to the linkage or can be separated if needed.
   Torque spec

   Motor Mounting Bolts10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove linkage pivot nuts
   Locate the pivot nuts on both the driver and passenger side where the linkage arms connect to the pivot points on the cowl. Use a 12mm socket to remove both pivot nuts. These secure the linkage pivots to the body. Keep the nuts and any washers in your parts tray.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove linkage assembly mounting bolts
   Identify the main linkage assembly mounting bolts. Use a 10mm socket to remove the smaller mounting bolts (typically 2-3 bolts). These secure the linkage frame to the cowl support structure.
   Torque spec

   Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Remove linkage assembly
   Carefully maneuver the entire wiper linkage assembly out of the cowl area. The assembly includes the motor, linkage arms, and pivot points. Tilt and rotate as needed to clear the cowl structure. Inspect the old linkage for the specific failure point to ensure proper diagnosis.
9. 9

   Install new linkage assembly
   Position the new wiper linkage assembly into the cowl area, orienting it the same way the old assembly was removed. Ensure all pivot points align with their mounting locations. Guide the assembly carefully to avoid damaging any paint or wiring in the cowl area.
10. 10

    Install linkage mounting bolts
    Install and hand-thread the main linkage assembly mounting bolts. Ensure proper alignment before tightening. Torque the mounting bolts to specification using a torque wrench. Install bolts in a progressive pattern to ensure even seating.
    Torque spec

    Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Install linkage pivot nuts
    Install the pivot nuts on both driver and passenger side pivot points. Hand-thread first to ensure proper engagement. Torque the pivot nuts to specification using a torque wrench. Verify that the pivots move freely without binding.
    Torque spec

    Linkage Pivot Nuts12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Install wiper motor and ground wire
    If the motor was separated, position the wiper motor onto the linkage assembly. Install the three motor mounting bolts and torque to specification. Install the ground wire terminal and torque the ground bolt to specification. Ensure the ground connection is clean and secure.
    Torque spec

    Motor Mounting Bolts10 Nm (7 lb-ft)

    Ground Bolt14 Nm (10 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Reconnect electrical connector
    Reconnect the wiper motor electrical connector. Ensure the connector locks securely with an audible click. Gently tug on the connector to verify it is properly seated.
14. 14

    Test wiper operation before cowl installation
    Turn the ignition to the ON position (engine off). Test the wiper motor operation by activating the wiper switch through all speeds (intermittent, low, high). Verify smooth operation and proper linkage movement. Turn wipers off and ensure they return to the park position. Turn ignition off.
    ⚠Do not install wiper arms yet. Testing should be done without arms installed to observe linkage movement and prevent damage.
15. 15

    Reinstall cowl cover
    Reconnect any washer hoses to the cowl cover if applicable. Position the cowl cover over the linkage assembly, aligning all mounting points. Press down firmly on each clip location until you hear or feel each clip seat properly. Verify all clips are secure.
    Torque spec

    Cover Screws11 Nm (8 lb-ft)
16. 16

    Install wiper arms
    Align the wiper arms to the marks made during removal. Install the wiper arms onto the pivot shafts, ensuring the splines engage properly. Install and hand-tighten the wiper arm nuts. Torque the wiper arm nuts using a 13mm socket. Verify both arms are positioned correctly relative to your reference marks.

Reassembly

1. Torque all fasteners to specification in the order presented
2. Ensure all electrical connections are secure and properly locked
3. Verify cowl cover clips are fully seated to prevent wind noise
4. Check that wiper arms are aligned properly before final torquing

Verification

• Start the engine and test wiper operation through all speeds including intermittent, low, and high settings
• Verify wipers return to proper park position when turned off
• Spray washer fluid and confirm wipers operate correctly with fluid present
• Check for any unusual noise, binding, or irregular movement during operation
• Inspect for any fluid leaks around cowl area after testing
• Verify wiper arms clear all areas of the windshield properly in their full sweep pattern

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