This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the windshield wiper linkage assembly on a 2019-2024 Toyota RAV4 with the 2.5L I4 gasoline engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Wiper linkage assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Cowl panel clips (if damaged) × 1 — 90467-09139

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Turn ignition off and remove key
3. Open hood and secure with prop rod
4. Disconnect negative battery terminal using 10mm wrench and isolate cable
5. Wait 90 seconds for airbag system to discharge
6. Remove both wiper arms by lifting the tab cover, removing the retaining nut with 14mm socket, and pulling arms straight off the splined shafts

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove cowl top panel
   Remove the plastic cowl cover clips along the rear edge of the hood opening. There are approximately 8-10 push-pin style clips securing the cowl panel. Use a panel removal tool to carefully pry up the center pins, then remove the entire clip. Lift the front edge of the cowl panel up and pull forward to disengage from the windshield base.
2. 2

   Remove cowl side covers
   Remove the left and right cowl side covers by removing the retaining screws. Use a 10mm socket to remove screws on each side. Carefully pull the covers away from the body, being mindful of any remaining clips. Set covers aside in a safe location.
   Torque spec

   Cover Screws11 Nm (8 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Disconnect washer hose
   Locate the windshield washer hose connection at the base of the cowl. Squeeze the retaining clip and pull the hose straight off the connection. Have a shop towel ready as residual washer fluid may drain. Cap or plug the hose to prevent leakage.
4. 4

   Disconnect wiper motor electrical connector
   Locate the wiper motor electrical connector on the driver's side of the assembly. Press the locking tab and pull the connector straight off the motor. Do not pull on the wires themselves.
5. 5

   Remove ground wire connection
   Locate the ground wire bolt on the wiper motor bracket. Use a 10mm socket to remove the ground bolt and disconnect the ground wire. Set the bolt and wire aside for reinstallation.
   Torque spec

   Ground Bolt14 Nm (10 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove wiper motor mounting bolts
   Locate the three wiper motor mounting bolts securing the motor to the linkage assembly. Use a 10mm socket to remove all three bolts. Support the motor while removing the last bolt to prevent it from falling.
   Torque spec

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

   Separate motor from linkage
   Carefully pull the wiper motor away from the linkage assembly. The motor output shaft will have a crank arm connected to the linkage. Mark the orientation of the crank arm on the motor shaft before removal. Remove the retaining nut from the crank arm using a 12mm socket, then pull the crank arm off the motor shaft. Note the position for reassembly.
8. 8

   Remove linkage pivot nuts
   Locate the pivot nuts on both the driver and passenger side pivot points where the linkage arms mount to the cowl structure. Use a 12mm socket to remove both pivot nuts. Keep track of any washers or spacers under the nuts.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove linkage assembly
   Carefully lift the entire wiper linkage assembly up and out of the cowl area. Maneuver the assembly past any remaining obstructions. Inspect the pivot grommets and mounting points for wear or damage. If replacing only the linkage, transfer the motor and crank arm to the new linkage assembly.
10. 10

    Install new linkage assembly
    Position the new or refurbished linkage assembly into the cowl area. Align both pivot points with their mounting locations. Ensure the passenger side and driver side pivots are properly seated in their mounting holes before proceeding. Install the pivot nuts finger-tight initially.
    Torque spec

    Linkage Pivot Nuts12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Attach motor to linkage
    Position the crank arm onto the motor shaft in the correct orientation as marked during disassembly. The flat on the motor shaft must align with the flat in the crank arm. Install the retaining nut and tighten. Connect the crank arm to the linkage ball joint. Position the motor assembly and install the three mounting bolts hand-tight.
    Torque spec

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

    Torque all fasteners
    Using a torque wrench, torque the linkage pivot nuts to specification. Then torque the wiper motor mounting bolts to specification. Ensure all connections are secure and the linkage moves freely.
    Torque spec

    Linkage Pivot Nuts12 Nm (9 lb-ft)

    Motor Mounting Bolts10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Reconnect electrical and ground
    Connect the ground wire to the motor bracket and install the ground bolt, torquing to specification. Reconnect the wiper motor electrical connector, ensuring it clicks into place securely.
    Torque spec

    Ground Bolt14 Nm (10 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Reinstall cowl covers
    Reconnect the windshield washer hose until it clicks into place. Reinstall the left and right cowl side covers and secure with screws, torquing to specification. Position the main cowl top panel, engaging the rear edge first, then pressing down the clips along the front edge until they snap into place.
    Torque spec

    Cover Screws11 Nm (8 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Install wiper arms
    Reconnect the negative battery terminal. Turn the ignition to ON and activate the wipers once to ensure they park in the correct position, then turn off. Install both wiper arms onto the splined shafts in their correct park position. The driver side arm should be approximately 1 inch from the cowl, passenger side approximately 1.5 inches. Install the retaining nuts and tighten with a 14mm socket. Close the tab covers.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all cowl panel clips are fully seated to prevent wind noise
2. Verify washer hose connection is secure and not kinked
3. Check that no tools or parts were left in the cowl area

Verification

• Turn ignition to ON and test wiper operation at all speeds (intermittent, low, high) to ensure smooth operation without binding or unusual noise
• Test wiper park function - wipers should return to the same position each time
• Verify both wiper blades travel across the windshield in proper synchronized motion with no hesitation
• Test windshield washer function to confirm hose is properly connected
• Inspect for any fluid leaks around washer connections
• Re-initialize power windows if necessary by holding the auto-up button for 2 seconds after full up position

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