Removing Wiper Arms

[HealeyRick]

Trying to remove my wiper arms (originals) and they aren't cooperating. Am I missing something? Any tricks or hints?

 

[Keoke]

Careful persistence, corrosion sometimes makes them difficult to get off.

 

[John Turney]

There is a little tab on the bottom of the arm, but there can be corrosion as Keoke says. Maybe a little PB Blaster on the underside.

 

[DerekJ]

While on the subject of wipers, did any model Healey originally use the Lucas type that have a screw to tighten the arm in place? i am now using them on my car. Well actually I only have a drivers side wiper to reduce the drag on a not very good wiper motor.

 

[Keoke]

DerekJ
I have never seen or heard of a wiper like that on a Healey

 

[andrewss]

Having scratched the front shroud on at least 2 Healeys trying to get them off DO NOT force them off !!!!! They are on a spline and need gentle coersion using WD40 (or usa equivalent) left for 24 hrs. Mask the paintwork with tape and then use a rubber pad around the wiper rotor that protudes from the shroud. Cut a 'U shape in a piece on 4mm alu the same diameter as the rotor. Ease the alu between the rotor and rubber pad and GENTLY for the wiper blade off... A lot of work for a small job but you won't regret it.. Obviously grease them when you fit them on the spline again.. GOOD LUCK AND patience...

 

[HealeyRick]

Thanks guys . Mission accomplished (sort of, look for a new post on lubricating the cable) I was pressing up on the small tab with the tip of a screwdriver all the while worrying I'd gouge the shroud, but the arm wasn't budging. I realized that while pushing on the tab, I was also pushing the arm at an angle to the shaft, which was preventing it from pulling straight off. I used a pair of water pump pliers to push up on the tab and allowed me to pull the wiper arm straight off.

 

[DerekJ]

Keoke.

That's what I thought. My current car came with them. They are typical Lucas models and use a screw which tightens into a small tapered collar. Quite a good system. No idea which type of British cars they were fitted to.

 

[Bruce]

Thanks guys . Mission accomplished (sort of, look for a new post on lubricating the cable) I was pressing up on the small tab with the tip of a screwdriver all the while worrying I'd gouge the shroud, but the arm wasn't budging. I realized that while pushing on the tab, I was also pushing the arm at an angle to the shaft, which was preventing it from pulling straight off. I used a pair of water pump pliers to push up on the tab and allowed me to pull the wiper arm straight off.

Question--I am removing the wipers for paint. You said you were pushing up, and I want to clarify you were pushing parallel to the wiper shaft. If you were pushing perpendicular to the shaft, do you push toward or away from the shaft? Thanks.

 

[red57]

Hi Bruce, Yes just pull straight (parallel) off the shaft but you may need to wiggle side to side to loosen any corrosion bond that has developed in the fine splines.

I have a set like DerekJ describes and they are very easy to install and remove/reposition - unlike normal push-on ones, there is no straining involved once you loosen the clamping screw. Mine are TEX brand but I have no idea if they are OEM or aftermarket. They also have a very simple hook shaped spoon at the outer end for attaching the blade. Another advantage of the clamping system is the splines don't wear and allow the arm to slip. I heartily recommend them if you ever find some.

 

[Bruce]

Hi Bruce, Yes just pull straight (parallel) off the shaft but you may need to wiggle side to side to loosen any corrosion bond that has developed in the fine splines.

I have a set like DerekJ describes and they are very easy to install and remove/reposition - unlike normal push-on ones, there is no straining involved once you loosen the clamping screw. Mine are TEX brand but I have no idea if they are OEM or aftermarket. They also have a very simple hook shaped spoon at the outer end for attaching the blade. Another advantage of the clamping system is the splines don't wear and allow the arm to slip. I heartily recommend them if you ever find some.

Thanks. Unfortunately, I have the original style. I've sprayed them with penetrating lubricant and will let them sit. I had no luck initially. It looks like the tab has to be pried outward along the axis of the wiper arm to allow the wiper head to slide off the spindle. I'm trying to confirm the direction of force on the tab. I've tried a small screwdriver and an assortment of picks and awls so far.

 

[HealeyRick]

Hi Bruce,

I'm sorry it's been so long ago I really don't remember how I did this.

 

[Bruce]

Hi Bruce,

I'm sorry it's been so long ago I really don't remember how I did this.

I know the feeling!