Anyone know where to find a rear wiper arm..they are, of course, discontinued

 

Rumor has it that the expedition shares the same wiper arm XL1Z-17526-AA. I havent tried this personally but the pictures do looks the same.

 

I have one I pulled from a 2000 Ex in the junkyard. Motor is with it too. Haven't tested it yet.
(I wound up cleaning mine, instead of installing the replacement.)
If you're interested in this, a used one, PM me and I'll make you a deal.

 

I tried the expedition rear wiper arm just yesterday and it doesn't work. Too long. Excursion has an unusual design because it's a short littler wiper on a giant truck. Wondering if a Focus rear wiper might work...

 

thanks for the update jmko.
What year was the expy rear wiper arm from?

 

Ok, so how do I get the arm off?

 

Oops, just realized I mistakenly tried an Explorer arm. My bad. Might try Expedition next, but the design doesn't look right.

Here's what I've tried with no luck (both purchased on Amazon)
Too long: .
Hole for screw was too big: .

Waiting for this to arrive from China (via eBay):
Ford Focus MK2 2004-13. Seemed to have the threaded bolt hole like the OEM arm, so hoping it will do the job.
I haven't been able to find Focus rear wiper arms for earlier years, so fingers crossed.

I may also try . But not optimistic based on the design in the photo - it has that plastic piece that's perpendicular to the arm.

 

Youtube should have the answer, if my description doesn't make sense: The base of the wiper arm has a plastic cover that hides a bolt and nut. This is where the arm attaches to the window. Just pry the plastic piece off to expose the bolt/nut, and then you can loosen the nut (it can be tough to loosen). I forget what size socket it takes, but it's a standard size.

 

Yup, been there, pulled and pulled, no dice. I guess a puller is next?

 

Yes a puller is what you need to get it off if it is rusted.

 

Quick update, the Focus wiper arm looked to be about the right size but the bolt hole was a little too small. Also tried the Expedition arm, which a previous commenter had (tentatively) suggested. This did not work, unfortunately. The bolt hole was too small (but close enough that my backup plan was to try to 'force' it on there somehow.)

For context, original issue was that the rear wiper had a gap in the middle of the blade that wouldn't wipe. My equipment was the original arm and a 17-inch Bosch Icon blade.

Going back to an original size 16-inch blade solved the issue. I put back on the original arm and a 16-inch "Trico high mileage" blade I stumbled across at AutoAdvantage. The package says it's a beam blade design and has a coupler that claims to distribute pressure better. Works like a charm.

 

Mine is in good shape but it's looking rather weathered looking. I wonder if they can be refurbished professionally.

 

I spray painted my rear arm last summer. Still looks good a year later. Did the same with front wiper arms, actually. Was a cheap and easy fix

 

I'm looking for a long term durable finish. Functionally they're fine.

I should have bought a new one when I had the chance.

 

I have the same problem. The issue is not that the wiper is "broken" (unless you actually have broken parts) but that the arm pivot has too much friction. You can verify that by pulling out the arm a tad off the window and it either stays out or is slow to return to the glass; and also by pushing slightly on the arm while it operates to get the blade to seat against the glass. Getting another arm out of a salvage yard will probably result the same.

If you don't have any broken parts (like a busted spring or spring attachment point) then try freeing up the arm pivot with some penetrating lube, then follow it up with some drops of light oil. I'll wager the action will improve.