Does anyone know if there is a way to adjust the angle of front windshield wiper arms on a 97 Explorer? The passenger side in particular has become a problem and slams against the vent intake cover. When using the wipers at regular speed and especially at high speed it is troublesome to the point where I can hear it hitting the vent cover. This action appears to be making the condition worse in that the play in the passenger side arm has increased over time when compared to the play in the driver's side arm which does not hit the vent intake. I cannot see any way to adjust this and do not want to take it all apart if there is no way to adjust it.

I took it to a Ford dealer today while it was raining hard so I could demonstate the problem. Unfortunately, they were pretty clueless and, other than bending it some, suggested I buy a whole new assembly that would cost me about $100 installed. I can't imagine there isn't some way to adjust the angle. Does anyone have a manual that might suggest how to correct this problem? The Ford mechanic claimed he had nothing to consult. Seems to me like there would be some documentation that diagrams the assembly of the unit in the event a shop ever had occasion to disassemble the unit.

Any thoughts/suggestions are appreciated.

 

Can you just remove the arm and install it in a different position on the splines? Not sure if a 1997 has a master spline or not.

 

Actually have a tool to do this, bought it from Whitney a few years ago, looks like a mini prybar, pretty sure explorers arm are down on a spline, just pry em off, adjust it and tap it back down....(I used it on a Chevy). So I went and looked at my 96...looks like its on a spline to me. lol

 

Thanks for the suggestions.

I should have also stated in my original posting that I have removed the arms. My thoughts, too, were to just rotate the arm a bit on the spline. The problem is there is a detent where the arms fit over the splines so they can only be in one position. I can clearly see where the spline is but it appears to be rendered useless by the detent. So I had to consider moving the spline itself rather than the arm. That's where the problem is because I cannot see any way to move the spline. Removing the arms themselves proved to be simple. There is a small lever that when pulled away from the arm releases it and it slips right off. Would anyone who has a 97 Explorer mind taking a look at theirs to see if it's the same and if any ideas might come to mind? Sure would appreciate it. :-)

 

 

My '97 is the same way, and has the same problem. The dealer was surprised to see the detent in the mount as well. Looks like I'll be bending the arm in a vise off of the vehicle.

 

The problem lies inthe nylon bushing on the sweep arm pivot, under the vent cover, they are worn and need replacing. I removed mine and squeezed the metal bar holding the bushing so that it is tight, has worked without slapping for 4 yrs now.

 

Thanks for the update!