Windshield Wiper control arm connection
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Sep 2023
Posts: 158
Likes: 8
Windshield Wiper control arm connection
Hi fellas,
Once again when I'm struggling with Osteoarthritis in my right hip and leg I was driving in the infamous Oregon rain when I heard a faint 'clunk' and my windshield wipers quit working. I could hear the motor working but no response from the wipers. What kind of a nightmare is it to get into this thing. Any tips or tricks would certainly be appreciated. I have the Ford TSM but there maybe someone whose versed in this system. Thanks and a lift of the lynch lid for your responses.
Gus
Once again when I'm struggling with Osteoarthritis in my right hip and leg I was driving in the infamous Oregon rain when I heard a faint 'clunk' and my windshield wipers quit working. I could hear the motor working but no response from the wipers. What kind of a nightmare is it to get into this thing. Any tips or tricks would certainly be appreciated. I have the Ford TSM but there maybe someone whose versed in this system. Thanks and a lift of the lynch lid for your responses.
Gus
Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 10,563
Likes: 2,674
From: Near Salt Lake City
The clip is not supposed to pop off
If it pops off, generally, that means you need a new wiper transmission (put the clip back on at least once or twice)
One trick is to shut the key off with the wipers running so you can get the motor and lever into a good position for you to reach it
If it pops off, generally, that means you need a new wiper transmission (put the clip back on at least once or twice)
One trick is to shut the key off with the wipers running so you can get the motor and lever into a good position for you to reach it
Thread Starter
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Sep 2023
Posts: 158
Likes: 8
Thanks manicmechanic, Its a 1998 E 150 Club Wagon Chateau. From the looks of it it's only a few phillips screws holding the cowling on. 501-16-28 shows the clip and I'll have at it tomorrow if my arthritis isn't acting up.
Last edited by Turbogus 1; Feb 26, 2026 at 02:54 PM.
Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 10,563
Likes: 2,674
From: Near Salt Lake City
Good luck with the arthritis
You might find the old clip hanging out under the wiper transmission once you get the arms and cowl panels off
I use 2) 5 gallon buckets of paint or sheetrock mud with a rubber coated plank and stand on that
You might find the old clip hanging out under the wiper transmission once you get the arms and cowl panels off
I use 2) 5 gallon buckets of paint or sheetrock mud with a rubber coated plank and stand on that
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Sep 2023
Posts: 158
Likes: 8
Thank you manicmechanic007. I'm going to purchase a new clip as the old one likely failed. Luckily I work for a small bus company (although I'm a refugee from Skinnymutt err. Greyhound) and our mechanic is a friendly guy so I placed a call to his voice mail to see if he can give me a hand with the installation for a little green.
Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 10,563
Likes: 2,674
From: Near Salt Lake City
He might do it for you free as a favor
It is an easy job, just replacing the clip
If you end up needing a new wiper transmission, then slide him some green
It is an easy job, just replacing the clip
If you end up needing a new wiper transmission, then slide him some green
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Sep 2023
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Perhaps, but I'm one for showing my appreciation especially when compared to what a shop would charge at $150/hr. Despite it being Saturday I checked with the local Ford dealer for the E3TZ-17531 A Clip and they wanted $29.93 but the parts dept. was closed. Luckily in the next town I got it from that Ford parts dept that was open for $19.98.
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Sep 2023
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It didn't take long before our mechanic found a bunch of pine needles and other debris that may have contributed to the clip slipping off. We found it in the debris but as it was a bit corroded we installed the new one. What a relief! They're working like a champ now, our fleet mechanic mentioned we need to use the air compressor to flush out the washer lines since I replaced the pump a few years ago.
Last edited by Turbogus 1; Mar 7, 2026 at 11:43 AM.
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Sep 2023
Posts: 158
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The next task is to get the non functioning Windshield Washers working. I replaced the pump about two years ago but didn't get to the lines. He offered to use compressed air to flush them out perhaps next Friday. Here's hoping!
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