Description

DESCRIPTION

The front wiper module is concealed within the engine compartment below the cowl top panel. The ends of the wiper pivot shafts that protrude through dedicated openings in the cowl top panel to drive the wiper arms and blades are the only visible components of the front wiper module.

The wiper module consists of the following major components:

- Bracket - The wiper module bracket consists of a long tubular steel main member that is crimped to a molded plastic pivot bracket at each end where the wiper pivots are secured. A stamped steel mounting plate for the wiper motor is secured with welds near the center of the main member.
- Crank Arm - The wiper motor crank arm is a stamped steel unit with an internally splined hole on the driven end that is pressed onto the wiper motor output shaft with an interference fit. A long ball stud is secured to the drive end of the crank arm.
- Linkage - The two stamped steel drive links connect the wiper motor crank arm to the wiper pivot lever arms. The left (driver) side drive link has a plastic socket-type bushing in one end, and a plastic sleeve-type bushing in the other end. The socket bushing is snap-fit over the ball stud on the left pivot lever arm, while the sleeve bushing is fit over the long ball stud on the drive end of the wiper motor crank arm. The right (passenger) side drive link has a plastic socket-type bushing on each end. One end of this drive link is snap-fit over the exposed end of the long ball stud on the drive end of the wiper motor crank arm and captures the sleeve bushing end of the left drive link beneath it, while the other end is snap-fit over the ball stud on the right pivot lever arm.
- Motor - The wiper motor is secured with screws to the motor mounting plate near the center of the wiper module bracket. The two-speed permanent magnet wiper motor features an integral transmission, an internal park switch, and an internal Positive Temperature Coefficient (PTC) circuit breaker. A molded plastic bracket with a rubber isolator fits over a stud integral to the forward side of the motor housing. The end of this bracket is secured by a screw to a stamped metal bracket welded to the cowl top panel.
- Pivot - The two molded plastic wiper pivot brackets are secured to the ends of the module bracket tubular main member. The lever arms that extend from the bottom of the pivot shafts each have a ball stud on their end. The upper end of each pivot shaft where the wiper arms will be fastened is tapered and externally serrated with a threaded stud at the top where the wiper arms are secured by a nut. Each pivot shaft operates within a housing formed in the pivot bracket featuring a large external flange near its center and external threads near the top. The pivot housings are secured to the outer surface of the cowl top panel by a large washer and a nut threaded onto the outside of the pivot housing where it protrudes through the cowl top.

The front wiper module cannot be adjusted or repaired. If any component of the module is ineffective or damaged, the entire front wiper module unit must be replaced.