removing wiper arms

[rick Kirchner]

Is there a trick?  I've taken the acorn nuts off, tried various pullers, but no joy.

[Mike Shumack]

Rick, many wiper arms have a small hole near the base where you can insert a drill bit (like 1/8"). You pull the wiper arm away from the windshield then insert the drill bit in the hole to hold the wiper arm out. This gives you some "wiggling" leverage.

They also make a special puller tool just for the wiper arms. You said you tried a puller - what was the problem with that puller(could get a good grip on the arm)?

You should spray some penetrating oil around the wiper shaft while the acorn nut is off. it may take a day or two for the oil to work its way in and do its magic. I like the Kroil oil (but others brands should work. PS. some like to mix a little transmission fluid and acetone for a quick home-brewed penetrating oil).

[rick Kirchner]

I've tried a two-jaw puller, a three jaw puller, and an overhead valve spring compressor with no luck, penetrating oil with no luck (but have not tried heat with the oil) but I will look for the hole you describe.  None of the pullers had an issue with getting enough purchase.  I could have easily destroyed the arms by continuing to crank down on the puller.

[Mike Shumack]

I use a "tie-rod end" puller. It's thin so it will fit under the wiper and very powerful. If it can't get the arm off - it's not coming off in one piece. 

be sure to give the penetrating oil time to work. it sounds like the aluminum of the arm is corroded to the shaft. If/when you get it apart put some never-seize on that spline before reassembling.

Good luck.

EDIT: The photo did not orientate correctly, but I think you can see what I'm talking about.

[rick Kirchner]

I have one of those too, will have to give it a shot.

[Bryan Beamon]

Rick, this may seem like a stupid question, but you must extend the wiper arm all the way forward in order to remove the arm off the coach . That was my experience with both Beaver coaches we have had. Maybe the obvious was over looked.

[Mike Shumack]

Rick, this may seem like a stupid question, but you must extend the wiper arm all the way forward in order to remove the arm off the coach . That was my experience with both Beaver coaches we have had. Maybe the obvious was over looked.

Good tip. That is what "inserting the drill bit into the wiper arm hole" does - it removes the spring tension between wiper arm and shaft.