Commander 4WD V8-4.7L VIN N (2006)
Wiper Arm: Description and Operation
WIPER ARM
DESCRIPTION
FRONT
The front wiper arms are the rigid members located between the wiper pivots that protrude from the cowl plenum cover/grille panel near the base of the
windshield and the wiper blades on the windshield glass. These wiper arms feature an over-center hinge (6) that allows easy access to the windshield
glass for cleaning. The wiper arm has a die cast metal pivot end (4) with a large tapered mounting hole (5) at one end. A molded black plastic cap fits
over the wiper arm retaining nut to conceal the nut and this mounting hole following wiper arm installation.
The wide end of a tapered, stamped steel channel (3) hinges on and is secured with a hinge pin to the blade end of the wiper arm pivot end. One end of a
long, rigid, stamped steel strap (2), with a small hole near its pivot end, is riveted and crimped within the narrow end of the stamped steel channel. The
tip of the wiper blade end of this strap is bent back under itself to form a small hook (1). Concealed within the stamped steel channel is a long tension
spring (7) which is engaged with a wire hook to the underside of the die cast pivot end and is hooked through a small hole in the steel strap. The entire
wiper arm has a satin black finish applied to all of its visible surfaces.
REAR
The rear wiper arm (1) is the rigid member located between the rear wiper motor output shaft that protrudes from the outer liftgate panel near the base of
the liftgate glass opening and the rear wiper blade (2). The wiper arm is constructed of molded black plastic. A hinged pivot end is also molded plastic,
except for a tapered metal sleeve (4) that receives the wiper motor output shaft and a plate where the arm retaining nut is supported. A molded plastic
cap with a snap feature fits over the wiper arm retaining nut to conceal the nut and the mounting hole following wiper arm installation.
The wiper arm hinge, pivot block and tension spring are all concealed on the underside of the wide end of the arm. A molded plastic wiper arm support
(3) is integral to the wiper arm and extends from the lower edge of the arm. The matching wiper blade has two pivot pins that latch into a receptacle
concealed within the narrow end of the arm. The rear wiper arm cannot be adjusted or repaired. If damaged or ineffective, the entire wiper arm unit must
be replaced.
OPERATION
FRONT
The driver and passenger side wiper arms are not interchangeable. These arms have a letter D (driver) or P (passenger) cast into the lower surface of the
