[mfkilian]

The linkage from my Highlander '01 wiper motor to the wiper arm has become detached at the wiper arm. How is this repaired? It appears like the two pieces press-fit together; does this require the linkage bar and wiper arm to be replaced?

Thanks.

 

[ecohikr]

wiper linkage repair

How did you fix this the same thing happened to my 02??

:headbang:

 

[ecohikr]

wiper linkage repair

In my case it is the front driver's side linkage where it joins the wiper arm. It looks like the white plastic bushing has worn out and needs to be replaced. I read in other links that you just can't buy the bushing so then I guess I have to buy the whole linkage, but I wonder about getting the bushing from the salvage yard, I presume many other models would have the same set up, so a bushing from say a camry might work. Anybody out there done this? Thanks :thumbsup:

 

[mfkilian]

How I fixed my wiper...

I pried open the plastic cowling over the wiper assembly, clamped the pieces together, and drilled a hole through both pieces. I then put a cotter pin through the hole and that secured the pieces. Total cost: 25 cents. About an hour or two of labor (mostly figuring how to clamp, and getting the right drill bit, etc). The result was great...I really didn't notice any difference in the operation of the wiper at all. Probably key to this is go make sure the hole you drill is on the axis of rotation. And I will admit that it is pretty close quarters (you'll figure out how to place the wiper to get the joint best positioned).

 

[shortlid]

You drill for metal to metal contact of the linkage or through the bushing again??

 

[mfkilian]

Wiper repair

I'm pretty sure the bushing was in place (it was a couple years back now). The two pieces could be pressed together and they would stay together well enough to get a clamp on it so I'm pretty sure the bushing was still there.

 

[ecohikr]

wiper linkage repair

Thanks I will try that! :thumbsup:

 

[ecohikr]

wiper linkage repair

Well after careful consideration and checking the prices I installed a new one...twice. Anyway the Toyota dealer quoted me $302 + tax, I could get a used one on ebay (02 model) for $35 plus $25 shipping, but when I called my local salvage yard they said they could get me a new one for $109 so I figured instead of fixing old and then the other side going, for around a hundred bucks I could forget about it. Now as for putting it in, make sure the linkage is in the right position, the tab that comes off the motor should be horizontal and point toward the driver's side I found that out the hard way, but like all mechanical work, the second time is a breeze! :thumbsup:

 

[shortlid]

Is the snow and ice load where you live killing the wiper drives fast??

 

[ecohikr]

wiper linkage repair

That's a good question, from what I understand at the dealer it is fairly common, mine has just under 100K miles (or 158K kms). It could be the snow and ice, the salt, the windshield washer sol'n or the combination of all three. Mine was wiping snow and ice off today! :chug:

 

[shortlid]

You park inside a garage or outide? I find if I park outside I always put my wiper arms up and clear all snow and ice before bringing tham back down. HAS KEPT WIPERS AND LINKAGES IN GOOD SHAPE ON OTHER CARS FOR 300K PLUS in North New England winters.