1998 DODGE RAM 1500 air

INSPECTION - WIPER & WASHER SYSTEM
WIPER SYSTEM
The wiper blades and wiper arms should be
inspected periodically, not just when wiper perfor-
mance problems are experienced. This inspection
should include the following points:
(1) Inspect the wiper arms for any indications of
damage, or contamination. If the wiper arms are con-
taminated with any foreign material, clean them as
required. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/WIPERS/
WASHERS - CLEANING). If a wiper arm is damaged
or corrosion is evident, replace the wiper arm with a
new unit. Do not attempt to repair a wiper arm that
is damaged or corroded.
(2) Carefully lift the wiper blade off of the glass.
Note the action of the wiper arm hinge. The wiper
arm should pivot freely at the hinge, but with no lat-
eral looseness evident. If there is any binding evident
in the wiper arm hinge, or there is evident lateral
play in the wiper arm hinge, replace the wiper arm.
CAUTION: Do not allow the wiper arm to spring
back against the glass without the wiper blade in
place or the glass may be damaged.
(3) Once proper hinge action of the wiper arm is
confirmed, check the hinge for proper spring tension.
Remove the wiper blade from the wiper arm. Either
place a small postal scale between the blade end of
the wiper arm and the glass, or carefully lift the
blade end of the arm away from the glass using a
small fish scale. Compare the scale readings between
the right and left wiper arms. Replace a wiper arm if
it has comparatively lower spring tension, as evi-
denced by a lower scale reading.
(4) Inspect the wiper blades and squeegees for any
indications of damage, contamination, or rubber dete-
rioration (Fig. 2). If the wiper blades or squeegees
are contaminated with any foreign material, clean
them and the glass as required. (Refer to 8 - ELEC-
TRICAL/WIPERS/WASHERS - CLEANING). After
cleaning the wiper blade and the glass, if the wiper
blade still fails to clear the glass without smearing,
streaking, chattering, hazing, or beading, replace the
wiper blade. Also, if a wiper blade is damaged or the
squeegee rubber is damaged or deteriorated, replace
the wiper blade with a new unit. Do not attempt to
repair a wiper blade that is damaged.
WASHER SYSTEM
The washer system components should be
inspected periodically, not just when washer perfor-
mance problems are experienced. This inspection
should include the following points:(1) Check for ice or other foreign material in the
washer reservoir. If contaminated, clean and flush
the washer system. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/WIP-
ERS/WASHERS - CLEANING).
(2) Inspect the washer plumbing for pinched, leak-
ing, deteriorated, or incorrectly routed hoses and
damaged or disconnected hose fittings. Replace dam-
aged or deteriorated hoses and hose fittings. Leaking
washer hoses can sometimes be repaired by cutting
the hose at the leak and splicing it back together
using an in-line connector fitting. Similarly, sections
of deteriorated hose can be cut out and replaced by
splicing in new sections of hose using in-line connec-
tor fittings. Whenever routing a washer hose or a
wire harness containing a washer hose, it must be
routed away from hot, sharp, or moving parts. Also,
sharp bends that might pinch the washer hose must
be avoided.CHECK VALVE
DESCRIPTION
A single washer system check valve is standard
equipment on this model, and is installed in the
Fig. 2 Wiper Blade Inspection
1 - WORN OR UNEVEN EDGES
2 - ROAD FILM OR FOREIGN MATERIAL DEPOSITS
3 - HARD, BRITTLE, OR CRACKED
4 - DEFORMED OR FATIGUED
5 - SPLIT
6 - DAMAGED SUPPORT COMPONENTS
DRWIPERS/WASHERS 8R - 7
WIPERS/WASHERS (Continued)

washer system plumbing (Fig. 3). The check valve is
integral to the washer nozzle plumbing wye fitting
located in the cowl plenum area beneath the cowl
plenum cover/grille panel near the base of the wind-
shield. The check valve consists of a molded plastic
body with a raised arrowhead molded into its center
section that indicates the direction of the flow
through the valve, and three barbed hose nipples
formed in a wye configuration on the outside circum-
ference of the center section of the valve body. The
check valve cannot be adjusted or repaired and, if
faulty or damaged, it must be replaced.
OPERATION
The check valve provides more than one function
in this application. It serves as a wye connector fit-
ting between the engine compartment and washer
nozzle sections of the washer supply hose. It prevents
washer fluid from draining out of the washer supply
hoses back to the washer reservoir. This drain-back
would result in a lengthy delay from when the
washer switch is actuated until washer fluid was dis-
pensed through the washer nozzles, because the
washer pump would have to refill the washer plumb-
ing from the reservoir to the nozzles. Such a drain-
back condition could also result in water, dirt, or
other outside contaminants being siphoned into the
washer system through the washer nozzle orifice.
This water could subsequently freeze and plug the
nozzle, while other contaminants could interfere with
proper nozzle operation and cause improper nozzle
spray patterns. In addition, the check valve prevents
washer fluid from siphoning through the washer noz-
zles after the washer system is turned Off.When the washer pump pressurizes and pumps
washer fluid from the reservoir through the washer
plumbing, the fluid pressure unseats a diaphragm
from over a sump well within the valve by overriding
the spring pressure applied to it by a piston (Fig. 4).
With the diaphragm unseated, washer fluid is
allowed to flow toward the two washer nozzles. When
the washer pump stops operating, the spring pres-
sure on the piston seats the diaphragm over the
sump well in the valve and fluid flow in either direc-
tion within the washer plumbing is prevented. The
check valve cannot be adjusted or repaired and, if
faulty or damaged, it must be replaced.REMOVAL
(1) Remove both wiper arms from the wiper pivots.
(Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/WIPERS/WASHERS/
WIPER ARM - REMOVAL).
(2) Unlatch and open the hood.
(3) Remove the cowl plenum cover/grille panel
from over the cowl plenum. (Refer to 23 - BODY/EX-
TERIOR/COWL GRILLE - REMOVAL).
(4) From the underside of the cowl plenum cover/
grille panel, disconnect the cowl plenum and washer
nozzle hoses from the three barbed nipples of the
check valve (Fig. 5).
(5) Remove the check valve from the underside of
the cowl plenum cover/grille panel.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position the check valve to the underside of the
cowl plenum cover/grille panel (Fig. 5). Be certain
that the flow direction arrow molded into the check
valve body is oriented towards the washer nozzles.
Fig. 3 Check Valve
1 - INLET NIPPLE
2 - CHECK VALVE
3 - OUTLET NIPPLE (2)
4 - FLOW DIRECTION ARROW
Fig. 4 Check Valve
1 - SPRING
2 - PISTON
3 - DIAPHRAGM
4 - TO WASHER NOZZLE
5 - FROM WASHER PUMP
8R - 8 WIPERS/WASHERSDR
CHECK VALVE (Continued)

(2) From the underside of the cowl plenum cover/
grille panel, reconnect the cowl plenum and washer
nozzle hoses to the three barbed nipples of the check
valve.
(3) Reinstall the cowl plenum cover/grille panel
over the cowl plenum. (Refer to 23 - BODY/EXTERI-
OR/COWL GRILLE - INSTALLATION).
(4) Close and latch the hood.
(5) Reinstall both wiper arms onto the wiper piv-
ots. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/WIPERS/WASHERS/
WIPER ARM - INSTALLATION).
WASHER FLUID LEVEL
SWITCH
DESCRIPTION
The washer fluid level switch is a single pole, sin-
gle throw reed-type switch mounted on the outboard
side of the of the washer reservoir in the engine com-
partment (Fig. 6). Only the molded plastic switch
mounting flange and the integral connector recepta-
cle are visible when the switch is installed in the res-
ervoir. A short nipple formation extends from the
inner surface of the switch mounting flange, and a
barb on the nipple near the switch mounting flange
is pressed through a rubber grommet seal installed
in the mounting hole of the reservoir.
A small, molded plastic float has two pivot pins
near its center that are snapped into two receptacles
near the ends of two stanchions that extend toward
the float from the switch nipple formation. A small
magnet is secured within the end of the float nearestthe switch nipple formation, and a reed switch is con-
cealed within the nipple. A diagnostic resistor is con-
nected between the two switch terminals within the
switch mounting flange. The washer fluid level
switch cannot be adjusted or repaired. If faulty or
damaged, the switch must be replaced.
OPERATION
The washer fluid level switch uses a pivoting,
oblong float to monitor the level of the washer fluid
in the washer reservoir. The float contains a small
magnet. When the float pivots, the proximity of this
magnet to a stationary reed switch within the nipple
formation of the switch changes. When the fluid level
in the washer reservoir is at or above the float level,
the float moves to a vertical position, the influence of
the float magnetic field is removed from the reed
switch, and the normally open reed switch contacts
open. When the fluid level in the washer reservoir
falls below the level of the pivoting float, the float
moves to a horizontal position, the influence of the
float magnetic field is applied to the reed switch, and
the contacts of the normally open reed switch close.
The washer fluid level switch is connected to the
vehicle electrical system through a dedicated take
out and connector of the right (except diesel engines)
or left (diesel engines only) headlamp and dash wire
harness. The switch is connected in series between a
clean ground output of the Front Control Module
Fig. 5 Check Valve Remove/Install
1 - WASHER NOZZLE HOSE (RIGHT)
2 - CHECK VALVE
3 - ROUTING CLIP
4 - COWL PLENUM WASHER HOSE
5 - COWL PLENUM COVER/GRILLE PANEL (UNDERSIDE)
6 - WASHER NOZZLE HOSE (LEFT)
Fig. 6 Washer Fluid Level Switch
1 - MOUNTING FLANGE
2 - BARBED NIPPLE
3 - FLOAT
4 - RESERVOIR
5 - GROMMET SEAL
6 - PIVOT
7 - MAGNET
8 - CONNECTOR RECEPTACLE
DRWIPERS/WASHERS 8R - 9
CHECK VALVE (Continued)

INSTALLATION
(1) Install a new rubber grommet seal into the
washer fluid level switch mounting hole in the
washer reservoir. Always use a new rubber grommet
seal on the reservoir.
(2) Insert the float of the washer fluid level switch
through the rubber grommet seal and into the
washer reservoir. The connector receptacle of the
washer fluid level switch should be pointed upward.
(3) Using hand pressure, press firmly and evenly
on the washer fluid level switch mounting flange
until the barbed nipple is fully seated in the rubber
grommet seal in the washer reservoir mounting hole.
(4) Reconnect the right (except diesel engine) or
left (diesel engine only) headlamp and dash wire har-
ness connector for the washer fluid level switch to
the switch connector receptacle (Fig. 7) or (Fig. 8).
(5) Reconnect the removed washer hose to the
barbed outlet nipple of the washer pump/motor unit.
(6) Refill the washer reservoir with the washer
fluid drained from the reservoir during the removal
procedure.
(7) Reconnect the battery negative cable.
(8) Close and latch the hood.
WASHER HOSES/TUBES
DESCRIPTION
The washer plumbing consists of a small diameter
rubber reservoir washer hose that is routed from the
barbed outlet nipple of the electric washer pump/mo-tor unit on the washer reservoir through a trough
molded into the back of the reservoir above the
washer pump and to the engine compartment washer
hose (Fig. 9). On models equipped with an optional
diesel engine, the reservoir washer hose is routed
through routing clips on the top of the radiator fan
shroud from the washer reservoir on the left side of
the radiator to the engine compartment washer hose
on the right side of the radiator. The engine compart-
ment washer hose is contained within the right head-
lamp and dash wire harness, which is routed through
the engine compartment along the top of the right
front fender wheel house to the dash panel.
The engine compartment washer hose is connected
to the washer reservoir washer hose and to the cowl
plenum washer hose with molded plastic in-line fit-
tings that have a barbed nipple on each end. The
cowl plenum washer hose is routed from the engine
compartment into the cowl plenum area through a
trough formation located near the right end of the
cowl plenum cover/grille panel. The cowl plenum
washer hose is connected to the washer system check
valve/wye fitting on the underside of the cowl plenum
cover/grille panel. The cowl plenum washer hose and
the two washer nozzle hoses are routed through inte-
gral routing clips on the underside of the cowl ple-
num cover/grille panel. The cowl plenum washer hose
is connected to one nipple on the wye fitting and the
two washer nozzle hoses are connected to the other
two wye fitting nipples. The washer nozzle hoses are
then routed along the underside of the cowl plenum
cover/grille panel to the two washer nozzles.
Washer hose is available for service only as roll
stock, which must then be cut to length. The molded
plastic washer hose fittings cannot be repaired. If
these fittings are faulty or damaged, they must be
replaced.
OPERATION
Washer fluid in the washer reservoir is pressurized
and fed by the washer pump/motor through the
washer system plumbing and fittings to the two
washer nozzles. Whenever routing the washer hose
or a wire harness containing a washer hose, it must
be routed away from hot, sharp, or moving parts;
and, sharp bends that might pinch the hose must be
avoided.
WASHER NOZZLE
DESCRIPTION
The two washer nozzles have integral snap fea-
tures and an anti-rotation tab that secure them in
dedicated holes in the cowl plenum cover/grille panel
located near the base of the windshield (Fig. 10). The
Fig. 9 Engine Compartment Washer Hose
1 - RIGHT FENDER
2 - RIGHT HEADLAMP & DASH WIRE HARNESS
3 - ENGINE COMPARTMENT WASHER HOSE (TO COWL
PLENUM)
4 - COWL PLENUM WASHER HOSE
5 - ENGINE COMPARTMENT WASHER HOSE (TO WASHER
RESERVOIR)
DRWIPERS/WASHERS 8R - 11
WASHER FLUID LEVEL SWITCH (Continued)

domed upper surface of the washer nozzle is visible
on the top of the plenum cover/grille panel, and the
nozzle orifice is oriented towards the windshield
glass. The washer plumbing fittings for the washer
nozzles are concealed beneath the cowl plenum cover/
grille panel. These fluidic washer nozzles are con-
structed of molded plastic. The cowl plenum cover/
grille panel must be removed from the vehicle to
access the nozzles for service. The washer nozzles
cannot be adjusted or repaired. If faulty or damaged,
they must be replaced.
OPERATION
The two washer nozzles are designed to dispense
washer fluid into the wiper pattern area on the out-
side of the windshield glass. Pressurized washer fluid
is fed to each nozzle from the washer reservoir by the
washer pump/motor unit through a single hose,
which is attached to a barbed nipple on each washer
nozzle below the cowl plenum cover/grille panel. A
fluidic matrix within the washer nozzle causes the
pressurized washer fluid to be emitted from the noz-
zle orifice as an oscillating stream to more effectively
cover a larger area of the glass to be cleaned.
REMOVAL
(1) Remove both wiper arms from the wiper pivots.
(Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/WIPERS/WASHERS/
WIPER ARM - REMOVAL).
(2) Unlatch and open the hood.
(3) Remove the cowl plenum cover/grille panel
from over the cowl plenum. (Refer to 23 - BODY/EX-
TERIOR/COWL GRILLE - REMOVAL).(4) From the underside of the cowl plenum cover/
grille panel, disconnect the washer nozzle hose from
the barbed nipple of the washer nozzle (Fig. 11).
(5) From the underside of the cowl plenum cover/
grille panel, release the integral snap features of the
washer nozzle and push the nozzle out through the
mounting hole toward the top side of the cowl ple-
num cover/grille panel.
(6) Remove the washer nozzle from the top of the
cowl plenum cover/grille panel.
INSTALLATION
(1) From the top of the cowl plenum cover/grille
panel, position the nipple end of the washer nozzle
through the mounting hole and engage the anti-rota-
tion tab of the nipple into the anti-rotation notch in
the mounting hole.
(2) Using hand pressure, push firmly and evenly
on the top of the washer nozzle until the integral
snap features lock into place on the underside of the
cowl plenum cover/grille panel.
(3) From the underside of the cowl plenum cover/
grille panel, reconnect the washer hose to the barbed
nipple of the washer nozzle (Fig. 11).
(4) Reinstall the washer hose for the washer noz-
zle into its routing clips on the underside of the cowl
plenum cover/grille panel.
(5) Reinstall the cowl plenum cover/grille panel
over the cowl plenum. (Refer to 23 - BODY/EXTERI-
OR/COWL GRILLE - INSTALLATION).
(6) Close and latch the hood.
Fig. 10 Washer Nozzle
1 - HOOD
2 - LATCH (2)
3 - NIPPLE
4 - ANTI-ROTATION TAB
5 - ORIFICE
Fig. 11 Washer Nozzle Remove/Install
1 - COWL PLENUM COVER/GRILLE PANEL (UNDERSIDE)
2 - ANTI-ROTATION TAB (LARGE)
3 - NIPPLE
4 - ANTI-ROTATION TAB (SMALL)
5 - PLIERS
6 - LATCH (2)
8R - 12 WIPERS/WASHERSDR
WASHER NOZZLE (Continued)

(7) Reinstall both wiper arms onto the wiper piv-
ots. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/WIPERS/WASHERS/
WIPER ARM - INSTALLATION).
WASHER PUMP/MOTOR
DESCRIPTION
The washer pump/motor unit (Fig. 12) is located on
the rearward facing surface of the washer reservoir,
in the right (except diesel engine) or left (diesel
engine only) front corner of the engine compartment.
A small permanently lubricated and sealed electric
motor is coupled to the rotor-type washer pump. A
seal flange with a barbed inlet nipple on the pump
housing passes through a rubber grommet seal
installed in a dedicated mounting hole of the washer
reservoir. When the pump is installed in the reser-
voir a barbed outlet nipple on the pump housing con-
nects the unit to the washer system through a short
washer reservoir hose.
The washer pump/motor unit is retained on the
reservoir by the interference fit between the barbed
pump inlet nipple and the grommet seal, which is a
light press fit. The top of the washer pump is also
secured to the washer reservoir by the use of a snappost on the motor housing and a snap post receptacle
molded into the reservoir that allows for mounting of
the washer pump without the use of fasteners. An
integral connector receptacle on the top of the motor
housing connects the unit to the vehicle electrical
system. The washer pump/motor unit cannot be
repaired. If faulty or damaged, the entire washer
pump/motor unit must be replaced.
OPERATION
The washer pump/motor unit features a small
Direct Current (DC) electric motor. The motor is con-
nected to the vehicle electrical system through a sin-
gle take out and two-cavity connector of the right
(except diesel engine) or left (diesel engine only)
headlamp and dash wire harness. The motor is
grounded at all times through another take out of
the right (except diesel engine) or left (diesel engine
only) headlamp and dash wire harness. On models
without the diesel engine, a single eyelet terminal
connector is secured by a nut to a ground stud
located on the right front fender inner shield in the
engine compartment. On models with a diesel engine,
an eyelet terminal connector is secured by a ground
screw to the left front fender inner shield in the
engine compartment. The motor receives battery cur-
rent on a washer pump/motor control circuit.
The washer pump/motor control circuit is energized
through a high side driver within the Front Control
Module (FCM) whenever the FCM receives an elec-
tronic message requesting washer system operation
from the instrument cluster over the Programmable
Communications Interface (PCI) data bus. The
instrument cluster monitors a resistor multiplexed
hard wired input from the momentary washer switch
contacts within the multi-function switch on the
steering column to determine when it should issue
the electronic message requesting washer system
operation.
Washer fluid is gravity-fed from the washer reser-
voir to the inlet side of the washer pump. When the
pump motor is energized, the motor spins the rotor
within the washer pump. The spinning pump rotor
pressurizes the washer fluid and forces it through
the pump outlet nipple, the washer plumbing, and
the washer nozzles onto the windshield glass.
The washer pump/motor unit may be diagnosed
using conventional diagnostic tools and methods.
However, conventional diagnostic methods may not
prove conclusive in the diagnosis of the instrument
cluster, the FCM, or the electronic message inputs to
or outputs from the instrument cluster and the FCM
that control the operation of the washer pump/motor
unit. The most reliable, efficient, and accurate means
to diagnose the washer pump/motor unit, the instru-
ment cluster, the FCM, or the electronic message
Fig. 12 Washer Pump/Motor
1 - MOTOR
2 - SNAP POST
3 - CONNECTOR RECEPTACLE
4 - PUMP
5 - OUTLET NIPPLE
6 - INLET NIPPLE
7 - FILTER SCREEN
DRWIPERS/WASHERS 8R - 13
WASHER NOZZLE (Continued)

plenum cover/grille panel near the base of the wind-
shield and the wiper blades on the windshield glass
(Fig. 18). These wiper arms feature an over-center
hinge that allows easy access to the windshield glass
for cleaning. The wiper arm has a die cast metal
pivot end with a large internally serrated socket for-
mation at one end. A key within the socket formation
indexes the wiper arm to a keyway in the pivot shaft
of the wiper module to provide wiper alignment, and
a spring-loaded latch on the underside of the wiper
arm pivot end locks the unit to the pivot shaft when
it is fully installed. The right and left wiper arms for
this model are not interchangeable, as the right
wiper arm is slightly longer than the left one.
The wide end of a tapered, stamped steel channel
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, 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. Concealed within the
stamped steel channel, one end of a long spring is
engaged with a wire hook on the underside of the die
cast pivot end, while the other end of the spring is
hooked through the small hole in the steel strap. The
entire wiper arm has a satin black finish applied to
all of its visible surfaces.
A wiper arm cannot be adjusted or repaired. If
damaged or faulty, the entire wiper arm unit must be
replaced.
OPERATION
The wiper arms are designed to mechanically
transmit the motion from the wiper pivots to the
wiper blades. The wiper arm must be properly
indexed to the wiper pivot in order to maintain the
proper wiper blade travel on the glass. The serrated
and keyed socket formation in the wiper arm pivot
end interlocks with the serrations and keyway on the
outer circumference of the wiper pivot shaft, provid-
ing positive engagement and alignment of this con-
nection. The latch positively locks the wiper arm to
the wiper pivot shaft when the arm is fully installed.
The spring-loaded wiper arm hinge controls the
down-force applied through the tip of the wiper arm
to the wiper blade on the glass. The hook formation
on the tip of the wiper arm provides a cradle for
securing and latching the wiper blade pivot block to
the wiper arm.
REMOVAL
(1) Lift the wiper arm to its over-center position to
hold the wiper blade off of the glass and relieve the
spring tension on the wiper arm to wiper pivot shaft
connection.(2) Pull the latch on the pivot end of the wiper
arm outward (Fig. 19).
(3) Remove the wiper arm pivot end from the
wiper pivot shaft.
INSTALLATION
The right and left wiper arms are not interchange-
able. The right wiper arm is slightly longer than the
left. Be certain that each wiper arm is installed on
the proper wiper pivot.
(1) Place the wiper arm hinge in its over-center
position prior to attempting installation.
(2) The wiper arms are indexed to the wiper pivot
shafts with integral keys in the wiper arm pivot ends
and keyways in the wiper pivot shafts. Align the key
of the wiper arm to the keyway on the wiper pivot
shaft.
(3) Once the wiper blade is aligned, push the pivot
of the wiper arm down firmly and evenly over the
wiper pivot shaft until it is fully engaged. When the
wiper arm is fully engaged on the wiper pivot, the
spring-loaded latch (Fig. 19) will snap back into place
against the wiper arm pivot end.
(4) Gently lower the wiper arm until the wiper
blade is in position on the windshield glass.
WIPER BLADE
DESCRIPTION
Each wiper blade is secured by an integral latching
pivot block to the hook formation on the tip of each
wiper arm, and rests on the glass near the base of
the windshield when the wipers are not in operation
(Fig. 20). The wiper blade consists of the following
components:
Fig. 19 Wiper Arm Remove/Install
1 - WIPER ARM PIVOT END
2-LATCH
8R - 18 WIPERS/WASHERSDR
WIPER ARM (Continued)

²Superstructure- The superstructure includes
several stamped steel bridges and links with claw
formations that grip the wiper blade element. Also
included in this unit is the latching, molded plastic
pivot block that secures the superstructure to the
wiper arm. All of the metal components of the wiper
blade have a satin black finish applied.
²Element- The wiper element or squeegee is the
resilient rubber member of the wiper blade that con-
tacts the glass.
²Flexor- The flexor is a rigid metal component
running along the length of each side of the wiper
element where it is gripped by the claws of the
superstructure.
All models have two 60.00 centimeter (23.62 inch)
long wiper blades with non-replaceable rubber ele-
ments (squeegees). The wiper blades cannot be
adjusted or repaired. If faulty, worn, or damaged the
entire wiper blade unit must be replaced.
OPERATION
The wiper blades are moved back and forth across
the glass by the wiper arms when the wipers are
being operated. The wiper blade superstructure is
the flexible frame that grips the wiper blade element
and evenly distributes the force of the spring-loaded
wiper arm along the length of the element. The com-
bination of the wiper arm force and the flexibility of
the superstructure makes the element conform to
and maintain proper contact with the glass, even as
the blade is moved over the varied curvature that
may be encountered across the glass surface. The
wiper element flexor provides the claws of the bladesuperstructure with a rigid, yet flexible component
on the element which can be gripped. The rubber ele-
ment is designed to be stiff enough to maintain an
even cleaning edge as it is drawn across the glass,
yet resilient enough to conform to the glass surface
and flip from one cleaning edge to the other each
time the wiper blade changes directions.
REMOVAL
NOTE: The notched end of the wiper element flexor
should always be oriented towards the end of the
wiper blade that is nearest to the wiper pivot.
(1) Lift the wiper arm to raise the wiper blade and
element off of the glass, until the wiper arm hinge is
in its over-center position.
(2) To remove the wiper blade from the wiper arm,
depress the pivot block latch release tab under the
tip of the arm and slide the blade away from the tip
towards the pivot end of the arm far enough to dis-
engage the pivot block from the hook formation on
the end of the arm (Fig. 21).
(3) Extract the hook formation on the tip of the
wiper arm through the opening in the wiper blade
superstructure just ahead of the wiper blade pivot
block/latch unit.
CAUTION: Do not allow the wiper arm to spring
back against the glass without the wiper blade in
place or the glass may be damaged.
(4) Gently lower the tip of the wiper arm onto the
glass.
Fig. 20 Wiper Blade
1 - SUPERSTRUCTURE
2 - ELEMENT
3 - PIVOT BLOCK
4 - RELEASE TAB
5 - PIVOT PIN
6 - CLAWS
7 - FLEXOR
Fig. 21 Wiper Blade Remove/Install
1 - SUPERSTRUCTURE
2 - WIPER ARM
3 - PIVOT BLOCK
4 - RELEASE TAB
5 - HOOK
6 - ELEMENT
DRWIPERS/WASHERS 8R - 19
WIPER BLADE (Continued)