Ever stared at that perpetually dirty or seized rear wiper blade, wishing it would just disappear? Maybe you’re an off-roader looking to mount a spare tire carrier or a roof rack, and that little arm is just in the way. Or perhaps you simply crave a cleaner, sleeker aesthetic for your vehicle’s rear end. You’re not alone! Many car owners and DIY enthusiasts find themselves wondering how to remove back windshield wiper to achieve these goals.
This isn’t just about yanking it off; it’s about doing it safely, cleanly, and effectively. We’re here to guide you through the entire process, from gathering the right tools to expertly plugging that resulting hole. By the end of this guide, you’ll have the confidence and know-how to tackle this common automotive modification, improving your vehicle’s look and functionality.
Why Consider Removing Your Rear Wiper? (And When Not To)
Removing your rear wiper might seem like a small change, but it can make a big difference for certain drivers and vehicle setups. Understanding the motivations behind this modification can help you decide if it’s the right move for your ride.
Aesthetics and Customization
For many, it’s about a cleaner look. A rear wiper, especially one that’s rarely used or constantly covered in grime, can detract from your vehicle’s lines. Removing it creates a smoother, more streamlined appearance, perfect for those seeking a minimalist or customized aesthetic. This is a popular choice for show cars or street trucks aiming for a unique, polished finish.
Off-Road Modifications and Practicality
Off-road enthusiasts often find their rear wipers interfering with other modifications. Installing an aftermarket spare tire carrier, a robust rear bumper, or even certain roof rack systems can put the wiper arm in an awkward or vulnerable position. Removing it prevents potential damage to the wiper and creates valuable clearance for your adventure gear. It also simplifies cleaning after a muddy trail run.
Wiper Motor Failure or Obsolescence
Sometimes, the decision is purely practical. A rear wiper motor can fail, leading to a seized or non-functional arm. Rather than spending money on a repair for a feature you rarely use, removing the entire assembly becomes a cost-effective and visually appealing solution. If you live in a perpetually dry climate, the rear wiper might be an unnecessary component anyway.
When NOT to Remove Your Rear Wiper
While there are many good reasons, it’s crucial to consider the downsides. If you frequently drive in wet, snowy, or muddy conditions, especially without side mirrors offering sufficient rear visibility, your rear wiper is a vital safety feature. Removing it could compromise your ability to see behind you, particularly in inclement weather. Always prioritize safety and local regulations.
Gathering Your Tools: What You’ll Need for the Job
Before you dive into the project, take a few minutes to gather all the necessary tools and supplies. Having everything on hand will make the process smoother and prevent frustrating pauses. Most of these items are standard garage fare, but a couple might be specific to this task.
Here’s your essential toolkit:
- Ratchet and Socket Set: You’ll likely need a 10mm or 13mm socket for the retaining nut.
- Flathead Screwdriver: For prying off the plastic cap covering the wiper nut.
- Plastic Trim Removal Tools: Essential for safely prying without scratching your paint or trim.
- Penetrating Oil (e.g., WD-40, PB Blaster): Crucial for loosening rusted or seized nuts and arms.
- Clean Rags or Shop Towels: For cleaning and protecting surfaces.
- Wiper Arm Puller (Optional but Recommended): If the arm is severely stuck, this specialized tool is a lifesaver.
- Wiper Delete Plug Kit: This is a small cap designed to fill the hole left by the wiper spindle.
- Automotive Silicone Sealant (Optional): For ensuring a watertight seal with your delete plug.
- Safety Glasses and Gloves: Always protect your eyes and hands during any DIY project.
Having these items ready will ensure a seamless removal process. Don’t skip the penetrating oil if you suspect any rust or corrosion on older vehicles.
The Step-by-Step Guide: How to Remove Back Windshield Wiper Safely
Now for the main event! This detailed guide will walk you through each step to effectively and safely remove your back windshield wiper. Take your time, follow the instructions carefully, and don’t force anything.
Step 1: Prepare Your Vehicle for Safe Operation
First, park your vehicle on a flat, level surface. Engage the parking brake to prevent any accidental movement. Turn off the ignition and remove the key to ensure no electrical components activate unexpectedly during the process. This is a basic but crucial safety measure.
Step 2: Locate and Remove the Wiper Arm Base Cover
The base of your rear wiper arm is usually covered by a small plastic cap or cover. This cover protects the retaining nut from the elements. Use a small flathead screwdriver or, even better, a plastic trim removal tool to gently pry up this cover. It’s often hinged or simply snaps into place. Work slowly to avoid scratching the paint or breaking the plastic tabs.
Step 3: Access and Loosen the Retaining Nut
Once the cover is off, you’ll see a nut holding the wiper arm onto the motor spindle. This is typically a 10mm or 13mm nut. Spray a generous amount of penetrating oil onto the nut and around the base of the wiper arm. Let it soak for at least 10-15 minutes, especially if your vehicle is older or has seen a lot of harsh weather. This will help loosen any rust or corrosion.
After soaking, use your ratchet and the correct size socket to loosen the nut. Turn it counter-clockwise. You might need a bit of leverage, but avoid excessive force that could strip the nut or damage the spindle.
Step 4: Carefully Remove the Wiper Arm
With the retaining nut removed, the wiper arm should ideally slide right off the splined spindle. However, this is often the trickiest part, as the arm can become seized onto the splines due to corrosion.
Here are a few techniques:
- Wiggle and Pull: Gently rock the arm back and forth while pulling upwards. Apply steady, firm pressure, but don’t yank it aggressively.
- Tap Gently: If it’s stubborn, tap the base of the arm with a rubber mallet or the handle of your screwdriver. Tap around the base, not directly on the spindle.
- Wiper Arm Puller: For truly stuck arms, a specialized wiper arm puller tool is invaluable. It applies even pressure to lift the arm without damaging the spindle or the glass. This is a smart investment if you plan on doing similar work in the future.
Once the arm comes free, set it and the retaining nut aside. You might want to keep these parts in case you ever need to reinstall the wiper.
Step 5: Clean the Spindle Area
With the arm removed, clean the area around the motor spindle thoroughly. Use a clean rag and some all-purpose cleaner or glass cleaner to remove any dirt, grime, or penetrating oil residue. This ensures a clean surface for the next step.
Dealing with Stubborn Wiper Arms: Troubleshooting Tips
Sometimes, the process of how to remove back windshield wiper isn’t as straightforward as expected. Corroded parts and seized components are common, especially on older vehicles or those exposed to harsh environments. Don’t get frustrated; there are solutions!
When Penetrating Oil Isn’t Enough
If the penetrating oil and wiggling don’t work, don’t immediately resort to brute force. You could damage the wiper motor spindle or even crack the glass.
- Re-apply and Wait: Give the penetrating oil more time to work. Apply another generous spray and let it sit for a few hours, or even overnight.
- Heat Application (Caution!): A heat gun on a low setting can help expand the metal of the wiper arm, breaking the corrosion bond. Apply heat around the base of the arm, away from the glass. Be extremely careful not to overheat the glass, as it could crack. Wear gloves.
- Wiper Arm Puller: As mentioned, this specialized tool is designed precisely for this problem. It’s a small, inexpensive tool that can save you a lot of headache and potential damage. It works by clamping onto the arm and using a screw mechanism to push against the spindle, lifting the arm off.
Avoid Common Mistakes
- Don’t Hammer the Spindle: Hitting the spindle directly can damage the internal motor mechanism, leading to costly repairs.
- Don’t Force the Arm with Excessive Leverage: Using a large pry bar might seem effective, but it risks bending the arm, damaging the surrounding bodywork, or even shattering the rear window.
- Be Patient: Corrosion takes time to break down. Patience is your best friend when dealing with stuck parts.
Finishing Touches: Plugging the Hole and Weatherproofing
Once the wiper arm is off, you’ll have a small hole where the spindle once protruded. This needs to be sealed to prevent water ingress and to complete the clean look. This is where a wiper delete plug comes in.
Choosing the Right Wiper Delete Plug
Wiper delete kits are readily available online and at automotive stores. They typically consist of a small rubber gasket, a plastic or metal plug, and sometimes a retaining nut or bolt.
Consider these factors:
- Material: Plastic plugs are common and affordable. Metal plugs offer a more premium, durable finish, often in anodized colors.
- Size: Ensure the plug’s diameter matches the hole left by your wiper spindle. Most are universal or come with various inserts.
- Style: Some plugs sit flush with the glass, while others have a slightly raised profile. Choose what best fits your aesthetic.
Installing the Wiper Delete Plug
Installation is usually straightforward:
- Clean Again: Ensure the glass around the hole is perfectly clean and dry.
- Apply Sealant (Optional but Recommended): For maximum waterproofing, apply a thin bead of automotive-grade silicone sealant around the edge of the hole on the exterior of the glass before inserting the plug. This is especially important for off-roaders who encounter deep water or heavy mud.
- Insert the Plug: From the exterior, push the plug firmly into the hole.
- Secure the Plug: Depending on the kit, you might have a rubber gasket and a nut that tightens from the interior side of the glass. Hand-tighten this nut until snug, but do not overtighten, which could crack the glass.
- Wipe Away Excess Sealant: If you used sealant, carefully wipe away any excess with a clean, damp rag before it cures.
Test the seal by gently spraying water on the area. A properly installed plug, especially with sealant, will prevent any leaks into your vehicle’s interior.
Advanced Considerations: Disconnecting or Removing the Wiper Motor
For the ultimate clean look, or if you’re chasing every ounce of weight savings, you might consider going beyond just removing the arm and plugging the hole. Disconnecting or even entirely removing the rear wiper motor is the next logical step.
Why Remove the Wiper Motor?
- Aesthetics: Eliminates the bulge of the motor housing from inside the tailgate or hatch.
- Weight Reduction: While minimal, every bit counts for performance enthusiasts or competitive off-roaders.
- Prevent Accidental Activation: Ensures the wiper motor never activates, even by mistake, which could potentially damage the delete plug or the motor itself if it runs without an arm.
- Space for Mods: Frees up space behind the trim panel for other accessories, wiring, or custom fabrication.
Accessing and Removing the Motor
This step is more involved as it requires removing interior trim panels from your tailgate or hatch.
- Identify Trim Panels: Locate all screws, clips, and fasteners holding the interior trim panel in place. Use your plastic trim removal tools to carefully pry the panel off. Be gentle; plastic clips can break easily.
- Locate the Wiper Motor: Once the trim is removed, you’ll see the wiper motor assembly. It’s usually bolted directly to the vehicle’s body or an inner panel.
- Disconnect Wiring: Unplug the electrical connector from the wiper motor. This usually involves pressing a tab and pulling.
- Unbolt the Motor: Use a socket or wrench to unbolt the motor from its mounting points. There are typically 2-4 bolts.
- Remove the Motor: Carefully pull the motor assembly out.
- Seal the Opening (Optional): If the motor removal leaves a larger opening than the spindle hole, you might need to fabricate a larger plate or use a strong sealant to prevent moisture and noise.
Before putting everything back together, ensure all wiring is properly secured and capped if left in place. Reinstall the interior trim panels, making sure all clips and screws are secure.
This advanced step ensures a truly complete and clean deletion of your rear wiper system, leaving no trace behind except for a perfectly smooth rear window.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rear Wiper Removal
Got more questions about getting rid of that pesky rear wiper? Here are some common queries from our FatBoysOffroad community.
Is it legal to remove a rear windshield wiper?
In most regions and states, it is perfectly legal to remove your rear windshield wiper. Unlike front wipers, which are legally mandated for clear forward visibility, rear wipers are generally considered an auxiliary feature. However, always double-check your local vehicle inspection laws if you’re unsure, especially if your vehicle originally came with one.
Will removing the rear wiper affect my car’s resale value?
For most vehicles, removing the rear wiper is a minor, reversible modification and will likely have negligible impact on resale value. In some niche markets, like highly customized off-road vehicles, it might even be seen as a desirable upgrade. Just remember to keep the original parts if you ever want to reinstall it or sell the vehicle to someone who prefers it.
What if I want to put the wiper back on later?
Reinstalling the wiper is straightforward if you’ve kept all the original components (arm, nut, plastic cover) and haven’t damaged the motor spindle. Simply reverse the removal steps: clean the spindle, slide the arm back on, tighten the nut, and replace the cover. If you removed the motor, reinstallation will be more involved.
How long does the entire removal process take?
For a basic wiper arm removal and delete plug installation, expect to spend about 30 minutes to an hour. If the arm is severely corroded and requires extra troubleshooting or specialized tools, it might take a bit longer. Removing the entire wiper motor assembly can add another hour or two, depending on your vehicle’s interior trim complexity.
What’s the best type of wiper delete plug to use?
The “best” plug depends on your preference and budget. Rubber plugs are inexpensive and effective. Plastic plugs offer a cleaner look, often flush-fitting. Metal plugs, typically aluminum, provide the most durable and aesthetically pleasing finish, often available in various colors to match your vehicle. Ensure the plug is specifically designed for automotive use and creates a watertight seal.
Clear Your View, Conquer the Trail!
You’ve now got all the knowledge you need to confidently tackle the task of how to remove back windshield wiper from your vehicle. Whether you’re aiming for a cleaner aesthetic, making room for off-road accessories, or simply dealing with a faulty component, this DIY project is well within the capabilities of most car owners and weekend mechanics.
Remember to prioritize safety, take your time, and use the right tools for the job. A little patience goes a long way, especially when dealing with stubborn, corroded parts. With your rear wiper gone, you’ll enjoy improved visibility, a sleeker ride, and the satisfaction of a job well done. Now get out there, clear your view, and conquer whatever road (or trail) lies ahead!
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