Ok guys, I am really embarrassed for asking this question because I feel like a dunce (I'm an ASE Certified tech, Kia Certified Tech & this one sadly stumps me). My 1995 Dakota V6 has a problem with the windshield wiper arm pivots or mounting studs. Whenever I turn on the switch, the motor turns yet the arms don't move. I thought it was the bushings so I replaced all the plastic bushings. Upon further investigation, the whole transmission assembly works just fine it's the pivots that the wiper arms sit are stripped out and they won't mount sit properly.

Sorry for sounding long winding but my question is, is there a way to jerry-rig the arms so that stay in place, short of welding? I've called 3 CJD dealers within 50 miles of me & they all don't have what I need in stock and 5 junkyards & they don't have any 1987-1996 Dakotas. I need to get this done ASAP because we're expecting a couple days of rain in Orlando. Any help/ideas would be greatly appreciated. Thanks again in advance. BTW, I already have rain-x on my windshield.

 

So to make sure we're on the same page here, are you saying the splines on the pivots are stripped out? You should take the wiper arm off the pivot and see if its the pivots that are stripped or the wiper arm or both and simply replace whats broken.

Check page 8k-4 of the FSM for more info.

**EDIT**

But as for a temp fix, I can't think of anything short of throwing on a small tack weld.

Also, is it both sides? Seems kinda odd that they would both strip out at the same time.

 

it's the actual splines on the pivots that are stripped out. I have two brand new wiper arms I bought from autozone and everytime I put them on the pivots and turn the switch on, they come off. I'm used to Kia's have a metric 8x1.25mm nut holding the wipers on the pivots and calling it a day. Thanks again in advance for your help, all the other techs at my shop are stumped.

 

I guess I just don't understand why you're stumped? If the pivots are stripped, replace them. I really don't mean to sound like a smarta$$ here, but it seems like an obvious, simple fix to me.

The FSM has the break down on how to replace them.

**EDIT**

After re-reading your last post, you do have the retaining clips right?

 

I say just drill a hole and insert a bolt and nut. That will hold.

 

That would hold it, but would it provide enough clamping force to turn the wiper rather than the pivot just slipping inside wiper arm?

 

yeah, the retaining clips are there, I want to replace them, the only problem is that no junkyards in a 50 mile radius of here have Dakotas from 1987-1996 and the 3 Dodge dealers around here all have said that they don't have it in stock and that it will take up to 4 days for it to get here and even if I do overnight it, it'll be here on Friday. The closest dealer to have it is Gainesville Dodge & they are 2 hours away from me in Orlando. This is somewhat of an emergency since it's going to rain the next few days here. If I have to drill a hole to make it work, then I'll do it, I need a quick fix so that I can safely drive in the rain. I do have another vehicle, my 1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee V8 4x4, but my wife drives that. Thanks guys for your help.

 

Gotcha. Now I understand! Yeah, getting parts for these old trucks at the dealership is never a quick ordeal.

My suggestion is do what Crazy said with the nut and bolt and then throw a tack weld on it to make sure the arm actually turns with the pivot. It may not be ideal, but it will be the strongest quick fix I can think of.

 

Didja try some JB weld on the splines and put the arms back on?

 

***UPDATE***

After drilling holes in both wiper arms and putting in a self-tapping screw, everything works just as good as new. It rained hard this afternoon coming home from work & I had no problems at all. Thanks again you guys rock!