My passenger side windshield wiper has a lot of play in it. If I grab the wiper with my hand I can wiggle/rotate it a bit. I'm assuming the link bushing is about shot. I changed this link bushing once before but the wipers just quit altogether then. Is this looseness I feel now just the precursor to the link completely failing?

Thanks,

 

Pulled the entire wiper linkage assembly out of the truck. It really wasn't that hard to do. Remove both wiper arms. Remove cowl (7 or 8 screws). Unsnap plastic grill cover. Unhook washer fluid line. Unscrew both wiper studs (3 screws each). Unscrew link from wiper motor (1 nut). Pull it out (not too hard). Then you can work on it at your workbench. Go ahead and replace all the bushings. There are 5 of them. 4 of one kind and 1 of another. The unique one was missing on mine and the main cause of the problem. Pressing that one on was a bit of a pain. Use a bench vise and large enough socket to go around the bushing and press. Use a little lithium grease to make it slide better into place. Part numbers as follows:

Dorman Part# 49439 (Chrysler # 5211015) Qty needed: 1
Dorman Part# 49447 is a kit with various bushings in it. There are 2 of the kind you need in this assortment so you'll need to buy two of these kits to get the four you need. The individual part number might be 49440 but I can't confirm. Qty Needed: 4

Doesn't hurt to get extras because there's a good chance you'll mangle one or two of the bushings trying to figure out how to press them in. Reverse procedure to finish job. Overall difficulty: Not bad. Pressing the one donut bushing was a bit of a pain. Getting the linkages to stay engaged while putting everything back in the truck was a little tricky. Beyond this it wasn't as hard as it appears it would be. Make sure you put the linkage back together the way you found it. Take a photo to be sure arms are located correctly.

 

I'll add a note to Bronze's description (and yes, the 49440 is the one you need four of - comes in a pack of 2, so you'll need two packs; OTOH, you can also buy a Dorman 108-301; same bushing, comes in a 10 pack, usually can be bought singly from places like AutoZone et al) that you should put some lithium or chassis lube grease in the cups as you assemble the transmission.

That way it helps them to last longer.

RwP

 

And yes, I used lithium grease in the bushing cups for better wear. Thanks Ralph for adding these notes for those who will be doing this job in the future.