What is the Wiper Gearbox all about?
Your windshield wipers remove water, snow and other impediments, allowing you to see the road ahead clearly. Windshield wiper systems require linkages and a gearbox to drive them at the preset rate (intermittent, low, high, etc.). It is generally located at the base of the windshield, under the hood and the cowling. The gearbox is directly connected to the wiper arm linkage that causes the windshield wiper pivots to turn and wipe the window. The gears inside the gearbox are subject to wear, though the usual failure is due to operation with excess weight on the wiper arms such as snow. This causes the internal gears to bind, bend or strip.
Keep in mind:
- Once a gearbox sees significant wear, wipers will not function optimally and eventually stop working altogether.
- Replacing the wiper blades is a good idea anytime a wiper system component needs repair.
How it's done:
- The wiper arms are removed from the wiper gear box
- The cowl is removed to access the wiper gear box
- The defective wiper gear box is removed and the new one installed
- The cowl is reinstalled and the wiper arms are installed onto the gear box
- The wipers are tested to work in all positions
Our recommendation:
The wiper gearbox is a sealed system and cannot be serviced in most instances. When it malfunctions or show signs of failure, replacement is necessary. Have one of our expert mechanics look at it to ensure a smooth replacement and to professionally inspect wiper arm linkages and other system components.
What common symptoms indicate you may need to replace the Wiper Gearbox?
- Windshield wipers operate intermittently or not at all
- Wiper speed is inaccurate or inconsistent
How important is this service?
Because your windshield wipers are responsible for ensuring a clear view of the road during inclement weather, it’s important to have the wiper gearbox replaced when wear and tear begins to take a toll. We recommend having the problem first diagnosed by one of our expert mechanics, who will determine if the issue is the switch, the gearbox, or the relay, and inspect the rest of the wiper system (including linkages and wiper arms).
