It's a good idea to tighten a Windshield Wiper Retaining Nut.

A lot of people have had slush and ice build up on their blades.If you reach out the window, grab the wiper and knock the ice off, it will be a quick fix.Doing this can cause a retaining nut to come loose and make the wipers useless. Step 1: Turn the switch off. The blades should be allowed to fall into the rest position.Remove the key from the vehicle. Step 2: The arm should be moved away from the blade. The hood may have to be opened.If a tool slips, place a rubber mat, cardboard, or something similar in the area around the base of the wiper arm to protect the glass and paint finish. Step 3: The nut is covered by a plastic dust cap. To remove the plastic cap covering the nut at the base of the arm, use a small flat screwdriver.A small slot may be found in the plastic cap.You will have access to the nut if the dust cap is removed. Step 4: Select a size that fits the nut. When the dust cap is removed, you can analyze the nut that holds the arm onto the drive post, so you should choose a sockets that fits it.If necessary, place the sockets on an extension that is attached to the ratchet.Some sockets are metric and some are SAE.When you place the sockets over the nut, there should be no wiggle. Step 5: The nut should be tightened by setting the ratchet. Both tighten and loosen nuts and bolts can be achieved with the use of threaks.You want to know if you are going to spin in a clockwise direction.The nut will be tightened. Step 6: The nut needs to be tightened. Attach the sockets to the handle and slide it over the nut.Try to tighten the nut.Continue to tighten until it gets snug and then you can secure the nut.Stop the process if the nut is tight.If the nut does not tighten, the drive post may be stripped.The nut will need to be replaced if it is stripped.The drive post will need to be replaced if it is stripped.If the nut was tight, you need to loosen it and remove the arm for inspection.The same behavior as a loose nut can be caused if the base of the wiper arm is stripped or damaged.It will be necessary to purchase a new arm. Step 7: The wipers should be tested. The travel of the arm should be tested if the ignition key is turned on.You will need to replace the arm if it slips. Step 8: You should mark where the blade rests. If the problem was not a loose nut, your arm might be stripped out.You need to replace it.The new arm needs to rest in the same location as the original.Bar soap, wax, or another easy to remove mark will work to mark this spot. Step 9: The nut that holds the arm to the post needs to be removed. Place the sockets and bolts over the nut and hold it in place with one hand and then Stabilize the arm by gripping it with the other hand.The linkage will not exceed the range of motion when twisting it.The nut counter can be spun clockwise one half to one full turn.Release your grip on the arm and remove the sockets from the nut.Set the nut aside for reuse after you spin it off by hand. Step 10: The entire arm should be removed from the drive post. Hold the point of attachment with one hand and lift the blade with the other.While lifting with both hands, gently rock the blade back and forth. Step 11: You can clean the drive shaft with a wire brush. The trapped metal and dirt will be removed.After cleaning, be sure to wipe the shaft dry. Step 12: Take a look at the new arm. The shaft will mate with it if it has matching splines. Step 13: Put the new arm in. The shafts should be lined up so that they mate.Make sure that the resting position of the arm is the same as the original one. Step 14: The arm should be tapped onto the shaft. It's a good idea to use a tool that won't scratch your arm.The rubber mallets work well. Step 15: The retaining nut needs to be cleaned. It will help prevent the nut from being damaged when you tighten it. Step 16: The retaining nut needs to be installed by hand. The nut should turn freely and not be cross- threaded.Continue to tighten until it gets snug and then we need to use the ratchet to secure the nut. Step 17: The arm should be tested for proper travel. It's a good idea to spray water or windshield fluid on your car.Next, turn the key on and turn on the wipers.If the arms clear each other, move smoothly, and do not travel into the molding at the edge of the windshield, turn off the switch and ignition key. Step 18: Return the plastic cap to its original position. If necessary, use a rubber mallet to align any grooves or tool slots to their original positions.