86 / Old Style Wiper Arm Removal

[aris_garage_builds]

Hey all, is anyone familiar with the wiper arm design on the older MJ's and know how to remove them? There's no clip / tab to lift like on the newer models and the arm itself doesn't raise very high so I'm not able to see underneath if there's kind of release mechanism. I've tried using a wiper removal tool and pry bar to just pull upwards on it, but it won't budge and I'm afraid to break it or crack the cowl. Thanks!

[eaglescout526]

That’s interesting….my 84 XJ does not have that style at all. Should be able to pull them right off if they’re anything like my Eagle wiper arms. 

[aris_garage_builds]

8 minutes ago, eaglescout526 said:

That’s interesting….my 84 XJ does not have that style at all. Should be able to pull them right off if they’re anything like my Eagle wiper arms. 

Hmmm it's very possible these aren't factory and were put on by a previous owner. I'll try pulling on them a little harder and do my best not to break the cowl haha

[eaglescout526]

Shouldn’t have to worry about your cowl that much since they stick out plenty unless you’re using prying tools to get them off. 

[JZLAJeep]

2 minutes ago, aris_garage_builds said:

Hmmm it's very possible these aren't factory and were put on by a previous owner. I'll try pulling on them a little harder and do my best not to break the cowl haha

That's a solid plan. Those splines are a pain. I recommend replacing them with 97+ XJ wiper arms. We've done this on our XJs and MJ. Now I can buy wiper blades from Costco when they are on sale. 

[watchamakalit]

31 minutes ago, JZLAJeep said:

That's a solid plan. Those splines are a pain. I recommend replacing them with 97+ XJ wiper arms. We've done this on our XJs and MJ. Now I can buy wiper blades from Costco when they are on sale. 

 

I believe lifting the wiper off the glass is what disengages the "latch".  It kind of a fiddle operation to hold the wiper up off the glass and grab the small "nub" end and pull it off the splines. 

[aris_garage_builds]

1 hour ago, JZLAJeep said:

That's a solid plan. Those splines are a pain. I recommend replacing them with 97+ XJ wiper arms. We've done this on our XJs and MJ. Now I can buy wiper blades from Costco when they are on sale. 

 

Yeah this is exactly my plan! I pulled the wiper motor off a 97+ xj and also got new arms and blades, so this whole system will be getting replaced thankfully. With all the snow we get here I end up going through wiper blades pretty frequently, so wanted something that won't be a pain to replace.

 

45 minutes ago, watchamakalit said:

 

I believe lifting the wiper off the glass is what disengages the "latch".  It kind of a fiddle operation to hold the wiper up off the glass and grab the small "nub" end and pull it off the splines. 

Ah, that's really helpful to know. I'll give this a shot! Really appreciate it.
 

[aris_garage_builds]

Update - after spending way too long with a pry bar I was finally able to get them removed. Looking closer there is a small tab that looks like it is supposed to lift when you pry against it. However mine was so seized on that it started to shear the metal of the tab rather than release.

[JZLAJeep]

14 hours ago, aris_garage_builds said:

Update - after spending way too long with a pry bar I was finally able to get them removed. Looking closer there is a small tab that looks like it is supposed to lift when you pry against it. However mine was so seized on that it started to shear the metal of the tab rather than release.

Those look the same as the rear wiper on an 84-96 XJ. Yes, a pain indeed. I've had those tabs come off and the wiper arm seems to stay on fine with the spline friction. You'll like the '97+ XJ wiper arms better.

[aris_garage_builds]

7 hours ago, JZLAJeep said:

Those look the same as the rear wiper on an 84-96 XJ. Yes, a pain indeed. I've had those tabs come off and the wiper arm seems to stay on fine with the spline friction. You'll like the '97+ XJ wiper arms better.

 

Yeah I'm excited to install the 97+ motor, linkage, and arms. It'll be a huge upgrade!

[Warthog]

11 hours ago, JZLAJeep said:

Those look the same as the rear wiper on an 84-96 XJ. Yes, a pain indeed. I've had those tabs come off and the wiper arm seems to stay on fine with the spline friction. You'll like the '97+ XJ wiper arms better.

Why? Sorry but what’s the difference in em? Got an 87 xj and an 86 mj I'm building so any upgrades I can do while I’m there, I'm down. Thanks in advance.

[eaglescout526]

8 minutes ago, Warthog said:

Why? Sorry but what’s the difference in em? Got an 87 xj and an 86 mj I'm building so any upgrades I can do while I’m there, I'm down. Thanks in advance.

They’re a hook design which is easier to install and take off than the pin of the 84-96 style for the blade we all know and love. Depending on who you ask, there’s some love and hate amongst us Jeepers. 

[Warthog]

2 hours ago, eaglescout526 said:

They’re a hook design which is easier to install and take off than the pin of the 84-96 style for the blade we all know and love. Depending on who you ask, there’s some love and hate amongst us Jeepers. 

Good to know! I’ll look into them. Motor the same?

[eaglescout526]

Just now, Warthog said:

Good to know! I’ll look into them. Motor the same?

Motor is the same, supposedly it’s better but can’t confirm that. But the connectors are different 

[Warthog]

2 hours ago, eaglescout526 said:

Motor is the same, supposedly it’s better but can’t confirm that. But the connectors are different 

Appreciate the knowledge drop! New to jeeps, old to muscle cars and old trucks. Peace

[eaglescout526]

14 minutes ago, Warthog said:

Appreciate the knowledge drop! New to jeeps, old to muscle cars and old trucks. Peace

That’s what we’re here for! Deuces!

[watchamakalit]

The wiper arms will interchange without modification. The newer motor is supposed to be faster if believe.