Nissan Repair: 1997 Nissan Altima Recently the wiper on the driver side has stopped working., plastic bushings, nissan altima

Question
1997 Nissan Altima


Recently the wiper on the driver side has stopped working. I was wondering what I should check to fix this problem myself. I think the motor is alright because the passenger wiper still works fine (and they share the same motor correct?)

Thanks in advance for any help!

Answer
Hello -

You are correct. One and the same motor. The wipers are run by a series of linkage held together by plastic bushings at each joint. It is these bushings that break and cause one side not to work.

They can be purchased at any auto parts store. The challenge is the installation. Once the front cowl is removed (open the hood and you should see a plastic housing near the wiper bases). You will be able to see the network of linkages and bushings. It takes some patience and manuvering to get in as there is minimal clearance. Place the male side of the bushing into the female side of the linkage first, and then snap the other side of the linkage on. If you do it any other way, you will never get the linkage connected.

Hope this helps -
aloha
calvin