Repair 7

How to Replace the Wiper Arms on a 1998 Dakota Sport

There may be many reasons to replace a wiper arm on a 1998 Dodge Dakota Sport. Having to replace an entire arm is a rare repair. Having to replace the wiper blade is much more common. However, if a wiper arm becomes damaged, bent or the splined cog of the pivot hole gets stripped (most often caused by wipers being turned on when stuck frozen to ice or snow), the wiper arm will need replacement. While replacing wiper arms is pretty standardized among many makes and models, there are a few subtle differences in the Dodge Dakota.

Instructions

1

Turn the windshield wiper motor to the Off position. If a wiper arm is misaligned, it will not matter at this time.

2

Open the hood to the Dodge Dakota Sport. The pivots at the base of the wiper arms on the Dakota are slightly concealed by the hood when in the closed position.

3

Lift the pivot cover upward from the base of the wiper arm to reveal the wiper arm retaining nut.

4

Remove the retaining nut with a ratchet and 15mm socket by turning it counterclockwise.

5

Pry the wiper arm (caully, but firmly) upward off the pivot stud using the wiper arm removal tool. Move the position of the tool around the base of the blade near the pivot to work the arm off evenly.

6

Remove the wiper blade from the removed wiper arm (if reusing). If not, place the replacement wiper blade onto the new wiper arm before installing it.

7

Place the new wiper arm onto the pivot so the wiper arm is placed in its down/off location. Do not turn the arm to align it once on the splined pivot. If necessary, remove the wiper arm and align it properly.

8

Replace the retaining nut and tighten.

9

Reposition pivot cover and snap it into place.

10

Repeat the same procedure for the opposite wiper arm before closing the hood and testing the new wiper arms.