1. Disconnect the Battery (Safety First): This prevents accidental shorts and potential damage to your electrical system.
2. Lift the Wipers: Raise the wiper arms to their highest position. This provides better access.
3. Locate the Wiper Arm Nut: Look closely at the base of each wiper arm where it connects to the wiper arm spindle. You should see a nut. It's usually a fairly large nut. Sometimes there's a small cap covering it. Remove this cap if necessary.
4. Loosen and Remove the Nut: Use a socket wrench or adjustable wrench of the appropriate size to carefully loosen and remove the nut. Important: Keep track of the nut and any washers. You'll need them for reinstallation.
5. Remove the Wiper Arm: Once the nut is removed, the wiper arm should pull straight off the spindle. It might require a gentle tug. If it's stuck, you may need to carefully work it loose. Avoid forcing it, as you could damage the spindle.
6. Repeat for the other Wiper Arm: Follow steps 3-5 for the other wiper arm.
Reinstallation:
To reinstall, reverse the process. Make sure the wiper arms are properly aligned before tightening the nuts.
Important Considerations:
* Rust: If your truck is older, the nut might be seized due to rust. Penetrating oil (like PB Blaster) applied several hours before attempting removal can help. If it's extremely rusted, you might need to use a wrench with more leverage or even consider a specialized rust-removal tool.
* Spindle Damage: Be extremely careful not to damage the wiper arm spindle during removal or reinstallation.
* Wiper Blade Removal: If you are also replacing the wiper blades, remove them *before* removing the wiper arms themselves. Most blades simply lift off or have a simple release mechanism.
If you encounter significant difficulty, it's always best to consult a repair manual specific to your 1987 Chevy truck model. These manuals provide detailed diagrams and instructions that can help you avoid damage. You can find these manuals online or at auto parts stores.
