Here's the general procedure:
1. Preparation:
* Park on a level surface and engage the parking brake. This is crucial for safety.
* Disconnect the battery's negative terminal. This prevents accidental short circuits.
* Locate the nut securing the wiper arm to the wiper transmission shaft. This nut is usually hidden under a plastic cap or cover on the wiper arm base. Remove this cover if necessary. Sometimes it’s just a small plastic piece you can pry up carefully.
2. Removing the Wiper Arm:
* Use a wrench to loosen the nut. The size of the nut will vary but is commonly 10mm, 13mm, or possibly even a larger size. Be sure to use the correct size to prevent rounding off the nut.
* Once the nut is loose, carefully remove it completely. Set it aside in a safe place so you don't lose it.
* There may be a small amount of resistance from the wiper arm fitting tightly onto the shaft. You'll need to apply some force and perhaps even use some penetrating oil (like PB Blaster) to help loosen it.
Crucial Step: Getting the Wiper Arm Loose
This is the trickiest part. There are two common methods:
* Method 1: Pulling and twisting: Hold the wiper arm firmly and gently pull it away from the shaft while twisting it back and forth slightly. The movement should break the tight fit. Don't use excessive force.
* Method 2: Wiper arm puller tool: A wiper arm puller tool is a small and inexpensive tool that slips under the wiper arm and provides leverage to remove it without damaging the arm or the shaft. This is often the safest method.
3. After Removal:
* Inspect the wiper arm and the wiper transmission shaft for any damage. If there's significant rust or corrosion, consider addressing this before reinstalling the arm.
* Clean the shaft with a wire brush or sandpaper if necessary. This will help ensure a good connection when you reinstall the arm.
Reinstallation:
Reinstallation is the reverse of the removal process. Make sure the wiper arm is securely attached before tightening the nut.
Important Considerations:
* Rust and Corrosion: On older vehicles like a 1997 Ram 2500, rust can make removing the wiper arm exceptionally difficult. Penetrating oil and patience are your friends. If the arm is severely rusted onto the shaft, you may need to carefully use heat (with extreme caution to avoid damaging the surrounding parts) to loosen it.
* Torque Specification: When reinstalling, tighten the nut to the manufacturer's specified torque. This information can typically be found in a repair manual. Overtightening can damage the wiper arm or the shaft.
* Repair Manual: The best resource for specific instructions and torque specifications is a repair manual for your 1997 Dodge Ram 2500. You can find these online or at auto parts stores.
Remember, safety first. If you're uncomfortable performing this task, it's best to take your vehicle to a qualified mechanic.
