Tools Needed:
- Socket wrench set
- Flat-head screwdriver
- Pliers
- Needle-nose pliers
- New wiper linkage assembly (specifically for your vehicle model)
Steps:
1. Disconnect the Battery:
- Open your vehicle's hood and disconnect the negative battery terminal. This safety step will prevent any accidental electrical discharges.
2. Remove the Cowl Cover:
- Locate the cowl cover, which usually runs along the base of the windshield.
- Use a flat-head screwdriver or a trim removal tool to gently pry and remove the fasteners securing the cowl cover.
- Pull off the cowl cover to expose the wiper linkage.
3. Locate the Wiper Linkage:
- The linkage consists of several rods, joints, and a motor that moves the wiper arms.
- You may need to remove other components, such as vacuum lines or plastic covers, to access the linkage.
4. Remove the Old Linkage:
- Identify the nuts and bolts holding the wiper linkage in place.
- Use a socket wrench set to loosen and remove these fasteners.
- Carefully remove the old linkage assembly, taking note of its orientation and position for proper reinstallation.
5. Prepare the New Linkage:
- Take the new wiper linkage assembly and ensure that it matches the old one.
- If any components need to be removed from the old linkage to be transferred to the new one, do so carefully.
6. Install the New Linkage:
- Position the new linkage assembly in the same spot where the old one was.
- Secure the new linkage using the nuts and bolts you removed earlier.
- Hand-tighten the fasteners initially, then use the wrench to tighten them firmly.
7. Test the Wiper Movement:
- Reconnect the battery terminal and turn on your vehicle's ignition.
- Engage the windshield wipers and observe if they move smoothly through the full range of motion.
- If the wipers operate properly, you have successfully replaced the wiper linkage.
8. Reinstall the Cowl Cover:
- Align the cowl cover with its mounting points and press down firmly to secure it.
- Reinstall the fasteners or clips you removed earlier to hold the cowl cover in place.
9. Cleanup and Disposal:
- Clean up any tools or debris from the work area.
- Dispose of the old wiper linkage appropriately according to your local waste management regulations.
Remember, this is a general guide, and the exact steps may vary slightly based on your specific Expedition model and year. If you encounter any difficulties, it's always a good idea to consult your vehicle's repair manual or seek assistance from an experienced mechanic.
