How to Replace the Wiper Motor on a Toyota Truck
by Matt Scheer
Toyota has been making trucks since the 1950s, beginning with the Stout. Since then, Toyota has produced a variety of trucks, including the Hilux, Tacoma and Tundra. Wiper motors are mounted similarly throughout the range of these models.The wiper motors on these vehicles are attached to the firewalls, which separate the cabins from the engine compartments. The wiper blades are powered by the wiper motors. In order to replace a wiper motor, you'll have to take off the wiper arms and the intake grating. Fortunately, these tasks are straightforward, and the entire job can be done in an hour.
Step 1
Remove the rubber stoppers that cover the hardware attached to the wiper arms. Wedge the head of a flat-head screwdriver below the shoulder of the rubber stopper and pry it upward. For other models, simply pull the rubber stopper upward.
Step 2
Grab hold of the wiper arm and jiggle it back and forth until it comes off the mounting bolt. Repeat this process for the other wiper arm.
Step 3
Pop off the plastic cover pins or clips that hold the intake grating to the vehicle. Insert the head of a pick below the shoulder of the cover pins and pull upward.
Step 4
Open and prop up the hood. Pop up the tabs on the intake grating near the firewall and pull the intake grating off the vehicle. Lay the intake grating on the windshield.
Step 5
Detach the power chord from the wiper motor. Move aside any accessories draped on the wiper motor, such as a solenoid pack.
Step 6
Remove the mounting bolts from the wiper motor from both sides of the firewall. Use the long extension with the socket wrench to reach the lower mounting bolts.
Step 7
Pull the wiper motor off the firewall.
Step 8
Insert the bolts from the old motor into the rubber sleeves of the new motor. Orient the bolts over the rivets on the firewall and hand-tighten each of them into place.
Step 9
Finish tightening the mounting bolts, using the socket wrench. Pay special attention to the bolt on the passenger side of the firewall, which connects the wiper transmission to the wiper motor.
Step 10
Plug the power chord into the wiper motor and drape any removed accessory onto the wiper motor or its mounting hardware.
Step 11
Replace the intake grating and the wiper arms.
References
- "Haynes Repair Manual:Toyota Pickups and 4-Runner, 1979-1995"; Haynes, John 1998
Things You'll Need
- Socket wrench set with extension
- Pick
- Flat-head screwdriver
- Phillips-head screwdriver
Writer Bio
Matt Scheer began writing professionally in 2005. His work has appeared in "The Daily Texan" and "The New York Tribune." Scheer holds a B.A. in English and a B.A. in history, both from the University of Texas. He is also a certified Yoga teacher and Web designer.
