Windshield Wiper Problems: Wipers Clunking But Not Moving

[SteveBarrus]

I was being helped by my 3, 4, & 5 year old grandchildren in my 1998 Jeep TJ, as I was outside working on something they were inside having the time of their life. When I turned on the key everything was on, fan, radio, lights, blinkers and wipers. The wipers were clunking but not moving on the window.

Has any one had experience with the wipers coming apart at the arms that come off of the wiper motor? I have not opened things up yet and would like an idea of what I might find.

Thank you for your help.

 

[Chris]

Never had it happen to me, but that cowl panel is very easy to remove. My guess is something has come apart or stripped out. It's likely an easy fix, but until you open up that cowl, it's a mystery

 

[SteveBarrus]

I removed the cowl panel and looked at the wiper motor. the arm on trhe motor has a synthetic ball on it. the arm on the wiper transmission has a socket. The wipers must have been restricted when I turned on the key causing the socket to pop off of the ball. I cleaned and greased things and snapped it together.