Wiper System & Washer System - Service Information: Specifications RAM Pickup 2500

TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS

TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS

The squeegees of wiper blades exposed to the elements for a long time tend to lose their wiping effectiveness. Periodic cleaning of the squeegees is suggested to remove any deposits of salt or road film. The wiper blades, arms, and windshield glass should only be cleaned using a sponge or soft cloth and windshield washer fluid, a mild detergent, or a non-abrasive cleaner. If the wiper blades continue to leave streaks, smears, hazing, or beading on the glass after thorough cleaning of the squeegees and the glass, the entire wiper blade assembly must be replaced.

If the washer system is contaminated with foreign material, drain the washer reservoir by removing the washer pump/motor from the reservoir. Clean foreign material from the inside of the washer pump inlet filter screen and the washer reservoir using clean washer fluid, a mild detergent, or a non-abrasive cleaner. Flush foreign material from the washer system plumbing by first disconnecting the washer hoses from the washer nozzles, then running the washer pump/motor to run clean washer fluid or water through the system. Plugged or restricted washer nozzles should be carefully back-flushed using compressed air. If the washer nozzle obstruction cannot be cleared, replace the washer nozzle.

Scheme 1

The wiper blades and wiper arms should be inspected periodically, not just when wiper performance problems are experienced. This inspection should include the following points

1. Carefully inspect the wiper blades for any indications of worn or uneven edges (1), foreign material deposits (2), hardening or cracking (3), deformation or fatigue (4), or splitting (5). Inspect the wiper blade support components and the wiper arms for damage (6) or corrosion. If the wiper arms and blades are contaminated with any foreign material, clean them and the glass as required. Refer to «Cleaning»(ref-457801-S37606978672012030200000) . If a wiper blade or arm is damaged, or if corrosion is evident, replace the affected wiper arm or blade with a new unit. Do not attempt to repair a wiper arm or blade that is damaged or corroded.
2. Carefully lift the wiper blade off of the glass. Note the action of the wiper arm hinge. The wiper arm should pivot freely at the hinge, but with no lateral looseness evident. If there is any binding evident in the wiper arm hinge, or there is evident lateral play in the wiper arm hinge, replace the wiper arm. CAUTION: Do not allow the wiper arm to spring back against the glass without the wiper blade in place or the glass may be damaged.
3. Once proper hinge action of the wiper arm is confirmed, check the hinge for proper spring tension. Remove the wiper blade from the wiper arm. Either place a small postal scale between the blade end of the wiper arm and the glass, or carefully lift the blade end of the arm away from the glass using a small fish scale. On vehicles with unequal wiper arm lengths, be certain that measurements are taken at a point an equal distance from their wiper arm hinge pins. Compare the scale readings between the right and left wiper arms. Replace a wiper arm if it has comparatively lower spring tension, as evidenced by a lower scale reading.
4. After cleaning and inspecting the wiper components and the glass, if the wiper blade still fails to clear the glass without smearing, streaking, chattering, hazing, or beading, replace the wiper blade.

The washer system components should be inspected periodically, not just when washer performance problems are experienced. This inspection should include the following points

1. Check for ice or other foreign material in the washer reservoir. If contaminated, clean and flush the washer system. Refer to «Cleaning»(ref-457801-S37606978672012030200000) .
2. Inspect the washer plumbing for pinched, leaking, deteriorated, or incorrectly routed hoses and damaged or disconnected hose fittings. Replace damaged or deteriorated hoses and hose fittings. Leaking washer hoses can sometimes be repaired by cutting the hose at the leak and splicing it back together using an in-line connector fitting. Similarly, sections of deteriorated hose can be cut out and replaced by splicing in new sections of hose using in-line connector fittings. Whenever routing a washer hose or a wire harness containing a washer hose, it must be routed away from hot, sharp, or moving parts. Also, sharp bends that might pinch the washer hose must be avoided.

Scheme 2

The wiper arms are the rigid members located between the wiper pivots that protrude from the cowl plenum cover/grille panel near the base of the windshield and the wiper blades on the windshield glass. These wiper arms feature an over-center hinge that allows easy access to the windshield glass for cleaning.

The wiper arm has a die cast metal pivot end (4) with a large tapered mounting hole (5) at one end. A molded black plastic cap fits over the wiper arm retaining nut to conceal the nut and the mounting hole following wiper arm installation.

The wide end of a tapered, stamped steel channel (3) hinges on and is secured with a hinge pin (6) to the blade end of the wiper arm pivot end. One end of a long, rigid, stamped steel strap (2), with a small hole near its pivot end, is riveted and crimped within the narrow end of the stamped steel channel. The tip of the wiper blade end of this strap is bent back under itself to form a small hook (1). Concealed within the stamped steel channel is a long tension spring (7) which is engaged with a wire hook on the underside of the die cast pivot end and is hooked through a small hole in the steel strap. The entire wiper arm has a satin black finish applied to all of its visible surfaces.

The right and left wiper arms are unique and are not interchangeable. A wiper arm cannot be adjusted or repaired. If damaged or ineffective, the entire wiper arm unit must be replaced.