Jeep Enthusiast Forums banner
Cancel
Create thread New Garage Forums

how to replace the windshield wipers on a 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4x4 5.2 V8?

Jump to Latest
1 - 17 of 17 Posts
J

jeepradiator99

· Registered
Joined
·
399 Posts
Discussion starter · #1 ·
Ok, I've done this before but about 15 years ago... so I feel kind of stupid for asking, but I can't find any videos on this. There are some on the WJ but not on the ZJ 2nd generation (1997.)

So, how do I do it? A video would help? I can't even figure out how to get the wipers into service position.

Feeling really dumb.

Thanks in advance.
 
#2 ·
Seriously? Took me like 15 seconds to find it on the interweb. I'll post the title of the YT video, but how about you post the link after you find it. "1998 ZJ Limited 5.9 wiper arm removal".
 
Discussion starter · #3 ·
I saw that video, but are you telling me they expect you to remove the entire hood of the car and then the entire wiper arms just to replace the wiper blades? On the WJ you just flip the wiper arm into service position and then replace the wiper blades. There are videos about replacing the wiper blade on a WJ, but not a ZJ.

In case you didn't know the wiper arm is not the same as the wiper blade and I did it in the past without removing the entire wiper arm.
 
#4 ·
Maybe I misunderstood your question. I take it u were not asking about removing the wiper arm then? And just asking how to remove wiper blades? 🧐

because you asked about “wipers” not specifying wiper arms nor blades. and Yah, I know the diff between the two. But let’s both remember you’re the one asking how to change wiper blades, not me.
 
#5 ·
I usually turn the wipers on then shut the ignition off so they are vertical. Not sure on a zj specifically. Are they the kind that flip out and stay or the kind you have to flip up then pull the little tab at the place where the wiper arm mounts.
 
Discussion starter · #6 ·
I've done it before, it's a little weird that you can't flip the wiper arms up to access the blades easily, I wondered if I was missing something, even if the arms are vertical, you still can't flip the arms into a serviceable position like you can on the WJ and other vehicles... I was just hoping for a video.
 
#9 ·
Ive never had an issue replacing them in the parked position. I take care not to hit the hood with the wiper arms since it will chip the paint. Otherwise, its like changing the wipers on any other vehicle that uses same style clip.
 
Save
Reply Quote Like Like
Discussion starter · #10 ·
jeepjeepster said:
Ive never had an issue replacing them in the parked position. I take care not to hit the hood with the wiper arms since it will chip the paint. Otherwise, its like changing the wipers on any other vehicle that uses same style clip.
Click to expand...
Yep, that's how I did it last time, even in a snowstorm as I remember... but I was looking for the way to get the wiper arms extended into a service position and the proper ways to do it etc, instead of just wrestling with them 2 inches above the glass.

Thanks everyone for the replies.
 
#13 ·
Yeah, I'm always disappointed I can't lift them off the windshield when the weather is supposed to freeze. 2" off the windshield is the only way. There is a little locking tab that will keep the wiper up, but be careful because it also releases the arm from the wiper linkage and can come free.
 
#14 ·
I usually turn on the wipers and switch the key off when the driver side wiper is vertical and farthest to the left. I do similar on the passenger side with the wiper a couple of inches above where it rests when off. Doing this makes reaching the blade release toggle much easier.

There is a plastic toggle/tab in the inside the metal loop that frees the blade. The blade assembly is slid toward the wiper arm base to free it.
 
#15 ·
I agree it's sort of weird you can't actually get the wiper arms up and stay there, but replacing the blades isn't that hard. Push in the small plastic clip, remove blade, install new one. I changed the blades in my other ZJ in heavy snowstorm, in the dark, with the blade lock device full of ice and snow - I had to use pliers because of that.
 
#16 ·
I honestly don't use the arm lock when I'm changing the blades. I just pick it off the windshield, remove the old blade, rest it gently back against the windshield, pick up the new blade, pick up the arm and install the new blade. I only use the lock when I'm actually removing the wiper arms. Hey, if this is one of the few nitpicks we have with these things...
 
#17 ·
yjsaabman said:
I honestly don't use the arm lock when I'm changing the blades. I just pick it off the windshield, remove the old blade, rest it gently back against the windshield, pick up the new blade, pick up the arm and install the new blade. I only use the lock when I'm actually removing the wiper arms.
Click to expand...
This exactly.
 
1 - 17 of 17 Posts
About this Discussion
16 Replies
8 Participants
Last post:
Timo_90xj
Jeep Enthusiast Forums
posts
19M
members
765K
Since
2000
A forum community dedicated to all jeep owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about performance, engine swaps, modifications, classifieds, troubleshooting, maintenance, and more!
Full Forum Listing
Explore Our Forums
TJ Wrangler Technical Forum General Discussion YJ Wrangler Technical Forum Jeep CJ Forum XJ Cherokee Technical Forum