How to Change the Wiper Arm on a 2003 S10

Chevrolet released the American-built S10 in 1982 as the replacement for the Isuzu-built LUV. By 2003, Chevy had mastered the art of mixing full-size truck capabilities in a compact pickup, and the S10 had become a success though it was nearing its end. The 2003 S10 and its standard 2.2-liter, 120-horsepower engine or its optional 190-horsepower, 4.3-liter V-6 along with its slew of drivetrain options made it a popular choice for small truck shoppers. The wiper arms on the compact pickup are the connection point between the wiper blades and the wiper transmission and motor assembly. Replacing the wiper arm on the 2003 S10 is a straightforward task.

Instructions

1

Lift the wiper arm upward so the wiper blade is off the windshield. Place a 3-inch strip of masking tape on the windshield, directly under the wiper blade. Guide the wiper blade back onto the windshield and trace the outline of the wiper blade onto the masking tape by using a pen. This allows you to align the new arm correctly.

2

Pull upward on the cover on the body end of the wiper blade to snap the cover free, then pivot the cover upward to expose the wire arms retaining nut.

3

Remove the wiper arm nut by using a ratchet and socket, then pull upward on the lower part of the arm to free it from its pivot shaft.

4

Trace the wiper blade frame until you reach where the plastic clip connects it to the arm in the center of the frame. Press and hold the tab on the plastic clip, then press the wiper blade toward the body end of the arm to free it.

5

Line up the curved end of the wiper blades plastic clip with the hook on the end of the new wiper arm. Press the wiper blade away from the body end of the new arm until the wiper blade clicks into place.

6

Lay the new wiper blade onto its pivot shaft loosely and pivot the arm until the wiper blade aligns with the mark on the masking tape. Press the body end of the wiper arm downward to slide the arm onto the pivot shaft.

7

Hand-tighten the wiper arms retaining bolt, then torque it to 17 foot-pounds by using a torque wrench and socket. Pivot the cover on the body end of the wiper arm downward until it clicks into place.

8

Remove the masking tape from the windshield.

9

Repeat steps 1 to 8 to replace the wiper blade on the other side of the truck, if needed.