Another job I wish I hadn't started ... after fitting a new bosch blade and it making no difference whatsoever, leaving the centre of the window unwiped, on closer inspection found the plastic mounting base of the wiper arm had split.

 

So attempted to remove the arm. The securing nut came off surprisingly easy but then trying to remove the arm off what I presume is a spline proved impossible. Eventually I pulled the broken plastic part away, leaving the alloy collar that is, I believe, part of the wiper arm. Had penetrating oil on it overnight and even tried a little but probably insignificant heat from a hair dryer but no way is this collar shifting.

 

So first of all, am I correct the alloy collar is on a spline? ( See pic below)

 

 

Any suggestions on how to remove without damage to the wiper motor or glass?

 

Should I try hacksawing it off (not much room), I considered making up some kind of puller, but thats not really something I feel inclined to do.

 

 

Edited 18 December, 20214 yr by xman

You really need a three leg puller for that...   Get it on, put a bit of tension on it then tap it lightly with a hammer.

 

The alternative would be to get a Dremel cutting disc on it.

 

Usually waggling the arm in and out loosens them but that looks well stuck on 

Get a couple of adjustable pliers on it.

 

Put the nut on the end to protect the shaft threads, one side of the jaws of each plier behind the collar and the other on the nut.

 

By applying alternating pressure on the grips it should rock free.

 

Another solution might be to refit the nut fully but just touching the collar, fit an open ended spanner such that it encompasses the back of the collar and the front of the nut.  Now using another spanner unscrew the nut.  Go easy to avoid excessive torque on the shaft and you may have to reposition the larger spanner to get a slight rocking action to free the collar.

Edited 18 December, 20214 yr by MicMac

There are purpose made pullers for the VAG (and others) splined wipers, like a tiny pressed steel G clamp, they are very cheap on Ali Express.

 

The fronts can usually be removed by undoing the nut a few turns and judiciously moving the arm back & forth, the rears as you have found can corrode solid.

 

Before I had my removal tool I used a pair of hardwood wedges, carpenters call them folding wedges (they dont fold!) and I had to cut a slot in them both, you could do it with a single wedge but a pair makes a solid parallel packer against the window, you then have to release the nut a few turns, take you heart into your mouth and hit the end of the shaft with a small hammer and pray that you dont break the rear screen glass 😲

 

It is very tough though and if you have properly fitted the wedges so that the face sits flat to the glass and not a point contact you will be OK.

 

Safest way is to wait for the puller tool to arrive, if you use an angle grinder protect the glass and paintwork from the sparks.

 

If all you have left is that knarly boss of aluminium then I would split it with a hacksaw cutting close to the splined shaft.

Edited 18 December, 20214 yr by J.R.

Another vote for the three legged puller.  I found one on Amazon for less than 10 squid and with time, wd40 and careful persuasion I managed the removal.  Probably stating the obvious but just in case - put the nut back on the thread so as to give the puller a firm foot to press on and to stop any damage to the threads.

 

 

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B001PN1DB6

 

Edited 18 December, 20214 yr by MikeTheThinker
added more info

A bit of heat might help, aim would be to heat the alloy collar quickly but not the shaft. You would need the right equipment, a fine nozzle blowtorch and a heat resistant soldering pad to protect the glass/paint etc. Really a last resort given the location unless you have the equipment and the skill. A puller would be my first choice.   

Been there done that. Exactly same circumstance. I had to use a mini hacksaw to cut the aluminium collar that was fused to the shaft.

 

The collar is grooved and with corrosion fuses to the shaft. Twisting is very difficult to remove it has to be pull off or cut. 

 

Just be careful and font cut full depth so you don't damage shaft. It will break off once mostly cut through.. 

Edited 19 December, 20214 yr by TheClient

A nut splitter will do the job.

Thanks for all the suggestions, didnt realise there are purpose built wiper pullers out there. Might consider getting one from ebay. Yet more expense...

Don't have a nut splitter, doubt it work on the soft alloy. Might just hacksaw it off if I can find a blade somewhere in the chaos of my garage

 

 

Edited 19 December, 20214 yr by xman