How to Replace Windshield Wiper Transmission Linkage 05-13 Volkswagen Jetta
Difficulty: Intermediate · About 75 min · Volkswagen Jetta
Replace the windshield wiper transmission linkage on a 2005–2013 Volkswagen Jetta by removing the arms and cowl, transferring the motor, and aligning the arms at the parked position.
Tools you will need
- 13mm socket and ratchet
- 10mm socket and ratchet
- T30 Torx driver
- Wiper arm puller
- Pick
- Penetrating oil
Parts and supplies
- Windshield wiper transmission
Steps
- Remove wiper arms
Open the hood and remove the wiper arm caps. Remove both 13mm nuts, apply penetrating oil to stuck splines, and use a wiper arm puller if the arms do not release by hand.
- Remove the cowl and linkage
Peel back the cowl weatherstrip and lift off the cowl panel. Disconnect the motor harness, remove the linkage's Torx fasteners and bracket bolts, then maneuver the transmission out carefully.
- Transfer the motor to the new linkage
Set the motor and linkage to their parked position before separation. Remove the motor fasteners, transfer the motor and plate to the replacement transmission, and secure the fasteners to the vehicle's specification.
- Install the replacement transmission
Position the assembly and bracket, start all mounting bolts by hand, and tighten them to specification. Reconnect the motor wiring, then run the wipers briefly and switch them off to confirm the mechanism parks correctly.
- Refit the cowl and wiper arms
Reinstall the cowl and press its weatherstrip into place. Set both wiper arms on their splines at the specified resting height above the cowl, install their nuts, and refit the caps.
Check your vehicle’s repair manual for exact specifications and fit.