Dodge Nitro. Manual — part 968

Fig. 5: Inspecting Wiper Blades
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC

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

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T

2007 ACCESSORIES AND EQUIPMENT Wipers/Washers - Service Information - Nitro

contaminated with any foreign material, clean them and the glass as required. See CLEANING. 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 if there is evident lateral play in the wiper arm hinge, replace the wiper arm.

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 on both arms 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.

WASHER SYSTEM

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. See CLEANING.

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.

REAR WIPER AND WASHER SYSTEM

WIPER SYSTEM

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.

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T

2007 ACCESSORIES AND EQUIPMENT Wipers/Washers - Service Information - Nitro

Fig. 6: Inspecting Wiper Blades
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC

The rear wiper blade and wiper arm should be inspected periodically, not just when wiper performance
problems are experienced. This inspection should include the following points:

1. Carefully inspect the wiper blade 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 arm for damage (6). If the wiper arm and blade are contaminated with
any foreign material, clean them and the glass as required. See CLEANING. If the wiper blade or arm is
damaged, replace it 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.

3. Once proper hinge action of the wiper arm is confirmed, check the hinge for proper spring tension. The

spring tension of the wiper arm should be sufficient to cause the rubber squeegee to conform to the
curvature of the glass. Replace a wiper arm if it has insufficient spring tension to maintain contact
between the squeegee and the glass.

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.

WASHER SYSTEM

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.

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T

2007 ACCESSORIES AND EQUIPMENT Wipers/Washers - Service Information - Nitro

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. See CLEANING.

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.

SPECIFICATIONS

SPECIFICATIONS - WIPER AND WASHER SYSTEMS

TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS

RIGHT MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH

DESCRIPTION

RIGHT MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH

DESCRIPTION

N.m

Ft. Lbs.

In. Lbs.

Right Multi-Function

Switch Mounting Screw

1

-

10

Front Wiper Arm

Mounting Nuts

24

18

215

Rear Wiper Arm

Mounting Nut

12

9

106

Front Wiper Module

Mounting Screws

7.5

-

67

Front Wiper Module

Mounting Nut

8

-

72

Rear Wiper Motor

Bracket Mounting Screws

5.5

-

49

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T

2007 ACCESSORIES AND EQUIPMENT Wipers/Washers - Service Information - Nitro