Sometimes, replacing the wiper blade on your windshield wiper is not enough if the wiper arm has been compromised, bent, damaged or misaligned by ice, snow or any other foreign object. In this case, arm replacement is a simple process that you can do yourself, saving money in the process,

Determine whether or not the application of your vehicle would simplify the removal of the arm to open the hood. There are some applications in which this is not necessary. Also, inspect the windshield wiper arm and determine whether the windshield wipers are attached rubber pipes.

If they are, simply undo the connector of the spraying device and release the line under the arm and let it hang to the side, but out of the way. A telltale sign there is no windshield washer-lines found at the exit point for spraying. Many cars have sprinklers connected to the hood and not the brushes.

Locate the lower part of the wiper arm. There is a quick-snap lid down on the bottom of most common wiper arms. Open this cover with the quick movement of a flat head screwdriver or small angled lever.

Note the nut under the cover. The size of this nut will vary depending on the application of the vehicle. Some common sizes are 13mm or 14mm for import vehicles and 9/16 inch or 5/8 inch in domestic vehicles. However, have a variety of power outlets in your hand, in case you use a different size. Holding the wiper arm with one hand, loosen the nut and remove with an appropriate socket wrench.

Place a thick cloth, rag or filler material between the cleaning blade and arm area and the windshield to prevent damage to the windshield. Using the lever bar or a screwdriver, pry the cleaning arm out of the splined shaft from which the nut has just been removed. This is sometimes a difficult process. It may not feel like the arm wants to get off the axle, and it needs to balance the applied pressure and tenacity without incurring damage to the vehicle or the windshield.

Remove the filler or cloth, but be very careful with the delicate surface of the windshield. Replace the old arm with the new one, making sure that you are putting in the same way it was removed. If the wiper arm was in the off position, make sure that you are replacing in that same position. The shaft grooves will limit how much the arm will be able to move once it is back, so aligning it in the correct position will dictate how well the windshield wiper arm is when it is running.

Replace and tighten the axle nut with the ratchet, as tight as you can get without squeezing too much. Close the pressure cap downwards and replace the windscreen washer rubber lines (if applicable). Test the wiper arm and sprayer to make sure it is working according to specifications.