Audi Avant Rear Wiper Arm Removal - help!

[Rich3153]

I have an intermittent rear wash wipe on my 2003 1.9TDi Avant. Removed the boot liner trim, disconnected the motor but completely unable to remove the wiper arm.

I've removed the retaining bolt but the wiper arm is firmly fixed to the spindle (probably via rust?). I've spent nearly two hours this afternoon pulling and twisting the arm still without success.

In the meantime I removed the motor cover and its full of water, rust and crud but till that wiper arm comes off I cannot begin the repair.

Am I missing something here to get the wiper arm off or can someone suggest a way to remove it.

Rich

[Alan02]

Try using grips on the arm by the spindle(with something to protect it from marking it) and gently working it up/down along the line of the spindle and it should free-off no problem.

[Rich3153]

Thanks Alan I'll give it a go. Is the spindle completely smooth or does it have a small 'lip' to stop the wiper rotating? I ask because I've been trying to rotate it as well without any success!

I did try the push pull method earlier and it just seemed that the robber grommet was almost about to pop out of the glass but I will try again.

Rich

[a8 tech]

don't waste time trying to remove the arm as it will break,remove the bottom plate from the motor then shut the tail gate now drill 3 small holes around the thread and tap the spindle through now replace the motor and fit a new arm.You will be very lucky to remove the arm and I have seen many rear screens shatter so £30 for the arm or £200 for a rear window glass.

[paul20v]

You can buy wiper arm pullers which work really well which are also cheaper than the parts .

[a8 tech]

I have two types and they dont always remove the rear avant arms hence drilling down the side of the thread as a last resort or in my case its done after two attempts with the puller at £110 per hour its cost effective lol

[paul20v]

Never had any issues with the rear arms on several avants with the pullers we have in work ,
Ah well it was only a suggestion take it or leave it

[Rich3153]

Thanks to all that replied. Despite the best efforts of me and my engineering neighbour we decided that the wiper just wasnt going to budge. We decided to drill out the wiper arm and the results are as below:





It just wasnt worth the risk breaking the £200 rear screen for a £30 new wiper that needed a new blade anyway. The arm had cold welded itself onto the spline.

The motor still works but the mechanism is jammed solid so new bits all round.

Thanks for all the suggestions, its appreciated.
Rich

[a8 tech]

Like you say some of them just wont budge and no matter how many swear words you use