Crown Vic wiper arms

[Falcon_LS]

The spring on the driver's side wiper arm on my '01 Grand Marquis appears to have weakened, and I had a rough time driving in the rain today until I got back home and took my Explorer out. It wasn't so bad on the highway, thanks to the Rain-X treatment, but as soon as I got into slow moving traffic, it was a catastrophe.

Judging by the part number (starting with F7AZ), these arms appear to have been used from 1997-2002. Then you got the revised wiper arms for '03-'04 using the pin style, going back to the conventional style for '05+.

I'm just wondering if I can use '05+ wiper arms, which are more readily available, on my '01 and if there are any benefits - e.g. improved springs. Anyone have any experience? Thanks!

 

[AuthorEditor]

I haven't personally used them, but some say these auxiliary wiper springs work well: Sure Wipe

Also, I find that Michelin Stealth wipers made a big difference on my '95 Grand Marquis.

 

[bdcardinal]

As long as the attachment point into the linkage is the same you should be good.

I had to get new arms for my mom's 00 Grand Marqusi when I switched to the Motorcraft Flat wipers. The old arms must not have had a strong enough spring. They were a PITA to change over though, way too complicated.

 

[Falcon_LS]

Originally Posted By: AuthorEditor
I haven't personally used them, but some say these auxiliary wiper springs work well: Sure Wipe

Also, I find that Michelin Stealth wipers made a big difference on my '95 Grand Marquis.


Thanks, just ordered the White package for the new arms I'll be getting.

Reading through reviews on Consumer Reports, I was considering the Valeo 600 but I'll also have a look into the Michelin Stealths in a moment - thanks!

Originally Posted By: bdcardinal
As long as the attachment point into the linkage is the same you should be good.

I had to get new arms for my mom's 00 Grand Marqusi when I switched to the Motorcraft Flat wipers. The old arms must not have had a strong enough spring. They were a PITA to change over though, way too complicated.


From memory, I'm pretty sure they are the same except the park position. All '03+ wipers sit higher on the windshield compared to previous models due to a wiper transmission change. The hidden look on -'02 does look cleaner though.

Removal is pretty straightforward actually. Once you lift the arm off the windshield, pry off the C-clip with a flathead and wiggle the arm off after placing the arm back on the glass.