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Windshield Wiper Arm Replacement

What is a Windshield Wiper Arm?

The windshield wiper arms hold the wipers in the correct position through the entire range of motion, and are geared on one end to accept the motor that drives the wipers. The other end has one of several clip designs, and the windshield wiper arm will attach firmly into this clip so that it sits between the windshield wiper arm and the windshield.

How does a Windshield Wiper Arm work?

When the windshield wipers are activated, the switch sends a signal through the fuse, and possibly a relay, and power reaches the windshield wiper motors from one of two paths. When it reaches the windshield wiper motor, the motor will being moving back and forth as quickly as the driver has selected. When the wiper motor turns, the wiper arms, which are connected to the motor, and contain the wiper blades, move across the windshield causing the wiper blades to drag liquid off the glass.

What are the symptoms of a bad Windshield Wiper Arm?

Windshield wiper arms will be replaced mainly for aesthetic reasons or damage. If the windshield arms become bent or rusted, the windshield wipers may not contact the windshield at the proper angle, or there may be no contact at all. Also, the sun will take a toll on these parts after years of use, and fading or clear coat peeling will result, not to mention rust.

Toyota Windshield Wiper Arm Replacement Cost Estimates

The average cost for a Windshield Wiper Arm Replacement is between $191 and $208 but can vary from car to car.

Toyota Avalon Windshield Wiper Arm Replacement Cost by Year

The average cost for a Toyota Avalon Windshield Wiper Arm Replacement is between $191 and $208 but can vary from car to car.

Disclaimer

Materials Included Under License from Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. License Agreement TMS1008. All information contained in any materials obtained about Toyota, Lexus, and Scion vehicles is based on the latest product information available at the time of publication, is provided “as is” without warranty of any kind, and is intended for service providers and other interested parties in Canada, Mexico, and the United States of America, including Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Specifications and procedures are subject to change without notice. This information is provided expressly for the purpose of use by professional automobile technicians who have special techniques and certifications. Repair or service by non-specialized or uncertified technicians using only this information, or without proper equipment or tools, may cause severe injury to the individual or other individuals and could possibly cause damage to the vehicle. Certain procedures or content elements may make reference to Toyota Warranty policy or practice – these policies or practices are only applicable to Toyota, Lexus, or Scion dealers.

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Windshield Wiper Arm Replacement

Jump to:Commonly associated repairs Cost estimates by vehicle Cost estimates by year

What is a Windshield Wiper Arm?

How does a Windshield Wiper Arm work?

What are the symptoms of a bad Windshield Wiper Arm?

Estimates last updated January 28, 2026

1997 Toyota Avalon Windshield Wiper Arm Replacement Cost

The average cost for a 1997 Toyota Avalon Windshield Wiper Arm Replacement is between $191 and $208.

Labor costs are estimated between $37 and $54 while parts are typically priced around $154.
This range does not include taxes and fees, and does not factor in your unique location. Related repairs may also be needed.
For a more accurate estimate based on your location, use our Fair Price Estimator below.

Can I drive with a bad Windshield Wiper Arm?

Driving without windshield cleaning components is not typically considered unsafe, but there will be no system to properly clean your field of vision if the need arises. If the windshield cleaning system is heavily relied upon in your location, consider repairing the system sooner than later. Also, this system works together to clean and protect the windshield When one component fails, the risk of damage to the windshield is elevated. Lack of lubrication, incorrect windshield wiper angle, and worn windshield wiper blades are all causes of streaking, grooving, and scratching the path of the windshield wipers into the windshield.

How often do Windshield Wiper Arms need replacement?

As noted, the only reason to replace a windshield wiper arm is for damage to the color finish or physical damage to the windshield wiper arm causing contact issues between the windshield wiper blade and the windshield.

How are Windshield Wiper Arms diagnosed?

Any signs of damage, failed inspection if factory scheduled maintenance lists the windshield wiper arms, and sun spotting are the major causes of diagnosing the wiper arms as deficient. If the windshield wiper arm fails to hold the windshield wiper blade, fails to engage the windshield wiper arm drive gear, or cannot be folded down for smooth contact of the windshield, these would all call for replacement of the windshield wiper arm.

How are Windshield Wiper Arm replaced?

The old wiper arm is removed from the geared, articulating linkage at the base of the windshield. One per windshield wiper. There are a multitude of fasteners and means of retaining the windshield wiper arms, so the correct tools must be used to remove them. Once removed, the wiper arms will slide off, and the new will slide on. If the windshield wiper arm will not slide off, and since heat should not be used in the area, the wiper arm may be removed with a gear puller.

Improper wiper arm replacement can result in scraping damage to the windshield.

Care should be taken when replacing the wiper arm. Allowing the wiper arm to fall and hit the windshield can result in a cracked windshield.

RepairPal Recommendations for Windshield Wiper Arm issues

Some windshield wiper arms may be from the same manufacturer, look the same, have the same dimensions, and same functionality, but when attempting to install, the pattern does not match where the wiper arm connects to the vehicle. When purchasing parts for a DIY replacement, have the old part with you to ensure you are purchasing the correct part number, and the correct part is being given to you.

Get a RepairPal Fair Price Estimate® for your 1997 Toyota Avalon.

Our Fair Price Estimate will help you avoid overpaying based on your car, needed service, and labor rates in your area.