02 WRX windshield wiper slap

[trbcrx123]

Not sure hoe to explain, but the wipers run past their stopping point to the a pillar drivers side and over the paint, causing some nasty marks and an annoying sound when it's raining. any clue as to what needs to be replaced??

[MilesFox]

Do the wopers park all the way at the bottom when off? Perhaps the nut is loose and the wiper arms have moved out of alignment.

Turn the wipers off, and if they are not all the way parked, loosen the nuts and re-locate them.

IF the splines are stripped, or the nut does not hold them still, place a lock washer under the nut, and this will work. It will work on a wiper that is completely stripped out.

so, what to replace? nut or washer, or both.

[409industries]

Yep. At their furthest "down" point. re-align the wiper arms on the splines of the wiper motor so that the wipers are parallel with the bottom. This should keep it from going up too far and past the edge of the windshield.

The nuts on the wiper arms can be accessed under the plastic plug at the base of each. I think its a 12mm nut.

[trbcrx123]

With the wipers off, i can move them about 15-20 degrees. I'm not sure if i'm moving the arms only, but usually they move together.

[zulater]

The plastic ball and socket joint on the wiper mechanism (can't remember what it's really called) is bad. It's the piece that the motor and the arms attach to. that whole thing needs to be replaced.

wiper linkage:
#5 in the image if this link works
https://www.partswebsite.com/subarugenuineparts/index.php?i=2&model=2029&make=153&year=2003&section=121&catid=30169&type=parts&subcatid=30633&item_collision=1&items=none&image=7591365&catid=30169