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Honda Civic: Why is My Wiper Arm Going Past the Windshield?

Wiper blades that extend beyond the windshield are likely the wrong size or weren't installed correctly. Take the time to resolve the source of the problem. You'll be glad you did.

By William Henderson - March 26, 2015

This article applies to the Honda Civic (1992-2000).

Several reasons explain why your Civic's windshield wiper blades extend beyond the windshield. Fortunately, the solutions are very easy and simple, so don't let an auto shop or dealership overcharge you for a fix you can do yourself. From switching the windshield wiper blades to removing a few nuts and bolts, we'll show you the most likely cause of your wiper problem. Follow the steps below to diagnose and correct your windshield wiper blades.

Materials Needed

  • 10, 14 mm socket and ratchet
  • Flat head screwdriver
  • New wiper blades
  • New wiper assembly bushings

Step 1 – Remove and re-install the windshield wipers

If your windshield wiper blades were recently replaced, they may have been installed while the wiper arms were not in the at-rest or park position. This would cause one or both wipers to extend beyond the windshield when turned on. Follow these steps to resolve the issue:

  • Remove your windshield wiper blades.
  • Turn on the wipers and let the wiper arms rest in the park position.
  • Re-install windshield wiper blades. The arms should be parallel to the bottom of the windshield.
  • Turn the wipers on to confirm that they no longer extend beyond the windshield.
Figure 1. Wiper blades should not extend beyond the windshield when at rest or when in use.

If re-installing the windshield wiper blades does not resolve the issue, move on to Step 2.

Step 2 – Switch the windshield wiper blades

If both wiper blades are not the correct size or they are too long, then one or both of them will extend beyond the windshield when turned on. To resolve this issue:

  • Remove your windshield wiper blades.
  • Re-install the wiper blades so that the driver's side wiper blade is the longer than the passenger side.
  • If they are not the correct size, you will need to buy new wiper blades.
  • Turn the wipers on to confirm that they no longer extend beyond the windshield.

A new set of windshield wiper blades costs around $15.

Figure 2. Switch the wiper blades and snap them into place.

If switching the windshield wiper blades or replacing them with new ones does not resolve the issue, move on to Step 3.

Step 3 – Re-position the windshield wiper arms

Windshield wiper blades will extend beyond the windshield If the wiper arms are not in the correct position when at rest (parallel to the bottom of the windshield and in the lowest position possible). If this is the case:

  • Remove the 14mm wiper arm nut with a socket and ratchet.
  • Rotate the wiper arms counter-clockwise so that the wiper arms are about an inch above the window cowl.
  • Then, re-install the 14mm nut.
  • Turn the wipers on to confirm that they no longer extend beyond the windshield.
Figure 3. Re-install wiper arms to their correct positions.

If re-positioning the wiper blades does not resolve the issue, move on to the last step.

Step 4 – Install new wiper linkage bushings

Wiper linkage bushings are what hold the wipers in place. If the bushings are damaged or worn, the wipers won't be held securely in place, causing them to move beyond the windshield. A set of new bushings costs between $7 and $15. Be sure to purchase the correct ones; the information is in your owner's manual, although, the auto parts store should know which bushings fit into your vehicle. To install new wiper linkage bushings:

  • Remove your windshield wiper blades.
  • Use the 14mm socket to remove the cap nuts. Then, remove the wiper arms and be sure not to let them touch the hood or windshield.
  • Remove three screws from the windshield cowl and pull it off.
  • Remove three 10mm mounting bolts securing the wiper linkage assembly in place.
  • Remove the wiper linkage assembly.
  • Use a flat head screwdriver to pry up plastic linkage bushings.
  • Insert new plastic bushings by simply pushing them into place.
  • Re-install the wiper linkage assembly with the three 10mm mounting bolts.
  • Re-attach the windshield cowl, cap nuts, and wiper arms and blades.
  • Turn the wipers on to confirm that they no longer extend beyond the windshield.
Figure 4. Diagram of windshield wiper components for the Honda Civic.

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