okay so the little plastic pivots that join the wiper linkage in my '72 Valiant cracked and fell out. i got a new set at the local dodge stealership and can't get them to snap together. is there a special pliers/tool, or am i just missing something here, its kicking my A$$!!..

I use a little vaseline and make sure they are warm (if in wintertime)...then use a pair of pump pliers to put them in...sometimes they cooperate and you can get them in by hand without much problem, but maybe not...(make sure to put a little grease in the pocket before inserting the male nub into the bushing they will stay quieter that way.

good luck,

-D.Idiot

You will likely find it easier to remove the wiper linkage from the car and do this job on the bench, then reinstall the linkage.

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一期一会
Too many people who were born on third base actually believe they've hit a triple.

I do mine on the vehicle, but I press them in w/ a C-clamp. Use a socket on the back side, and they pop right in. (Great for those PITA shift linkage bushings as well.)

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Used to own:
'82 Dodge D150
Erson 270 Cam, O/S valves, mild port work, ~9.5:1 compression

Currently fighting with an '85 VW Cabriolet

My other passion

I use white lithium grease and a regular pair of pliers, this has always worked well for me.

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70 Dart, 360, 727

okay so is it better to place the ball side in and then pop in the solid half, or put in the solid half and then pop the wiper ball into the socket??

I have always installed the bushing in the arm first and then used a pair of pliers to pop the wiper ball in the socket.

Be warned, the one on the wiper motor is a b#$ch to get in. Helps a lot if you have long, skinny arms.

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82 D150-225/727
02 Dakota-3.9/5 speed
87 GMC C7000-8.2 Detroit Diesel/5+2