I "restored" (unstuck) the rear wiper motor on our 2001 Jeep Cherokee XJ recenllty. When I examined the end of the metal rear wiper it seemed the end that attaches to the body with the nut was worn smooth inside (I was expecting it to have been designed the same as the fluted threaded part that moves back and forth. But i saw no flutes on the wiper are, that end was smooth inside just like the arm I had removed to repair the motor. So I thought I better purchase a new wiper blade so it would not slip on the shaft. The funny thing is, when the new shaft arrived (part no. 55154919) I noticed it was smooth on the inside as well. My question is whether or not the factory original part from the new vehicles in 2001 used a smooth wiper blade in this area or was it fluted like I was expecting it to be? And don't the frint wipers always have these flutes that I am referring to? Thank you.

 

Not sure about 2001 specifically, but my '98's factory (I assume) wiper arm was fluted/splined just like the shaft and similar to the fronts. The replacement rear arm I bough a few years ago was not. I didn't like some other thing about its build quality, so I returned it and just repainted the original instead.

 

Thank you, I guess just another example of the crap sold these days.