The rear wiper on my 2001 XJ will turn on and move, but it will only move a couple inches then stop, then move a couple more inches and stop, and so on. I've read that the rubber around the "stud" that the wiper arm attaches to can fail and cause rust on the shaft. Haven't pulled it apart to check but if that's the case is it worth it to try and clean the rust off or should I just replace the motor? Could this be caused by an electrical problem (intermittent power perhaps)? The XJ I had in the past (1996) didn't have a rear wiper so I never had to deal with this before.

 

You can take it apart by drilling out the rivets that secure a plate on the motor. You'll need some small self tapping screws to put it back together. Google it and if I'm correct, you'll have to mark the orientation of the gearing inside. I did this quite some time ago and don't recall specifics, but it worked a treat. Mine did the exact same thing and now works perfectly. The shaft seizes up in the bushings. Cleaned them up with scotchbrite, relubed and it's all good now........

 

That sounds like a bit more work than I have time to do. I'm thinking I might just be better off buying a used replacement. There are some on eBay for $40-50. Hoping it's not a problem outside the motor.

 

Try spraying it down with some good penetrating oil before you start ripping thing apart. Sometime a good lube will take care of it.

 

That was the first thing I tried and it didn't seem to help at all. The wiper starts and stops in the same places every time it is turned on. That had me thinking possibility a gear inside with broken teeth? Does this make sense with the way the motor functions?

 

Yes, it makes sense. It is very possible that may be your problem.

 

there's no guarantee that one from ebay won't have the same issue as yours. I would try to repair the one you have.......

 

Well I'll be doing some minor repairs/maintenance in the coming days (oil change, washer fluid pump replace, headlight wiring harness bypass) so I'll open up the hatch and take a look at what I have going on. I'll post what I find.

 

I ordered a used rear wiper motor for $33.00 off eBay. If it doesn't work, I'll send it back. If it does work and I don't end up needing it, I'll just sell it. I doubt I'll be able to find a replacement gear for the inside of the motor that that's what turns out to be broken anyway.

 

got my new (used) rear wiper motor. installed and its working perfectly. strange part is the motor i took out looks flawless (from everything that's visible on the outside). practically brand new. I might try pulling it apart to see if i can fix it as a spare.