how to remove windshield cowl and wiper arms?

[Derek]

I just picked up a '16 SR5 and the only issue I have is a rattle that seems to be coming from the passenger side near the lower windshield/dash. I suspect it might be the windshield cowl itself or the plug under it for the heated element for the windshield. At first glance it appears the wiper arms will need to be removed in order to remove the cowl. However, I do not see any obvious way to do so. On other vehicles there is a nut you remove then the wiper arm comes off but not on this one. Has anybody else removed their wiper arms (complete assembly) and/or the windshield cowl? Or do you have access to any instructions on how to do so?

Yes I could take this back to the dealer to have fixed but the last time I did for a rattle on my last 4Runner they damaged the door panel and did not use much care as they tried to locate the rattle.

Thanks!

 

[05Rrunner]

Watching this , I'm in on trying to fix the same rattle in my 16

 

[1engineer]

Check the inner fender liner on the right front back next to the firewall. Move it around a bit.

 

[meltdown]

Check the inner fender liner on the right front back next to the firewall. Move it around a bit.

What he said. It's most likely the small rubber flap in the wheel well. There are several threads discussing it. The plastic connectors that hold it on get loose and rattle. I had the same noise you're hearing. I wrapped some pipe cleaners around the connectors to tighten them up. Haven't heard the noise since.

 

[4RnR Grl]

There's also another thread on this... cable holders under the glove box are the culprit. They work themselves loose after time and tap against the metal. Do a search for dash rattle. I think one of the posts has pictures. I've had the same rattle in my 2013 since December... I will be pulling things apart soon.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using Tapatalk

 

[Derek]

What he said. It's most likely the small rubber flap in the wheel well. There are several threads discussing it. The plastic connectors that hold it on get loose and rattle. I had the same noise you're hearing. I wrapped some pipe cleaners around the connectors to tighten them up. Haven't heard the noise since.

Thanks. I'll take a look at that first. Would you expect this on a brand new 4Runner though? I guess anything is possible. I've read most of the other threads about rattles but haven't seen anybody post instructions on how to remove the cowls or wiper arms.

Thanks for the replies everyone.

 

[meltdown]

Thanks. I'll take a look at that first. Would you expect this on a brand new 4Runner though? I guess anything is possible. I've read most of the other threads about rattles but haven't seen anybody post instructions on how to remove the cowls or wiper arms.



Thanks for the replies everyone.

I noticed mine at about 10k miles but it wouldn't surprise me on a new vehicle.

 

[Derek]

I noticed mine at about 10k miles but it wouldn't surprise me on a new vehicle.

Well I picked up some pipe cleaners (great idea btw) and wrapped them around the fasteners attaching that rubber flap to the frame but unfortunately that didn't solve the rattle issue. I just took a 6 hour drive down to the beach and the rattle could be heard during most of the trip. It tends to be louder when it's cold out. I haven't attempted the cowl removal just yet but I still think it MIGHT be the cause. I had my wife put pressure on the dash speaker grill and grab handle and neither one changed the noise. I definitely sounds like it is coming from the bottom corner of the windshield near the speaker but I know these noises can be deceptive. Thanks for the recommendation.

 

[Lester Lugnut]

First off - thanks to BlackWorksInc for this web site -> www.partsouq.com

Provide VIN and off you go.

2016 Windshield and Cowl

https://partsouq.com/en/catalog/gen...UVlJnRmp0dXwMElg$&vid=219607&cid=3&uid=261169

It doesn't show wiper arm removal. 2 nuts and a battery cable remover and off come the wiper arms.