What are the key features of the 7168952 wiper motor?

The 7168952 wiper motor offers several features that make it a reliable choice for vehicles in a variety of conditions. Here are some of the key characteristics:

Voltage and Power: The 7168952 wiper motor typically operates on a 12V electrical system, which is standard in most vehicles. The motor is designed to provide consistent power to drive the windshield wipers at various speeds. It is built to handle high and low-speed settings, ensuring smooth operation under different weather conditions.
Torque and Speed Control: The motor delivers variable torque, which allows it to adjust the speed of the wiper blades based on the setting selected by the driver. On higher settings, the motor generates more torque to push the wiper blades at a faster rate, which is useful for clearing heavy rain or snow. On lower settings, it operates more gently, helping to clear light rain or dust without damaging the windshield.
Durability: The motor is designed for durability, with robust materials that can withstand exposure to weather elements like rain, snow, and high humidity. It is sealed to prevent water, dirt, and dust from interfering with its internal components, ensuring long-lasting performance.
Compact Size: The 7168952 motor is designed to be compact and easy to install in a variety of vehicle types. Its small size makes it adaptable to different windshield configurations, from compact cars to larger trucks and SUVs.

These features make the 7168952 wiper motor a versatile and dependable choice for automotive wiper systems.

How do I install the 7168952 wiper motor in my vehicle?

Installing the 7168952 wiper motor requires some basic mechanical knowledge, but it is a manageable task for most vehicle owners or technicians. Here’s a general overview of the installation process:

Step 1: Disconnect the Battery

Before starting the installation, it is essential to disconnect the vehicle's battery to avoid any electrical mishaps.

Step 2: Remove the Old Wiper Motor

Start by removing the wiper arms from the windshield. Once the wiper arms are detached, locate the motor under the windshield cowl or in the engine bay, depending on your vehicle’s configuration. You will likely need to remove some screws or bolts to detach the old motor from its mounting bracket.

Step 3: Disconnect the Electrical Connections

Disconnect the wiring from the motor. The 7168952 wiper motor will have electrical connectors that must be unplugged carefully. Be sure to take note of how the wiring is arranged so that the new motor can be connected correctly.

Step 4: Install the New Wiper Motor

Place the new 7168952 motor in the same position as the old one and secure it using the appropriate screws or bolts. Reconnect the electrical connections, ensuring they are tightly secured to avoid any loose connections that could affect performance.

Step 5: Reattach the Wiper Arms

Once the motor is in place, reattach the wiper arms to the motor’s spindle. Make sure they are properly aligned and tightened.

Step 6: Test the Motor

Reconnect the vehicle’s battery and test the wiper motor by turning on the wipers. Check for smooth operation across different speed settings. Ensure the wipers are clearing the windshield properly and that there are no unusual noises.

What are the common issues with the 7168952 wiper motor?

Although the 7168952 wiper motor is designed for durability and reliability, like any mechanical component, it may experience problems over time. Here are some common issues:

Motor Not Running or Slow Operation: If the wiper motor isn’t running at all or operates slowly, it could indicate an issue with the electrical connections or a fault within the motor itself. Start by checking the fuses, wiring, and connectors to ensure they are intact and properly connected. If the motor still doesn’t function correctly, it may need to be replaced.
Intermittent Operation: Sometimes, the wipers may work intermittently or fail to operate on certain speed settings. This could be due to a problem with the motor’s internal components or a fault in the switch that controls the wiper speeds. In this case, it’s worth checking the wiring and the switch for damage or wear.
Unusual Noises: If the wiper motor starts making grinding, clicking, or squeaking noises, it may indicate that the motor or its gears are wearing out. This could also be caused by debris or dirt buildup in the motor housing, which can affect the smooth operation of the gears.

Early Development of Windshield Wiper Motors

To understand the origins of the 7168952 Wiper Motor, it is necessary to briefly review the evolution of windshield wiper systems. Early automobiles in the first decades of the 20th century either lacked windshield wipers entirely or relied on manual mechanisms operated by the driver. As vehicle speeds increased and enclosed cabins became common, clear forward visibility became a safety priority.

By the mid-20th century, electric windshield wiper motors had largely replaced vacuum-operated systems. These early electric motors provided more consistent performance, particularly during acceleration, when vacuum-based systems tended to slow down. Over time, manufacturers refined these motors to improve durability, reduce noise, and support additional features such as multiple speed settings and automatic parking functions.

Context for the Emergence of the 7168952 Wiper Motor

The 7168952 Wiper Motor emerged during a period when automotive manufacturers were focusing on component standardization and modular design. This period can generally be associated with the late 20th century to early 21st century, when suppliers began producing model-specific motors designed to integrate seamlessly with particular vehicle platforms.

Several industry trends influenced the introduction of motors like the 7168952:

Increased emphasis on driver safety and visibility

Broader adoption of electric systems over mechanical or vacuum-based solutions

Demand for quieter, more efficient automotive components

Growth of platform-based vehicle manufacturing

Within this environment, the 7168952 Wiper Motor was developed as a dedicated solution rather than a universal motor adapted to multiple uses.

Approximate Timeframe of First Use

While precise public documentation on the exact launch year of the 7168952 Wiper Motor is limited, its design characteristics suggest that it first appeared during a mature phase of automotive electric motor development. This places its initial use likely in the late 1990s or early 2000s, when the following features were becoming standard rather than optional:

Integrated gear reduction systems

Sealed motor housings for moisture resistance
Electrical connectors tailored to specific vehicle wiring harnesses
Built-in self-parking and intermittent wiping functions

Motors from this era were designed not only to provide motion but also to communicate effectively with vehicle control systems, reflecting the increasing electronic integration of modern automobiles.

Early Applications and Adoption

When the 7168952 Wiper Motor first came into use, it was primarily installed in vehicles that required reliable, low-maintenance windshield wiping under regular driving conditions. These applications typically included passenger cars and light commercial vehicles rather than heavy-duty or specialty equipment.

Early adoption was driven by several practical advantages:

Improved consistency compared to earlier motor generations
Reduced susceptibility to moisture-related failures
Better compatibility with multi-speed wiper controls
Simplified installation during vehicle assembly

As manufacturers sought to reduce warranty claims and improve customer satisfaction, motors like the 7168952 gained traction as dependable, purpose-built components.

Role of Manufacturing and Supply Chain Evolution

Another factor influencing the introduction of the 7168952 Wiper Motor was the evolution of automotive supply chains. During the period when this motor appeared, suppliers increasingly worked closely with vehicle manufacturers to design components that matched exact specifications. This collaboration resulted in part numbers such as 7168952, which identified motors intended for defined platforms or production runs.

Advances in manufacturing also played a role:

Improved machining accuracy enhanced gear durability
Better insulation materials extended motor service life
More consistent quality control reduced performance variation

These improvements allowed the 7168952 Wiper Motor to meet stricter performance and reliability expectations than earlier designs.

Continued Use and Legacy

After its initial introduction, the 7168952 Wiper Motor continued to be used as long as the associated vehicle platforms remained in production and service. Even after newer motor designs became available, this model often remained in circulation through the aftermarket, supporting repairs and replacements for existing vehicles.

Its continued use highlights several important points: