In spite of the ridiculous price, I ordered two new wiper arms for my 85 4Runner a couple of weeks ago. When I tried to install the old bracket and blade assembly on the new arms the screws bottomed out (flush with the bottom side of the arms) and would not tighten any further. I then thought that perhaps the old blade brackets might need replacing as well so I ordered two new blade/frame assemblies which come with the bracket and the two screws.
To make a long story short, the same thing happened with the new screws. They would not tighten. I finally put a small pair of Knipex cobra pliers on one of the screws and put enough pressure on it to break the screw off in the hole.
I drilled out the screw and re-tapped all the holes to 4mm. I then bought some very short stainless 4mm screws and lock washers and everything is now assembled and installed.
As far as I can tell, the screws are 3.5mm and I couldn't find a 3.5mm tap locally to run the tap all the way through.
Sorry for the rant but I thought it was a bit ridiculous that brand new, mating parts wouldn't screw together properly.
To make a long story short, the same thing happened with the new screws. They would not tighten. I finally put a small pair of Knipex cobra pliers on one of the screws and put enough pressure on it to break the screw off in the hole.
I drilled out the screw and re-tapped all the holes to 4mm. I then bought some very short stainless 4mm screws and lock washers and everything is now assembled and installed.
As far as I can tell, the screws are 3.5mm and I couldn't find a 3.5mm tap locally to run the tap all the way through.
Sorry for the rant but I thought it was a bit ridiculous that brand new, mating parts wouldn't screw together properly.
:whoops: