Debris in windshield wiper hinge/linkage and vent area

It doesn't seem to matter where I park, but I'm constantly getting leaves and debris in the these areas. This can't be good over time. Is there an easy way to pull the cover off and clean? I've noticed this with a friends 4-Runner as well. Thanks!

 

Normal.

Damn, gravity. You used to be cool

 

So there actually is a home made fix for this that a few people have done. Its not the cleanest looking but it works.

Take some thin black rubber, cut a circle, then cut a smaller hole in the middle. Remove the wiper arm and push the rubber washer over the stud and bolt the arm back down.

 

That wiper cowl is usually pretty simple to remove. It involves removing the wiper arms and a number of plastic clips. I bet there is a video somewhere, maybe even of a windshield being replaced. I haven't removed my Tacoma cowl, but I did on my 4Runner. It's pretty easy, but some of those clips can be fragile. Not something you want to do too often. If you need a new windshield, you might be able to kill two birds with one stone. Or, if you do remove it just to clean, you might consider a fix of some sort as mentioned above or maybe even some gorilla tape over the openings during the messy months. No idea if tape would hold.

 

Also something to note to my original reply, there are rubber gaskets on the backside of the panel that seals the area from getting too far down. So you wont take off the cowl and see piles of leaves, it all piles up right on the wiper arm area.

I remove mine 2 times a year to clean it all out, only takes 10-15 minutes to do, but still shouldnt be a issue.

 

Thank you all for the helpful replies!

 

Compressed air gets them out in a second.

 

Wait til you see the cabin filter

 

Is there a similar fix for all the dead hookers that pile up in my bed?

 

Just take them to the nearest city, nature will take care of it for you.

 

You could take the wiper arm off and blast that with a pressure washer. If you want to be gentle, use tweezers to get the debris out.

 

These both seem like good ways to blow the leaves further in there.

 

This. Also be aware that if you do not reinstall the cowling correctly, it will allow water to drip onto your cabin air intake. Toyota did a pretty bad job designing the water deflection system above the air intake IMO.

 

Did a bad job? I dont think they did anything to stop water from getting in there.

 

Lol true. I just got done fixing my wifes RAV4. It was a mess cleaning up the carpets, drying it out, etc. What a joke

 

I vacuum mine... four vehicles. Doesn't seem to build up on the motorcycles...

 

Quick blasts with air blow gun has worked for me. At the same time, it’s dry leaves for me so they crumble and blast off lol.

 

For me its pollen, acorns, helicopter seeds and general dirt. Makes a nice sludge that packs in there.

 

That’s right you guys have nice full seasons in MN. (Lucky guy!!)
Here in Los Angeles we just get fall leaves and bird droppings!!

My Friday post will be…..How do I get this bird poop off my hood.