Help me guys please! Found both washing truck today. They were lying on the plastic piece below. I took both of them in garage and cleaned them up so i can glue them or jb weld them today. I see tons of mixed opinions. Can a professional please put this to bed for me? Are these things NEEDED or not? My truck has 700 miles on it. I cant believe theyd design it this way if they werent just meant to be tossed away. Thank you in advance for the replies.

 

You don't need them. They are only needed for assembly to make sure they are lined up.

 

Are you completely sure? Guys are saying their arms strip out without them in...i dont want that issue haha.

 

I found the one on the passenger side a few months ago while out hunting and tossed it into the woods thinking it was some road debris. Then I googled what it might be and started worrying like you, so I spent a couple hours sifting through the leaves and sticks where I threw it trying to find it, when I should have been out hunting. Never did find it. Therefore, I’m putting my money on them being unnecessary. I do keep an eye on that wiper blade though to make sure it’s not creeping up.

 

Those things have been falling out for years...long before this gen F150. I’ve never had one move...the arm and shaft are knurled...it’s not moving once it’s locked in place.

 

I can't recall a single post where someone said that, but I'm sure I haven't read every post.

 

I have a 2015, the wipers still work just fine.

 

Yeah I have seen it in other threads about this very subject

 

Ive seen a couple threads about saying their arms have play and have stripped a bit.

 

you can put yours back in if you want.... but you might not he happiest with the position of the blade. Most lower them by one spline so they are more out of view when off.

to the shafts stripping, Ill say this......
I live in an area where we get over 13 feet... yes, 13 feet of precipitation annually. So you might say my wipers run often, and I have not had any issues with the tabs removed.