2001 Sierra passenger windsheild wiper position.

[BCMaxima]

Hello.

Passenger side wiper hits cowl when in the off position and with each downstroke when running. It appears to be lower than the drivers side wiper. Drivers side wiper position is fine.

When I removed and repositioned passenger wiper up one notch on spline, wiper is then higher than drivers side and looks silly.

Could the crank arm position have changed under the cowl?
Could the actuator arm(s) under the cowl be bent?
Anything else that could cause this uneven alignment?

Also, passenger wiper spline was very difficult to break loose. Drivers side, in two attempts with a small slide hammer, I still haven't managed to break loose. Is there an easier way? Yes, I did loosen the nut first.