Wiper Blade Replacement Writeup

[scottm]

Apparently some "enthusiasts" are spending big $ on gimmick wiper blades. I know it's easy to snap in a complete blade, or have the counter guy at AutoZone do it for you. Maybe some people don't know how simple it is to replace just the rubber refill. Toyota blades have been top rated by testers, these refills cost about $10 from cDan/Beno, probably a couple bucks more at your local stealership.

So here's the Wiper Refill for Dummies.

1. Take the blade off the wiper arm.
- squeeze the plastic tab at the center toward the metal wiper arm, and slide the blade toward the windshield.
2. Slide the old rubber off the blade, just give it a good pull to unhook the end.
3. Transfer the stainless stiffeners to the new rubber refill.
4. Slide the rubber onto the blade.
5. Snap the blade onto the arm.

If you don't do your own maintenance, this would be about the easiest mechanical thing you can do to get started, edging from "owner" to "enthusiast".

 

[5Cruiser]

Thank you. This was new information to me...and wiper blades are on my to do list right now.

 

[EdsCruisin]

I was with you on the value of Toyota replacement rubber. The price was right and they work well, but not any longer than other blades. Until we had a bout of freezing rain with some snow on top. I make a point of using the defroster to thaw out my wipers while I scrape the rest of the windshield for fear of ripping the blades. But I miscalculated the thaw on my windshield one day and this factory design simply came apart as soon as I turned them on and they came upon some ice clumps I had not loosened. Then I had to freeze my fingers putting them back together so I could drive (it was still precipitating). I have never had aftermarket blades come apart, so I splurged on Rain-X blades and another similar design most recently. I have been quite happy with the aftermarket models.

 

[OregonLC]

Nice write-up Scott. I've never mastered that art!

However, Bosch Icon is da way to go! No hot spots, quiet, no smudge. Wiper heaven. BTW, Rock Auto is a great place to buy them.

 

[NMuzj100]

I think the biggest thing you can do to improve wiper performance is detail the windshield with a clay bar then Rain-X it.

Give the wiper a smooth clean surface to operate on and they will all work better.

A gentle wipe with a paper towel wet with silicone spray will rejuvenate your wiper blade too.

When leaving the car outside in icing conditions raise the wipers "up" using the hinge at the arm and off the windshield. When you return clean the windshield, snap the wipers down and you are done.

 

[FullyLitLED]

I think the biggest thing you can do to improve wiper performance is detail the windshield with a clay bar then Rain-X it.

I havent done this year! Thanks for reminding me lol

 

[1loudLX]

wiper blade writeup? The 80 guys must be having a field day....and the twundy guys going "why dont they just go to the dealership?"

 

[OGBeno]

Be careful about the Toyota rubber that you purchase. Some part numbers are "American rubber" and some are Japanese.

I of course recommend the latter.

 

[yoter100]

wiper blade writeup? The 80 guys must be having a field day....and the twundy guys going "why dont they just go to the dealership?"

If I could LIKE this.... I would!

 

[FullyLitLED]

If I could LIKE this.... I would!

let me start a facebook group about it!

 

[Brock]

Be careful about the Toyota rubber that you purchase. Some part numbers are "American rubber" and some are Japanese.

I of course recommend the latter.

i always heard the japanese rubbers were much smaller!

 

[scottm]

wiper blade writeup? The 80 guys must be having a field day....and the twundy guys going "why dont they just go to the dealership?"

Yeah, I know this is going to get some heat, mostly from guys who don't remember when the 80 was untouchable at $70k in the 90's, and seeing one crawling through rocks was shocking.

Be careful about the Toyota rubber that you purchase. Some part numbers are "American rubber" and some are Japanese.

I of course recommend the latter.

I did notice the ones you sent were a different rubber than the ones I took off, guess I got the good stuff.

 

[no-pistons]

What is cDan/Beno?

 

[OGBeno]

What is cDan/Beno?

One crotchety old parts man....

One grass-hoppa parts man in training....

 

[scottm]

One crotchety old parts man....

One grass-hoppa parts man in training....

Lolzzz... Toyota Auto Parts in Albuquerque, NM | Larry H Miller American Toyota Accessories and Car Parts

 

[BigBlue99]

Who needs wipers? Rain-X it and you'll forget you have them.

 

[rusty_tlc]

One crotchety old parts man....

One grass-hoppa parts man in training....

You look like twins separated by a couple of decades.

 

[1loudLX]

You look like twins separated by a couple of decades.

only two?


Trunk Monkey, can you move this to the Hardcore Section?

 

[rusty_tlc]

wiper blade writeup? The 80 guys must be having a field day....and the twundy guys going "why dont they just go to the dealership?"

I'm probably the only 40 guy who even opens this forum and I'm thinking hell it's a good day when the wipers even move never mind having rubber on them.

 

[petrotk40]

I just bought rain-x latitude wipers for all 3 blades, it was about $40 on amazon. These suckers are amazing.