Wiper insert replacement? - GreenHybrid

drjnnvrt · #1 (**permalink**) 11-14-2008, 05:15 PM

How do you change out the wiper blade inserts? I've read in an older thread that it can be done quickly and easily. I already know how to get the blades off the arm but how do I remove and replace the inserts? I'm afraid I'm going to break the blades with my tinkering.

mmrmnhrm · #2 (**permalink**) 11-14-2008, 08:54 PM

Don't bother pulling the blades off the arm. It's an unnecessary pain. Just grab the tip of the rubber with a small pair of pliers, and pull parallel to the blade, straight out

drjnnvrt · #3 (**permalink**) 11-14-2008, 09:40 PM

Thanks, that was easier than it looked!

spinner · #4 (**permalink**) 03-05-2009, 12:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mmrmnhrm

Don't bother pulling the blades off the arm. It's an unnecessary pain. Just grab the tip of the rubber with a small pair of pliers, and pull parallel to the blade, straight out

Except that that would be the opposite side of where you are instructed in the manual to remove and insert the blades. In the manual, the locking side is towards the base of the wiper arm. At any rate, just be aware that metal things being held over the hood may pose a risk to the hood's paint job.

mmrmnhrm · #5 (**permalink**) 03-05-2009, 06:12 PM

Why are you pulling towards the hood?

spinner · #6 (**permalink**) 03-05-2009, 08:10 PM

As per the Owner's Manual, which has this on page 206 in at least the 2007 edition:

Quote:

4. Remove the blade from the blade assembly:

Find the side of the blade labeled ‘‘LOCK.’’ This is the side you pull out.
Pull back the end of the blade assembly on the ‘‘LOCK’’ side of the blade. Then grab the end of the blade, and slide it out.

I don't know about yours, but "LOCK" on mine was towards the hood. "Tip" was printed on the opposite end of the blade and it was at the furthest end of the blade's reach. I remember using these labels to keep the assembly and the blade insert orientated the same. I didn't notice anything different about the ends to understand why this might be important.

mmrmnhrm · #7 (**permalink**) 03-05-2009, 09:05 PM

The manual has you disassembling the whole blasted assembly. All you need to do is raise the arms, grip the wiper insert with pliers, and pull parallel to the arm (and away from the hood). The insert and both of the metal stiffener things come right out. Jamming the new ones back in takes a little while, but doesn't require arm disassembly, either.

Mendel Leisk · #8 (**permalink**) 03-06-2009, 01:31 PM

I found it easier to take the assembly off the arm, sort-of as described in the Owner's Manual. It's easier on your back, compared to wrestling the blade out of the assembly while leaning over the hood. A couple of caveats:

1. Note which blade is longer, before taking them off. You can figure it out later, by looking at the sweep on the windshield, but...

2. The Owners Manual has a couple of pic's showing how to remove the assembly. The first just shows the blade being squeezed on the sides and pulled out. The second shows a flat blade screw driver with cloth covering being inserted. I haven't got the Manual in front of me, but I recall there's something backwards about these pic's. You need to use the screw driver to get the assembly to come loose.