Rear wiper removal

sbritt · 10-05-2006, 06:49 PM

Just wondering if anyone has made the modification to remove the rear wiper? The wiper seems to be useless for those who have the camera for backing up. I have seen on cars other then the Prius that you can usually get a cap to insert into the hole where the wiper used to be.

I believe that the car would look better without it.

I did a search in the forums, but could not find anyone that has done this. Maybe I will be the first.

Thanks,

Steve

PA · 10-05-2006, 07:37 PM

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(sbritt @ Oct 5 2006, 07:49 PM) [snapback]328718[/snapback]</div>

Quote:

The wiper seems to be useless for those who have the camera for backing up.[/b]

Isn't the wiper there to clear rain & snow off the rear window so you can see what's coming up behind you as you drive?

Bill Merchant · 10-06-2006, 01:35 AM

I agree with PA, I use the rear wiper (it rains here in the Northwest) so I can see traffic behind me. Of course, I have a 2005 without the back-up cam, but I still like to see cars and trucks approaching from behind me on the Interstate.

If you really want to take off the wiper, pull up on the plastic cover at the base of the blade (spring it wide at the bottom front if you're having trouble and it pulls straight up) and remove it. Remove the nut holding on the arm and the wiper arm.

Drive around and see if you mind not seeing out the back window in the rain/snow. If you do, put the blade back on.

If you still want to remove even the wiper post, pull off the plastic panels on the inside of the hatch. Starting at the bottom is best, they just snap in. You can get at the wiper motor fairly easily once you have off the bottom and mid-rail cover.

Be sure to install the plug in the glass with silicone sealant so you don't get leaks inside the hatch.

And take lots of pictures and post them!

DISCLAIMER: Proceed at your own risk. Do not modify your vehicle to make it illegal or unsafe.

eagle33199 · 10-06-2006, 08:08 AM

I'd agree with the previous posters, i like having that wiper there! in my experience, there have been many times when it's been raining/snowing that a water drop will obscure the backup camera lens, making it very difficult to use... at those times, i'm very greatful to have that wiper, as it keeps the back window clear at just the times you really need it.

**efusco** · 10-06-2006, 08:18 AM

In the 3 years I've had the car I could probably count the number of times I've actually used the rear wiper on my two hands. Rain doesn't gather on it when the car is in motion so that's not really an issue. I guess if you parked outside where it snows it might be useful, but I rarely do.

That said, I'll leave it on. Those occasional times I used it, I really needed it. The window was badly dirty or I had been sitting in the rain and the view was obscured. It certainly doesn't bother me to have it there and it's nice to know it's available if I do need it.

mikepaul · 10-06-2006, 08:34 AM

The JDM/Euro steel rear wiper arm from Sigma works nice. Gets the dew and rain out of most of my way.

http://www.sigmaauto.com/jdm/prius/prius0405.php but you have to look for the wiper about half-way down on the left...

seasalsa · 10-06-2006, 09:58 AM

My package did not include the rear wiper and I have never missed it. RainX keeps the rear window clear.

chimohio · 10-06-2006, 04:02 PM

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(eagle33199 @ Oct 6 2006, 09:08 AM) [snapback]328864[/snapback]</div>

Quote:

I'd agree with the previous posters, i like having that wiper there! in my experience, there have been many times when it's been raining/snowing that a water drop will obscure the backup camera lens, making it very difficult to use... at those times, i'm very greatful to have that wiper, as it keeps the back window clear at just the times you really need it.
[/b]

I agree - I find it works well to keep the rain off, and my camera display has been clouded due to rain. You know what they say - you'll find you need it most once you don't have it.

sub3marathonman · 10-18-2006, 09:26 AM

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(seasalsa @ Oct 6 2006, 10:58 AM) [snapback]328900[/snapback]</div>

Quote:

My package did not include the rear wiper and I have never missed it. RainX keeps the rear window clear.
[/b]

Is it possible for seasalsa or somebody else with no rear wiper to post a photo. I too would be interested in removing the rear wiper, but I'd like to see what it looks like first.

I would also be interested in the part numbers needed to do this.

cbustapeck · 11-11-2006, 09:00 AM

I'd guess that the only thing you'd really *need* to remove are the wiper arm and motor - and check with your friendly Toyota dealer for the plastic cap to cover the hole - it'll probably end up being a $10 piece of plastic. Some cars, you need the rear wiper, some, the defroster will do the job just fine.

Removing the wiper and wiper motor should reduce the car weight by a couple pounds... and reduce drag, too!

10-06-2006, 01:35 AM	#3
Bill Merchant absit invidia Join Date: May 2005 Location: USA \| Oregon \| Portland area \| 97004 \| Posts: 4,095 My Car: 2007 Prius Model: Package: #5 Thanks: 18 Thanked 17 Times in 14 Posts Friends: 62	I agree with PA, I use the rear wiper (it rains here in the Northwest) so I can see traffic behind me. Of course, I have a 2005 without the back-up cam, but I still like to see cars and trucks approaching from behind me on the Interstate. If you really want to take off the wiper, pull up on the plastic cover at the base of the blade (spring it wide at the bottom front if you're having trouble and it pulls straight up) and remove it. Remove the nut holding on the arm and the wiper arm. Drive around and see if you mind not seeing out the back window in the rain/snow. If you do, put the blade back on. If you still want to remove even the wiper post, pull off the plastic panels on the inside of the hatch. Starting at the bottom is best, they just snap in. You can get at the wiper motor fairly easily once you have off the bottom and mid-rail cover. Be sure to install the plug in the glass with silicone sealant so you don't get leaks inside the hatch. And take lots of pictures and post them! DISCLAIMER: Proceed at your own risk. Do not modify your vehicle to make it illegal or unsafe. __________________ Bill Bill.Merchant@PortlandHSD.info 2007 NL 5 Silver Wraith • 2005 BC 6 Silver Cloud Portland Area HSD Meetup Group: PortlandHSD.info Become carbon neutral: Carbonfund.org or TerraPass.com > < Follow me on

10-06-2006, 08:18 AM	#5
efusco Troll Slayer Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Nixa, MO Posts: 17,971 My Car: 2004 Prius Model: Package: #9 Thanks: 96 Thanked 445 Times in 256 Posts Friends: 41	In the 3 years I've had the car I could probably count the number of times I've actually used the rear wiper on my two hands. Rain doesn't gather on it when the car is in motion so that's not really an issue. I guess if you parked outside where it snows it might be useful, but I rarely do. That said, I'll leave it on. Those occasional times I used it, I really needed it. The window was badly dirty or I had been sitting in the rain and the view was obscured. It certainly doesn't bother me to have it there and it's nice to know it's available if I do need it. __________________ Evan E. Fusco, MD "It's a damn poor mind that can only think of one way to spell a word." -Andrew Jackson

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10-05-2006, 06:49 PM	#1
sbritt Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 11 My Car: Model: Package: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Friends: 0	Just wondering if anyone has made the modification to remove the rear wiper? The wiper seems to be useless for those who have the camera for backing up. I have seen on cars other then the Prius that you can usually get a cap to insert into the hole where the wiper used to be. I believe that the car would look better without it. I did a search in the forums, but could not find anyone that has done this. Maybe I will be the first. Thanks, Steve

10-06-2006, 08:08 AM	#4
eagle33199 Platinum Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Minnesota Posts: 4,437 My Car: 2006 Prius Model: Package: #7 Thanks: 39 Thanked 98 Times in 58 Posts Friends: 4	I'd agree with the previous posters, i like having that wiper there! in my experience, there have been many times when it's been raining/snowing that a water drop will obscure the backup camera lens, making it very difficult to use... at those times, i'm very greatful to have that wiper, as it keeps the back window clear at just the times you really need it.

10-06-2006, 08:34 AM	#6
mikepaul Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Columbia, SC Posts: 1,756 My Car: 2004 Prius Model: Package: #9 Thanks: 2 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts Friends: 0	The JDM/Euro steel rear wiper arm from Sigma works nice. Gets the dew and rain out of most of my way. http://www.sigmaauto.com/jdm/prius/prius0405.php but you have to look for the wiper about half-way down on the left...

10-06-2006, 09:58 AM	#7
seasalsa Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Kent, WA Posts: 1,202 My Car: 2004 Prius Model: Package: #2 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post Friends: 0	My package did not include the rear wiper and I have never missed it. RainX keeps the rear window clear.

11-11-2006, 09:00 AM	#10
cbustapeck Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 14 My Car: Model: Package: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Friends: 0	I'd guess that the only thing you'd really need to remove are the wiper arm and motor - and check with your friendly Toyota dealer for the plastic cap to cover the hole - it'll probably end up being a $10 piece of plastic. Some cars, you need the rear wiper, some, the defroster will do the job just fine. Removing the wiper and wiper motor should reduce the car weight by a couple pounds... and reduce drag, too!