Rear wiper removal

sbritt · 10-05-2006, 07:49 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, 08:37 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, 02:35 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, 09:08 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, 09:18 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, 09:34 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, 10:58 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, 05:02 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, 10:26 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, 10:00 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, 02:35 AM	#3
Bill Merchant absit invidia Join Date: May 2005 Location: USA \| Oregon \| Portland area \| 97004 \| Posts: 3,964 My Car: 2007 Prius Package: #5 Nominated 6 Times in 1 Post TOTM Awards: 1 Friends: 53	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

10-06-2006, 09:18 AM	#5
efusco Troll Slayer Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Nixa, MO Posts: 14,253 My Car: 2004 Prius Package: #9 Nominated 1 Time in 1 Post TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 24	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 Seaside 04BC9/OEM EVb/NAV & auto-BT/XM Radio, CAN-View, Shark Fin, BT Stiff. Plate, Skid Plate & Strut Support

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Rear Wiper blade	SalLema	Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting	4	06-05-2008 12:46 AM
Rear Wiper	John6012	Prius Main Forum	3	06-17-2007 06:20 PM
rear wiper	lenjack	Prius Main Forum	14	03-06-2007 10:59 AM
Will They Fix The Rear Wiper?	Smooth Operator	Prius Main Forum	19	07-19-2006 08:57 PM
Rear Wiper Pkg	terkar	Prius Main Forum	16	02-19-2004 08:41 AM

10-05-2006, 07:49 PM	#1
sbritt Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 11 My Car: Package: Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 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, 09:08 AM	#4
eagle33199 Platinum Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Minnesota Posts: 3,648 My Car: 2006 Prius Package: #7 Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	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, 09:34 AM	#6
mikepaul Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Columbia, SC Posts: 1,676 My Car: 2004 Prius Package: #9 Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 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, 10:58 AM	#7
seasalsa Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Kent, WA Posts: 1,199 My Car: 2004 Prius Package: #2 Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 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, 10:00 AM	#10
cbustapeck Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 14 My Car: Package: Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 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!