WeatherTech window deflector install tips with diagrams

Just installed the rear window deflectors with the factory supplied clips. These clips are notoriously difficult to put in. bruceha_2000 (Side Window Deflectors | PriusChat) and chrisspaulding (weathertech window vents | PriusChat) have posted photos and a diagram in separate threads to show the way the clips supposed to work. I would like to add two more detail points that helped me and wished to know earlier. Hopefully my crude hand drawn diagrams will help others who wants to install with the clips.

The Goal: Use the spring force of the metal clip and the rubber weather strip to secure the clip in the channel formed by the metal frame


1st problem: The deflector, the clip, and the metal frame are too stiff to allow insertion → the clip ends up popping out of the channel


solution step 1: Instead of inserting the clip fully into the channel, only insert partially and then mate with the deflector before full insertion


2nd problem: Rough edge of deflector easily gets stuck on the rubber weather strip and prevents further insertion


solution step 2: Lubricate the rough edge of the deflector. Now it is possible to insert the deflector together with the clip fully into the channel



Some more tips: I tried sliding in the deflector with two clips simultaneously without success. I ended up doing the front clip first, then the rear clip. For the double sided adhesive tapes at the ends of the deflector, I only peeled partially before insertion and peeled the rest after complete insertion. I also cleaned the rubber surface in the channel before installation.

Update: I took these pictures after installation but never posted them until now:





As you can see they are very low profile (doesn't stick out from the side of the car too much) and I really like this feature of low profile.

Are you sure you need clips? My brother-in-law has Weathertech deflectors on his 06 and didn't use any clips.

Yea, why there are metal clips for the window deflectors insert?
I installed the WeatherTech deflectors before on a non-Prius, it's just required some careful push-insertions to be in place only.

If you read previous threads on this subject you will find for the rear deflectors people have several general approaches:

1. Leave it alone (don't use clips) and let it drop down once in a while and push it back up
2. Use silicone or double sided tapes
3. Use clips

I think it is just personal preference which way to do it.

If one chooses the #3 then I hope the diagrams will help.

Tried without the clips and they soon fell out of the windows, thankfully i was just in the driveway and not cruising. Great job on the pics i will be re-installing with the clips now.

Good luck and let us know how it works out for you.

That's a good description. I'll be looking into getting the weathertech deflectors in the next couple months.

The diagrams and descriptions are really useful. I too am thinking of installing WeatherTech deflectors, so these can come in handy.

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radiator hose

Thanks for the encouraging comments. I have added some more tips in the original post.

Thanks for the encouragement! I also spent quite some time trying in vain and almost gave up on the clips before figuring out the two steps illustrated in the diagrams above.

Any ideas on the FRONT windows deflectors so they don't "rattle"? I uninstalled and reinstalled and they still chatter at times.

If I lower the front window glass only a little such that the glass still touches the deflector then the two would rub against each other and make noise when the car goes over a bump or a rough road. If the glass does not touch the deflector then there is no noise. I don't know of a good way to solve this issue.

2009Prius, Hi, just wanted to say 'THANKS!' Your diagrams were a great help as I struggled with the clips installing the weathertech vents on my 07 earlier today, Weathertech ought to send you a check and purchase your diagrams, or you should get a commision from them when those of us that purchased their fine product refer to you for the better, more concise instructions.
This is my very first post after registering here, though I have been a guest and fan of Priuschat since shopping for and purchasing our 07 new.
Thanks again! Sean

Glad to know it helped! Enjoy the deflectors!

One thing to watch out for is that even with the deflectors installed, if it is windy and the windows are cracked open, then a strong wind can still blow sand, leaves, and rain drops into a parked car. Now I have learned to crack open the window only a tiny gap if it is very windy out when I park the car.

Thanks for the GREAT diagrams. The instructions that came with the deflectors was wordy but NOT helpful, while your concise drawing explained what I needed to know when I installed mine today, from PriusChat Shop.
I ended up using WD-40 to lubricate a couple of inches around the clips and they slipped right in, with a little pressure, and they are tight and DO NOT rattle.
Thanks again!!:rockon:

i tried to do as the photos show but still could not get the deflector to slide in. so i pulled the weather stripping out of the window channel, inserted the front of the deflector & front clip then reinserted the whole assembly back into the door jam & repeated the procedure for the back clip. easy

2010 Prius - Thanks for the instructions. After losing a rear deflector and calling Weathertech they mentioned the clips (not shown in any instructions on their website). I Googled the install and found the Prius Chat info which stopped the madness of trying to install them. I sent them the link so that they can share it with purchasers. Usually very happy with their products but these were very frustrating.

Weathertech customer service referred me to this thread by sending it to me in an email after I called them for help. Seems to me you should ask for royalty payments for each time they refer someone. Well the front ones were easy. The back ones are in now and I didn't beak anything thanks to this thread.

Incredibly helpful post in redirecting me back to the in channel option. They do look so much more cleaner than the sticky tape ones, but the feedback regarding the difficulty to install these plus the fact that they cost more would often sway me away from them. Thanks to your post, i'm really close to picking up a set.

A few questions if you wouldn't mind me asking:
1) What did you use to lubricate the deflector with? and...
2) Were there any scratches to your glass
3) Are your glasses tinted and lastly...
4) Was there a "break in" time before the auto up challenges were done away with, or did your proper installment of the deflectors eliminate the problem?

Thanks a bunch! Love our prius and the prius ohana (hawaiian for family) made possible via the priuschat forum. Thank you Danny!