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How to remove the rear wiper blade ?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by Superdrol, May 5, 2011.

  1. Superdrol

    Superdrol Member

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    I figured out how to remove the front wiper blades you lift the clip then slide them off but the rear wiper blade I cannot figure out how to remove from the arm.

    I realized that you are supposed to keep the blades and just changethe rubber inserts. Before with my corolla I'd just throw away the entire blade and buy new ones.


    Now I'll have to figure out how to thread the inserts.
     
  2. jdcollins5

    jdcollins5 Senior Member

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    For the rear wiper inserts, the insert holder has plastic end pieces on both ends so they do not just slide out like the front ones. According to my dealer's parts guy, you need to pull the insert toward the blade holder. Then you need to continue pulling toward the center until the insert is beyond the first holding clip. From there you can pull the insert on out.

    If you get the Toyota insert, it will come without the metal piece that has a slight curvature to it. You insert these metal pieces in to the slots in the new inserts. Then the install is the reverse of the removal.

    I changed mine without any problem after instructions from the parts guy.
     
    lr08 likes this.
  3. stream

    stream Senior Member

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    This site has great info, including wiper blade replacement:
    John's Stuff - Toyota Prius and more
     
  4. Superdrol

    Superdrol Member

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    How do you detach the blade holder from the arm in the rear ? I cannot change inserts with the blade still on the arm.
     
  5. jdcollins5

    jdcollins5 Senior Member

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    I changed mine without removing the blade holder. It would be easier with it removed, though.

    The Toyota tech manual says to pull the blade away from the wiper arm and it should pop out from its connector. I tried pulling on mine but was afraid I would bend or break something before I could get the catch to release. So I just decided to change the insert in place.
     
  6. Superdrol

    Superdrol Member

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    Thanks for the info. I'm also worried about breaking the thing. I might just have to change it with it being on the arm.
     
  7. tumbleweed

    tumbleweed Senior Member

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    I replaced all three of mine last month, $17.77 from Toyota. I was prepared to install them but one of the guys from the parts department went out the the parking lot and put them in for me.
     
  8. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Sort of off-topic:

    Almost any service in the engine bay seems to first require removal of the lower trim around the steep sloped windshield. The driver's side wiper has a cap under which I assume is the bolt. Any tricks to removing that cap? I've tried with a moderate uplift, but it wasn't budging.

    Second gen Honda Civic (or previous car) had a similar issue, except at least the wipers and motors didn't need removal, say for valve clearance check.

    All in all: it seems a p***-poor design when you have to do so much disassembly, to get at anything around the back of the engine...

    Addendum:

    Ok, got it off: just a matter of applying a bit more pressure. It comes completely off, no hinge. Has some friction-fit tangs.
     
  9. Superdrol

    Superdrol Member

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    Not sure but I figured the cap lifted up like the rear. The cap is hinged and holds with pressure clips.
     
  10. jdenenberg

    jdenenberg EE Professor

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    I usually buy two front inserts and cut down one of the old inserts to refresh the one in the rear. I'm too cheap to buy a new insert for the rear wiper.

    JeffD
     
  11. Superdrol

    Superdrol Member

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    I just changed all the wiper inserts. Word of caution: the front wipers are relatively easy however the rear wiper you need to be mindful of the counter pressure you put flexing out the old insert.

    I could easily see how someone could break their wiper arm by pulling it accidentally while flexing in and out the old insert. They should have just used the same set up as the front. Poor design imo
     
  12. andyprius

    andyprius Senior Member

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    One can buy a insert for all three blades and still have a surplus left over. Cost: $3.00, in any auto parts store. Insertion is easier, faster and cheaper.
     
  13. jdcollins5

    jdcollins5 Senior Member

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    Be careful with these non-Toyota inserts as they do not have the preset curvature in the metal pieces that make them fit to the windshield. I tried Trico at Advance Auto and the ends of the blades did not touch the windshield at the top.
     
  14. PaJa

    PaJa Senior member

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    1. Lift and pull the end of the wiper rubber protrusion from the blade stopper. Do not forcibly pull out the wiper rubber. The backing plates will be deformed or the blade claws will be damaged. If you lightly push the rubber in the middle it will allow it to be removed more easily.
    2. Remove the rear wiper rubber backing plates and notice their curve to follow the rear glass shape.
     
  15. Superdrol

    Superdrol Member

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    I changed the insert by holding the blade with my right hand and pulling the insert with my left hand in opposite directions. Like pulling apart something. This pulling allows the insert to flex enough to clear the outer clips.

    Unless I'm doingit wrong this is how I changed the rears. The pulling apart technique invites potential for damage to the arm if the blade is still attached
     
  16. webeproducts

    webeproducts New Member

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    If this is like my Venza, you can replace the entire blade. Trico makes something called "Exact Fit". It comes in 12", 14" and 16". Autozone has them for under $10.

    You remove the cover over the nut that holds the arm, then you can rotate the arm away from the window. Rotate the blade and it will come right off.

    -L
     
  17. FLP

    FLP Junior Member

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    I just used the Trico 16' for the rear and 2 Rainex blades for the front. I guess I'll know if it is ok when it rains. The fronts seem to work fine with the windshield washer fluid. The dealership was going to charge a crazy sum to buy and install new ones. Bought the Trico at Autozone for 9.99.
     
  18. ljdog

    ljdog Junior Member

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    Rapid, Spindifferent and rjp123 like this.
  19. NutzAboutBolts

    NutzAboutBolts Senior Member

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    If you watch my video on how to remove your spark plugs. I showed how to remove the front wiper blades.
     
  20. Starkie

    Starkie Junior Member

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    ^^^
    Thanks ljdog for the excellent video which clearly and accurately describes how to properly remove the rear wiper blade.
    Rear Wiper Blade Change Toyota Prius (2010-2013) - 2010 Toyota Prius 1.8L 4 Cyl.

    Now that it's been safely removed, time to go find a replacement that fits.
    More later.

    The rear wiper blade assembly seems to be rare.
    Tried Walmart and O'Reileys but no luck.
    Tried Antioch Toyota but they only have the inserts for $11 or wait until next week.
    I'll try the insert.
    More later.

    Went to Antioch Toyota and purchased the rear wiper inert for $11.
    The parts counterman even installed it for me, for free, such a deal :)
    Done.
     
    #20 Starkie, Sep 20, 2014
    Last edited: Sep 20, 2014