Windshield wiper question (with video)

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

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  1. LulzChicken

    LulzChicken Prius Enthusiast

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    Hey there fellow Priuschatters, I've got a problem/question on my hands. If you take a look at the video - you'll notice that the wiper leaves behind two streaks of "smeared" rain. It's right in the line of sight when I drive, and when it's raining at night it really tears up my ability to see well. So my question to you all is: Is there something on the windshield that is doing this? I've cleaned it several times with no luck. I've also cleaned the rubber wiper blades with no luck. I've also made sure the rubber blade is fully secured in the wiper housing - and it is. Should I go by Toyota and buy a new rubber refill? Or is there something I can do to fix this myself? Thanks in advance! Video is below

    Note: Also, I think it may have something to do with the two middle "clamps" on the blade. Hence, If I put the blade ontop of the smeared lines - it lines right up. Which makes me believe that there isn't enough tension/pressure against the windshield in those spots.
    Pic: [​IMG]

    Watch it in HD to see more clearly.
     
    #1 LulzChicken, Mar 5, 2011
  2. mainerinexile

    mainerinexile No longer in exile!

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    Assuming that this is a new problem and that the wipers worked OK originally, then I'd bet something like a couple of pine needles got stuck for a while under the blade and 'dented' the rubber. Warm weather may resolve the issue,but if the rubber refills are more than a year old, they are due for replacement anyway. If this was a problem from the start with this car, ask the dealer for replacements.
     
    #2 mainerinexile, Mar 5, 2011
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  3. jdimetal

    jdimetal New Member

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    If the car is less than 12 months old - have the dealer replace them. If it is older, replace with refills or new blades.
     
    #3 jdimetal, Mar 5, 2011
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  4. LulzChicken

    LulzChicken Prius Enthusiast

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    I believe they were ok. I can't remember when the problem started. Your pine needle scenario certainly sounds like that could have caused the problem. They are all over a year old - I think I'll grab a replacement for the refills. Are there instructions on how to take out the existing refills and put in the new ones? Thanks for the reply.

    I'm gonna grab some new refills I guess. Just have to figure out how to take the old ones out and put in the new ones. Can't be that hard of a task. Thanks for the input you two!
     
    #4 LulzChicken, Mar 5, 2011
  5. ksstathead

    ksstathead Active Member

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    Have them show you. Take the blade off at the j-hook and carry it into the parts department.
     
    #5 ksstathead, Mar 5, 2011
  6. LulzChicken

    LulzChicken Prius Enthusiast

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    Sounds like a plan to me. Thanks!:)
     
    #6 LulzChicken, Mar 5, 2011
  7. dustoff003

    dustoff003 Blizzard Brigade #003

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    Rather than changing the inserts it it would be easier just to change the whole blade assembly with a new one thus replacing the insert. This will also eliminate that being part of the problem. More than likely you will remove the blade to change the insert anyway? You could go to the dealer but your local auto parts or big box should have what you need.
     
    #7 dustoff003, Mar 5, 2011
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  8. LulzChicken

    LulzChicken Prius Enthusiast

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    You're right - it probably would be easier. I just got off of the phone with my dealer and they told me that they are avoiding replacing the inserts - and just getting a whole new blade for around 12 bucks. Also, yes. You have to remove the blade to change the refill. They did, however tell me that they can order an insert for 6~ bucks and have it here by Tuesday. Not sure what I'm going to do. I'm tempted to get some Rain-X Latitude wipers and be done with Toyota's. I'll let you know what I decide to do. Thanks again everyone.
     
    #8 LulzChicken, Mar 5, 2011
  9. LulzChicken

    LulzChicken Prius Enthusiast

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    Sorry for bumping - Just called the dealer back, and they told me that a replacement driver side wiper would be ~$50 dollars. What the hell?! The previous person told me it would be $12. I'm through.
     
    #9 LulzChicken, Mar 5, 2011
  10. jdcollins5

    jdcollins5 Senior Member

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    If you are interested in replacing just the inserts, I ordered all three inserts for ~$21. The parts department showed me how to change them out. Not a problem.

    On the front ones, one end is solid rubber with a notch that the blade holder fits in. A tug on this end will release it and you pull it on out.

    You need to remove the metal strips from the original blade and install it in the grooves on the new inserts. The metal strips have a preset curvature to hold the blade against the windshield.

    On the rear one, there is a plastic end piece on both ends of the blade holders. You need to pull the insert toward the holder in the middle and then remove one end. Then the insert slides on out.

    Note: I tried a non-Toyota replacement insert and one end did not contact the windshield since it did not have the preset curvature of the Toyota metal insert.
     
    #10 jdcollins5, Mar 5, 2011
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  11. LulzChicken

    LulzChicken Prius Enthusiast

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    Thanks! I'm just going to have them order the refills for me. Hope this works out. I appreciate you typing that out! I'm gonna give it a shot.:)
     
    #11 LulzChicken, Mar 5, 2011
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  12. dogfriend

    dogfriend Human - Animal Hybrid

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    I replace the inserts without removing the blade. It is relatively easy to do. Make sure to save the stainless steel blade "stiffeners" because you need them with the new insert (they just give you the rubber piece).
     
    #12 dogfriend, Mar 5, 2011
  13. jdimetal

    jdimetal New Member

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    I am not a fan of Toyota OEM wiper blades at all. They don't last very long and they tend to be streaky.
     
    #13 jdimetal, Mar 6, 2011
  14. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    Yeah happens all the time. Usually it's just tiny particles embedded in the rubber of the blade. A few good wipes (may take up to 10 wipes!) with a cloth or kitchen towel could do the trick. Sometimes, it's just something that cut the rubber blade. All you need is a tiny cut that may not be visible to the naked eye.

    Easiest thing is to replace the inserts of course. They're under $15 for pair (driver and passenger side) for me.
     
    #14 Tideland Prius, Mar 6, 2011
  15. Stormtrooper1

    Stormtrooper1 New Member

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    You could also switch to RainX Latitude Blades, They don't use the little hinges to keep pressure on the glass. I just replaced the blades on my Volvo With them and they are much nicer!

    They are like $18 a piece from Target right now, (Cheaper on Amazon)
    And Here's even a $10 Mail in rebate that expires March 31
    http://www.globalcarcarebrands.com/RainX_Rebate_033111.pdf
     
    #15 Stormtrooper1, Mar 6, 2011
  16. LulzChicken

    LulzChicken Prius Enthusiast

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    Got it. Thanks for the input. I think I'm going to bring my blade in and have them show me how to do it as another use recommended to me.
    I can see that being the case, but mine have held up alright.
    I live in the south, so it's possible pine needles or other tree debris may have made a mess of the rubber. We will find out when I get my new refill's on Tuesday.
    Wow, thank you for the rebate form! I may give that a shot. It'll be like 40-45 dollars to replace the driver and passenger side blades with the Rain-X latitude's. It's temping though. However, with the rebate it's more like 30-35. So that's not so bad!
     
    #16 LulzChicken, Mar 6, 2011
  17. LulzChicken

    LulzChicken Prius Enthusiast

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    Just got my refill installed! Turns out that was the problem. Works like a charm now. Time to replace the passenger one as well for the heck of it. Thanks again everyone. What a great community to be a part of.
     
    #17 LulzChicken, Mar 8, 2011
  18. Troyroy

    Troyroy Member

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    When you want to replace the wipers......it can't be any easier then going to a auto parts store, Advance Parts, AutoZone, NAPA,,,or any other. They normally will replace your wipers FREE of charge. Of course, it helps if you buy wipers at the store....
     
    #18 Troyroy, Mar 8, 2011
  19. oonix

    oonix Junior Member

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    Just got all 3 OEM refills for $19.56 shipped from brandsport.com. Use 10% off coupon code scionlife.
     
    #19 oonix, Jun 3, 2011
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  20. web1b

    web1b Active Member

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    So, where can you get either Toyota OEM or an aftermarket version of the entire pre-assembled wiper assembly that is not lower quality or worse-fitting than OEM for much less money?
    I don't think I want to struggle with trying to replace the rubber refills that sound like they are quite a puzzle to reassemble.
     
    #20 web1b, Mar 28, 2012
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