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Why is there a rear windshield wiper? and how to remove?

Discussion in 'Gen 4 Prius Accessories and Modifications' started by Zojja, Feb 7, 2016.

  1. Zojja

    Zojja Active Member

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    So I'm seriously wondering why there is a rear wiper on a window that has rear defrost? And with such a steep slant? I tried searching and I only saw someone mention that they had removed theirs. How would I do that?
     
  2. css28

    css28 Senior Member

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    Wiping the window will make for better rear vision after the overnight dew.

    Do some searching in the Gen 3 forum for removal info.
     
  3. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    when you lift the wiper arm, there should be a set screw holding the base to the shaft splines.
     
  4. JimboPalmer

    JimboPalmer Tsar of all the Rushers

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  5. The Electric Me

    The Electric Me Go Speed Go!

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    I don't use the rear windshield wiper very often. BUT...when I do want it, it is nice, and I would think it actually is more valuable because the windshield is so horizontal. The Prius rear windshield IMO does NOT have a steep slant as it is almost horizontal.
    Therefore anything that does get on it? Has a tendency to stay on it. Unlike "normal" hatch windows which are vertical, and where raindrops will automatically fall down the back.

    I could live without the rear wiper, but a standard Prius IMO has a greater potential to need it.
     
    #5 The Electric Me, Feb 7, 2016
    Last edited: Feb 7, 2016
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  6. orenji

    orenji Senior Member

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    Rear wiper rarely gets used, but I am in SOCAL where it rains 3 times a year, if we are lucky!
     
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  7. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    same here, couple times a year. nice to have, but i could live without it.

    i wonder if the aerodynamics of the gen 4 make it even less useful?
     
  8. JimboPalmer

    JimboPalmer Tsar of all the Rushers

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    We had two days last month where more than an inch of rain fell, so I live where wipers are a good thing.
    (We had 17 days with over an inch of rain last year, so it seems a normal amount)
     
  9. Zojja

    Zojja Active Member

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    I guess I shouldn't be so urgent to get rid of it, I'll try it with them and see how I fare.
     
  10. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    That wiper is pretty ineffective tho. When it's coming down I'll activate it, look back and think: that's nice, about 30% of the shallow sloped rear glass is clear now. Big woop.

    I guess it would be more helpful with snow.
     
  11. energyandair

    energyandair Active Member

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    On a Prius Liftback, a rear wiper is useful occasionally for partially clearing water or light snow that's accumulated while the car was parked outside. Downsides are that it adds aerodynamic drag, it partially blocks the rear view, and it costs money

    On vehicles where the rear window that is used to see following traffic is directly exposed to the dirt laden turbulent air behind the car a rear wiper is almost a necessity. (Station Wagons, most hatchbacks, minivans, SUVs, Prius C, Prius v etc.)

    Vehicles where this rear window is separated from the dirt laden turbulent air don't need, and don't normally have, a rear wiper (Sedans, Pick ups etc)

    The Prius Liftback is more like a sedan in this respect than it is like a hatchback with no spoiler, or one with a spoiler above the window. The reason is that the the upper rear window in the Prius Liftback that is used to see following traffic is separated from the dirt laden turbulent air behind the car by the spoiler mounted between the upper and lower windows.

    I suspect that the rear wiper may shortly disappear from the rest of the Prius Liftbacks, not just the Eco, and having thought about it, I don't think I will miss it.
     
    #11 energyandair, Feb 15, 2016
    Last edited: Feb 15, 2016
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  12. Zojja

    Zojja Active Member

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    I went out today and I tried it (it is snowing). I thought "that is just silly" :) I mean, the rear defrost took better care of the snow than that wiper did.
     
  13. frodoz737

    frodoz737 Top Wrench

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    Aside from what has already been stated...if the cost of a yearly wiper blade and a guestimate of about 0.1 mpg loss bothers you that much...take it off. Save the parts for resale/trade-in time though.
     
  14. Blizzard_Persona

    Blizzard_Persona Senior Member

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    Snap it off and you gain 5 mpg :LOL::whistle:
     
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  15. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    They need to do something about the lower rear window. That's the dirt-laden window that needs a wiper.
     
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  16. DSNau

    DSNau New Member

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    Perhaps it's because I don't wash my elderly (1998) Lexus sedan very often, but I've often wished it had a rear wiper like the one on my wife's middle-aged (2005) Prius. That problem is likely to be fixed soon, as I'm making plans to replace the Lexus with a new Prius. :)
     
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  17. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    welcome! all the best with your car search!(y)
     
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  18. sfv41901

    sfv41901 Masta S

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    I prefer the sleek look without it. U can remove it. There are seals u can buy from Japan that fit the Gen3 or go to Lowes for a electrical knock out cap.


    iPhone ?
     
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  19. john1701a

    john1701a Prius Guru

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    Clearly, you don't live in a winter state. Here in Minnesota, my rear wiper gets used on a very regular basis. It's not just for snow, which comes down far too fast for defrost to keep up with. Any type of melt will cause the road sand & salt to dirty the window. The defrost will make that worse by cooking it on.
     
  20. JimboPalmer

    JimboPalmer Tsar of all the Rushers

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    Removing the weight of the wiper motor will do more to improve MPG than the arm. The rear washer fluid pump and wiring won't help much.

    He really wants the entire hatch of a Two Eco.