Rear Wiper Blade Replacement: A Step-by-Step Guide

Upon recent observation, I have identified an issue with the wiper on the rear window of my SUV. It has been emitting a loud squealing noise and its performance has significantly declined.

After conducting a brief inspection, it became apparent that the wiper blade was dry and exhibiting uneven wear. Consequently, it is not surprising that such circumstances are resulting in excessive noise production.

There are various factors that can contribute to issues with your rear wiper, however, occasionally it boils down to a simple blade problem. It’s not uncommon for the rear windshield wiper blade to outlast the front windshield wiper blade.

This is primarily due to the fact that drivers tend to utilize the front wipers more frequently than the rear. Over time, rubber blades naturally deteriorate, typically as a result of regular wear and tear or damage caused by weather conditions.

If you need to disassemble the rear wiper blade, you can usually follow these steps:

Replace the entire blade

Lift the wiper arm: Carefully raise the rear wiper arm, ensuring to provide support with your hand to avoid any potential damage as it falls back onto the glass.

Locate the release mechanism: To locate the release mechanism for your vehicle’s wiper blade, examine the base where it attaches to the wiper arm. The specific make and model of your vehicle will determine the exact design of this tab or lever.

Activate the release: To activate the release, simply locate it and utilize your fingers or a small flat-blade screwdriver. This action typically involves pressing or prying up a pull tab or lever in English.

To remove the wiper blade: To detach the wiper blade from the arm, it’s important to handle the release mechanism with care. While simultaneously pressing or lifting the mechanism, meticulously slide the wiper blade away from the wiper arm. If done correctly, the mechanism should disengage effortlessly.

Dispose of old wiper blades: It is important to appropriately dispose of old wiper blades. Certain auto parts stores or service centers may offer recycling services for old blades.

Replace rubber blade only

Rubber blades, known as “refills,” are a cost-effective alternative when it comes to replacing your rear wiper. They are not only more affordable but also environmentally friendly since you won’t need to discard the plastic backing with each replacement. Additionally, changing the wiper blade refill fluid is a straightforward process. Simply follow these step-by-step instructions.

Begin by locating the pull tab on the rear wiper arm and pressing it in, causing the wiper blades to loosen. Once they are loose, remove the old wiper blades. Look for any metal pieces holding the rubber blade in place and use needle-nose pliers to carefully separate these tabs.

Use the pliers to pull out the old rubber blade along with the two metal rods, ensuring they are removed. If needed, employ pliers to extract the rods. Insert the new rubber blade refill and close the tabs to secure it in place. Finally, push the entire wiper blade into the wiper arm, making sure it clicks into place.

When to Replace the Rear Wipers?

While the rear wiper blade on your vehicle may not be used as frequently as the front windshield wiper blade, it still experiences a decline in performance over time. It is often mistakenly believed that wiper blades degrade more quickly in regions with heavy rainfall.

In truth, extreme temperatures, dry climates, and exposure to sunlight are the primary factors that cause damage to wiper blades, including rear ones. Therefore, it is important to remember that the rear wipers on your car are equally susceptible to wear and tear as the front ones.

As per expert advice, it is highly recommended to replace the rear wiper blade annually. This conservative suggestion takes into account the gradual deterioration of rubber due to exposure to various weather elements. It assumes that you will predominantly drive under ideal conditions. However, for most drivers, replacing both front and rear wiper blades twice a year would be considered optimal.

Conclusion

For individuals who are not comfortable or unfamiliar with replacing rear wiper blades, it may be more practical to entrust routine maintenance tasks, like oil changes, to a professional installer.

Depending on the specific vehicle, the replacement process may vary in complexity. Some installers opt to replace the entire blade assembly, whereas others solely replace the rubber insert. Rest assured that these professionals possess the necessary expertise and tools to successfully complete the task with precision and efficiency.