Replacing a car's rear windshield wiper blade yourself

Every driver of a vehicle knows that good visibility is the key to safety on the road. It is thanks to the so-called wipers that the rear and windshield are kept clean in adverse weather conditions. But everything eventually wears out and needs to be replaced. This happens with car windshield wipers when they stop performing their full function. An experienced car owner knows that rear window wipers wear out much faster, and accordingly, they need to be replaced more often. It's not difficult to do this yourself. At the same time, you need to ensure that the purchased model of the product fits your car...

Types of rear window wipers

The windshield wiper device is a metal arm connected to a rubber surface. The brush is fixed on the lever with a special holder with a plug.

  1. Frame brushes are equipped with movable elements called rocker arms. They fix the cleaning surface to the windshield. However, such wipers have a main drawback - hinged joints. Precipitation can cause the windshield wipers to malfunction. Also, a loose fit of the rubber element to the glass surface reduces the quality of the wipers.
  2. Frameless windshield wipers have a spring, so the rubber surface fits as tightly as possible to the windshield. This promotes better glass cleaning and increases service life. A distinctive feature of such wipers is their curved shape. You can see frameless models on many cars. They look good, do not reduce the aerodynamics of the body, are not as susceptible to icing and do not interfere with visibility. But there is one drawback - it is impossible to change only the rubber band on the brush, so you have to do a complete replacement. Also, in most cases, a frameless windshield wiper is selected for the appropriate vehicle based on parameters such as the angle of the windshield and the length of the blade itself. Attention to car owners who want to replace the rear frame wiper with a frameless one: despite the fastening in the form of a simple hook, such a replacement is almost impossible. The reason lies in the fact that the leash is located very close to the glass, which does not allow installing a frameless model, which is higher at the ends than the frame one.
  3. Plastic rear windshield wipers are essentially blades with a smooth plastic frame. A wiper of this type is installed using a special mount on a plastic leash, as if being its continuation. This type of model needs to be selected more carefully to ensure it fits exactly.

Typical faults

Let's make a reservation that wear on the blades is not a problem. Replacing windshield wiper blades is a planned event that is recommended to be carried out quite often: high-quality models demonstrate the preservation of consumer properties for 130 - 140 hours of continuous operation.

The following types of faults can be distinguished:

  • the breaker relay has deteriorated: in this case, the brushes can move, but the driver will not be able to control the operating modes of the wipers;
  • the washer motor is burnt out;
  • the washer nozzles are clogged;
  • the main electric motor failed;
  • the integrity of the wiper lever is damaged;
  • the washer fluid reservoir or supply lines are broken;
  • The wiper control unit burned out.

All of these defects do not require a complex service package (it is enough to replace damaged/worn components), but in any of these cases the driver must know how to remove the wipers from the car.

You may also be interested in an article by our specialist, in which he explains in detail how to remove the window lifter handle.

We also recommend reading our expert’s article, which details how to repair a crack in a car’s windshield.

Options for replacing rear wipers

If your car's rear brush is worn out or malfunctioning , you can:

  1. replace it with a new original one,
  2. replace with an analogue of the original,
  3. Just replace the cleaning tape.

To replace the rear brush with an original one , we simply purchase it at any auto store or place an order there and install it. As for the selection of non-original ones, many of the manufacturers can offer alternative models. In this case, most likely, the design will need to be slightly modified in order to install it properly. Sometimes, only the rubber part of the brush wears out. Then you can simply replace this cleaning tape with a new one.

On different models of cars, rear wipers are installed differently. Therefore, there is no single installation method. But everything is identical.

Here is one way to remove the rear wiper blade and replace the wiper. We remove the cover from the mounting axis of the windshield wiper arm, which is attached with latches. Then we lift the leash from the glass. At the same time, we turn the wiper itself perpendicular to the glass until the latch reaches the stop. Now carefully remove the brush from the clamp. To install a new one, we do the same thing, only exactly the opposite. The elastic band can be changed simply, without removing the structure from the leash. To do this, you just need to pull out the rubber band along with the spokes from the central part of the windshield wiper. A new rubber band is attached in the reverse order.

Consequences of poor windshield wiper performance

Some car enthusiasts believe that it is necessary to change the cleaning elements on the wipers only when they are completely falling apart. In fact, windshield wipers are an equally important and necessary part of the car. There are several reasons that indicate that the tools need to be urgently changed:

  • Stripes on the windshield.
    If the brushes clean dry or dirty glass, small cracks appear on them. As a result, the wipers begin to leave streaks on the windshield of the car, and you can no longer closely monitor the road. To avoid this effect, turn on the wipers only on clean glass. Of course, after several years of use, any tools have to be changed, but if you keep the glass clean, this need will come later;

Stripes on the windshield

Why are car wipers needed?

Windshield wiper blades have another popular name - “wipers”. With their help, the car driver has the opportunity to drive his vehicle in any weather. Replacing windshield wiper blades will be discussed below. Almost every driver has encountered problems driving in rainy weather. Especially if a car is driving towards you at high speed, spraying mud on your windows. In order to clearly see the road, scientists developed car wipers.

Procedure for removing the battery from the car

So, removing the battery from the car is carried out in a certain order:

  • Turn off the ignition.
  • Turn off all electronics in the car that operate without the ignition.
  • Close all windows and doors in the car.
  • Unscrew the cover that prevents dust and dirt from accumulating on the battery terminals.
  • Disconnect the grounding if the machine was previously grounded.
  • There are batteries with or without a protective cover. If there is no protective cover, in order to avoid a short circuit, insulate the “plus” with technical tape or use an ordinary plastic cap - this will protect the further process of removing the terminals;
  • Carefully loosen the ground nut with a wrench.
  • Now disconnect the terminals. The main question is which terminal to remove from the battery first? There is a strict rule: first remove the negative terminal, and only then remove the positive terminal.
  • Do not allow the positive pole to come into contact with metal parts of the machine.

The mass is nothing more than the car body, which is connected to the negative terminal of the battery. When this terminal is removed, the battery is first disconnected from the body. The electrical circuit running from the negative potential of the battery to the car body is temporarily broken, and a short circuit will no longer occur. As you can see, removing the terminals from the battery is not difficult - the main thing is not to overdo it with force. And when removing, be extremely careful not to confuse the polarity and prevent a short circuit in the electrical circuit, which could be fatal.

Next, you should carry out the necessary actions (either replacing the old battery with a new one, or charging it), and then proceed to install the battery back. Immediately before this, clean the terminals with soda and a stiff brush, and if there are any deposits on them, remove them with distilled water. Do not use ordinary water to avoid the formation of salts.

Replacement indicator

Today, modern wiper models are equipped with a special mark that allows you to determine when the windshield wiper blades need to be replaced. Most often, such products have a special mark in the form of a square or circle on the body of the model itself. It is usually applied with special paint, so when installing such a cleaner, first remove the protective film from it.

As a result of exposure to ultraviolet radiation and bad weather conditions, the paint will change color, which will indicate the need to replace the wiper. In this case, such an indicator will not respond to mechanical damage and cleaning liquids.

Removing the terminal to reset the error

Removing the battery terminal is a common method of dealing with errors that are diagnosed by the car's on-board computer. A lit Check Engine light irritates many car owners, so they often resort to this simple method of troubleshooting.

As a result, all data on errors and sensor readings accumulated since the last time the battery was removed is erased from the computer's memory. It is worth noting that serious errors associated with malfunctions cannot be eliminated in this way. After you start using the car, they will appear again. So, it only makes sense to remove the terminals to reset errors in cases related to low-quality fuel, ignition failure, etc.

To reset the error, just disconnect the negative terminal and wait for a while - from 3 to 10 minutes. Then you can connect it back. If both terminals were removed, then you need to start from the plus.

When the error is reset, all vehicle settings return to factory settings. This means that the ECU now needs to be retrained, especially if the car is equipped with an automatic transmission.

Training is carried out using the following method.

  1. After the specified time has passed, you need to connect the terminal to the battery.
  2. Then you need to turn the ignition key to the last position before starting the starter and wait a minute, then return the key to its original position.
  3. Start the engine and leave it idling for at least 5 minutes without accelerating. Additional equipment such as a stove, air conditioning, headlights, and radio must be turned off.
  4. Stop the engine and turn the ignition key to the extreme left position.
  5. Then you should repeat the procedure 1-2 more times.

When training a car with an automatic transmission, you additionally need to train the adaptive gearbox.

  1. When starting the engine, you must hold the selector knob in the neutral position (N) for at least 1 minute.
  2. Move the lever to position D and hold it for at least 1 minute, securing the car using the parking brake.
  3. Release the brake and start moving smoothly without adding gas. It is necessary that the box switches all gears corresponding to a smooth increase in speed up to 60-70 km/h.
  4. Then you need to gradually reduce the speed to learn how to change gears back.

If you follow all safety precautions, then there is no fundamental order in removing and putting on the terminals on the battery. However, the correct course of action will help prevent emergency situations that can not only lead to damage to car parts, but also pose a danger to the life and health of the car owner.

Signs of Wiper Blade Wear

Specific signs will help you understand whether your windshield wiper blades need to be replaced. Pay attention to the following points:

  • During cleaning, stripes and dirty stains appear on the glass;
  • large unrefined areas;
  • the appearance of vertical and narrow stripes on glass.

Replacing windshield wiper blades yourself is quite quick. Many car owners are afraid of breaking something, and in vain. In fact, it is very easy to remove and replace the wipers yourself. You will only need a little free time and a minimum amount of knowledge and skills.

Replacing windshield wiper blades involves removing the old products and installing new ones. A very important replacement rule is to buy a product model that is ideal for your car. After all, very often different “wipers” differ in length. Be sure to take this parameter into account when purchasing.

Removing a car battery from a vehicle

The car owner will need to remove the battery

, if it is needed:

  • replace it;
  • repair it;
  • carry out car repairs.

To remove the battery, a car enthusiast may need the following tools:

  • set of wrenches;
  • pliers;
  • latex gloves;
  • scraper or wire brush;
  • sandpaper;
  • instructions for the car.

  • The location of the battery is determined.
  • If necessary, easy access is provided.
  • The battery is disconnected from the elements securing it in the socket.
  • Rubber gloves are put on and the battery terminals are checked, which in modern batteries are: top and side.

To disconnect the terminals you will need suitable wrenches or pliers if using spring clamps. The keys must be very different, since it may be necessary to unscrew certain bolts located perpendicular to the surface of the earth.

All holders and protective covers on the battery are unscrewed. The wire from the negative pole is removed first. You can identify it by the “-” symbol on the battery. Then the wire is disconnected from the positive pole “+”. It is also fashionable to determine the polarity by the color of the wires of the car network connected to the battery: black wire means positive pole; red wire means negative pole.

The battery is pulled out of the sockets using handles or special recesses.

Care should be taken not to tilt the battery too much to prevent electrolyte from leaking out of it. Inspect and, if necessary, clean the wire terminals and the battery itself with sandpaper to remove oxidation. This process should be approached responsibly, since the presence of oxidation on the wires of the car network when connected to the battery will: Clean the battery seat using a scraper or brush. If the battery is changed, its number should be rewritten, since it will be easier for the seller to select a battery with identical performance. cause rapid discharge of the car; create a problem in transferring charge from the battery.

Using an open flame when removing a car battery is strictly prohibited, since flammable gases may be released when the battery is removed from the car and tilted.

The process of removing a battery from a car usually does not cause any problems for car owners. In most cases, car enthusiasts perform this work on their own, often neglecting basic technical requirements and safety rules.

Incorrect battery dismantling can lead to negative consequences:

  • mechanical or electrical damage to the battery;
  • malfunctions of the vehicle's electrical equipment;
  • failure of vehicle control systems;
  • dangerous electrolyte burns;
  • traumatic cases.

Before dismantling the battery, you should familiarize yourself with the basic safety precautions, rules and procedures for performing the necessary actions.

Contents

Step-by-step replacement instructions

To replace the wipers you should follow these steps:

  • The lever is placed vertically and then removed from the glass itself. Do this very carefully. After all, if it jumps out, there is a risk of breaking the machine glass.
  • After the first step, open the cap by pulling the brush down. Remember to hold the holder very firmly while performing this step.
  • Now take the new product prepared in advance and put it on the knitting needle, while closing the plug itself. Try to level it as much as possible by pulling it down.

That's all, the new windshield wiper blade is installed, so you can safely drive the car and not worry about poor visibility.

Preparing for work

Replacing brushes is a responsible process, so you need to carefully prepare for it:

  1. Take a close look at the wipers.
    It consists of three parts: a blade, a lower arm that extends from the base of the windshield, and a metal holder. You just need to replace the consumables – the brushes;
  2. Find out the size of your windshield wiper blades.
    To do this, measure the cleaning elements using a tape measure or ruler;
  3. Set up a workplace.
    This will provide you with free and convenient access to the windshield wipers, and will also allow you to easily remove and change them.

How to remove frameless wipers

Before removing the frame wipers, thoroughly clean their mountings. Only after this can the device itself be dismantled. You will have to do the following:

  • carefully unscrew the mounting pins;
  • now take out the brush body;
  • carefully remove the rubber plugs of the bolts;
  • unscrew the bolts yourself.

Pay special attention to the process of unscrewing the bolts. This must be done extremely carefully, because most often they are connected directly to the motor that sets them in motion. If you accidentally damage this mechanism, then even the highest quality and most expensive wiper models will be useless.

Tips for use

  1. Before use, it is advisable to treat them with soapy water.
  2. Monitor the quality of liquids with which the brush comes into contact during its operation, use them only in accordance with the instructions.
  3. Rinse frequently with water to remove large dirt particles.
  4. Lubricate the hinge joints periodically.
  5. Prolonged exposure to frost and sun will shorten its service life. And therefore, in the summer, when parking for a long time, it is better to cover the car or at least cover the windshield. And in winter, the car should be in the garage.
  6. Wash your windshield more often; this service is free at many gas stations.
  7. If the glass is covered with ice, do not use windshield wipers; it is better to clean it manually with a special scraper.
  8. In cold weather, during long periods of inactivity, you need to raise the wipers so that they do not freeze.
  9. Try to buy brushes only from well-known manufacturers, they will pay for themselves.
  10. It is not recommended to use windshield wipers without windshield washer.

These tips will help many beginners save money. After all, simple car maintenance work can be done on your own. This is both more pleasant and more reliable sometimes. We wish you to see the road equally well in any weather. Safe and clear road!

Installation of new frameless products

Replacing frameless windshield wiper blades is a procedure that must be performed with extreme caution, so for the first time it is recommended to watch how professionals will perform the replacement, and only then do it yourself. But still, if you decide to do it yourself, then follow these steps:

  • First, you will have to install new rubber gaskets under the wiper bases.
  • Now attach the base of the previously prepared new product to the tetrahedral pin.
  • Next, seal the connections using the washer that you removed when dismantling the previous wiper.
  • Finally, screw in the housing mounting bolt.

Replacing windshield wiper rubber bands on Toyota Prado 150

Due to frequent use, the rubber bands of a windshield wiper wear out quite quickly. You can replace the scraper yourself. The procedure consists of several steps.

To remove the brush:

  1. Turn the ignition switch to ON mode and turn on the rear wiper switch. The windshield wiper motor will not operate while the window or tailgate is open.
  2. When the wiper moves to a vertical position (27-390) that is convenient for removal, turn off the ignition.
  3. Raise the wiper arm, making sure it is not in the way of the door spoiler.
  4. Gently lift the brush until it clicks to release the grip.

To remove the Prado 150 rear wiper blade from the lever (see video), pull it to the left.

To remove the rubber scraper, lift and pull it out by the protruding end. To avoid breaking the gripper and support plates, do not pull too hard on the wiper. Remove the support plates from the brush.

To insert a new rubber band:

Install the support plates

It is important to ensure their correct position when installing. From the front end of the brush, thread the rubber band towards the other end using the second gripper. Push the scraper through the grip so that the end of the rubber protrudes beyond the plug. As a final step, move the scraper towards the front end of the grip

As a final step, move the scraper to the front end of the gripper.

When replacing the rear wiper on the TLK Prado 150 (see video), be careful and do not use excessive force so as not to break the grip.

conclusions

So, why do you need to replace your windshield wiper blades? Toyota or any other car model needs this procedure regularly. Such actions can reduce the risk of traffic accidents in bad weather. Experts recommend replacing them once a year or immediately after you notice that the wipers have begun to perform their duties poorly.

Changing windshield wiper blades for the front and rear windows is very simple. In the first case, you just need to follow the general instructions. And in the second, take into account the individual characteristics of your “iron friend”. It will be a little more difficult to cope with frameless products, but nothing is impossible here. A little patience, effort and caution - and you will quickly complete the task. Change your wipers regularly and you will be able to fully enjoy driving your car in any weather conditions.

Replacing windshield wiper blades is a question that will sooner or later arise before every driver. Find out how to remove windshield wiper blades, how to replace them and prevent breakdowns in the article below.

Device

In fact, the notorious wipers that cycle over the surface of the glass are the tip of the iceberg. Let's try to succinctly describe the entire mechanism. The following key components are identified.

  1. Electric Motor: A small electric motor controls the movement of the wiper arms in different modes. A car can have a pair of these installed, as long as the rear window is also cleaned and washed.
  2. Windshield wiper arm: the metal element that holds the blades. Connected to an electric motor. Provides brush movement.
  3. Windshield wiper blades: commonly called blades; remove dirt and water from the windshield/rear window. Currently made of silicone.
  4. Tank with washer fluid.
  5. Nozzles for supplying washer fluid to the glass.
  6. Washer fluid supply lines: regular rubber hoses.
  7. Washer motor.
  8. Windshield wiper control unit.

Additionally, we recommend reading the article on how to choose and install winter windshield wiper blades correctly.

We also recommend that you carefully read the article on how to choose and install heated wipers.

Obviously, this is a very complex and sensitive mechanism. Due to various factors, the task of “how to change wipers on a car” may go beyond the banal installation/disassembly of brushes. The process is controlled using cabin regulators, which set the intensity of the windshield wipers, as well as the intervals.

When do brushes need to be replaced?

Everyone knows what “wipers” are - this is a special device in the form of a lever and a brush for cleaning the windshield and sometimes the rear window. They can be framed or frameless. In the first option, these are moving parts that hold the cleaning surface on the wind window.


Glass cleaning mechanism

Unfortunately, this species is quite delicate because it is vulnerable to snow and rain, which eventually turns into ice and damages the frame surface. In addition, the cleaning part does not fit tightly to the surface, and therefore does not clean well enough.

Safety precautions when removing the battery from a car

It is not allowed to apply large forces to the battery during its removal. If something is “jammed”, it is better to carefully examine the battery and the space surrounding it: it is quite possible that it will not be physical strength that will be required, but a certain skill and skill.

If the batteries are not seriously damaged, they can be easily removed: use a regular adjustable wrench and a rag

Of course, you need to handle the battery very carefully: do not push, do not throw, and carefully place the removed battery on a flat, safe place to avoid it tipping over.

Don't forget, just in case, to prepare an alkaline deactivator in case the liquid electrolyte spills and the acid gets on your skin. With the utmost care, this should not happen, but it never hurts to be on the safe side.

Instructions for removing and replacing wipers

It is very easy to replace used material, and you can do it yourself. The only thing that is important to do is to buy a new part that is the same size as the old one. After all, wipers often differ in length from each other and this is also important to take into account.

Dismantling occurs in stages:

  1. The lever is placed vertically and removed from the windshield. It is important to hold it carefully so as not to injure it. If it pops out, it may damage the glass.
  2. Now you need to open the holder cap and pull the brush down, while holding the holder firmly.
  3. After this, you need to take the previously stored part, put it on the knitting needle and close the cap. Now pull it down, leveling it out. Thus, the operation is completed and you can proceed with another window cleaner. It is filmed in exactly the same way (the author of the video is TheBrandConnect).

Features of replacing rear wipers

There are some car models on which it would also be a good idea to install rear window wipers. The installation pattern on the rear windows is quite different from the installation of the glass cleaner on the front windows. In the case of installing rear wipers, it is impossible to say how to change the wipers, because all cars are different and the approach to them is individual. As an example, we can take the usual Lada Kalina station wagon.

  1. There is a fastening nut on the wiper, and above it there is a protective element. This metal cap must be lifted up.
  2. Then take a 10mm wrench and, carefully, so as not to drop the washer under it, unscrew the nut. Now turn the device a little and carefully pull it towards you. It will come off without any problems. After this, you can remove the mechanism to clean the windows.
  3. Now, on the dismantled device, you need to pull the part and use a screwdriver to loosen the latch that holds the part to the lever. You can replace it in the same way as replacing front windshield wipers. When buying brushes, you need to pay attention to the bend of the brush, because even this affects the quality of cleaning.


Varieties of design

How to install new wiper blades

Once you've prepared for work, it's time to start replacing the brushes:

  • Lift the lower arm from the windshield.
    Remember that the lever must be installed perpendicular to the windshield;
  • Unhook the worn windshield wiper blade.
    The cleaning element is secured with a small plastic clip. Removing the tool is very simple - just gently press on the holder. After this, unhook the cleaning element from the metal handle. Remember that on some models the brushes are secured with a latch rather than a hook;
  • Secure the new windshield wiper blade.
    Insert a new brush into the same end of the metal frame from which you removed the worn-out tool. You need to secure the cleaning element very carefully until you hear a characteristic click. After this, place the tool back on the car windshield;
  • Replace the tool on the second windshield wiper.
    Don't forget that cleaning tools come in different sizes, so you need to be very careful when installing them.

By replacing the cleaning elements, you will ensure that your wipers work well. Thanks to this, the windshield will remain clean, and the driver will have an excellent view of the road.

Every car owner knows that a windshield wiper blade is an important and indispensable part of any car. The safety of the driver and passengers depends to some extent on the quality of this product. So, in order to minimize the risk of getting into a traffic accident, you need to thoroughly clean your car windows.

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