Are you having trouble keeping your windshield clean? If so, it can interfere with your vision when driving in bad weather – heavy rain, strong winds, etc. Sometimes, this problem can be solved with simple solutions like replacing the wipers or blades.
Step
Method 1 of 6: Replacing Glass Wipe Blades Only
Step 1. Raise the window wiper position
This is the first step to replacing the window wiper blades. When lifted the wiper arm should be hanging over the window without touching the glass.
Step 2. Remove the glass wiper blade from the sleeve
To do so, you need to remove the connector. Generally, there are three connector designs that can be removed in slightly different ways.
- The hooked connector has a “J” shaped blade end. This latch has a holder that must be lifted or squeezed to get it out of place. Once released, press or pull the blade down toward the base of the glass wiper arm to release it from the latch slot.
- The pin connector has a row of pins pointing downwards at the end of the blade. The pins attach to the sides of the glass wiper arm and have a holder to secure it. The holder needs to be lifted up with a flat-blade screwdriver or pushed up from the bottom of the wiper arm. Once the holder has been removed, the blade can be removed by pulling it to the side of the wiper arm.
- The straight connector has a concave end that can be tucked into the windshield wiper arm. These usually have a retainer at the top of the blade that must be lifted with a screwdriver to remove it from the wiper arm. Once removed, you will need to adjust the position of the blade so that it can be pulled from the wiper arm.
Step 3. Install the new glass wiper blade
This depends on the type of holder you have on your car.
- To attach the hook-type connector, insert the new glass wiper blade into the hook slot at the end of the glass wiper arm.
- To attach the pin connector, insert the glass wiper sleeve from the same side as when you removed the old glass swab. Once installed, lock the retainer to secure the blade in place.
- For straight connectors, you may need to reposition the blade so that it fits into the wiper arm. If your glass wiper design has a clamp or holder, make sure it is locked.
Step 4. Test the glass wiper blades
You don't want the glass swabs to come off midway. To make sure this doesn't happen, spray water or glass wiper cleaner onto the windshield, then turn on the windshield wiper. If the tool works fine, the process is complete. If the device appears to be wobbling or loose, you should tighten it before returning to riding.
Method 2 of 6: Preparing to Replace the Windshield Swabs
Step 1. Determine the type of windshield wiper that is in the car
There are several types of windshield wipers in cars and each has a different way of installation.
- Bolt-on glass swabs are attached to the threaded drive arm with a nut.
- Clip-on glass swabs are attached to the drive arm by clamping.
- Spring-loaded glass swabs are held in place with a spring. The spring must be compressed by the pressure pin to exit the drive arm.
Step 2. Purchase and inspect replacement glass swabs
Make sure the replacement glass wiper sleeve is exactly the same as the old glass wiper sleeve. Note that the windshield wiper arm on the passenger side is usually different from the driver's side and is not interchangeable.
Step 3. Prepare the equipment
You will need at least a flat-head screwdriver, cardboard to protect the paint/glass, and a set of ratchet wrenches. We recommend that you prepare all the necessary equipment before starting work.
Method 3 of 6: Removing the Clip-On Glass Swabs
Step 1. Check the side of the base closest to the pipe line or sprayer
You'll need to find a place to slip something between the wiper arm and the base. This allows you to remove the glass wiper arm.
Step 2. Prepare a tool to remove the glass wiper sleeve or a flat-blade screwdriver
Use a special tool to remove the glass wiper arm. If not, you can use a flat-head screwdriver to pry it out. Slide the tool under the base of the wiper arm and pry the arm until it feels loose at the base or drive post.
Step 3. Place a piece of cardboard or a rag between the prying tool and your vehicle
This will keep the paint and/or plastic intact around the base of the glass wiper arm as you pry it.
Step 4. Use a glass wiper sleeve release tool or a screwdriver to twist or pry the glass wiper arm
This will increase the space between the pipe line or water sprayer and the base of the glass wiper arm. When the sleeves are loose, you can take them off.
Step 5. Lift the glass wiper blade off the glass with one hand and hold the joint with the other hand
Gently rock the glass wiper blade repeatedly while lifting it with both hands until it is off the drive post.
Method 4 of 6: Removing the Spring-Loaded Glass Swabs
Step 1. Locate the hinge near the part that connects the glass wiper arm to the drive post
The hinges are spring clips that hold the wiper arm in place, but can be removed by lifting the wiper arm away from the windshield.
Step 2. Remove the clip containing the spring
This clip holds the glass wiper arm in place. By removing it, you can lift the glass wiper arm from the holder.
- Look for holes on either side of the arm near the hinge.
- Lift the windshield wiper arm up until it is off the windshield.
- Insert small nails or pins into both holes on the sides of the clip. You may need to wiggle the blade of the glass wiper while trying to straighten the hole and insert the small nail.
- Remove the wiper arm and allow it to remain on top of the pin.
Step 3. Remove the glass wiper arm
Once the clip is released, rock the glass wiping arm up and down with one hand, then use the other hand to pull the joint until the arm is off the drive post.
Method 5 of 6: Removing the Bolt-On Glass Swabs
Step 1. Mark where the windshield wipers rest
This will help you install the replacement glass swabs in the correct place after removing the old glass swabs. Bar soap, candles, or other markers that are easy to clean may be used.
Step 2. Follow the groove of the glass wiping arm in the opposite direction of the glass wiper blade to find the holder
This may make you have to open the hood.
Step 3. Remove the dust shield at the base of the glass wiper arm
Most models have a plastic or metal cover that protects the drive post or the retaining nut of the wiper arm. Once the guard is removed, you have access to remove the nut.
Step 4. Choose a socket with a size that fits the nut
Once the dust shield is removed and you can see the nut that secures the wiper arm to the drive post, you can look for a suitable socket. Place the socket in the nut wrench or, if necessary, in the joint attached to the tool.
Step 5. Adjust the nut wrench to loosen the nut
Nut wrenches are designed to tighten and loosen nuts or bolts. You must turn the nut counterclockwise. This will loosen the nut.
Step 6. Remove the nut that secures the windshield wiper arm to the drive post
Using a nut wrench to remove the nut allows you to remove the windshield wiper arm from the vehicle.
- Aim the socket and lock nut against the nut, then hold it with one hand while stabilizing the glass wiper arm with the other. This will prevent the arm from turning when you turn the nut.
- Turn the nut wrench counterclockwise one and a half turns.
- Once the nut is loosened, remove the handle on the glass wiper arm and remove the socket and nut wrench from the turned nut. Turn the nut back off by hand and place it in a safe place.
Step 7. Remove the entire glass wiper arm from the drive post
Lift the glass wiper blade up with one hand and hold the joint with the other. Gently “wiggle” the wiper blade while lifting it with both hands, then remove it from the drive post.
Method 6 of 6: Installing Replacement Glass Swabs on the Windshield
Step 1. Clean the drive post with a small wire brush
Remove rust and dust from the posts with a wire brush. Apply a small amount of oil (or other light lubricant) to the post joints before installing the new windshield wiper sleeve.
Step 2. Install the replacement glass wiper sleeve
The process will differ depending on how the glass swabs are attached to the drive posts.
Step 3. Align the glass wiper blade with the mark made on the windshield
This will ensure that the wiper arm is in the right place and moves in the right direction when turned on.
Step 4. Place the replacement glass wiper arm on the drive post
Once the glass wiper arm is aligned with the marking, place the other end of the arm on the pole. Again, make sure the glass wiper blade is exactly where the mark is made.
Step 5. Install the glass wiper joint on the drive post
This can be done by pressing firmly or gently tapping it in with a rubber mallet.
Step 6. Secure the glass wiper arm into place
This step will vary depending on the type of windshield wiper arm in your car.
- The bolt-on windshield wiper arm can be tightened by tightening the nut on the drive post and replacing the cover.
- The clip-on windshield wiper arm is secured by attaching the holder to the drive post and squeezing or tapping the sprayer or tubing at the bottom.
- The spring-loaded windshield wiper arm can be tightened by removing the pin and allowing the wiper blade to adhere to the windshield.
Step 7. Test the glass swab
You have to make sure the glass swabs can work when needed. Test new parts before getting back on the road.
Tips
- It's a good idea to have someone else help you hold the glass wiper down while you turn the nut. The large size of the vehicle will make it difficult for you to work alone.
- Prevent damage to the wiper blades, wiper arm, joints, and motor during winter by removing the wiper blades, especially when snow is falling. This will simplify the process of removing snow and ice from the windshield, and prevent damage to the windshield wiper blades. Also, preventing the windshield wipers from freezing can reduce the load on the moving parts when you start the car.
- Wiping the wiper blade with an alcoholic tissue or rubbing alcohol can increase the service life of the appliance by a year or two.
- You will need to remove and replace the windshield wiper blades and/or windshield wipers one at a time. These tools usually have different sizes so they cannot work if the positions are swapped.
- Turn off the windshield wipers before turning off the car. Glass wiper sleeves are usually problematic in winter. In general, the glass wiper blades can freeze so that when the engine is started the tool will immediately move and detach from the driving pole.
