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windshield wiper blades

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41K views 54 replies 39 participants last post by  daizeyduke007  
#1 ·
Just went to replace my wiper blades and it appears I need to go to the dealer for these. I hate being tied to a OEM parts like this. Do you guys just live with this, or do you swap out the arms to something more standard?

Thanks
 
#3 ·
Also, look into the Bosch Icon blades. These are the newer version of the Aerotwin blades so many B5/B5.5 owners have had great success with.

I got a pair through Amazon this summer for $16.99 with a buy one get one free deal. amazing wiper blades, and I'm keeping my eye open for a spare set.

There are ones on eBay and sometimes you can get a deal there on them.
 
#6 ·
Goto to NAPA and they have a type that fits (i think called 'exactfit')
....if you need more info PM me. I have stopped using AeroBlades since they suck and yes the arm system is a proprietary VW design. The two models from Napa are about $20 ea. as oppoed to the Aero's from the dealer at $40ea.
 
#8 ·
No, the design is a Bosch design and it's OEMed by other German makes.

x2 on the aftermarket designs- Napa and CarQuest both rebadge Trico wipers, and they have a direct fit option which I use for summer use. They're also easy to get refills at that point. Any place that carries Trico wipers should be able to get them (Trico 21-12 and 19-12).

The Aero wipers go back on for winter since they foul less. I got the equivalent Bosch Aero wipers for my wife's truck as well.
 
#11 ·
I've tried the Bosch Evolution and have had the same experience many have reported with the Icons--the blades miss spots on the windshield entirely. In the down/resting position, then ends of the blade aren't even flush with the glass.

On the plus side, they're very quiet and do not streak (if you keep them clean). They also look better. No major complaints from me....but I'm a Rain-X guy :D
 
#12 ·
I've tried the Bosch Evolution and have had the same experience many have reported with the Icons--the blades miss spots on the windshield entirely. In the down/resting position, then ends of the blade aren't even flush with the glass.

On the plus side, they're very quiet and do not streak (if you keep them clean). They also look better. No major complaints from me....but I'm a Rain-X guy :D
Rain-X FTW! :thumbup:

I use Rain-X wiper blades (refills) and Rain-X on the glass. No missed spots, clear glass and, depending on highway speed, there are quite a few times I don't even need to turn the wipers on...
 
#15 ·
I just bought the Trico Teflon 21" blades for my Passat and WOW. They are awesome...

I found a coupon that allowed me to buy both wipers (blades and brackets) for $9 total.

Retail was 19.99 each. I'll see if I can find the coupon for you if you're interested...

There is no wiper hop and they are soooo smooth on the glass. Great blades...
 
#21 ·
Pull the caps off both ends, then gently pry up the metal tab that holds them in. Slide the new one in, trim to length, then bend the tab on either end back down to secure the rubber. Replace caps, make sure they click on.
 
#23 ·
Hi. I'm a newbie here and just purchased a 2004 Passat last month. I just recently purchased new Valeo wipers as the old OEM blades were completely worn out. Just recently I found PW and last night noticed in the B5 information base you can purchase refills for the Aero blades. Are the part numbers you listed for the refills or the entire blades? Thanks for the info.
 
#24 ·
They're tough to get off the first time.
 
#26 ·
i'm not really concerned about missing spots on the windshield but want to know which blades do not get iced up and freezing rain stuck on them.
I have tried many brands like Michelins one piece and winter blades, Bosch, Rain X etc... but still they tend to get iced up.
Ice tends to stick on on the blade reducing the pressure the blade puts on the windshield.
Would something like Teflon coated wipers stop ice from adhering to it??
 
#33 · (Edited)
I don't know what wipers I have, they were put on by the previous owner just before I got the car. I only know they work great. They're single piece like the Valeo and aerotwin, but the plastic mounting part is much longer. It's almost a third of the overall length with just a hole in it for mounting. And the aero wing peak on top is in the middle instead of at the back edge. Whatever they are they're the best blades I've ever had. They've been on for over a year now and I usually started having trouble with my old regular blades in 4-6 months.
 
#34 · (Edited)
I recently went to the dealer to get new inserts for my wipers. I'd tried inserts from the local auto parts store, but they never really worked as well as the original rubber that came with the car. So I decided to try what the dealer offers. Two inserts were something like $15. Not great, but I thought it worth a try. You cut them to length, so I measure each insert against the specific blade and cut to length. I cleaned the windshield -- no RainX or anything else applied afterwards. Gotta say, they work great. No steaks, no skittering. Just nice, quiet, smooth operation.

Could I get the same results with after market blades? I still think I might, but just wanted to say I tried the dealer inserts and had great luck with them.

Edit: In case it's not clear: I don't have Aero blades, just the conventional type.
 
#36 ·
ok i just purchased my car used 3mo ago and now i need to replace the wind shield wipers i bought some from walmart and now i realize they dont fit. they do fit but they're loose and not fully secure so they are squeaking when turned on. i think its doing this because the wiper is slanting when its dragged across the windshield. reading this thread i am getting an idea of whats going on but how can i fix it?? would i have to buy all new ones from the vw dealership??
 
#37 ·
i'm using rain-x latitudes on my 2002, for some reason i have standard j-hooks at the end of my wiper arms so they clipped right in... seem to work good

i've tried the rain-x treatment to my windshield, but can't apply it properly for some reason and it leaves bad streaks, cleaning with a claybar and invisible glass, however, seems to work like rain-x should... allowing me to not have to use the wipers a lot of the time
 
#45 ·
I just picked up one package (two) of trico 47-600 refills at advance auto for $6.89 and put them into my bosch aero body. So far so good. About one tenth of the cost and it took me about 4 minutes to change both. First time I used this brand due to it was all that was available. Napa had oem bosch aero for $34.00, same as the stealership. Now to see how long they last.
 
#48 · (Edited)
I'm with You Lumbeeboy. I bought ANCO 21"Wiper Blades at Wal-Mart $4.97 each for my 2000 VW Passat, oh what a great Great deal??? NOT so good when I can not for the life of me get it to go on. I had no problem taking off the old which came on the car , but the 2 plastic pieces that come in the ANCO package which reads it is a "KWIK CONNECT INSTALLATION SYSTEM" is not so kwik it doesn't even come close to fitting or looking anything close to how the original blade snap locking mechanism looks..help please. It is raining here and i have to be at work this morning. my old ones have the rubber starting to separate
There is an open 24hr wal-mart if i need to go buy ones that someone knows for sure that will fit. I know back streets to make it there

I Figured it out...The ANCO "QWIK CONNECT SYSTEM" really is just that. All you need to do is, Take off the old wiper blade. (remember how you did this) Then snap those 2 qwik connect pieces onto your New wiper blade 1st. Then slide the New wiper blade back onto the wiper arm, you will be able to slide the J Hook Part of the arm over the "qwik connect", Then you should be able to pull up until you hear it snap into place. once i figured it out, I was able to do the other side in about 30sec. I hope this is Info is helpful.