Yeah I know... You are thinking,
"Why would someone waste time putting up a web page to tell me how to
install wiper blades?" Well if you have the older model Cruiser you
have found out that Toyota wants a fortune for two blades, Wal-mart or
AutoZone
can't get them and though CCOTand SOR do have them, you have to pay more
in shipping than you pay for the blades! So that leaves one other option
and
that is: REFILLS! It's very easy to replace the rubber blades themselves
using standard refills from anywhere. All you need to do is get the ones
with the
proper shape and length. The blades on my Cruiser are exactly 12" long.
If you don't want to trim any then get a 12" refill kit for a rear
wiper on a lot of cars. I just bought 19" standard refill blades at
AutoZone. Trico Part # 46-150.
Fig. 1
Removing Blade
Fig. 2
Knob and Clip
Fig. 3
Blade Housing
Fig. 4
Housing Opened
Fig. 5
Blade Removed
First you need to remove the blade from the
truck. Fig. 1 shows the blades and the screw
knob you have to remove. Unscrew the knob, and the blades comes off. Don't
lose the knob or the clip! I hear they are hard to come by. :-) Fig.
2 shows all the pieces.
See Fig. 3. Lightly clamp the
blade housing in a vise and using a small screwdriver gently pry open the
end of the housing. See Fig. 4.
Slide out the old blade and take it with you to the auto
store so that you get the correct replacement. See Fig.
5.
Just find ANY replacement with the shape of the existing
blade.
Remove the blade from the package and remove the clips holding
the metal support strips on each side. Save the metal strips things, they
make excellent tools.
Cut the new blade to length and slide it back in the housing.
Gently bend the end of the housing back into place.
Enjoy your new blades!
Should you wish to buy the Toyota blades and/or
arms, here are the part #'s courtesy of IDave:
