🔧 Altima - Front Wiper Blade Replacement

You’ll be removing the old wiper blades from the arms and snapping new ones into place on your Altima. This restores clear visibility in rain and prevents streaking or chattering on the windshield.

Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 15-25 minutes

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• 🛑 Turn the ignition off and make sure the wipers are in their resting (down) position before starting.
• 🛑 Do not let the bare wiper arm snap back onto the glass; it can crack the windshield.
• 🛑 Work on level ground so you don’t lose balance while reaching across the windshield.
• 🛑 If the windshield is very dirty or sandy, rinse it first to avoid scratching the glass when testing.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• 🧤 Nitrile or mechanic gloves
• 🕶 Safety glasses
• 🪛 Small flathead screwdriver
• 🪜 Step stool
• 🧽 Clean microfiber cloth
• 🧴 Glass cleaner spray

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• 🧩 Front wiper blade - Driver side 26" - Qty: 1
• 🧩 Front wiper blade - Passenger side 17" - Qty: 1
• 🧩 Wiper arm protector pad or folded towel - Qty: 1
• 🧩 Windshield washer fluid (ready-mix) - Qty: 1 jug

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📋 Before You Begin

• 🅿️ Park the Altima on level ground, shift to Park, and set the parking brake.
• 🔌 Turn the ignition off and remove the key or turn off the start button completely.
• 🧼 Clean the lower area of the windshield with glass cleaner and a microfiber cloth so you can see what you’re doing near the wiper arms.
• 🪟 Place a folded towel on the windshield under each wiper arm; this protects the glass if the arm slips.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Lift the driver’s wiper arm

• 🪜 Use the step stool if needed so you can comfortably reach the center of the windshield.
• 🧤 With one hand on the base of the wiper arm, gently pull the arm away from the windshield until it locks in the raised position.
• Support the arm; it's spring loaded

Step 2: Identify the attachment type

• 🕶 Look at where the wiper blade connects to the metal arm. On your Altima it uses a “hook” style arm with a small plastic release tab (often called a pinch tab).
• This is a curved metal hook at the end of the arm that goes through a plastic mount on the wiper blade.

Step 3: Release the old driver’s wiper blade

• 🪛 Use the small flathead screwdriver to gently lift or press the plastic release tab on the wiper blade connector. A flathead screwdriver is a simple tool with a flat tip used for prying or turning screws with a straight slot.
• While holding the tab, slide the wiper blade down toward the base of the arm to unhook it from the metal hook.
• Once free, pull the blade sideways and off the arm.
• Carefully lower the bare arm until it rests on the towel you placed on the windshield.

Step 4: Prepare the new driver’s wiper blade

• 📦 Take the new 26" driver-side wiper blade out of its packaging.
• Make sure the correct adapter is installed on the blade for a hook-style arm (most blades come pre-set; the adapter is the plastic center piece that clips onto the arm).
• Compare new and old; ends should match

Step 5: Install the new driver’s wiper blade

• 🧤 Lift the driver’s wiper arm back off the glass and support it with your free hand.
• Rotate the new blade so the center connector lines up with the hook on the arm.
• Slide the hook of the arm through the opening in the adapter, then pull the blade upward into the hook until you hear or feel a click.
• Gently tug on the blade to be sure it is locked and does not slide off.
• Lower the arm and new blade slowly back onto the windshield.

Step 6: Remove the passenger’s wiper blade

• 🪜 Move to the passenger side and use the step stool if needed.
• Lift the passenger wiper arm away from the glass until it locks in the raised position.
• 🪛 Use the small flathead screwdriver again to press or lift the plastic release tab on the connector.
• Slide the old 17" blade down toward the base of the arm, unhook it, and then pull it sideways to remove it.
• Rest the bare arm gently on the towel on the windshield if you need a moment before installing the new blade.

Step 7: Install the new passenger’s wiper blade

• 📦 Take the new 17" passenger-side wiper blade from its packaging and confirm it has the same style adapter as the old one.
• Lift the passenger wiper arm again, support it with one hand.
• Thread the hook through the opening in the adapter and pull the blade upward into the hook until it clicks into place.
• Gently tug the blade to check that it is secure.
• Slowly lower the arm and blade onto the windshield.

Step 8: Clean the windshield and blades

• 🧽 Spray glass cleaner on the windshield and wipe it with the microfiber cloth to remove fingerprints and residue.
• Wipe the new wiper rubber edges lightly with the same cloth to remove any factory film or dust.
• Clean glass lets blades work their best

Step 9: Test the new wipers

• Remove the towel from the windshield.
• 🔌 Turn the ignition on (engine can stay off).
• Use the wiper stalk to spray washer fluid and run the wipers for several cycles.
• Watch for smooth movement, no skipping, no strange noises, and the correct resting position at the bottom of the glass.

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✅ After Repair

• 🧪 Check for streaks or missed areas; if you see a line, gently clean that edge of the blade again with your microfiber cloth.
• 💧 Top off the windshield washer fluid using the correct fluid if it’s low.
• 📅 Make a note of the date/mileage; wipers typically last about 6–12 months depending on sun and use.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $60-$90 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $25-$45 (parts only)

You Save: $35-$45 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 0.2-0.3 hours.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

HowToo makes it easy: same-day/2-day shipping on every part, plus all the tools and specialty tools you need! Check out the parts and tools sections below to add everything to your cart.