🔧 Explorer - Front Wiper Blade Replacement

You'll be removing the old front wiper blades from the arms and snapping new ones in place. This improves visibility in rain and prevents streaking or scraping on the glass.

Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 10–20 minutes

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• 🔹 Turn the engine off and remove the key or switch ignition off so the wipers cannot move while you work.
• 🔹 Do not let the bare metal wiper arm snap back onto the windshield; it can crack the glass.
• 🔹 Place a folded towel on the glass under the wiper arm as protection while you swap blades.
• 🔹 Work on one wiper at a time so you don’t mix up parts.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• 🔹Step stool or small ladder (if needed to reach)
• 🔹Clean microfiber towel
• 🔹Safety glasses
• 🔹Work gloves

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• 🔹Front wiper blade - driver side 28" - Qty: 1
• 🔹Front wiper blade - passenger side 21" - Qty: 1
• 🔹Windshield washer fluid (premixed) - Qty: 1 jug (optional top-up)

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📋 Before You Begin

• 🔹 Park the Explorer on level ground and set the parking brake.
• 🔹 Turn the ignition off and make sure the front wipers are in their normal “parked” position at the bottom of the windshield.
• 🔹 Lift the wiper arms only when you are ready to change that blade; they are spring-loaded metal arms that can snap down.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Prepare the area and protect the glass

• 🔹 Use the clean microfiber towel and place it on the windshield where the wiper blade rests. This protects the glass if the arm drops.
• 🔹 Put on your safety glasses and work gloves to protect your eyes and hands.
• 🔹 If you have trouble reaching, set up the step stool or small ladder securely next to the driver’s side.

Step 2: Lift the driver-side wiper arm

• 🔹 Gently grab the driver-side wiper arm near the base where it meets the hood.
• 🔹 Pull it outward and upward until it stands away from the windshield and can stay up on its own.
• 🔹 Make sure the arm rests on the towel, not directly on glass. Always control the arm

Step 3: Find the release tab on the wiper blade

• 🔹 On a 2019 Explorer, the wiper arm uses a hook-style connection (a curved metal end shaped like a hook).
• 🔹 Where the blade attaches to this hook, look for a small plastic release tab or button on the plastic adapter in the center of the blade.
• 🔹 This tab locks the blade to the hook so it doesn’t fall off while driving.

Step 4: Release and remove the old driver-side blade

• 🔹 With one hand, hold the wiper arm steady so it doesn’t move.
• 🔹 With the other hand, press or pull the small release tab using your fingers.
• 🔹 While holding the tab, slide the entire wiper blade downward toward the base of the arm. This should move the blade out of the hook.
• 🔹 Once the hook is free, rotate the blade away and remove it completely from the arm.
• 🔹 Gently lower the metal arm so the hooked end rests on the towel while you prepare the new blade. Never let it snap

Step 5: Prepare the new driver-side blade

• 🔹 Take the new 28" driver-side blade out of its package.
• 🔹 Most replacement blades come with several plastic adapters; choose the one labeled for a “J-hook” or “hook arm”.
• 🔹 If needed, clip that adapter onto the center of the blade; it should click firmly into place.

Step 6: Install the new driver-side blade

• 🔹 Lift the wiper arm again and carefully position the metal hook over the new blade’s center adapter.
• 🔹 Slide the hook into the opening of the adapter from the open side, then pull the blade upward so the hook seats fully inside.
• 🔹 Continue pulling upward until you hear or feel a click. This means the locking tab has engaged.
• 🔹 Gently tug on the blade to confirm it is locked and does not slide off.
• 🔹 Lower the arm back down onto the glass softly, removing the towel from underneath as you go.

Step 7: Repeat for the passenger-side blade

• 🔹 Move to the passenger side and place the microfiber towel on the windshield under that blade.
• 🔹 Lift the passenger-side wiper arm away from the glass.
• 🔹 Find the same style release tab on the blade’s center adapter.
• 🔹 Press the tab and slide the old blade downward toward the base to free it from the hook, then remove.
• 🔹 Prepare the new 21" passenger-side blade with the hook-style adapter if needed.
• 🔹 Slide the arm’s hook into the adapter, pull upward until it clicks, then gently tug to confirm it’s locked.
• 🔹 Lower the arm back onto the glass and remove the towel.

Step 8: Clean the windshield and check washer fluid (optional)

• 🔹 Use the clean microfiber towel to wipe the area where the blades sweep. This helps new blades work better.
• 🔹 Open the hood and check the washers fluid reservoir; top up with windshield washer fluid if it’s low.
• 🔹 Close the hood securely when done. Clean glass extends blade life

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✅ After Repair

• 🔹 Start the Explorer and spray the windshield washer; run the wipers for several cycles.
• 🔹 Watch both blades to be sure they move smoothly, make full contact, and don’t chatter, streak, or make loud noise.
• 🔹 Check that the blades are not hitting the windshield trim or each other.
• 🔹 If one looks loose, shut the vehicle off and re-seat it until it clicks firmly.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $70–$120 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $25–$60 (parts only, both blades)

You Save: $45–$60 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100–$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 0.3–0.5 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 above to add everything to your cart.