🔧 Forte - Front Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement

You’ll remove the old wiper blades from the wiper arms and snap new blades on. Fresh blades improve visibility, reduce streaking, and help prevent scratching the glass.

Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 0.25-0.5 hours

Assumption: Your Forte uses standard J-hook front wiper arms.

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• 🛑 Turn the ignition OFF and remove the key before starting.
• 🛑 Do not let a bare wiper arm snap onto the windshield; it can crack the glass.
• 🛑 Place a towel on the windshield under the arm while working.
• 🛑 Battery disconnect is not required for this repair.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Safety glasses
• Mechanic gloves
• Clean shop towel
• Painter’s tape
• Step stool

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Front wiper blades - Driver: 26", Passenger: 16" - Qty: 2

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📋 Before You Begin

• 🅿️ Park on level ground and set the parking brake.
• 🧼 Clean the windshield edge where the blades park.
• 🧻 Lay a clean shop towel on the windshield under the wiper you’re working on.
• 🧷 Use painter’s tape to mark the blade’s resting position if you want a reference.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Lift the wiper arm safely

• Use your hands to lift the wiper arm away from the windshield until it stays up.
• Place the clean shop towel under the arm on the glass. Prevents damage if it slips.

Step 2: Remove the old wiper blade (J-hook style)

• Use your hands to rotate the wiper blade so it’s roughly perpendicular to the wiper arm.
• Find the small release tab/clip where the blade meets the hook.
• Press the tab with your thumb, then slide the blade down and off the hook.
• Keep one hand controlling the wiper arm so it cannot spring back.

Step 3: Install the new wiper blade

• Use your hands to align the new blade’s connector with the J-hook.
• Slide it onto the hook until you hear/feel a firm click.
• Gently tug on the blade to confirm it’s locked in place.

Step 4: Lower the arm onto the windshield

• Use your hands to carefully lower the arm back down onto the towel first, then remove the towel and set the blade onto the glass.
• Repeat Steps 1–4 for the other front wiper blade.
• Remove any painter’s tape you applied.

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✅ After Repair

• 🚿 Test the wipers and washers: start the car and run the front washer for 2–3 wipes.
• 🔎 Check for chatter, streaks, or a blade that lifts at speed (often means it isn’t fully clicked in).
• 🧼 If streaking persists, clean the windshield with glass cleaner and a clean towel.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $40-$90 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $20-$50 (parts only)

You Save: $20-$40 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 below to add everything to your cart.