🔧 Cherokee - Front Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement

Replacing the front wiper blades restores clear visibility and reduces streaking and chatter. On your Cherokee, it’s a quick job, but you’ll want to set the wipers in a safe “service” position so the arms don’t snap back onto the glass.

Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 0.2-0.5 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Keep fingers clear of the hinge: the wiper arm spring is strong.
• ⚠️ Never let the bare wiper arm snap onto the windshield (it can crack the glass).
• ⚠️ Turn ignition OFF before lifting wiper arms.
• ⚠️ If you use the “service position,” make sure the wipers are fully stopped before working.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Safety glasses
• Mechanic gloves
• Painter’s tape 1 in
• Microfiber towel
• Step stool

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Front wiper blades - Driver: 26", Passenger: 18" - Qty: 2

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and set the parking brake.
• Use a microfiber towel to clean the windshield edge where the blades sit.
• Put a strip of painter’s tape 1 in on the windshield under each blade as a “landing pad” just in case the arm drops.
• If you want extra clearance, place the wipers in service position (two methods below).

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Put the wipers in a safe position

• Method A (recommended): Turn ignition ON, then turn it OFF.
• Within about 10 seconds, use the wiper stalk and do a quick “mist” swipe: push the stalk down once and release.
• The wipers should stop partway up the windshield (service position).
• If they don’t: Method B: Leave ignition OFF and carefully lift each arm only as far as it comfortably goes.
• Service position prevents hood-edge interference.

Step 2: Lift the driver-side wiper arm

• Use mechanic gloves and lift the wiper arm away from the glass until it holds itself up.
• Place a microfiber towel under the arm area as extra protection.

Step 3: Remove the old blade from the J-hook

• At the center of the blade, find the connector where the blade attaches to the arm.
• Press the small release tab on the connector using your thumb (no tools needed).
• While holding the tab, slide the blade down toward the base of the arm to unhook it.
• Rotate the blade slightly as needed, then pull it free.
• Don’t twist the arm; twist the blade.

Step 4: Install the new driver-side blade

• Confirm you have the 26" blade for the driver side.
• Slide the new blade connector onto the J-hook until it clicks/locks into place.
• Gently tug on the blade to confirm it’s locked.

Step 5: Lower the driver-side arm safely

• Use mechanic gloves and guide the arm back down to the glass.
• Do not drop it—lower it slowly.

Step 6: Repeat for the passenger-side blade

• Lift the passenger wiper arm the same way.
• Remove the old blade by pressing the release tab and sliding it off the J-hook.
• Install the new 18" blade and make sure it clicks into place.
• Lower the arm gently onto the windshield.

Step 7: Return wipers from service position (if used)

• Remove the painter’s tape 1 in.
• Turn ignition ON.
• Do one normal wipe with the stalk, then turn wipers OFF so they park at the bottom.

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✅ After Repair

• Spray washer fluid and run the wipers on low speed to confirm smooth, quiet wiping.
• Check that both blades sit flat on the glass and don’t bump the hood edge.
• If you see streaking, wipe the rubber edges with a damp microfiber towel and try again.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

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

DIY Cost: $25-$60 (parts only)

You Save: $15-$30 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 0.2-0.5 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.