🔧 Traverse - Front Wiper Blade Replacement

You’ll remove the old front wiper blades from the wiper arms and snap on new blades in the correct sizes. This restores clear vision in rain and prevents the metal arm from scratching the windshield.

Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 0.3-0.6 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Keep fingers clear of the hinge; the spring-loaded arm snaps down hard.
• ⚠️ Put a towel on the windshield so the arm can’t smack glass.
• ⚠️ Don’t lift the wiper arms if they hit the hood; use service position first.
• ⚠️ Battery disconnect is not required.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Microfiber towel
• Nitrile gloves
• Safety glasses
• Small flathead screwdriver

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Front wiper blades - Driver: 26", Passenger: 20" - Qty: 2

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park your Traverse on level ground and turn the ignition OFF.
• Place a microfiber towel across the lower windshield as a cushion.
• If the wiper arms won’t lift because the hood is in the way, put the wipers into “service position”:
  • Turn ignition ON, then OFF.
  • Within 5 seconds, move the wiper stalk to a single-wipe (mist) command and release.
  • The wipers should park in a more accessible position. If yours doesn’t, skip this and lift them as far as they safely go.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Lift and protect the wiper arm

• Use a microfiber towel to cover the area where the arm could fall onto the glass.
• Carefully lift the wiper arm away from the windshield until it stays up.
• Hold the arm anytime it’s unlatched.

Step 2: Identify your blade connector type

• Look at where the blade meets the arm.
• If you see a curved “hook” end, you have a J-hook connector (a hook-shaped arm end).
• If you see a rectangular “box” with a squeeze-tab, you have a top-lock/pinch-tab connector.

Step 3: Remove the old blade (J-hook style)

• Rotate the blade so it’s about 90° to the arm.
• Press the small release tab using a small flathead screwdriver if needed.
• Slide the blade down toward the open end of the hook, then lift it off.

Step 4: Remove the old blade (top-lock/pinch-tab style)

• Squeeze the locking tabs using your fingers (or gently assist with a small flathead screwdriver).
• While holding the tabs, slide the blade straight off the arm.
• Do not pry hard—if it won’t move, re-check the tab is fully pressed.

Step 5: Install the new blade

• Match sizes before installing: Driver 26" and Passenger 20".
• Slide the new blade onto the arm connector until you hear/feel a click.
• Gently tug on the blade to confirm it’s locked in place.

Step 6: Lower the arm safely

• Use your hand to guide the arm back down—don’t let it drop.
• Remove the microfiber towel from the windshield.

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✅ After Repair

• Turn ignition ON and run the front wipers on low speed.
• Spray washer fluid and confirm both blades wipe cleanly with no streaking or chatter.
• If a blade streaks, clean the windshield and blade rubber with a damp towel and try again.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

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

DIY Cost: $25-$55 (parts only)

You Save: $15-$35 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 0.2-0.4 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.