🔧 Forester - Front Wiper Blade Replacement

You’ll move the wipers into “service position,” remove the old blade assemblies, and snap the new ones on. This prevents the wiper arms from hitting the hood and makes the clips easier to access.

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

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• 🛑 Don’t let the bare wiper arm snap onto the glass; it can crack the windshield.
• 🧤 Keep fingers clear of the hinge area when lifting/lowering the wiper arm.
• 🧼 Wipe dirt off the windshield before testing new blades to avoid scratching.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Nitrile gloves
• Safety glasses
• Small flat-blade screwdriver
• Clean shop towel

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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 turn the ignition OFF.
• 🧽 Clean the windshield with a towel so you can test the new blades safely.
• 🔧 Put the wipers in service position (maintenance position) so the arms sit up away from the hood.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Put the wipers in service position

• Turn the ignition ON, then turn it OFF.
• Within about 5 seconds, move the wiper stalk to the MIST (one-swipe) position and hold it for about 2 seconds.
• The wipers should move up and stop partway up the windshield (service position).
• If it doesn’t work, retry the timing.

Step 2: Lift the driver-side wiper arm

• Lift the wiper arm up until it stays in the raised position.
• Place a clean shop towel under the arm area if you want extra protection.

Step 3: Remove the old driver-side wiper blade

• Find the small release tab/clip where the blade connects to the arm (this is the “adapter,” the plastic connector piece).
• Press the tab with your fingers. If it’s tight, use a small flat-blade screwdriver gently to help press the tab.
• While holding the tab, slide the blade down and off the end of the arm hook/connector.

Step 4: Install the new driver-side wiper blade

• Line up the new blade’s connector with the arm.
• Slide it on until you hear/feel a solid click.
• Gently tug on the blade to confirm it’s locked in.

Step 5: Repeat on the passenger side

• Lift the passenger wiper arm.
• Press the release tab and slide off the old blade.
• Slide on the new blade until it clicks, then tug-check it.

Step 6: Return the wipers from service position

• Lower both wiper arms carefully back onto the windshield.
• Turn the ignition ON.
• Turn the wipers on once (LOW) and then OFF to park them normally.

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✅ After Repair

• 🧪 Spray washer fluid and run the wipers on LOW to confirm smooth, quiet wiping.
• 🔍 If you see streaks, clean the windshield and the new rubber edges with a clean shop towel.
• 🛠️ If a blade chatters, re-check that it fully clicked/locked onto the arm.

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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 0.2-0.4 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.