🔧 Highlander - Front Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement

Replacing the front windshield wiper blades on your Highlander is a simple beginner-friendly job. Fresh blades help clear rain, dust, and road film so you can see safely.

Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 5-10 minutes

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Turn the wipers OFF before starting.
• ⚠️ Do not let the bare metal wiper arm snap back onto the glass. It can crack the windshield.
• ⚠️ Replace both front blades together for even wiping.
• ⚠️ No battery disconnect is required for this repair.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Safety glasses
• Microfiber towel

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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 Highlander on level ground.
• Turn the vehicle OFF.
• Make sure the wiper switch is in the OFF position.
• Place a microfiber towel on the windshield under each wiper arm before removing the blade.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Lift the Driver Side Wiper Arm

• Use your hand to gently lift the driver side wiper arm away from the windshield.
• Place a microfiber towel on the glass under the raised arm.
• The wiper arm is spring-loaded, which means it can snap back down quickly if released.
• Hold the arm the whole time.

Step 2: Release the Old Driver Side Blade

• Use your fingers to press the small release tab where the blade connects to the wiper arm.
• Slide the old blade downward toward the base of the wiper arm until it unhooks.
• Remove the blade from the J-hook. A J-hook is the curved hook shape at the end of the wiper arm.

Step 3: Install the New Driver Side Blade

• Use your hand to slide the new 26-inch wiper blade into the J-hook on the driver side arm.
• Pull the blade upward into the hook until it clicks into place.
• Gently tug the blade by hand to confirm it is locked.
• No torque spec applies because this blade clips on by hand.

Step 4: Lower the Driver Side Wiper Arm

• Use your hand to slowly lower the driver side wiper arm back onto the windshield.
• Remove the microfiber towel after the blade is resting on the glass.

Step 5: Lift the Passenger Side Wiper Arm

• Use your hand to gently lift the passenger side wiper arm away from the windshield.
• Place a microfiber towel on the glass under the raised arm.

Step 6: Release the Old Passenger Side Blade

• Use your fingers to press the release tab at the wiper blade connector.
• Slide the old blade downward toward the base of the wiper arm until it unhooks.
• Remove the old blade from the J-hook by hand.

Step 7: Install the New Passenger Side Blade

• Use your hand to slide the new 20-inch wiper blade into the J-hook on the passenger side arm.
• Pull the blade upward into the hook until you hear or feel a click.
• Gently tug the blade by hand to confirm it is locked.
• No torque spec applies because this blade clips on by hand.

Step 8: Lower the Passenger Side Wiper Arm

• Use your hand to slowly lower the passenger side wiper arm onto the windshield.
• Remove the microfiber towel after the blade is resting on the glass.

Step 9: Test the New Wiper Blades

• Use the windshield washer function from the wiper stalk to wet the windshield.
• Run the wipers for a few swipes.
• Check that both blades move smoothly and do not chatter, skip, or leave streaks.

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✅ After Repair

• Confirm both wiper blades sit flat against the windshield.
• Make sure the driver side 26-inch blade and passenger side 20-inch blade are installed on the correct sides.
• If a blade streaks, wipe the rubber edge with a clean microfiber towel.
• Replace wiper blades about every 6-12 months, or sooner if they streak or squeak.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $45-$90 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $20-$45 (parts only)

You Save: $25-$45 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 0.2-0.3 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.