🔧 Altima - Front Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement

Easy job. Replace both front blades together, using a 26-inch driver blade and a 17-inch passenger blade. Each blade releases with a small tab, so no fasteners or torque specifications are involved.

Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 10-15 minutes

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Place a folded towel beneath each raised arm. A bare spring-loaded arm can crack the windshield if it snaps down.
• ⚠️ Replace one blade at a time so both arms are never raised together.
• ⚠️ Keep the hood closed and return both arms fully to the glass before driving.
• ⚠️ Battery disconnection isn’t required.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Work gloves
• Safety glasses
• Thick folded microfiber towel
• Clean microfiber cloth

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• 26-inch front driver-side wiper blade - Qty: 1
• 17-inch front passenger-side wiper blade - Qty: 1

Replace in pairs. A fresh blade paired with a worn blade usually leaves uneven clearing right where you need visibility most.

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📋 Before You Begin

• 🚗 Park your Altima on level ground, switch it off, and close the hood.
• 🧼 Clean dirt from the windshield with a clean microfiber cloth.
• 📦 Compare each new blade with the corresponding old blade before removing anything.
• 🛡️ Place the folded microfiber towel on the glass beneath the driver-side blade.
• 🔌 No infotainment setting, scan tool, or battery procedure is needed.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Raise the driver-side wiper arm

• Use your gloved hand to lift the driver-side arm away from the windshield.
• Support the arm while you work. Don’t let it rest unsupported above bare glass.
• One arm at a time saves windshields.

Step 2: Release the old driver-side blade

• Turn the blade slightly so you can see the small release tab where it meets the arm.
• Use your thumb to press the release tab.
• While holding the tab, slide the blade downward toward the base of the arm.
• Pull the blade free once the connector clears the hooked end.

Step 3: Install the new driver-side blade

• Remove any protective shipping cover from the 26-inch blade by hand.
• Feed the hooked end of the wiper arm through the new blade’s connector.
• Slide the blade upward along the arm until the connector clicks into place.
• Pull gently downward on the blade to verify that the latch is locked.
• No torque specification applies because the blade uses a locking connector rather than a bolt.

Step 4: Lower the driver-side arm

• Use both gloved hands to guide the arm slowly onto the windshield.
• Don’t release it until the rubber blade is resting completely against the glass.

Step 5: Replace the passenger-side blade

• Move the folded microfiber towel beneath the passenger-side arm.
• Use your gloved hand to raise the arm.
• Press the release tab and slide the old blade downward off the arm.
• Install the 17-inch blade and slide it into place until it clicks.
• Pull gently on the blade to confirm that it’s locked, then guide the arm onto the glass.

Step 6: Inspect both installations

• Use your gloved hand to check that both blades sit flat against the windshield.
• Make sure neither connector is loose and no packaging remains on the rubber edges.
• Nissan cautions that both arms must be returned to their normal positions after replacement. owners.nissanusa.com

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✅ After Repair

• 💧 Start your Altima and operate the windshield washer.
• 👀 Watch both blades complete several sweeps without lifting, skipping, or striking each other.
• 🔒 If a blade shifts or loosens, switch the wipers off immediately and reseat its connector.
• 🧽 Clean the windshield if the new blades chatter. Wax, oil, and road film can cause chatter even with fresh rubber.
• ✅ Confirm both arms are resting fully against the glass before opening the hood or driving. owners.nissanusa.com

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $35-$80 (parts + installation)

DIY Cost: $6-$50 (parts only, depending on blade style)

You Save: Approximately $20-$40 by doing it yourself!

Many shops install blades quickly, but this repair takes approximately 10-15 minutes at home.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

HowToo offers 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.