🔧 Focus - Front Wiper Blade Replacement

You’ll put the wiper arms into the “service position” so the blades are easy to access, then unclip the old blades and click the new ones on. This matters because forcing the blades off while they’re parked can stress the wiper arms and scratch the hood/cowl area.

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

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Keep fingers clear of the hinge area of the wiper arm; it can pinch.
• ⚠️ Do not let the bare wiper arm snap onto the glass; it can crack the windshield.
• ⚠️ Use a towel on the windshield as a cushion while swapping blades.
• ⚠️ Battery disconnect is not required.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Safety glasses
• Mechanic gloves
• Microfiber towel

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Front wiper blades - Driver: 26", Passenger: verify length on your existing blade - Qty: 2

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park your Focus on level ground and turn the steering wheel straight.
• Turn the ignition ON, then OFF.
• Have your new blades unboxed and ready.

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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 a few seconds, use the wiper stalk and do a single wipe (tap it down once).
• The wipers should stop partway up the windshield (service position) so you can lift the arms.
• If they don’t stop up, repeat the ON/OFF.

Step 2: Lift the wiper arm and protect the glass

• Lift one wiper arm away from the windshield until it holds itself up.
• Place a microfiber towel on the windshield under the arm.

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

• With mechanic gloves on, rotate the wiper blade so it’s roughly perpendicular (90°) to the wiper arm.
• Find the small release tab where the blade connects to the end of the arm.
• Press the tab with your thumb and slide the blade down and out of the hook.
• It helps to wiggle while sliding.

Step 4: Install the new blade

• Confirm the new blade matches the side (driver is longer than passenger).
• Slide the new blade’s connector into the hook on the arm until it clicks/locks.
• Gently tug on the blade to confirm it’s fully latched.

Step 5: Lower the arm carefully

• Lower the wiper arm back onto the windshield slowly (don’t drop it).
• Repeat Steps 2–5 for the other side.

Step 6: Return wipers to parked position

• Turn the ignition ON.
• Use the wiper stalk for one wipe, then turn wipers OFF and confirm they park at the bottom normally.

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✅ After Repair

• Spray washer fluid and run the wipers to confirm smooth, quiet wiping with no streaks.
• Recheck both blades are clicked in if you see chatter or one blade “walks” sideways.
• Top off washer fluid if needed.

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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.