🔧 Focus - Front Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement

This repair replaces both front windshield wiper blades on your Focus. Worn blades can streak, chatter, or leave areas uncleared, which reduces visibility in rain.

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

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Keep one hand on the wiper arm whenever the blade is removed. The bare metal arm can snap back and crack the windshield.
• ⚠️ Do not operate the wipers with either blade removed.
• ⚠️ Turn the ignition and wiper switch fully off before starting.
• ⚠️ Battery disconnect is not required for this repair.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Safety glasses
• Nitrile gloves
• Clean microfiber towel

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Front wiper blades - Driver: 28", Passenger: 28" - Qty: 2

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📋 Before You Begin

• 🅿️ Park your Focus on level ground and set the parking brake.
• 🔌 Turn the ignition off and remove the key.
• 🧼 Clean the lower windshield area with a clean microfiber towel so dirt does not scratch the glass.
• 📌 Your Focus uses front wiper arms with a lock-tab style blade attachment. A lock tab is a small plastic button or latch that holds the blade onto the arm.

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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 clean microfiber towel on the windshield under the raised arm.
• Keep one hand on the wiper arm so it cannot snap back.
• Never let the bare arm drop.

Step 2: Release the Old Driver-Side Blade

• Use your gloved fingers to find the small lock tab on the blade connector.
• Press the lock tab firmly by hand.
• While holding the tab, slide the old blade away from the hooked end of the wiper arm.
• If the blade sticks, gently wiggle it by hand while keeping the lock tab pressed.

Step 3: Remove the Old Driver-Side Blade

• Use your hand to pull the old blade fully off the wiper arm.
• Keep the wiper arm lifted and controlled.
• Do not allow the metal arm to touch the windshield without a blade installed.

Step 4: Install the New Driver-Side Blade

• Use your hand to align the new 28" blade connector with the wiper arm.
• Slide the new blade onto the arm until the lock tab clicks into place.
• Use your hand to lightly tug the blade to confirm it is locked.
• No torque spec applies. This blade locks by hand only.

Step 5: Lower the Driver-Side Wiper Arm

• Use your hand to slowly lower the wiper arm back onto the windshield.
• Make sure the rubber blade sits flat against the glass.

Step 6: Replace the Passenger-Side Blade

• Use your hand to gently lift the passenger-side wiper arm away from the windshield.
• Place the clean microfiber towel under the raised arm.
• Use your gloved fingers to press the lock tab on the old blade connector.
• Slide the old blade off the wiper arm by hand.
• Use your hand to align the new 28" blade with the wiper arm.
• Slide the new blade onto the arm until the lock tab clicks.
• Use your hand to lightly tug the blade to confirm it is secure.
• Use your hand to slowly lower the wiper arm onto the windshield.

Step 7: Test the Wipers

• Use your hand to turn the ignition to accessory mode.
• Spray windshield washer fluid before running the wipers. This prevents dry wiping.
• Use the wiper switch to run the wipers on low speed for a few sweeps.
• Check that both blades wipe smoothly without skipping, streaking, or hitting the windshield trim.

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✅ After Repair

• ✅ Confirm both blades park fully at the bottom of the windshield.
• ✅ If a blade chatters, clean the windshield and blade rubber with a clean microfiber towel.
• ✅ If a blade lifts or slides loose, remove and reinstall it until the lock tab clicks.
• ✅ No scan tool, calibration, or infotainment reset is required.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $45-$90 parts + labor

DIY Cost: $20-$55 parts only

You Save: $25-$35 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 0.1-0.3 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.