🔧 Crosstour - Front Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement

Replace both front wiper blades if they streak, chatter, skip, or leave areas of the windshield wet. Your Crosstour uses a 26-inch driver-side blade and an 18-inch passenger-side blade.

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

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Turn the ignition off before raising the wiper arms.
• ⚠️ Do not operate the wipers while either arm is raised.
• ⚠️ Place a folded towel on the windshield because the spring-loaded metal arm can crack the glass if released.
• ⚠️ Replace one blade at a time so the other blade shows the correct installation direction.
• ⚠️ Battery disconnection is not required.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Plastic trim tool with 6mm flat tip
• Microfiber towel measuring at least 16 x 16 inches
• ANSI Z87.1 safety glasses
• Nitrile gloves sized for the user

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Front wiper blade, 26-inch driver side - Qty: 1
• Front wiper blade, 18-inch passenger side - Qty: 1

Replace both front blades as a pair.

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📋 Before You Begin

• 📋 Park your Crosstour on level ground and switch the ignition completely off.
• 📋 Make sure the wiper switch is in the OFF position.
• 📋 The front wipers do not require an infotainment service mode or scan tool.
• 📋 Clean dirt away from the blade connectors with the microfiber towel.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Protect the Windshield

• Put on the ANSI Z87.1 safety glasses and nitrile gloves.
• Fold the microfiber towel into a thick pad and place it under the driver-side wiper arm.
• Lift only the driver-side arm away from the glass. The arm is spring-loaded, so keep one hand on it.

Step 2: Position the Driver-Side Blade

• Rotate the 26-inch blade until it sits nearly perpendicular to the metal arm.
• Find the small locking tab where the blade connects to the arm’s curved hook. This connection is called a J-hook because its end is shaped like the letter “J.”
• If the tab is difficult to press by hand, gently press it with the plastic trim tool with 6mm flat tip.

Step 3: Remove the Driver-Side Blade

• Hold the metal arm securely with one hand.
• Press the locking tab with your thumb or plastic trim tool.
• While holding the tab, slide the blade downward toward the base of the arm until it clears the hook.
• Remove the blade from the arm without letting the arm touch the windshield.
• Never release the bare metal arm.

Step 4: Install the Driver-Side Blade

• Use your hands to guide the arm’s J-hook through the opening in the new 26-inch blade connector.
• Pull the blade upward toward the end of the arm until the locking tab clicks.
• Use your hands to tug the blade lightly in both directions. It must remain locked to the arm.
• Rotate the blade until its rubber edge faces the windshield.
• Lower the arm slowly onto the microfiber towel, then remove the towel.

Step 5: Replace the Passenger-Side Blade

• Move the microfiber towel beneath the passenger-side wiper arm.
• Lift the passenger-side arm and rotate the 18-inch blade nearly perpendicular to the arm.
• Press the locking tab by hand or with the plastic trim tool with 6mm flat tip.
• Slide the old blade downward, release it from the J-hook, and remove it.
• Guide the J-hook through the new 18-inch blade connector and pull upward until it clicks.
• Tug the blade lightly by hand to verify that it is locked.
• Lower the arm gently onto the windshield and remove the microfiber towel.

Step 6: Check Blade Placement

• Use your hands to confirm that both rubber wiping edges sit flat against the windshield.
• Make sure the 26-inch blade is on the driver side and the 18-inch blade is on the passenger side.
• No fastener torque specification applies because both blades use locking clips rather than bolts.

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✅ After Repair

• ✅ Spray the windshield with washer fluid before testing; never test new blades on dry glass.
• ✅ Operate the wipers at low speed and confirm both blades move smoothly without hitting each other or the windshield trim.
• ✅ Stop immediately if a blade becomes loose, skips heavily, or contacts anything.
• ✅ Remove any protective covers from the new rubber edges if supplied.
• ✅ Clean the windshield and blade edges with the microfiber towel if light streaking remains.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $55-$100 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $25-$55 (parts only)

You Save: $30-$45 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 0.1-0.2 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.