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I haven't had the need to replace the inserts in my TLX, but I assume it is like my TSX. Buy the inserts from Acura. The inserts are held in a channel and there is a rubber lip that keeps it in place. I used my fingers, or some needle nose pliers to grab it and pull the old insert out. You may have to hold the rubbed end back. Once it is past the lip it slides right out. There are two metal stiffeners that you need to take out of the old inserts and put in the new ones. One helpful trick here... use two of those bag clips from the kitchen to hold the stiffeners in place while you line it up and slide it back in. Just slide them back in past the lip and you are done.
Finally had to replace the wiper blades in my TLX. Turns out about the easiest wiper blades to replace. I'm not talking about replacing the entire blade, just the insert. The hardest part about replacing them is the crazy cost. Something like $25 for a set. I think the TSX inserts were like $6 and $7 bucks each. For some reason these are almost twice as much for pretty much the same thing. I mentioned this to the parts guy and he gave me a few bucks off.
Anyway.... These are the part numbers...
One Passenger side, one drivers side. Can't remember which is which.
To get the old insert out, simply start at the bottom of the wiper and grab the insert and push it up towards the top, scrunching it up a bit and pull the end out of the channel and side it out. Takes about 2 seconds. Took a lot longer to figure out that the end did not come off! Just shove it up, pull the tip out, and slide it out.
Unlike the older design, there are no metal supports that you have to deal with, just the rubber insert.
The new ones go in just as easy. There is a nub on one end of the insert. That goes at the bottom. I think that helps keep it in place. Probably could go at the top just as easily, but the factory put them at the bottom.
Like I said, once I figured out how to get them out, it was literally a 2 minute job. Nice not to have to fiddle with those thin metal strips.
Pardon my manicure, I was working outside most of the day.
Nub goes at the bottom.
This is the drivers side from the top of the blade.
i've always replaced the blades and must admit that i wasn't even aware of such an option. any reason (besides cosmetic i'm guessing) to do this instead?
Finally had to replace the wiper blades in my TLX. Turns out about the easiest wiper blades to replace. I'm not talking about replacing the entire blade, just the insert. The hardest part about replacing them is the crazy cost. Something like $25 for a set. I think the TSX inserts were like $6 and $7 bucks each. For some reason these are almost twice as much for pretty much the same thing. I mentioned this to the parts guy and he gave me a few bucks off.
Anyway.... These are the part numbers.
Hmm... $25 is nuts for inserts. That's what the entire wiper blade should cost. I usually bought RainX Latitudes for my 3G TL because they were cheaper than the dealer price for the entire blade from what I recall. The 3G's TL's wiper inserts were around $5-$6, too.
I just checked Bernardi's and Park Auto Group's online cost for the inserts and they were around $4-$5 for each insert, but of course you'll eat the shipping. One of them had the option to pick them up.
I also noticed that the entire blade assembly was around $24 on one of the sites. Maybe that's what your dealership was quoting (mistakenly?).
Finally had to replace the wiper blades in my TLX. Turns out about the easiest wiper blades to replace. I'm not talking about replacing the entire blade, just the insert. The hardest part about replacing them is the crazy cost. Something like $25 for a set. I think the TSX inserts were like $6 and $7 bucks each. For some reason these are almost twice as much for pretty much the same thing. I mentioned this to the parts guy and he gave me a few bucks off.
Anyway.... These are the part numbers...
The wiper inserts are $6 online each, might be worth it to buy them online and have them much cheaper
One Passenger side, one drivers side. Can't remember which is which.
The wiper inserts are $6 online each, might be worth it to buy them online and have them much cheaper. Hondapartsunlimited.com or acuraoemparts.com
Hmm... $25 is nuts for inserts. That's what the entire wiper blade should cost. I usually bought RainX Latitudes for my 3G TL because they were cheaper than the dealer price for the entire blade from what I recall. The 3G's TL's wiper inserts were around $5-$6, too.
I just checked Bernardi's and Park Auto Group's online cost for the inserts and they were around $4-$5 for each insert, but of course you'll eat the shipping. One of them had the option to pick them up.
I also noticed that the entire blade assembly was around $24 on one of the sites. Maybe that's what your dealership was quoting (mistakenly?).
I was completely surprised at the cost. I was at the dealer getting my transmission software updated and thought I'd get the wiper inserts. When he quoted the numbers (he gave me a price for the Driver and Passenger separate) I was really surprised. Except for the shape they are the same as my old TSX. What gives?
I do like the blades, they work well.
I wonder if they have a shelf life and I just buy several sets on-line at once and store them. OR... I wonder if the Accord uses the same ones. I'll try to find out.
The wiper inserts are $6 online each, might be worth it to buy them online and have them much cheaper. Hondapartsunlimited.com or acuraoemparts.com
Actually with shipping they are still cheaper on-line. Hondaonlineparts, 2 blades with shipping $13.60. Won't be going to the dealer for these anymore.
BTW.. couldn't find a Honda car with the same inserts, so no going to the Honda dealer.
Last edited by Rocket_man; 05-09-2016 at 10:41 PM.
i've always replaced the blades and must admit that i wasn't even aware of such an option. any reason (besides cosmetic i'm guessing) to do this instead?
Well usually you can get the inserts pretty cheap. I have no complaints the way the stock wipers work so I've always replaced just the insert and kept it stock. Some years ago on an older Honda I replaced the blades and didn't get the same performance and haven't done it again. In fact on my TSX the paint was coming off the metal part of the blades and I removed them and re-painted them. Good as new.
If replacing the blades with aftermarket ones works for you, why not. Certainly an option.
My inserts were 12.71 + tax. The photos and directions were very helpful. I was told by the dealer to remove the end caps and that is INCORRECT! Just pull down on the insert as described. 2 minute job. I removed the wiper from each arm for easier handling, changed insert and reinstalled wiper back into arm like the video included here.
I finally got around to changing my inserts and it couldn't have been easier. It's nice not to have to deal with those steel guides anymore. Thanks so much for posting this Rocket_man!
Even though I'm impressed by the newer wiper & design from the previous Gen4 TL, I'll be replacing the OEM blades with my "go to" wiper the Bosch Icon soon. A good quality beam wiper blade is smaller form factor and lasts for over 2 years in moderate weather.
Rocket_Man's Post is adequate, but are the Wiper Beam End Caps removable?
I can remove the End Caps on other types but these stump me - where's the release tab?
11-14-2015, 02:44 AM
