Is replacing the RL's windshield wipers with non-OEM out of the question?
 

So I may be obsessed with getting good windshield wipers, but man alive was I disappointed when I tried to put on a pair of RainX Latitude wipers this weekend. There doesn't seem to be any way to put on anything other than Acura brand wipers. If anyone knows a solution, I would be ever so thankful.

My wipers have been squealing (a lot) since the day I picked up the RL in the rain. It's been to the dealer three times and they've replaced just about the whole wiper drivetrain and they still make noise. It's going back again tomorrow.

I've looked at aftermarket but other than just refills, I can't find anything that will fit n the RL's arms. I have a set of PIAA Super Silicone that I'm going to try later today as it's forecast to rain all day. I'll let you know...

LL

Just spent the day in the rain with the PIAA Supeer Silicones on the car. They clean the windshield as good if not better than anything I've used in the past and most important, they are silent. Hopefully they'll stay that way and last a while.

As for changing the wiper blades themselves (not jsut the refills)...nope. They don't use any kind of universal connector. They are screwed on but as long as the PIAA refills perform, no need to change the blades themselves.

LL

Have an annoying issue with our wipers as well. After all the snow and ice from this winter, the parts of the drivers side blade no longer makes contact with the windshield on the return. Dealer replaced the inserts, but it doesnt seem like it solved the problem.

So.. to replace the blades themselves, do I need to buy the entire assembly?

You can get the blade and insert together. Part number 76620-SJA-A01. List price (I hope you're sitting down) is $60.83 (amazing what you can charge when an aftermarket won't fit). If the wiper doesn't make contact with the windshield and the insert is not the problem however, it should be a warranty issue.

LL

I just replaced mine with Super Silicone inserts from PIAA and they just are way better than the OEM. Quiet and no streak at all. And it's easy to replace the inserts as well. You don't even have to remove the wipers at all. Just force the blades out of the clamps by pulling on in with a little effort then insert the replacements.

Where did you get them and what size inserts do we need? I couldn't find any wiper sizes in the owner's manual. From the Autozone site it looks like we need 28" for the driver side and 19" for the passenger side. Can anybody verify that? Thanks.

I got my PIAA Super Sililcone refills at cardomain.com

Part nos. PIA94048 (19" passenger side - $6.95) and PIA94070 (driver side 28" - $8.95). Total with shipping was $22.85. Took about a week.

LL

Thanks! That's the site that I was looking at.

Close enough. The e-parts catalog on the Owner Link specifies 700 mm (27.56 in ) and 475 mm (18.7 in) and shows the MSRP to be $10.60.

I've always used PIAA blades without any problems

Thanks. I forgot about the parts catalog on OwnerLink.

Or you can try AutoBarn

I put on the PIAA blades listed in this thread on my 2006 Acura RL, they work perfectly! Thanks to all for the info!!!

Wow, I guess the price dropped since 07! You can get both from Amazon.com for $14,86 + free shipping. I was never a big fan of these inserts, but for the price, they're OK.

I've got the PIAA Super Silicone refills on the stock blades, too. They've been great. Got mine at Autobarn.

Remember when Acura had some concept car at a show a few years ago, and it didn't have wiper blades? It used some sort of compressed air to clear the windshield.

Pretty sure that was the concept for the RDX. Also no side mirrors, little cameras instead.

LL

I think the 3rd gen TL concept had this too.

Price is correct but there is a shipping of $10.xx coming out total to be about $25 - I think still for that price and the quality price is not bad at all...

Note: Amazon states those refills do not fit acura rl 06