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Many folks in this thread have recommended the Bosch Icon's, based on their previous experiences. I also tried several replacements on my 2016 RDX, and found that the Bosch Icons were the only ones that didn't leave bands of water on the windshield when the temperature dropped below freezing. I assume that this was caused by the rubber losing flexibility.
My 2020 RDX just turned 6 months old, and now that the cold weather has arrived, I am getting the water bands forming. I went to purchase the Bosch Icon's today, but every site (Bosch, Amazon, Canadian Tire) all report that the Bosch is not compatible with the 3rd gen RDX.
So, after reading all the earlier recommendations, has anyone actually installed the Bosch Icon's on their RDX. If they are the correct length, and have a compatible mounting system (a "J" hook) , then why wouldn't they work?
Bosch Icons ClearMax 365 Premium Beam wipers do work as I just bought them yesterday and they fit as is from the packaging. 26A is the driver side and 18A is the passenger side.
Bosch Icons ClearMax 365 Premium Beam wipers do work as I just bought them yesterday and they fit as is from the packaging. 26A is the driver side and 18A is the passenger side.
Thanks Midwestuser1,
The performance of the Bosch Icons is certainly superior in my environment of snow, ice, and freezing temperatures. Of course they do have a premium price, which I was reluctant to pay without knowing if they would fit my RDX.
Based on your experience, I will be replacing the 6 month old OEM blades with the Icons.
The performance of the Bosch Icons is certainly superior in my environment of snow, ice, and freezing temperatures. Of course they do have a premium price, which I was reluctant to pay without knowing if they would fit my RDX.
Based on your experience, I will be replacing the 6 month old OEM blades with the Icons.
I agree they do wipe very good! I’m in Wisconsin so we get our fair share of snowy weather as well.
Bosch Icons ClearMax 365 Premium Beam wipers do work as I just bought them yesterday and they fit as is from the packaging. 26A is the driver side and 18A is the passenger side.
I replaced both the driver and passenger side wipers today with the Icons. They already wipe better than the OEM versions. The momentary haze that I used to get immediately following a swipe, doesn't occur with the Icon's.
The real test will be when we get some cold weather again with ice buildup. Probably 3/4 of US owners don't understand the problem we face with ice buildup. Any wiper that has moving parts on the blade (i.e. hinges) becomes ice bound, and will no longer flex to follow the curve of the windshield. That is why "beam" type wipers, like the Bosch Icon, are so important. The blade has no exposed moving parts that become ice bound. There are many brands of "beam" style wipers, but the Icon's have the added advantage of staying flexible in freezing weather conditions.
I think that finding a rear wiper with "beam" construction will be more difficult because very few companies manufacture blades as short as 12". Those companies that do have them, only carry the standard spring arm.
I replaced both the driver and passenger side wipers today with the Icons. They already wipe better than the OEM versions. The momentary haze that I used to get immediately following a swipe, doesn't occur with the Icon's.
The real test will be when we get some cold weather again with ice buildup. Probably 3/4 of US owners don't understand the problem we face with ice buildup. Any wiper that has moving parts on the blade (i.e. hinges) becomes ice bound, and will no longer flex to follow the curve of the windshield. That is why "beam" type wipers, like the Bosch Icon, are so important. The blade has no exposed moving parts that become ice bound. There are many brands of "beam" style wipers, but the Icon's have the added advantage of staying flexible in freezing weather conditions.
I think that finding a rear wiper with "beam" construction will be more difficult because very few companies manufacture blades as short as 12". Those companies that do have them, only carry the standard spring arm.
Agree they do wipe better than the OEM and I don’t see that “haze” either.
Our RDX is almost one year old and the original stock blades are crapping out (dragging and noisy). We're in NC with little to zero snow. Will be revisiting this thread after the holidays to see what you guys like for replacements.
Whats wrong with OEM blades? If they work well, and dont cost much
Maybe nothing. I like Ikons, and bought them for the fronts, but got the inserts for the rears. If I like Ikons better, I will stick with them, if not, back to the OEMs. I stuck with the OEM inserts for my many Hondas, but did like the Ikons for my German.
Are the Icons rubber or synthetic? I had some Bosch synthetic blades years ago and I didn't like them. They were expensive and they sucked.
The OEM inserts I just changed work fine.
I believe they are just a rubber compound of some sort. I know silicone is the ‘designer’ material at present. Don’t know if it is any better but when you are 100% satisfied with the rubber ICONS, why change?
Back in the ancient days before youtube, I probably would have tried to fix it with the basic manly tools of hammer, screwdriver and duct tape.
In that order..... LOL
The beam type wipers are awesome. They contact so much better and seem to me to last longer also. No snow in Florida but maybe they take the heat/sun better. Gone are the days of having to replace wipers every 4-6 months.
Our RDX is almost one year old and the original stock blades are crapping out (dragging and noisy). We're in NC with little to zero snow. Will be revisiting this thread after the holidays to see what you guys like for replacements.
OK, I'm re-reading this thread now. Yesterday we drove in steady rain and drizzle from Knoxville, TN to Raleigh, NC (6+ hours with rest stops). Except when there was heavier rain, the OEM blades dragged and were noisy the whole trip. The car is a 01-2019 build, purchased in May. Time to replace these NOW!
Our RDX is almost one year old and the original stock blades are crapping out (dragging and noisy). We're in NC with little to zero snow. Will be revisiting this thread after the holidays to see what you guys like for replacements.
Originally Posted by robnalex
OK, I'm re-reading this thread now. Yesterday we drove in steady rain and drizzle from Knoxville, TN to Raleigh, NC (6+ hours with rest stops). Except when there was heavier rain, the OEM blades dragged and were noisy the whole trip. The car is a 01-2019 build, purchased in May. Time to replace these NOW!
I just change the inserts from the dealer parts store near me. Costs $15 for all three wiper inserts and now it wipes like new again. Changing them twice a year is more economical than buying new blades. No need to spend $40 on just two Bosch Icons and then having to replace them every year.
I just change the inserts from the dealer parts store near me. Costs $15 for all three wiper inserts and now it wipes like new again. Changing them twice a year is more economical than buying new blades. No need to spend $40 on just two Bosch Icons and then having to replace them every year.
I agree. Changing the inserts is cheaper and the OEM blades are as good as any. After a couple years, when they get oxidized and maybe don't work all that well, I'll get new blades and maybe give the Bosch ones a try.
I agree. Changing the inserts is cheaper and the OEM blades are as good as any. After a couple years, when they get oxidized and maybe don't work all that well, I'll get new blades and maybe give the Bosch ones a try.
Even then, you can just buy the OEM ones and rinse and repeat. In the long run you save a significant amount of money. Replacing the front inserts for me costs less than $10 and less than five minutes of my time.
I’ve had Bosch Icons and while they wipe well, they don’t last very long and I often have to replace them in less than a year. OEMs wipe just as good, if not better than Bosch Icons especially when you can just replace those inserts every couple of months.
Last edited by mathnerd88; 01-31-2020 at 06:01 PM.
Can we talk about the rear for a moment? It's the same as my Honda and I think there's a trick I'm just not getting.
I place the two metal stays in the insert and slide it under the retainers on the blade. But it sticks out about half an inch. To get it all the way in, I have to bow the insert in the middle to the point where it deforms the metal stays more than they should. (I remove the blade from the arm first.)
Can we talk about the rear for a moment? It's the same as my Honda and I think there's a trick I'm just not getting.
I place the two metal stays in the insert and slide it under the retainers on the blade. But it sticks out about half an inch. To get it all the way in, I have to bow the insert in the middle to the point where it deforms the metal stays more than they should. (I remove the blade from the arm first.)
I just slide the whole thing in with the metal stays...never had to bow the insert. It should be quick and easy.
I live in the Pacific Northwest too. However, I go the other route. Instead if changing the wiper blades, I apply water resistant coats on my windshield. I do that every half a year or so. I used to use rain-x but I find aquapel better and lasts longer. The water just files off the wind shield so that I don't need to use the wipers most of the time. I change ny wipers every 3 years or so. Just my 2 cents.
Did you clay bar the glass first? I'm thinking since i only have 4K miles it might not be necessary.
Switched my front wipers to the bosch icon (because if this thread) about a month ago, not looking back. Now i need to change the rear window wiper but having some trouble finding a replacement. Any of you guys that have changed have any suggestions?
(First rodeo down the finance/lease route and the interacting with a dealer and what not, i read that some of you guys have just replaced the rubber through Acura, how does this work?)
Switched my front wipers to the bosch icon (because if this thread) about a month ago, not looking back. Now i need to change the rear window wiper but having some trouble finding a replacement. Any of you guys that have changed have any suggestions?
(First rodeo down the finance/lease route and the interacting with a dealer and what not, i read that some of you guys have just replaced the rubber through Acura, how does this work?)
You buy the wiper inserts from Acura for $19 for all three wipers from Curry Acura on eBay and just replace the old wiper inserts yourself. Takes less than five min.
I don't think there's an after-market blade for the rear. The way it mounts to the arm seems rather unique (to Honda/Acura). You rotate the blade, flex it backward and slide it out. I learned the hard way with my Pilot, it's best to just replace the insert with OEM rubber. And don't lose the metal stays. If you do, you'll have to buy a whole new blade (about $35).
I don't think there's an after-market blade for the rear. The way it mounts to the arm seems rather unique (to Honda/Acura). You rotate the blade, flex it backward and slide it out. I learned the hard way with my Pilot, it's best to just replace the insert with OEM rubber. And don't lose the metal stays. If you do, you'll have to buy a whole new blade (about $35).
The connector is called Roc Loc 2 and there are aftermarket replacements. One example is Trico 12-B.
There is really no advantage to using an aftermarket blade except that they are less than $9.on amazon.
Amazon says that they do not fit the 2019 RDX but, as usual, Amazon is wrong.
You buy the wiper inserts from Acura for $19 for all three wipers from Curry Acura on eBay and just replace the old wiper inserts yourself. Takes less than five min.
The difference in price and website has made me wary of both.
I’ve personally ordered from curryacuraparts and their eBay store a couple times and have not gotten any problems from either.
Actually I lied. I ordered from their eBay store and once got the wrong part (it was a key cover for my fob.) They promptly sent the correct part next day and allowed me to keep the other one.
I just bought a set of those a couple weeks ago at Acura. I've also gotten them at a Honda dealer. They come in Honda packaging with slightly different part numbers but it doesn't matter. I think the total was about $23.
My blades are still in excellent shape after 2 years. No reason to replace them.
12-19-2019, 07:25 PM
Just my 2 cents.
