docboy

Hello everyone,

I am trying to find replacement windshield wipers for my wife's 2005 Lexus RX 330. I still have the original OEM blades, which have worn down due to use.

I found the following 2 items on partsgeek. com:

05 2005 Lexus RX330 Wiper Blade Front Right Bosch Micro Edge, Product SKU: 18426-01013576

05 2005 Lexus RX330 Wiper Blade Front Left Bosch Evolution, Product SKU: 18426-01002896

My question is whether the 2 Bosch blades above will fit EXACTLY to the hooks on the car's wiper arms.

I bought 2 Rain-x wipers from Autozone, and the connectors on the Rain-x do not fit properly and are cheap fitting; the rain-x connectors somewhat snap in place, but the blades come off with a simple pull. This to me is dangerous as the blades can come off.

The original OEM blades require a button/latch to be forcefully pushed before the wiper blades can be removed (the blades are solidly connected to the wipers arms and cannot be removed with a forceful tug).

Do the Bosch wiper blades have the same "fitting design" as the original blades, where the blades require a thorough button push for the wiper blades to be disconnected?

If not Bosch, which manufacturer would you recommend for best fit and performance (in that order, as obviously if the blade does not fit, performance is irrelevant)?

Hapa DC5

Yes they will fit any J-hook. Regarding the issue of the rain-x blades sliding off... a lot of aftermarket blades will be that as they have to fit a number of applications including large j-hook.

fwiw, I literally replaced the stock wipers on my G with Bosch Icons, great blades. I would take the G to the dealer since they blades didn't even last 5k and one rain, but time is money.....

friesm2000

iTrader: (4)

almost any blade out there will fit the j-hook latch

Gfaze

Either blade will work fine. I've installed 100s and have never had problems with them.

<----- Auto parts store manager

Why are you buying them online? Any parts store will stock these and most of the time even install them for you. Try O'Reilly Auto parts (formerly Schucks Auto parts) for better service and knowledge.

friesm2000

iTrader: (4)

you mean Checker's..., cause those have also started to convert to O'Reilly

and personally i would prefer Car Quest or even Napa, but it is up to you OP though

fsttyms1

I cant believe you have the same blades on a 2005 I replace my wipers 2 times a year. Its the single cheapest safety device you can put on your car.

docboy

Amazing huh? Wife never complained about them until now

docboy

Are there are any brands that fit the J-hook that DON'T just slide off? Is there the possibility that aftermarket blades may just fly off during a rain/snow storm?

Or am I just being paranoid?

I'll give the stealership a call and ask for a quote when they open.

Hapa DC5

You're being paranoid. They are held down by the spring and weight of the wiper arm. Check them periodically if you'd like. Try the Icons they have a "cover" over the J-hook.

friesm2000

iTrader: (4)

as said the spring and weight keep it from moving too much, but then also if you think about the action of the wipers themselves, they want to go away from the pivot point of the arm, so basically it just pushes the clip harder into the j-hook, so really all the clippy has to do is hold it in while the arms are pulled back/up for some reason



also be aware, some of those j-hook locking mechanisms can be a bitch to undo/figure out (some you have to rotate the blade 90 degrees to the arm, then other you take a little pocket screwdriver and pop the lock loose, so it will then slide off)
post pics if you have one of those, and need help...




edit: also the ones "Hapa DC5" mentions with the "j-hook covers", are one of the ones that are a bitch to remove without a little screwdriver

friesm2000

iTrader: (4)

also on some vehicles, you gotta turn the car on, flip the wipers on, then shut the car off while the wipers are pointing upwards towards the roof, so that it will allow you to flip the arm up, and get the wipers off

basically what happens is that the wipers sit underneth the hood too far when they are off and in the "parked" position, that it won't let you get the arm back enough (the 2g TL is one of those cars btw, but only on the passenger side though )

Will Y.

You can also check on the cost of wiper blade inserts while you've got the dealership on the line.
There is no need to change out the wiper blades if they've been doing a good job for a number of years, and you won't have to worry about adapter or coverage issues.

friesm2000

iTrader: (4)

but a bigger pain in the ass to change out though (and some blade designs will not even allow it either; also winter type blades without exposed pivot points [or the monoflex blades] are normally preferred in the snow, so they don't freeze up)


also by the look's of it, it will be a 26" driver side wiper blade, along with a 19" wiper blade for the passenger side

Gfaze

The thing about that is the wiper frames are 5 years old according to the OP. Over time they start to loosen and flex back and forth during operation. This makes the wiper less effective because the blade edge isn't as perpendicular to the windshield as it's supposed to be, causing smearing/streaking. It's just better to replace the whole wiper.

Too bad you don't live near me OP. I'd have those blades replaced for you in 30 seconds.

Gfaze

Actually in Washington I think they were called Schucks. I know in Colorado they are Checkers.

Will Y.

Lexus will likely install the inserts for free-- the Acura dealerships offered a couple of times when I picked up inserts (but they weren't needed then, and rode in the trunk for a while until needed).
I haven't run across a bad factory wiper spring or blade so far.
A.k.a. Kragen Auto Parts in CA, WA and some other states.

I picked up wiper blade inserts for the factory wipers on the 2004 Ody from a Kragen in Sacramento when the dealerships were closed.
Kragens also carry full replacement blades by Bosch, Anco, etc.

phile

put some WD-40 into a paper towel, then run it gently through your blades. that'll soften the rubber and extend the life of the blades.