Rear Windshield Wiper Replacement

[Bliky]

So my rear windshield wiper on my hatch pretty much does nothing but streak up the rear window anymore and I'm pretty sure it's never been replaced. I know that it's basically just the rubber blade and the plastic piece on top of it and it sits on the housing that attaches to the wiper arm and, from what I could tell by looking at it, you just replace that rubber blade inside.

Do I absolutely have to get an OEM one or can I get a rain-x wiper and just take the blade out and put it in the arm? If I can get the rain-x and just stick it in the arm what size do I need? It looks like a 12 or 13 inch.

[Sponsor]

[MetalMuffins]

I second this question. Has anyone tried replacing the rubber only? Mine is still OK, but I know I will want to do the same when the time comes.

[silenthill]

Yes. I ordered the Valeo R-12A wiper blade and took the insert out of it and into the original wiper. Easy-peasy.

[NightAngel]

I would like to replace mine as well. its never worked great.

[ibinubu12]

Valeo R-12B is the closest to the wiper Ford equipped from the factory (front and back wipers on almost all Fords are Valeo). I bought another one on Amazon after 14 months with the first one. Unlike the front wipers, which I replaced with Valeo Gen2 flat blades even though I don't think they needed to be replaced, the rear definitely needed it. The back window always is dusty and it seems to be harsh on the rear wiper.

[silenthill]

Originally Posted by ibinubu12

Valeo R-12B is the closest to the wiper Ford equipped from the factory (front and back wipers on almost all Fords are Valeo). I bought another one on Amazon after 14 months with the first one. Unlike the front wipers, which I replaced with Valeo Gen2 flat blades even though I don't think they needed to be replaced, the rear definitely needed it. The back window always is dusty and it seems to be harsh on the rear wiper.

12-A works, too, however, it's not an exact match. I liked the look/style of the Ford-spec'd Valeo better, so I transplanted the insert from the aftermarket blade to the original.

I did use Gen2 blades for a while but switched back to the Motorcraft-spec'd ones. The Motorcraft blades, while built by Valeo, have a more aggressive wind spoiler built in, and aren't bi-directional.