Wiper Refills?
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 882
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From: Bucks Co., PA
2008 Subaru Legacy GT Limited
Wiper Refills?
Anyone know where to get wiper blade refills (other than at the dealer)? I tried a local car parts place, but the refill I got requires the metal rib assembly, and the stock wiper blade has a long, solid metal bar -- not the right type of metal rib I need.
Or, if I have to go through the dealer, can I just order/buy the rubber insert (not the whole blade)? If so, anyone have the part number? (Or is it the 01MM11979978 that's imprinted on the blade?)
Thanks.
Or, if I have to go through the dealer, can I just order/buy the rubber insert (not the whole blade)? If so, anyone have the part number? (Or is it the 01MM11979978 that's imprinted on the blade?)
Thanks.
Member
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 152
Likes: 2
Yes, you can buy just the insert through your dealer. Some people buy an aftermarket wiper blade which is an inch shorter than the original blade and costs less than just the insert through your dealer. It seems to me that the quality of the dealer inserts is awful, and I will try a new shorter blade next time. BTW, be careful with the insert when you buy it. It will have a black substance on it that will stain your hands and your car.
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 882
Likes: 1
From: Bucks Co., PA
2008 Subaru Legacy GT Limited
Well, I spent $7 to get two inserts for my car, and they work fine -- in fact, they replaced the exact same inserts I had bought a year ago, which were still working all right (I just thought it would be a good idea to replace them since they were just starting to streak a bit). So I figured I could get inserts for the E430 as well, but no dope...
My only problem with buying a whole new blade is that the new blades don't have the locking mechanism that the OEM blade does to prevent the wiper from coming loose. I had tried an aftermarket blade on my mom's W124 4MATIC way back when, and I was constantly getting out at every red light to snap the blade back into position. What a PITA that was.
And I'm not 100% convinced of the quality of the OEM blades, since they start to streak and chatter after only a couple of months...I guess we're screwed...
My only problem with buying a whole new blade is that the new blades don't have the locking mechanism that the OEM blade does to prevent the wiper from coming loose. I had tried an aftermarket blade on my mom's W124 4MATIC way back when, and I was constantly getting out at every red light to snap the blade back into position. What a PITA that was.
And I'm not 100% convinced of the quality of the OEM blades, since they start to streak and chatter after only a couple of months...I guess we're screwed...
