Scott Rogers <scottNospaam@scottfromcanada.com> wrote in message news:<Xns94478CEE0FC07scottNospaamscottfro@66.185. 95.104>...
> Yeah, thats what I mean. The whole blade, support and all. When I take the
> old one off, only the metal arm is left there. I didnt even know you could
> JUST replace the blade.

Scott, you can usually just buy new inserts (the strip of rubber which
actually touches the windshield) instead of the whole new arm. Be sure
to save the 2 stainless steel spines which go into the piece of
rubber. The aftermarket replacements usually don't come with these.
This is an easy rebuild once you get the correct type of insert. Be
patient and do it while you're watching TV. >;^)

I spend a great deal of time (probably too much) taking care of my
blades. When swapping summer and winter blades, I take the blades
coming off, clean then thoroughly with Simple Green or a strong
household spary like 409, rinse thoroughly then dry them.

I check the rubber insert to see if it needs replacing. Usually, the
ends start to "separate" first and this will be obvious upon
inspection.

Then LIGHTLY lubricate the pin heads with a tiny drop on each. I then
let them sit on their side so the oil drop can work it's way down the
whole pin. I often leave them in this position for weeks. Why not? I'm
never in a hurry.

The whole assembly (including blade/insert) should flex easily before
it is put back on.

The winter blades, with that rubber sheath covering everything, often
conceal salt, sand and then rust. I rinse these out as best when I
take them off I can but rarely get more than 2 winters from one set.
Lubricating them is all but impossible. I've tried adding a few drops
of oil in one end then letting them hang but that's probably no good.
If you try to flex them with your hands then they resist and/or feel
"crunchy" then throw them out. They are all corroded inside.

I hate WD-40. PB Blaster is a fantastic penetrant and nearly anything
else is a better lubricant. I often use ATF out of eye-drop bottles as
a lube if I don't have a good spray available (Valvoline Synpower,
Mobil 1, etc ...). I also use a rubber dressing (Black Magic) on the
thin rubber cover to keep it from drying out.

But yes, once you know the blade/insert is in good condition and that
the whole wiper arms flexes properly, the only thing left is the
spring tension on the arm.

--- Bror Jace