Wiper blade end caps

[Aus911]

Hi, I have a 2010 tdci hatch. The time has arrived to replace the wiper blades, I am wanting to just replace the refills but I can't work out how to remove the plastic end caps.
Any tips or tricks to replace the wiper blade refills only?
Cheers, Ray

[bundybear75]

Watching with interest - I too need to change my wipers and don't particularly want to pay $80 a set to do it......

Has anyone retro fitted a standard type wiper blade to their Mondeo?

[rondeo]

I changed the rear wiper with refills on the wagon. May be different to hatch. From memory flip the arm over and pull the blade up in the middle so one end can be released from its gripper. Then the blade pulls out that end of the wiper. There are no end caps on my wagon.

Fronts can be refilled too, the caps are removable.

Otherwise pop into windscreen O'brien and they might show you, they sell blades as well.

[rondeo]

Originally Posted by rondeo

I changed the rear wiper with refills on the wagon. May be different to hatch. From memory flip the arm over and pull the blade up in the middle so one end can be released from its gripper. Then the blade pulls out that end of the wiper. There are no end caps on my wagon.

Fronts can be refilled too, the caps are removable.

Otherwise pop into windscreen O'brien and they might show you, they sell blades as well.

Excuse me, tried to edit that but was too slow, there's a time limit.

With the wagon rear wiper, I should have said 'push' the blade up, otherwise the plastic gripper might break. A finger under the third gripper from the left does it. Withe the refill slid fully to the right, the left end should come out of its gripper. If not cut it shorter?

The end caps on the front just pull off with a bit of force.

p48 of the manual shows how to park the wipers in service position

[rondeo]

Originally Posted by rondeo

Excuse me, tried to edit that but was too slow, there's a time limit.

With the wagon rear wiper, I should have said 'push' the blade up, otherwise the plastic gripper might break. A finger under the third gripper from the left does it. Withe the refill slid fully to the right, the left end should come out of its gripper. If not cut it shorter?

The end caps on the front just pull off with a bit of force.

p48 of the manual shows how to park the wipers in service position

The wagon rear wiper blade assembly is meant to disengage from the arm before the refill is inserted. Try that first.

[Mondaveo]

Originally Posted by rondeo

The end caps on the front just pull off with a bit of force.

Thanks for this info. I had assumed from the manual that wiper renewal meant replacing the entire blade (and I'm sure my dealer would be happy for me to assume this too). Good to know there's a more economical approach!

[rondeo]

Originally Posted by Mondaveo

Thanks for this info. I had assumed from the manual that wiper renewal meant replacing the entire blade (and I'm sure my dealer would be happy for me to assume this too). Good to know there's a more economical approach!

That's for original Ford blades on my car at least. After market replacements may be different.

[Tocchi]

i'm chasing the end caps for these .... one of those little things that just annoy you when you notice it... is it possible to purchase these from somewhere?

[rondeo]

Originally Posted by Tocchi

i'm chasing the end caps for these .... one of those little things that just annoy you when you notice it... is it possible to purchase these from somewhere?

Sometimes less is more?

[Silver Ghia]

Looking on ebay, OEM blades are around $43 a pair with free postage.

Bosch Aerotwins are probably better and are just over $50 per pair.

I've tried replacing inserts on these types of wipers on the VW, and its just not worth it.

[rondeo]

Originally Posted by Silver Ghia

Bosch Aerotwins are probably better and are just over $50 per pair.

Same. Being a skinflint I do the refills at $15. When this doesn't work I'll get the Aerotwins. I wonder if the end caps are removable?

[Silver Ghia]

Originally Posted by rondeo

Same. Being a skinflint I do the refills at $15. When this doesn't work I'll get the Aerotwins. I wonder if the end caps are removable?

You dont need to worry about the end caps then. Just replace the whole thing. Done. And they work better than refills, therefore safer.

[rondeo]

Originally Posted by Silver Ghia

You dont need to worry about the end caps then. Just replace the whole thing. Done. And they work better than refills, therefore safer.

I admit the effectiveness of a refill would need testing under real conditions, therefore potentially not as safe. Cheers

[NZ XR6]

A Ford dealer fitted refills to the MA, total waste of time and money. Bosch makes the OE blades, so you can buy those instead of the very expensive Ford replacements.

Or as previously suggested, buy a set from Europe.

[ssanjeev]

I have had my MC Mondeo for just over three years, and have replaced the wiper inserts for all arms about 3 times, once every year just before heading into winter. 2 x 19inch and 1 x 26 inch. Works like a charm, and yes you can actually buy the Motorcraft refills, they work well, with no streaking or marks. Key is to ensure that that the blades are seated correctly. Lubricating the blades with soap helps slide them in relatively easily, and also prevents binding.

If the arm shows any signs of damage such as play at the hinge or any other mechanical aberration, then of course you would need to replace the entire blade or even the arm if need be.

[NZ XR6]

The Motorcraft refills must be much better than they used to be then. Good to know.