DIY aero wiper blade change (rubber only)

[minircc]

Not too sure if you guys know, but the rubber on the aero wiper blades are replaceable. Hence, no need to buy whole new blades that costs a fortune.

VW/Audi don't sell just the rubber, they only sell the complete wiper blade. I guess to make more money like all the other parts they sell. Once you've removed the rubber, just head down to your local car parts store (i went to repco), and get them to give you something similar.

Tool required:
- Small phillips screw driver (that's it!)

Steps to remove wiper blade (these are for my 2005 A6, but i plan do it it on my Jetta as well. The blades look very similar to me):
- Go into MMI computer and set wiper blade to service mode. The wiper blades will move to the up position and stay there.
- Lift the wiper blades off the window. They should bend outwards.
- Remove the plastic cover where the arm joins the blades.
- Remove the blade from the arm by pushing together the 2 clips. It should come out easily.

Steps to replace wiper rubber.
- At the ends of each wiper blade are plastic caps. These are removable. However, you only need to remove one side. Choose the side where the wiper rubber is fixed. To remove, just use a flat head screwdriver and lift the flaps out from the sides of the cover. This is the hard part, but once you get the hang of it, it literally takes 2 seconds.
- Now you'll be able to see what's holding down the wiper rubber. There is a small piece of metal holding it down to prevent it from moving. Lift it up using the phillips screw driver.
- slide out the old rubber.
- slide in the new rubber.
- put back the end cap, it should just clip back in place.

To install wiper blades back on, it's just the reverse procedure.

bobs your uncle! works like new.
Shouldn't take you longer than 5-10minutes and save a pretty penny.

[revivor]

What part num did you get from Repco? Lotsa places don't have similar width/size, as I have tried in vain.

[mr gee]

My VW dealer sells the replacement rubber and I've had them replace such every year at service. The price is not much more that what I can get at autobarn or Kmart

[revivor]

My VW dealer sells the replacement rubber and I've had them replace such every year at service. The price is not much more that what I can get at autobarn or Kmart

But I tried the local VW parts dept, they charged me $40/+ each (i gave them the p/n but still the price)! Unless someone knows a VW in Sydney tht sells them? I've read that at Melbourne VW dealers, you could get them, but haven't heard any from Sydney.

[NickZ]

I have managed to buy wiper rubber on its own from Denlo.

[revivor]

I have managed to buy wiper rubber on its own from Denlo.

How much did you pay? <$20?

[minircc]

What part num did you get from Repco? Lotsa places don't have similar width/size, as I have tried in vain.

I just took my old rubber off and walked into the store. Showed the dude behind the counter and he took a couple out and matched the size. I think it was a no brand because it didn't come with any packaging and cost me around $10 for the pair. i wasn't fussed as long as it fit. Works the same as original and i'm sure it'll last me throughout the winter.

Once the rubber is removed, it looks just like any other wiper blade rubber. i think it's 6mm (narrow) width. They just have to make sure the top part that slides into aero casing is the same. also had to cut down the length, but that's not an issue.