How To: Change rear wiper blade, 2009-2010

[enfield577]

I guess I'm probably the last '09-'10 owner to learn this, but I followed the instructions in the owner's manual, without success, and then I hunted all over GenVibe and MatrixOwners forums, and I couldn't find the answer.So here is how to change the rear wiper blade assembly on the '09-'10 Vibes.The owner's manual ('09 page 9-26) says to "disengage the two pins, and disconnect the rear wiper arm by pulling them up." Well, there aren't any pins, but it's really very simple, once you know how it really works.Just pull up the plastic cover over the wiper arm mount, by pulling out slightly on the lower edges closest to the wiper arm.The cover will pivot up 90 degrees, and the wiper arm is then free to come up.The blade assembly just clicks into the arm, so if you put the blade assembly at about right angles to the arm (or as far as it will rotate), and pull, it will come off.Insert the new blade assembly the same way the old one came off and rotate it down to the wiper arm until the little plastic locks click.Place the arm back down onto the window and push the plastic cover back down - that's it. Just ignore where the owner's manual talks about pins.The P/N for the '09-'10 rear wiper blade assembly is 88969934. My dealer gave me a price break when I bought two sets of all three wiper assemblies, and the rear ones cost me about $8 each. To me, this was a lot less trouble than trying to cut and replace the blade itself.

[vibenvy]

I am so glad you posted this Geoff! I plan on replacing all our wipers before winter sets in and I had messed around with the rear one, but was afraid of breaking something. Now that I see what's involved, I won't have to worry about possibly breaking something ! Thanks for the post and pictures !

[ParknVibe]

Me second,.... thanks for the clear pictures. I didn't understand the manual eithier, but the Service Manual was a little clearer about the plastic cover. I was able to swing the arm up. But was afraid to pull the blade off. After seeing your picture, now I will know what to expect. I was looking at the owner manual drawings and the actual assembly for a long time last week.. could not make heads of it.I just purchased a set of rubber inserts from the Toyota dealer's parts. I cleaned the original rubber with 70 % alcohol and they work quietly now (in the dry state). I will hold off replacing the inserts.The thin metal support "ribs" do not come with the rubber so one must be carefully to remove them from the old ones and press them into the new rubber's groves. I had trouble trying to get the Pontiac Parts to order me the inserts. They would rather sell me a complete assembly, but it is not a plastic type like the original on the 2009 Vibe.No after market auto parts stores DO NOT sell refills only. I read a lot of folks complaining about this on WEB.

[09vGT]

Too late for me but would have been useful. The owners manual might as well be in Japanese when it comes to changing the rear wiper.

[jake75]

As my automotive mechanical skills are limited to (1) adding air to tires; (2) changing air filter; (3) changing wiper blades - I was glad to see this post as the rear wiper assembly had me baffled. Mine is exactly 11" - talkin' 'bout the rear wiper blade here. I thought I read another post that said you could use a 12" but that would probably require a complete assembly not just the blade. Is the oem compatible with aftermarket hookups?

[beemerphile1]

Thanks for the detailed pictures and description.As for buying refills, many auto part stores have them but you have to ask. They are kept in the back and not on display.

[enfield577]

I thought I was the only owner who hadn't figured this out. This had me frustrated for months - I kept pulling up on the arm, trying to find those "pins," and I was afraid I was going to break it if I put any more pressure on it. I was about to take the blade refill out of the new assy and put it in the old one, but I thought I would try one more time, and somehow that cover popped up. It was just by accident (and luck).

[vibedrivermatt]

Ah thanks for the post! I'll definately be referring to this. My car still has all original wiper blades on it. They really dont work well I'll have to replace them all.

[alex_nrv]

A little late, but THANKS! This was one of the mysteries I had with the Vibe, and now it is resolved! Also, it is useful to know you can lift the rear wiper higher than it goes when that plastic cover is lifted! I hate the wiper when I try to do a clean job at squeegying the rear glass at the gas station! From now on, I might just unclip the cover and raise the arm!Thanks again for the tut!

[vibenvy]

Quote, originally posted by alex_nrv »From now on, I might just unclip the cover and raise the arm!This is exactly what I do now whenever I wash our Vibes. It really makes cleaning the hatch glass and the wiper itself alot easier.

[alex_nrv]

(removed)...My rear wiper blade was beginning to reat appart and wouldn't wipe the glass properly so I decided to hunt for a replacement.I remember one day when I went to Canadian Tire for my front wipers, I noticed the inventory book mentionned about a rear wiper being available... so I went back to Canadian Tire to check it out. They had one model fitting, being the home brand, MotoMaster "Precise Fit" 11-U (11 in)... but the framing was thin metal instead of the bold plastic of the Vibe.Instead, I decided to go to the dealer to check it out. I remember someone saying they were around 8.99$ at the dealer, but when I got there, the guy told me they were 27$$ !!! WHAAAAT ?!!I also needed a plastic cap to hide the front wiper nut (7.47$) and the infamous plastic cap for the center of the stock alloy wheels (32$...).This is such a RIP OFF. They are legal thieves!!! I was able to lower the price at 26$ asking the manager to be kind.So anyways, I then decided to buy the wiper from Canadian Tire and interchange only the rubber blade and keep my original plastic frame, so I went to another Canadian Tire from another city, and at THIS CT, they had another model of 11" Precise Fit... the 11-A !! And TADA, it was THE REAL DEAL! Plastic framing, same same same thing, 100% the same!... for 8.99 !For for Canadian Vibe owners, check out Canadian Tire's "PRECISE FIT 11-A" wiper blades, they work well and the fit like the original/dealer ones!27$ for a 11" wiper blade... YEAH RIGHT...

[star_deceiver]

Quote, originally posted by alex_nrv »For for Canadian Vibe owners, check out Canadian Tire's "PRECISE FIT 11-A" wiper blades, they work well and the fit like the original/dealer ones!That's what I bought. I think it was $11...

[alex_nrv]

Yeah, actually it was 11.99$, I rechecked the invoice. Still, very cheaper!!!!!! Didn't had time to go check at Toyota which is right next door to my GM Chevrolet, my baby boy was not in the mood to wait for another visit at the store!

[vibenvy]

Thanks again for posing this Geoff!

I finally replaced all the wiper blades on both Vibes for the first time in 3 years! Believe it or not, the old ones didn't look too bad which is exactly why I decided to stick with the OEM ones.

I couldn't figure out how to get the rear wiper blade assemblies off, so I came inside and pulled this thread up. I was then able to go back outside and pop them both right off in a matter of seconds. I had both blades replaced and the assemblies re-installed in about 5 minutes.

The P/N for the '09-'10 rear wiper blade assembly is 88969934. My dealer gave me a price break when I bought two sets of all three wiper assemblies, and the rear ones cost me about $8 each. To me, this was a lot less trouble than trying to cut and replace the blade itself.

Also, for anyone interested, the GM part number for the rear wiper insert (just the blade) is: #88969935. I ordered replacement inserts for both Vibes (6 total) and a couple other things from GMPartsCenter.net. Their price on all 3 inserts (front driver, front passenger and rear) is $5.63 each.

[tpollauf]

Another "attaboy" for you Geoff Excellent write-up!!! My Vibe GT won't need wipers just yet (just turned over 12k miles) but Juniors which just turned over 4ok miles will definitely need them all. It is NOT garaged and is exposed to all the elements of nature. Also thanks to the pricing queen Carrie, who vigilantly shops for the best price/value and shares this valuable knowledge with us fellow GemVibers. You guys and this forum are the best. Going to miss you Geoff in Erie this summer . We'll be thinking of you.

[vibenvy]

Also thanks to the pricing queen Carrie, who vigilantly shops for the best price/value and shares this valuable knowledge with us fellow GemVibers. You guys and this forum are the best. Going to miss you Geoff in Erie this summer . We'll be thinking of you.

You're very welcome Tim! I'm always more than happy to help my fellow GenVibers out whenever I can !

Yes, we are definitely going to miss you (Geoff) and your wife in Erie. We will definitely be thinking about you guys though !

[dbabysman]

Great post..nice clear pics make it easy to get the job done, Autozone had no idea how to change it, i knew i would find the solution here.

Thanks so much

[xenictime]

Many thanks- Like many things in this well thought out car, this is remarkably simple and elegant in design. Still, I admit I looked at it blankly and before yanking and pulling and breaking something and came here. And here's the clear solution. With photographic guide! It took about the same time as opening the Trico 11 A (precise fit- $9.95 at O'Reilly Auto Parts) package as replacing the arm assembly.

[leemur]

What I've never understood is why they went form the older rear wiper assembly (which looks the same and lifts all the way up without having to pop pins) to this newer one that you have to futts with.

My 04 justs lifts on up, 09 has to have cover popped to lift. Identicle visually.

[lannvouivre]

...And throughout your procedure, not one "pin" was seen. Who wrote that bloody manual?!

[finebead]

Thanks enfield577!!! I just changed mine and your instructions sure helped.

[2010VibeIN]

Thanks for the tips,I need to change mine

[PonchoGT]

Don't know about the inserts, but I was able to get the rear wiper blade at my local AutoZone store. The part number is 11-A Duralast. Matches the O.E.M. blade exactly. Price is $7.99.

[gtv237]

Don't know about the inserts, but I was able to get the rear wiper blade at my local AutoZone store. The part number is 11-A Duralast. Matches the O.E.M. blade exactly. Price is $7.99.

Yup 11-A is the standard part number. It's available from many different brands. It's basically a 11" 'Roc Lock 2' type blade.