wiper inserts & remote key rant

Grease is the Word · Mar 7, 2006

I was at my Dodge dealer today. Bought some new OEM wiper blades. The OEMs are so nice because of the quality rubber and the number of contact points holding the insert. I asked them if they have inserts for them and they don't. So to get the same quality blade, you have to pay $30 for the blade set vs putting in new inserts. If anyone has a part number for the OEM inserts (not the value line), please post. I guess when these inserts wear out I can always get a quality aftermarket insert.

I'm going to do the Gen 2 rear soon so I held off on the rear for now.

My other issue is that you can't program your own remote on a 98. My wife just lost one. The physical part is about $35, but they want $40 to $50 to program it! I called around and none of them will do it as a favor if you buy the remote from them. :doh:

FSTDANGO3 · Mar 7, 2006

I thought there was a way to program the remotes at home!
Steve
DOC Pres

jimbo · Mar 7, 2006

Walmart used to carry a cut to size line by Lexor. The Size D fits perfectly, you just have to cut them to 20". They lasted a long time. Unfortunately, it appears that Walmart stopped carrying that line. But you might find a few remining in the bin.

For the rear blade get a Trico 46-160 refill. Although it says its for the trapeziodal claw it fits perfectly and doesn't streak or balloon.

I seem to enjoy finding replacments for the OEM wiper arms of Dodges. These same blades fit the 28" front and 16" rear blades on a 2005 Dodge Caravan.

Grease is the Word · Mar 7, 2006

You can program the remotes at home for years 99+ :wall:. I do have some feelers out for some contacts to see if they'll help me out.

The parts guy did mention the Caravan. Apparently the Caravans have replacement inserts because they're so long that they'd be too expensive for owners to replace the whole blade. He said to buy the OEM insert for a Caravan and cut it down to 20". I don't know how you'd do it without damaging the end or with what tool. Have you had good success cutting down the Caravan wiper?

jimbo · Mar 7, 2006

I haven't cut the Caravan wiper, but the Luxor is 28" also. You just cut the rubber with a razor blade on the end that doesn't have the retaining tab molded on it. You use the metal splines from the original blade. It's really easy to do and you'll feel like you've beaten this system.

Neil · Mar 7, 2006

Why go to the dealer and pay more than you should for wipers. There are lots of better options out there.

TheDodgeGuy · Mar 7, 2006

Some of the best wiper blades I've used have been the Bosch Micro Edge Excel. They're quiet and seem to last a long time. Their limited availability at parts stores forced me to go to "Uh-Oh Zone" to get them, but since they last a long time, I only have to do it once a year or so.
A 21" blade is for the most part all you need to know, regardless of brand.
As far as I know, the OEM blades are made by Trico, and are the same exact thing as you'd get buying the Trico Exact Fit blades from NAPA, Advance, or Carquest.

Grease is the Word · Mar 7, 2006

Thanks, everyone. Very helpful.

jimbo · Mar 7, 2006

From experience, the OEM front blades aren't made by Trico and for the 2000 the size is 20". I have tried various combinations of Trico replacement blade inserts and none fit the front OEM frame.

I find the Trico Exact Fit are noisy, but the Teflon work well.

On my D. in the rear the Bosch Micro Edge tend to balloon, leave large gaps in the sweep pattern, big time. I found this both on the Durango and the Caravan. I haven't tried the Excel.

Grease is the Word · Mar 7, 2006

jimbo said:
I haven't cut the Caravan wiper, but the Luxor is 28" also. You just cut the rubber with a razor blade on the end that doesn't have the retaining tab molded on it. You use the metal splines from the original blade. It's really easy to do and you'll feel like you've beaten this system.

Thanks. When these inserts need replacing I'll do the cut from the Caravan or Luxor wiper.

TheDodgeGuy · Mar 7, 2006

jimbo said:
From experience, the OEM front blades aren't made by Trico and for the 2000 the size is 20". I have tried various combinations of Trico replacement blade inserts and none fit the front OEM frame.

I find the Trico Exact Fit are noisy, but the Teflon work well.

On my D. in the rear the Bosch Micro Edge tend to balloon, leave large gaps in the sweep pattern, big time. I found this both on the Durango and the Caravan. I haven't tried the Excel.

Now this is bizarre?I couldn't believe that they'd have changed the size of the wipers from '00 to '01, so I did some checking, and what I found was in '01, the driver's side wiper changed from 20" to 21", but the passenger side stayed the same at 20". Wierd.

Grease is the Word · Mar 7, 2006

My '98 is 20" both sides.

jimbo · Mar 7, 2006

Nothing is ever bizarre when you're dealing with DCX.

If you measure the OEM on the 2000, the blade is slightly longer on the driver's side, although not a full inch and the wiper frame is different it has more contact points on the blade. I think the fewer contact points on the passenger is for the curvature of the windshield.

With winter blades the last inch of the passenger sire blade is off the windshield when the blade is at park.

red01r/t · Mar 7, 2006

I just put on the new Bosch Icons. They were a bit expensive ($20 each) but so far they're fantastic. Supposed to get great life out of them, so we'll see.
-Patrick

jimbo · Mar 7, 2006

Let us know how they work out. I was hesitant about the price. I'd hate to spend that much and find that they don't work well, I did see that they have a different part number for the left and right wiper.

red01r/t · Mar 7, 2006

yeah, they're different sizes. so far they work great, better than anything I've had before.

Neil · Mar 7, 2006

I don't remember what the stock size is (I always forget and need to check) but the bottom line is 21" works and will obviously give a little larger sweep area. 21" is the limit on the passenger side due to the curve at the bottom. On the driver's side, you can fit a little larger.

tiny1877 · Mar 8, 2006

Is there anyplace I can get the plastic piece for the rear arm? It doesn't come with any of the wipers and no one can seem to get one for me. Mine cracked when I replaced the wipers a few months back. *grrrr*

IndyDurango · Mar 8, 2006

tiny1877 said:
Is there anyplace I can get the plastic piece for the rear arm? It doesn't come with any of the wipers and no one can seem to get one for me. Mine cracked when I replaced the wipers a few months back. *grrrr*

Here are two complete Gen1 arm sets:
http://durangoclub.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=3591

IndyDurango

red01r/t · Mar 8, 2006

Do you have the pics and story of the gen 2 install?? I like the look of the other one much better.
-Patrick

wiper inserts & remote key rant

Grease is the Word

FSTDANGO3

jimbo

Grease is the Word

jimbo

Neil

TheDodgeGuy

Grease is the Word

jimbo

Grease is the Word

TheDodgeGuy

Grease is the Word

jimbo

red01r/t

jimbo

red01r/t

Neil

tiny1877

IndyDurango

red01r/t

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