Rear wiper removal

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(sbritt @ Oct 5 2006, 07:49 PM) [snapback]328718[/snapback]</div>

Isn't the wiper there to clear rain & snow off the rear window so you can see what's coming up behind you as you drive?

 

I agree with PA, I use the rear wiper (it rains here in the Northwest) so I can see traffic behind me. Of course, I have a 2005 without the back-up cam, but I still like to see cars and trucks approaching from behind me on the Interstate.

If you really want to take off the wiper, pull up on the plastic cover at the base of the blade (spring it wide at the bottom front if you're having trouble and it pulls straight up) and remove it. Remove the nut holding on the arm and the wiper arm.

Drive around and see if you mind not seeing out the back window in the rain/snow. If you do, put the blade back on.

If you still want to remove even the wiper post, pull off the plastic panels on the inside of the hatch. Starting at the bottom is best, they just snap in. You can get at the wiper motor fairly easily once you have off the bottom and mid-rail cover.

Be sure to install the plug in the glass with silicone sealant so you don't get leaks inside the hatch.

And take lots of pictures and post them!



DISCLAIMER: Proceed at your own risk. Do not modify your vehicle to make it illegal or unsafe.

 

I'd agree with the previous posters, i like having that wiper there! in my experience, there have been many times when it's been raining/snowing that a water drop will obscure the backup camera lens, making it very difficult to use... at those times, i'm very greatful to have that wiper, as it keeps the back window clear at just the times you really need it.

 

The JDM/Euro steel rear wiper arm from Sigma works nice. Gets the dew and rain out of most of my way.

http://www.sigmaauto.com/jdm/prius/prius0405.php but you have to look for the wiper about half-way down on the left...

 

My package did not include the rear wiper and I have never missed it. RainX keeps the rear window clear.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(eagle33199 @ Oct 6 2006, 09:08 AM) [snapback]328864[/snapback]</div>

I agree - I find it works well to keep the rain off, and my camera display has been clouded due to rain. You know what they say - you'll find you need it most once you don't have it.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(seasalsa @ Oct 6 2006, 10:58 AM) [snapback]328900[/snapback]</div>

Is it possible for seasalsa or somebody else with no rear wiper to post a photo. I too would be interested in removing the rear wiper, but I'd like to see what it looks like first.

I would also be interested in the part numbers needed to do this.

 

I'd guess that the only thing you'd really *need* to remove are the wiper arm and motor - and check with your friendly Toyota dealer for the plastic cap to cover the hole - it'll probably end up being a $10 piece of plastic. Some cars, you need the rear wiper, some, the defroster will do the job just fine.

Removing the wiper and wiper motor should reduce the car weight by a couple pounds... and reduce drag, too!

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(sbritt @ Oct 5 2006, 05:49 PM) [snapback]328718[/snapback]</div>

If your state requires an annual auto inspection it is likely you will not be able to pass inspection without the wiper. Like horns, lights, and brakes, functioning front windshield and hatchback wipers are required for an inspection sticker in many states.

 

I have never heard of a law in CA that requires a rear wiper......

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(cairo94507 @ Nov 23 2006, 09:58 AM) [snapback]353440[/snapback]</div>

Same in MT. Heck, here it CA, the cops got their hands full with all the crak hoze, pimps, & gang homies ... pretty obvious why they no longer run those, 'let's check to see if your tires are ok' stops any more.

As for the wiper 'mod' ?? The "EVnut" made a nice mod that lets you raise the wiper up a nice distance so you can easily clean under it ... but mod / removal? Maybe that's just semantics. Anywho, I concur with the folks above. You get out to the car late at night with dew all over the rear ... it's nice to be able to clean it so youi can see out. Now I must go bake turkey :^) Happy thanks giving to all!

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(hill @ Nov 23 2006, 10:03 AM) [snapback]353445[/snapback]</div>

I've always wondered about that design of that plastic little cover on the hinge. They obviously went to some trouble to design that in. Maybe the wiper flips up at 100mph without it and causes the rear end to lift?

 

I saw a Prius in Japan a week ago with no wiper...

Dave


And another one the same day...

 

The 2004 Prius came without a wiper, unless you got one of the packages. It cost extra to get that wiper, and I paid it!

From 2005 on, the wiper was standard.

How do I know these things? I have a 2004, a 2005 and a 2007.

 

<_< One more thought...

The Backup Camera is helpful and I'm glad to have it; however, its image is distorted with the "fisheye" lens making it difficult to judge distances with any real accuracy -AND- it is not operating driving down the road. In my judgement, it is not a replacement for the rear wiper. I consider the Backup Camera and the rear wiper unrelated functions in most ways.

 

My '04 never came with one.
http://techno-fandom.org/~hobbit/pix/waterpri.jpg
.
_H*

 

Looking at the pictures DaveLeePrius posted, it almost looks like the cars without a rear wiper got a different hatchback glass, as opposed to the same glass as other Prius with a rear wiper and using a plastic plug. Could that be true?