Hey... I'm trying to find the thread that had instructions on how to remove some plastic in the rear wiper assembly to allow full movement of the rear wiper so that I can lift it up when I clean the rear window. I did a search and couldn't find it (It may have been mentioned in some unrelated topic) Does anyone know how to do so or can lead me to that thread? Thanks in advance!
i kinda thought that the wiper was designed that way to prevent a stiff breeze from catching it and tearing it off the car. because its in the back, it doesnt have the windshield to help stabilize it. having one that flips up like the front ones might invite disaster. (although im not sure i would mourn the loss of mine. but i do admit, although it only wiped half the window, it does come in handy here in rainy WA state)
talk about the rear wiper arm and blade, this is Steve Goldenberg's signature White 2004 Prius #9 (BC), Sony T-608/Verizon bluetooth phone, EV kit, mud flaps, window visors, 1 1/4" hitch, leather steering wheel, Mitsubishi rear wiper arm w/20" blade. White 2002 Subaru 6 cyl 3.0 Outback LLB if you do a search on all his posts he was the only one who was concerend enought to take it on himself to remedy the problem. In his posts he has several about using the Mitzy SUV rear wiper and a new blade to properly sweep the rear window.
ok, I went out and fiddled around with it... The area over the rounded part (i.e. the base of the wiper) is just a plastic cover. Just lift it out with your fingers on both sides and wiggle it free. It's attached by a clip and these circular things that just sit in a hole on either side. Removing this cover exposes the nut/bolt if you wish to replace the wiper and it also allows the wiper to be lifted if you're cleaning the rear window.
Right, though Steve's complaint wasn't that you couldn't lift the blade but the relatively small area it covered. I, too, find it inconvient that it can not be lifted high enough to use a squeege to clean the window. But, I think it is intentional. I'm not sure it can be modified in the OEM assembly
See my explanation up there... Sorry if it's not clear. A picture would definitely have helped but yes you can lift it up and away like the front wipers to clean the window. You just need to remove the U-shaped plastic cover at the base
ok thanks for the info. but to be honest with ya, i just ignore the window for the most part. it seems be stay clean enough. oh course, we get rain on a regular basis, so that might help. i have often wondered if the direction of air flow is the reason that the wiper is mounted on top as i feel that a center bottom mount may have provided a much more desired sweep of the glass.
I find that the back window doesn't even get wet enough to use the wiper unless it is raining really hard. One swipe every few minutes seems to do the trick, must have to do with the shape of the car. I do wish the wiper hit more of the window, but it's ok.
Yeah it depends. Usually the rain doesn't touch it unless it's heavy or you're stopped at a light. "LO" setting (which really should be INT) seems to have an interval long enough for that purpose
I was cleaning my windows today, and I realised afterwards that I had no problem lifting up my rear wiper, unlike peoples' experiences here. The rear wiper on my 2005 UK Prius appears to have a perfectly conventional mount, like the fronts, that pivots up about 70 degrees. No plastic cover. So, is the UK version different, or have they changed it for 2005?
can you take a digi picture and post it here so we can see the mount on the motor. If it's different we might have to order from England.
Here are some pictures of my rear wiper. Excuse the low resolution - only have a camera phone to hand.
Are you sure you're jealous? Though it stands impressively erect, the UK wiper still pivots from the left side of the car. And KMO and others must view it from a right-hand drive position. Good thing it doesn't rain much in the UK...
Front wiper Had my newborn black \'05 out in its first big rain Got to see the passenger\'s side wiper base. Is that Darth Vader\'s helmet? They couldn't make this a little smaller?
It's needed to swivel the passenger's side wiper due to the unique shape of the window (yes it's still rectangular but rather tall)