Ford 2U2Z-17528-EA Wiper Blade Assembly

First of all, to get rid of road film, use a mild detergent to wash the wiper blades regularly. Assess the condition of the rubber on each blade for possible cracks and deterioration. Promptly replace any blades with hardened or broken rubber. During regular inspections, check and tighten fasteners on the wiper mechanism. If you have Tridon blades, then park the wipers, lift the blade, press the spring lock, and reinstall it with a new assembly. On Tridon blades with replaceable elements, locate the TRIDON stamp at one corner of the rubber replacement element, release this using a coin or screwdriver then fit back securely using a new one. For earlier Tricoblades, lift up the wiper arm, lever out one end of an element, slide into the tabs, and secure the blade back onto the arm. For later Tricoblades; park wipers down, release blade using a screwdriver-separate element from a tab-insert new element into tabs-secure-lock blade onto pivot pin.

Regularly wash wiper blades with mild detergent to remove road film. Inspect the windshield wiper and blade assembly periodically, as sun and elements can cause the rubber to crack. Replace hardened or cracked blades. Test the wipers on a wet windshield and replace if they leave an uneven pattern or streaks. Check and tighten the fasteners of the wiper mechanism. To remove the blade assembly, use a small screwdriver to push down on the release spring at the center of the blade, then lift the release lever or press down with the screwdriver and pull the wiper blade off the wiper arm pin. To install, push the blade assembly onto the pin until it snaps into place. To replace the rubber blade element, use a screwdriver to release it from the retaining claw and slide it out. Install a new element by sliding it into the retaining claws and securing it by twisting the backing strip into the end claws. Ensure all claws are locked onto the strip before installing the blade on the wiper arm.

For maximum effectiveness and longest element life, keep the windshield and wiper blades clean, as dirt, tree sap, and road tar can cause streaking, smearing, and blade deterioration. Wash the windshield with a commercial glass cleaner at least once a month and wipe off the rubber blades with a wet rag. Avoid moving wipers across the windshield by hand to prevent damage to the motor and drive mechanism. To inspect or replace wiper blade elements, set the wiper switch to LOW speed and the ignition switch to ACC, then turn the ignition switch to OFF when the blades are vertical. Examine the wiper blade elements and replace any that are cracked, broken, or worn, as replacement intervals vary with usage, typically limited to about one year due to ozone deterioration. If the wiper pattern is smeared or streaked, or if the blade chatters, replace the elements, ideally in pairs. Aftermarket blades may use different types of refills; for example, Anco blades have a release button for easy refill replacement, while some Trico refills require a small screwdriver to release the refill from the retaining tab. Other Trico refills have metal tabs that unlock by squeezing them together, allowing the rubber filler to be withdrawn and replaced. Polycarbonate refills feature a locking device for easy release and installation. For Tridon refills, remove the wiper blade and pull the backing strip while twisting to free the refill, ensuring to replace it with an identical type. Always follow the part manufacturer's instructions closely and ensure all frame jaws are engaged during installation to avoid scratching the glass.

Raise the blade end of the front wiper arm off of the windshield. Move the slide latch away from the pivot shaft. The wiper-arm can now be removed from the shaft without the use of any tools. Be sure the wipers are in the parked position, and the blade assembly is in its correct position. Push the main head over the pivot shaft. Hold the main arm head onto the pivot shaft while raising the blade end of the wiper arm and push the slide latch into the lock under the pivot shaft head. Lower the blade to the windshield. If the blade does not lower to the windshield, the slide latch is not completely in place. For the rear wiper, raise the windshield wiper blade/arm off of the glass and place it into the service position. Using a small, flat bladed prytool, release the retaining clip at the base of the windshield wiper pivot arm. Carefully pry the wiper arm from the shaft. Ensure that the wiper motor pivot shaft is in the park position. Position the wiper arm over the shaft and firmly push it on until it stops. Lower the wiper blade/arm against the glass. The blade is properly positioned when it firmly contacts the wind-shield wiper arm stop. If it does not, remove the arm again and reposition it so that it does.

Direct sunlight or dirt can build up on blades as films as they travel on the road to wipe the windscreen and hence require frequent washing with a mild detergent. Lifting of the windshield and the wiper and the blade must be checked now and then because the sun and the environmental factors cause the rubber to dry up and crack and split. In the case of hardening of rubber or appearance of cracks, then the material is no longer useful, and should be replaced. If the surface appears clear, dampen the glass with water, switch on the wiper to go through several cycles and then switch it off; blurred streaks suggest that it is time to replace the wiper blades. The movement of this wiper causes the various fasteners to loosen and it is recommended that these are checked and tightened as it is during the blade checks. When examining the front wiper blade, the blades have to be parked in a specific position and this is usually done by running the wipers and turning off the ignition at the preferred location. Turn the blade up a little and pull the retaining lever to unlock it, then withdraw the wiper arm from the blade and, while doing so, try not to put stress on the spring lock. Set and adjust the new blade on the wiper arm hook, ensuring you hear the 'click' sound that means that the blade is optimally fixed onto the hook. For rear wiper blade replacement, use the first stages of this method to position the blades, than, with a small screwdriver, push the retaining lever in and remove the blade from the wiper arm stud. To install you simply push the new blade over the stud till it fits. To change wiper elements, place a slit of a screwdriver between the wiper blade and the element and while pressing on the element apply torque clockwise to unlock the claw and remove the element. On the later models needle nose pliers should be used in order to remove as well as install the blade. Insert the new element into the second retaining claw and then through the rest of the claws until it reaches the end; at which the new element is bent back into the claw at the end of the blade.

Direct sunlight or dirt can build up on blades as films as they travel on the road to wipe the windscreen and hence require frequent washing with a mild detergent. Lifting of the windshield and the wiper and the blade must be checked now and then because the sun and the environmental factors cause the rubber to dry up and crack and split. In the case of hardening of rubber or appearance of cracks, then the material is no longer useful, and should be replaced. If the surface appears clear, dampen the glass with water, switch on the wiper to go through several cycles and then switch it off; blurred streaks suggest that it is time to replace the wiper blades. The movement of this wiper causes the various fasteners to loosen and it is recommended that these are checked and tightened as it is during the blade checks. When examining the front wiper blade, the blades have to be parked in a specific position and this is usually done by running the wipers and turning off the ignition at the preferred location. Turn the blade up a little and pull the retaining lever to unlock it, then withdraw the wiper arm from the blade and, while doing so, try not to put stress on the spring lock. Set and adjust the new blade on the wiper arm hook, ensuring you hear the 'click' sound that means that the blade is optimally fixed onto the hook. For rear wiper blade replacement, use the first stages of this method to position the blades, than, with a small screwdriver, push the retaining lever in and remove the blade from the wiper arm stud. To install you simply push the new blade over the stud till it fits. To change wiper elements, place a slit of a screwdriver between the wiper blade and the element and while pressing on the element apply torque clockwise to unlock the claw and remove the element. On the later models needle nose pliers should be used in order to remove as well as install the blade. Insert the new element into the second retaining claw and then through the rest of the claws until it reaches the end; at which the new element is bent back into the claw at the end of the blade.

Run the wipers, then turn the ignition key to Off when the wiper blades reach the desired position.

Even if you don't use your wipers, the sun and elements can dry out the rubber portions, causing them to crack and break apart. Periodic inspection ensures their condition and functionality.

Wet the windshield, turn the wipers on, allow them to cycle several times, then shut them off. An uneven wiper pattern or streaks over clean glass indicate that the blades should be replaced.

Slide the new blade onto the wiper arm hook until the blade locks, making sure the spring lock secures the blade to the pin.