DIY: Wagon Rear Wiper Upgrade

[Huffer]

This should apply to all Subaru wagons, including the OBS, Outback, Impreza and Legacy.

Problem: You have a 90s or 2000's wagon, and your rear wiper is rusty and generally pretty crappy. What's your option? Buy a used, junkyard arm and try to recondition it? Buy a brand new arm from the dealer and pay out the nose for it?

Here's a solution that gives you a new arm, for a few bucks and some time, and when you need to replace your blade you go visit a Honda dealer and pay $3 for the blade.

Waitaminute, a HONDA dealer?

Oh yes!

See pics below for details, but essentially you will remove your old wiper arm entirely, and replace it with a newer arm + wiper combination from any late model Honda Odyssey or Pilot:

Old arm + new arm already installed:
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2010/09/Subarurearwiperupgrade1-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2010/09/Subarurearwiperupgrade2-1.jpg

Old arm showing the open hole where the arm bolts onto the wiper motor:
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2010/09/Subarurearwiperupgrade3-1.jpg

New arm showing the identical open hole and the 10mm nut:
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2010/09/Subarurearwiperupgrade4-1.jpg

Parts:
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2010/09/Subarurearwiperupgrade5-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2010/09/Subarurearwiperupgrade6-1.jpg
(last pic shows the original nut from the Legacy, the part number is for a new $0.05 nut from Honda)

Any questions, let me know, but if you can change your oil you can do this mod. Shoot if you can do this mod you should be able to change your oil!

nice...added to the to-do list

[2000gtb]

+2.... will be doing it this weekend

[Soul Shinobi]

Sweet, have a distance shot? Is the blade longer than the stock one, and if not can the blade length be changed?

[Huffer]

Sweet, have a distance shot? Is the blade longer than the stock one, and if not can the blade length be changed?

Blade length is the same as stock, so is the arm. Blade length cannot be changed as it is now an integral part of the arm.

However, this arm will not rust as its plastic and i saved weight too. LOL

[Airgne]

so how do you change the blade when it needs it?

[StatGSR]

Nice job huffer!

And Airgne, it looks like you can just get replacement blade from honda....
http://www.thehondapartsstore.com/herso ... vinsrch=no (http://www.thehondapartsstore.com/herson/jsp/prddisplay.jsp?inputstate=5&catcgry1=PILOT&catcgry2=2003&catcgry3=5DR+EXL&catcgry4=KA5AT&catcgry5=REAR+WIPER&ListAll=All&vinsrch=no)

[JunkerXL]

win! :smt005 im SO doing this when i get near a honda dealer




:smt020

[Airgne]

whos the weird asian in taking the pics?

[Huffer]

so how do you change the blade when it needs it?

Nice job huffer!

And Airgne, it looks like you can just get replacement blade from honda....
http://www.thehondapartsstore.com/herso ... vinsrch=no (http://www.thehondapartsstore.com/herson/jsp/prddisplay.jsp?inputstate=5&catcgry1=PILOT&catcgry2=2003&catcgry3=5DR+EXL&catcgry4=KA5AT&catcgry5=REAR+WIPER&ListAll=All&vinsrch=no)

Yep, that's it.

It's a bit more fiddly but it's how pretty much all the rear wipers are on wagons/vans these days. Just look at any late model vehicle, GM, Ford, Honda, Toyota, etc.

[LiCelsior]

Great job huffer.

[rocketlegacy]

went to my honda dealer. the part is retailed at $50. nut was 75¢. i asked for the 3 buck wiper and they looked at me like i was an idiot.

[Huffer]

Perhaps you misunderstood my DIY. I took photos of the part numbers so people would know exactly what to buy. The wiper BLADE is $3 but the entire arm assembly that includes the blade is around $40 online.

[LiCelsior]

such a great upgrade. installed mine today and looks so much better than a rusty wiper.

[Huffer]

^^^ post pics!!!

[Magoozle]

Notice any improvement in clearing the window? Even with a new blade on my wagon it seems to miss certain spots, namely the top part of the window, not a huge deal, just curious.

[Huffer]

Thats usually because the spring on the wiper arm is worn out. With the new arm i installed, i get complete even coverage. I really happy with it! Btw, any wiper arm manufactured like this one will work, it just has to have the 8mm (?) hole for the wiper motor. So go junkyard diving!

[Magoozle]

Hmm, I learn somethin new every day.

[LiCelsior]

had crazy rain today and used it for the first time. it wipes the whole back windshield now! it used to miss one spot in the middle before with the old wiper.

[Huffer]

great to hear, i had the same experience after my upgrade. :) post pics of your install!

[mxitup]

Installed mine this week as well...

Thanks again for the part numbers :thumbup:

[StatGSR]

went to my honda dealer. the part is retailed at $50. nut was 75¢. i asked for the 3 buck wiper and they looked at me like i was an idiot.

from the link i posted it would be about $30 plus shipping for everything.

[LiCelsior]

Wooot now to find a front wiper upgrade.

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2010/09/03a9bc1a-1.jpg

[Huffer]

Wooot now to find a front wiper upgrade.

Yup, my next project....

[impreza_GC8]

What year Odyssey or Pilot?

[LiCelsior]

03 pilot would work.

http://www.hondaautomotiveparts.com/

has some pretty low prices.

[Huffer]

What year Odyssey or Pilot?

Anything from 03 up. I used 07 Pilot, but if you match the PN you're golden.

[blackstar]

This is what it looks like on a 3rd Gen Legacy. easy to do and a nice lil addition. Thanks Huffer

http://i639.photobucket.com/albums/uu113/moflitchy/new%20subaru/Photo0484.jpg

http://i639.photobucket.com/albums/uu113/moflitchy/new%20subaru/Photo0485.jpg

[chuckthefuk]

Looks so wrong but feels so good. Strange to see a newer style item on such an old car, but I am down my wiper arm has been "reconditioned" 5 times so far. Thanks Huff!

-Chuck

[Reason]

Great job Roger, looks great!

[swiftman007]

Many thanks for this DIY.

I just call an Honda Dealer (HEre in MTL , Canada) , they charge 45$ for the arm and 25$ for the blade. 1$ for the nut..

anyway probably order it online , I will save about 30$.

[LiCelsior]

the wiper comes with the arm btw. well at least when i bought that part number it did.

[Huffer]

Yep, all you need is the two part numbers.
Shoot you can even reuse the old washer nut if you want, making it just the ONE partnumber you need!

Glad so many people are getting love from this DIY. BTW, this should work for the Impreza and Forester crowd too.

[chaksq]

Awesome info, I'll look into this at some point.

[1-3-2-4]

Hmm too bad if I did not already buy a new arm from the dealer

[Huffer]

Return it! This is a way better deal! Or return it for a Tribeca wiper, it'll do the same job!
(I just did some basic research and it looks like it'll work!)

2008/09 Tribeca:
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2010/09/tribeca08silverear1JPG-1.jpg

Some info on the replacement Tribeca rear blade:
http://www.sb9t.com/forums/showthread.php?p=9694

[1-3-2-4]

lol I've had it almost a year I don't think I can return it :P

[csweston]

Just ordered one! Thanks for the DYI

[fwa2500]

having been through a couple snow storms and lots of nasty salty road spray, i can say that i LOVE this upgrade. it wokes so much better than the stock one ever did while also looking tons better.

[98legwag]

I tried doing this and the nut comes off just fine but my rear wiper seems to be rusted to bolt. Any ideas? I dont want to break anything trying to get the wiper arm off.

[1-3-2-4]

might have to give a firm tug works best if you leave the wiper arm flat on the glass and pull it off the wiper motor shaft.

[impreza_GC8]

So the Tribeca arm is cheaper?

[Legacy]

Just purchased a Tribeca ARM today for $37.00 plus $7 for the blade. Got it at my local dealership.
Got a 10% DIY discount. Took a few minutes for the install. Look awesome. Thanks for the write up.

[DGA93]

i want to know if i can do it with my sedan ...
and now i have to look to see what i kind of car has them here

[Huffer]

Sure you can. All you need is to make sure the hole diameter is the same and the arm length gives you enough coverage.

I started out by looking at modern vehicles in parking lots.

[Lojasmo]

Or, spray the hell out of yours with textured paint. $8

[Huffer]

Or, spray the hell out of yours with textured paint. $8

And then waste $8 when it rusts through again...and again...and again...

[Guig'z]

Can any of you give the part number of the complete set for the Tribeca? Subarugenuineparts has so much little parts for it!

Is there like a kit including eveything?

[Huffer]

I dont have part numbers for the tribeca. Just email or contact your dealer and tell them you need a replacement rear wiper arm for a Tribeca.

[98legwag]

I dont have part numbers for the tribeca. Just email or contact your dealer and tell them you need a replacement rear wiper arm for a Tribeca.


There are 3 different wiper arms. I got the wrong one :mad:. Ill see if I have the part # when I get home.

[Huffer]

DOH!! So maybe people should just stick with the Honda Pilot one that I used...

[98legwag]

DOH!! So maybe people should just stick with the Honda Pilot one that I used...

Yeah. The one I bought wont clear the washer sprayer on the rear windshield.

[White Wagon]

Yeah , i just went with the Pilot one and can't be happier that i did. Such a good upgrade :smt023

[98legwag]

DOH!! So maybe people should just stick with the Honda Pilot one that I used...

Yeah. The one I bought wont clear the washer sprayer on the rear windshield.

The Tribeca arm does work on a 3rd gen. I just put it on my mom's Outback.

[Huffer]

DOH!! So maybe people should just stick with the Honda Pilot one that I used...

Yeah. The one I bought wont clear the washer sprayer on the rear windshield.

The Tribeca arm does work on a 3rd gen. I just put it on my mom's Outback.

WHICH Tribeca arm? According to the posts, there are 3 diff part numbers. Post the PN that worked for you, and a pic if you can. :)

[98legwag]

Heres the part #
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/06/CIMG1429-1.jpg

Here is the new wiper
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/06/CIMG1434-1.jpg

[98legwag]

I got my Honda parts and installed them. What I learned about the Tribeca arm is that it mounts much tighter/lower on the bolt then the Honda arm. It sits closer to the windshield and thus hits the sprayer nozzel on the 95-99 Legacys. The sprayer nozzel on the 00-04 is at the top of the rear windshield so there is no problem there. I will try to get pictures of the clearence from the windshield of both cars this evening.

[Subieee]

I can't wait to do this haha

[Wiscon_Mark]

I just did this, thanks so much Huffer! My old wiper arm was tired and only got about 50% coverage. (I got the Honda one, btw)

edit for photo demonstration of awesomeness:
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/08/RearWipercontactpattern-1.jpg

[Huffer]

Cool photo, thanks Mark!

[vicdeng]

is there a way to do the front wiper as well? my wiper arm is getting bad.

[Huffer]

is there a way to do the front wiper as well? my wiper arm is getting bad.

Buy a new one, or sand and repaint. I havent looked too hard into the front arm replacements.

[Wiscon_Mark]

You almost have to have a metal arm on the front. I doubt there's any plastic ones out there compatible with a subaru - I'd just sand and repaint that one.

[AussieDan]

I upgraded my front wipers to the 99 limited style with integrated spoiler (http://photos.phpwerx.net/cars/Legacy/Swap/2008-10-15_Wiper_Arms/), they'll run you around $90 for the pair.

86532AC231 - Driver side wiper arm with spoiler
86532AC241 - Passenger side wiper arm
86538SA020 - Wiper arm bolt cover (x2)

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/09/DSCF2539JPG-1.jpg (http://photos.phpwerx.net/cars/Legacy/Swap/2008-10-15_Wiper_Arms/800x600/DSCF2539.JPG.html) https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/09/DSCF2541JPG-1.jpg (http://photos.phpwerx.net/cars/Legacy/Swap/2008-10-15_Wiper_Arms/800x600/DSCF2541.JPG.html) https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/09/DSCF2542JPG-1.jpg (http://photos.phpwerx.net/cars/Legacy/Swap/2008-10-15_Wiper_Arms/800x600/DSCF2542.JPG.html)

Add some new blades (and a swap :grin:) and you'll end up with this:

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/09/DSCF3915JPG-1.jpg (http://photos.phpwerx.net/cars/Legacy/2011-04-17_Exhaust/800x600/DSCF3915.JPG.html)

[Wiscon_Mark]

Wow, 90 dollars, and I can have a turbo motor with the Sti intercooler!

Oh wait....



I'd assume that the BE/BH ones (also have the spoiler) will fit a BD/BK/BG as well, yes?

[AussieDan]

No idea if the BE ones would work, could be interesting to find out.

[Huffer]

The BE/BH ones will probably work, but the drivers wiper blade is 1cm longer than the BD/bk

[Wiscon_Mark]

A sticky, nice!

I just ended up sanding and repainting my front wipers today. Yay for fresh paint and no more rust!

[Subieee]

I'm so hyped for this lol
Wiper should be here in a day or so

[Subieee]

Is it just mine, or does it seem a little lose on there. When i open my hatch and then shut it, it seems to drop down a bit. Should i just tighten it a bit more?

Besides that, it looks so good and works like a charm ;)

[Wiscon_Mark]

Mine does that too. I think it's just some give in the wiper motor itself, because the wiper is tightened down pretty darn good on there.

[1982gl4]

I'm doing this on my first gen in the next few days, my wiper arm is all worn out.

[98legwag]

Is it just mine, or does it seem a little lose on there. When i open my hatch and then shut it, it seems to drop down a bit. Should i just tighten it a bit more?

Besides that, it looks so good and works like a charm ;)

Mine has done that too. Its still tight so I haven't messed with it yet.

[Tylerhartman]

Thanks Huffer! Here's a photo of my legacy with the New Honda ARM.

JDM Tail lights, Honda Wiper ARM..

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/01/IMG_2403-1.jpg

[Huffer]

Nice one Tyler!

[1982gl4]

Just got mine installed on my first gen. Awesome upgrade :smt023
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/01/338-1.jpg

[Huffer]

Yeah go the 1st gens!

[N3M3S1S]

Nice! Doing this very soon!

[camroncamera]

I dont have part numbers for the tribeca. Just email or contact your dealer and tell them you need a replacement rear wiper arm for a Tribeca.
There are 3 different wiper arms. I got the wrong one :mad:. Ill see if I have the part # when I get home.

So did anyone ever come up with the correct part number for the Tribeca arm that fits the BG? I'm left with the impression that #86532AG09D is the WRONG one for BG, even though it fits the 3rd gen. Not in a rush to do this mod myself, but it would be nice the have the right number right off the bat at the dealership.

Thanks!

[96LegacyWagon]

Cool, I will need to remember this... for "Total: $30.44" I can finally have a rear blade!
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/03/030212144008-1.jpg

[N3M3S1S]

Just ordered 2. One for my BH and one for Chucks BG! Install this weekend. To cameroncamera- I dont see any reason why it wouldn't fit, and im pretty sure someone in this thread replied to this with a successful install. Either way, I will report back this weekend for you.

[98legwag]

I dont have part numbers for the tribeca. Just email or contact your dealer and tell them you need a replacement rear wiper arm for a Tribeca.
There are 3 different wiper arms. I got the wrong one :mad:. Ill see if I have the part # when I get home.

So did anyone ever come up with the correct part number for the Tribeca arm that fits the BG? I'm left with the impression that #86532AG09D is the WRONG one for BG, even though it fits the 3rd gen. Not in a rush to do this mod myself, but it would be nice the have the right number right off the bat at the dealership.

Thanks!

It is wrong for the BG/BK. It also worked itself lose a few times on the BH so I took it off and put the old metal arm back on.

[Huffer]

Cool, I will need to remember this... for "Total: $30.44" I can finally have a rear blade!

It's less if you pick up a used rear wiper from a Honda Pilot or similar in a junk yard.

Pretty much any modern wiper that has a 10mm nut will work; I've recently confirmed that a Pontiac Vibe/Toyota Matrix works, as well as a Honda Odyssey, Toyota Previa and even a more modern Kia. Odd that the Tribeca doesn't work.

But if you want to be guaranteed, just use the Honda Pilot one with the part numbers I posted. Don't sweat that it's not genuine Subaru... how many of us are using Subaru batteries? ;)

[Wiscon_Mark]

The Honda Pilot & Odyssey assemblies and wipers (post 2005) are exactly the same.

[N3M3S1S]

Installed on my BH. Works fantastic! And I do not see it coming loose, it is on there just as tight as the old one.

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/03/IMG00170201203131042-1.jpg

[Wagonista]

Did everyone else's come with the bolt cover? Because mine didn't.

[sybir]

If anyone's still looking (or doesn't have a local yard or dealer), here's the whole shebang in one easy impulse buy location.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/111001269394?ss ... 1497.l2649 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/111001269394?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649)

[Muse]

Wow, 90 dollars, and I can have a turbo motor with the Sti intercooler!

Oh wait....



I'd assume that the BE/BH ones (also have the spoiler) will fit a BD/BK/BG as well, yes?
They fit, sorta. I've got a set on my car, and the driver's side arm has to be at a funny, lower angle to prevent the blade from smacking the A pillar. That being said, they work great in the rain. I think the spring is stiffer than the BD/BK/BG arms.

[paulzy]

Just ordered the ODYSSEY arm on ebay from china for $13 + Free Post, Can't wait for it to arrive! Thanks guys! :grin:

[Huffer]

paulzy - I love/hate that you've been a member here since October 2012 and THIS was your first post. ;)

[paulzy]

paulzy - I love/hate that you've been a member here since October 2012 and THIS was your first post. ;)

Hi Huffer, I was a bit surprised also to see it was my first post :O Now I've rediscovered SLi net I'll be sure to frequent more often and i may even have a few write ups soon ;) just have to organize my pictures folder *Sigh* lol

[Huffer]

Sounds awesome mate!!

[z2508881]

Probably posted already, but for (additional) reference, here is a before and after on my '97

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2014/08/stock_wiper_arm-1.jpg

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2014/08/pilot_wiper_arm-1.jpg

I finally get full contact, and for the first time that I can remember I actually used the rear wiper last rain storm.

[Huffer]

Nice job!

[twoin]

I just did this and love the new look

[babiker712]

Need some help on what I did wrong the first time so as to not repeat my mistake. 2002 Outback VDC. I am doing a tailgate swap due to a fender bender, and decided to do this upgrade as part of it. On the first attempt, my working rear wiper was replaced with the Tribeca arm and blade mentioned earlier in this thread (trying to keep my car racially pure). It started to move and maybe did 20 degrees before stopping. Unsure if I tightened the nut too loose or too tight, I later attempted to adjust the torque of the 10mm nut. Loosened, the spindle spun freely with the motor. Tightened, it would not spin the new blade. In attempting to further tighten it, the spindle snapped in half with the 10mm still attached.

Luckily, I have the working motor from my old liftgate, and can swap that over once a 23mm socket shows up in the mail. Just want to make sure I don't repeat the same mistake round 2 once it shows up. Any advice is appreciated.

[babiker712]

Need some help on what I did wrong the first time so as to not repeat my mistake. 2002 Outback VDC. I am doing a tailgate swap due to a fender bender, and decided to do this upgrade as part of it. On the first attempt, my working rear wiper was replaced with the Tribeca arm and blade mentioned earlier in this thread (trying to keep my car racially pure). It started to move and maybe did 20 degrees before stopping. Unsure if I tightened the nut too loose or too tight, I later attempted to adjust the torque of the 10mm nut. Loosened, the spindle spun freely with the motor. Tightened, it would not spin the new blade. In attempting to further tighten it, the spindle snapped in half with the 10mm still attached.

Luckily, I have the working motor from my old liftgate, and can swap that over once a 23mm socket shows up in the mail. Just want to make sure I don't repeat the same mistake round 2 once it shows up. Any advice is appreciated.

Completed the swap. 1 inch socket works in place of 23mm. confirmed TRIBECA ARM DOES NOT WORK. All back together now using my old wiper arm, working fine. Hopefully the dealer lets me return it.

[the_webers_inc]

Honda Arm ordered. Looking forward to full coverage & getting rid of the rusty rear wiper assembly on my BH Legacy.

[nikolaus.conrad]

I upgraded mine with one from a 2004 Forester, not as clean of a design as the Honda blade but still leaps and bounds better than what I had. And I think I only paid like $5 for it so you can't beat that.

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2015/03/9638EADFA98B4AEA85ED9DB0FC9E47DC-1.jpg (http://s758.photobucket.com/user/Dittler47/media/9638EADF-A98B-4AEA-85ED-9DB0FC9E47DC.jpg.html)

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2015/03/A71BC5A26C3D48BCBCA0059BAB627B85-1.jpg (http://s758.photobucket.com/user/Dittler47/media/A71BC5A2-6C3D-48BC-BCA0-059BAB627B85.jpg.html)

[Huffer]

Nice one. Way to keep it Subbie.

[nikolaus.conrad]

:thumbup:

[eyekon]

this is sooo awesome! for sure going to be on my list of to do's

[the_webers_inc]

Another satisfied convert:

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2015/08/Photo20Aug20082C2052055201020PM-1.jpg

Still need to adjust it up a bit.