Is Your Back Wiper Totally Useless?

[cmj685]

Guys,
Just wondering if your back window wiper is totally useless? We have used the thing probably 4 or 5 times in the two years that we have had the vehicle and each time it essentially doesn't do anything but smear parts of the window until it can't be seen through and miss the other parts of the window entirely. Anything that can be done...because once in a while it actually becomes a safety hazard? Help!

 

[kimboy]

Use it often, and change the wiper blade insert after a year or so. I use Rain-X windshield fluid and everytime I wash the liftgate window, the fluid coats the glass and provides a layer of protection.

The spring within the wiper arm provides the force for the wiper blade to work. Using the rear wiper means that your alowing the spring to do its work.

If you only using it a few times a year, the spring won't see much activity and inturn, you might not like the results your getting.

 

[Mark86]

My wiper does a good job of cleaning off the back window. It is probably time for a new blade.

 

[RonMAIDEN]

I found out the replacement blade on the back of 3rd gens is a dealer only item and feared what they would rape me for it and surprisingly it was only $9 so I replaced it and it works great.

 

[ironadrenaline]

yeah mine went to shit during an ICE STORM so that wasnt fun...but yeah 11 bucks for a new one from the dealer, and thank god it works now.

 

[YotaFun]

I use mine al the time,
and when in stpedad I use his,
he gets pissed cause he never uses it but it works.

THe wiper balde that is on there is the same one that originally came on the runner.

10 years old and it works better than stepdads,
I should change it though

 

[RL4673]

...like teet's on a bull. 5 4Runners and never used it on any of them!

 

[RonMAIDEN]

Not useless at all.

 

[jrs2]

I'm almost embarassed to admit it, but I still have the original rear wiper blade on my '90. Is that a record? I don't use it that often plus I use Rain-X. It still works surprisingly well.

Does anyone know the part number for it?

 

[cjm5027]

i have to use mine to be able to see out the back and it works great. i replace the insert twice a year with a toyota blade.

 

[20runner]

I've owned several SUV's. This is the only rear wiper that actually DOES work....

 

[toto]

I agree... this is one of the few SUV's where it really does work. I think it's because the glass is flat. I've had other SUV's with quite a curve on the rear glass, and the blade - even a new one - never really cleaned anything. Another little detail where the 4Runner is more mature and better than the crossover's!

 

[charlier180]

This winter was the first time in the three years that I have owned my 4Runner that I used the rear wiper.
The combination of higher than normal use of chemicals on the roads and very low temps made using the rear wiper necessary.

 

[Jacobzky]

Use it all the time, i dont see why not.

 

[fourwd1]

The rear wiper on my 84 works just fine.
Don't know what the problem with the newer junk is.

 

[bbyrd]

use mine and would want to keep it ready to use. Wish i could find a blade repplacement without having to go to dealer....

 

[ironadrenaline]

use mine and would want to keep it ready to use. Wish i could find a blade repplacement without having to go to dealer....

its 11 dollars...is it that bad of a deal?

 

[bbyrd]

no, i just don't enjoy the long drive to the dealer when there are auto parts all around me close by...
bb

 

[T?@\7]

I have NEVER used it!
Its weurd, but one of my major pet peeves as far as my truck or any car of mine goes, I CANT STAND WIPER MARKS....
Especially over time, when the window where the wiper cant rech, has gnar hard water stains. I try to use my front wipers as little as possible, i guess im weird :-D

 

[eorange]

Anyone else have this problem? My rear wiper will glide right over the water / washer fluid / whatever for about 2 - 3 times, and then I'll hear it "catch", and then it'll start wiping.