Need new Wipers...

[n00bkiller944]

Okay guys, it's time for some new wipers on my 2005 XC70. I would like contoured ones like OEM, but would rather not pay OEM price for them. So do you guys know any good aftermarket wipers that fit properly? I need front and back wipers so what do you guys recommend?

Also I have read about putting the XC90 wiper arm XC70's, How hard is it to do this? And how much should I pay for a wiper arm?

Thanks guys!

[tolgatt]

i've been using reflex wipers for my cars for quite some time now,,,i would never go back to a regular wiper again...i absolutely love'em..and also they last twice as long

this is exactly what i use :

http://www.canadiantire.ca/browse/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=84552444327 8593&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=1408474396672433&bmUID=1235965974197

[rmyin]

Okay guys, it's time for some new wipers on my 2005 XC70. I would like contoured ones like OEM, but would rather not pay OEM price for them. So do you guys know any good aftermarket wipers that fit properly? I need front and back wipers so what do you guys recommend?

Also I have read about putting the XC90 wiper arm XC70's, How hard is it to do this? And how much should I pay for a wiper arm?

Thanks guys!

If you are looking for long time and performance, go with Bosch... We've done independent testing (1 millions cycles) to the life and performance and Bosch and another Chinese brand beat all the other major brands such as Anco and stuff. It's all in how they compound the rubber, cut it, and treat it. There's another Chinese company that has a very good wipers too but they are selling through other names such as PIAA and stuff.

Not all wipers are created equal...

[PaperToast]

i got valeo wiper blades on and they are fairly good. dont do too well with snow/ice but water is no prob. it seems that these are oem now on newer euro cars.
heres a link to the blades on amazon http://www.amazon.com/gp/explorer/B000CD8HH8/1/ref=s9_sims_c4_s1_p263_sim0?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-4&pf_rd_r=1BA7D8VJAPZ8FPQAP2KA&pf_rd_t=1601&pf_rd_p=423087701&pf_rd_i=main

tirerack.com sells them too http://www.tirerack.com/accessories/valeo/ultimate.jsp.
i has to buy these from both sites because one didnt have the size i needed and the other did. [nonono]

[dlr97]

I just installed the PIAA blades purchased from Tirerack.com and they work well so far. Don't know for how long...

[Art]

Okay guys, it's time for some new wipers on my 2005 XC70. I would like contoured ones like OEM, but would rather not pay OEM price for them. So do you guys know any good aftermarket wipers that fit properly? I need front and back wipers so what do you guys recommend?

Also I have read about putting the XC90 wiper arm XC70's, How hard is it to do this? And how much should I pay for a wiper arm?

Thanks guys!

I could be wrong but I think that Valeo may be the only manufacturer whose flat blades will fit + 05 MY proprietary wiper arms which would eliminate the need to switch out the wiper arms from an older MY XC70. The downside is that when it comes to price point, I'm not sure if they are any cheaper than the OE (Volvo) wiper blades. Unfortunately, Tirerack's (http://www.tirerack.com/accessories/valeo/ultimate.jsp) current 2 for 1 offer on Valeo blades does not include their OE wipers.

Valeo OE Blade
http://www.tirerack.com/images/accessories/product_images/valeoUltimateOE_fitments/topLock_gen2.jpg

+ 05 MY XC70 OE Blade
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b249/Batstar/P3011376.jpg

We conducted our own tests on the Valeo blades back in 2004 and were somewhat impressed with their performance.

http://www.volvoxc.com/features/ultimate_wiper_blade/

[billr99]

If you are looking for long time and performance, go with Bosch... We've done independent testing (1 millions cycles) to the life and performance and Bosch and another Chinese brand beat all the other major brands such as Anco and stuff. It's all in how they compound the rubber, cut it, and treat it. There's another Chinese company that has a very good wipers too but they are selling through other names such as PIAA and stuff.

Not all wipers are created equal...

OK, so who are these Chinese guys?

Thanks,

Bill

[PGI007]

[QUOTE=tolgatt;94920]i've been using reflex wipers for my cars for quite some time now,,,i would never go back to a regular wiper again...i absolutely love'em..and also they last twice as long

...Have you put these on your XC70?

[ChazzyD]

If you are looking for long time and performance, go with Bosch... We've done independent testing (1 millions cycles) to the life and performance and Bosch and another Chinese brand beat all the other major brands such as Anco and stuff. It's all in how they compound the rubber, cut it, and treat it. There's another Chinese company that has a very good wipers too but they are selling through other names such as PIAA and stuff.

Not all wipers are created equal...

I've tried Bosch blades several times and Anco beats them hands down for longevity. Bosch blades work great for a month or two, then they are done. Have they reformulated the rubber? I sure hope so.
Charles

[rmyin]

I've tried Bosch blades several times and Anco beats them hands down for longevity. Bosch blades work great for a month or two, then they are done. Have they reformulated the rubber? I sure hope so.
Charles

Bill, I have a NDA that does not allow me to share this. Regardless, they do not sell directly to the US market. They sell through various companies such as PIAA and Valeo and such.

Regarding different brands... In our testing, the Anco blades were the hardest and they maintained the same wiping quality pretty much through the life of the test. There's two general components in our test. Life and wiping quality. It gets pretty complicated. The windshield is divided into 3 zones and different points are deducted for different types of streak such as dotted, solid, permanent, or faded.

I won't bore you with all the details but overall, Bosch fared the highest overall score for our outcome.

It depends on what you like to do with your wipers right. Some people like using as ice scraper. I take good care of my wipers and never wipe hard ice with them.

Man, we are getting pretty complex talking wipers... I better stop. Cheers...

[billr99]

Bill, I have a NDA that does not allow me to share this. Regardless, they do not sell directly to the US market. They sell through various companies such as PIAA and Valeo and such.


Thanks anyway. I was hoping you could drop a name as we get some different Chinese-based companies selling into the Canadian market that may not sell in the US or have a front name there. I'm running Chinese summer tires and they aren't half bad, was kind of hoping that I could find wipers that are similarly better than I can generally find locally at the price.

Thanks again,

Bill

[n00bkiller944]

I could be wrong but I think that Valeo may be the only manufacturer whose flat blades will fit + 05 MY proprietary wiper arms which would eliminate the need to switch out the wiper arms from an older MY XC70. The downside is that when it comes to price point, I'm not sure if they are any cheaper than the OE (Volvo) wiper blades. Unfortunately, Tirerack's (http://www.tirerack.com/accessories/valeo/ultimate.jsp) current 2 for 1 offer on Valeo blades does not include their OE wipers.

Valeo OE Blade
http://www.tirerack.com/images/accessories/product_images/valeoUltimateOE_fitments/topLock_gen2.jpg

+ 05 MY XC70 OE Blade
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b249/Batstar/P3011376.jpg

We conducted our own tests on the Valeo blades back in 2004 and were somewhat impressed with their performance.

http://www.volvoxc.com/features/ultimate_wiper_blade/

Can anyone confirm this?

[billr99]

[QUOTE=tolgatt;94920]i've been using reflex wipers for my cars for quite some time now,,,i would never go back to a regular wiper again...i absolutely love'em..and also they last twice as long

...Have you put these on your XC70?
No, I haven't. Where are you getting them?

The problem I have here is that the salt air doesn't seem to do them much good. Had sand in North Bay and salt here; can't quite get more than 6 months out of an OEM blade anywhere it seems.

Thanks for the suggestion,

Bill

[Art]

Can anyone confirm this?

I stand corrected. I was at Costco this afternoon and noticed a bin of Michelin hydroedge flat style wiper blades. After checking the fitment guide, it appears that the appropriate adapter is provided for MY +05 XC70s. I believe that Goodyear has a similar blade under their own brand name (Goodyear Assurance).

[tolgatt]

.Have you put these on your XC70?


yes i have put them to my XC the second day i have bought the car,,,universal clip just clicks in perfectly ,,took 30 seconds each side to put them on...never had any problems in rain or snow....very happy

[PGI007]

Thanks, good to know these options are available. The Subaru needs new wipers so maybe I will get the Reflex and test-fit on the XC70 first.
Anyone use the Michelin flat blades from Costco? I have seen those also but they aren't cheap either.

BTW, what is the general price for OEM wipers at the dealership, for comparison?

[Art]

Thanks, good to know these options are available. The Subaru needs new wipers so maybe I will get the Reflex and test-fit on the XC70 first.
Anyone use the Michelin flat blades from Costco? I have seen those also but they aren't cheap either.

BTW, what is the general price for OEM wipers at the dealership, for comparison?

According to Cdn. Tire's wiper blade fitment guide, the Reflex/Reflex Wet Tec wiper blades are not compatible with +05 MYs. However, the Motomaster brand teflon 'Precise-Fit' flat blades (style #13) will, although blades for the rear wiper arms are not available. Priced slightly higher than the Reflex blades, the MM Precise-Fit blades retail for $22.99 each for 22" and 24" lengths. I seem to recall the Michelin Hydroedge blades were selling at Costco for $15.99 Cdn./blade. No idea how either of these blades stack up against the competition.

In comparison a pair of oem wiper blades will set you back over $60 Cdn/pair and the 16" rear replacement sells for $20.

[MT71]

I have the michelin on MY05 and they work perfectly. Similar design as the reflex. As Art said, the adapter is included and also works fine. The other great thing with the michelin, you can easily remove the rubber blade and slide it in the rear wiper arm.

Had mine for 6 months and they still wipe like the first day.


Marc

[billr99]

According to Cdn. Tire's wiper blade fitment guide, the Reflex/Reflex Wet Tec wiper blades are not compatible with +05 MYs. However, the Motomaster brand teflon 'Precise-Fit' flat blades (style #13) will, although blades for the rear wiper arms are not available. Priced slightly higher than the Reflex blades, the MM Precise-Fit blades retail for $22.99 each for 22" and 24" lengths. I seem to recall the Michelin Hydroedge blades were selling at Costco for $15.99 Cdn./blade. No idea how either of these blades stack up against the competition.

In comparison a pair of oem wiper blades will set you back over $60 Cdn/pair and the 16" rear replacement sells for $20.
I don't do Costco, but Reflex available at CT, eh? Damn, how did I miss that one? The reading of the Friday CT flyer is part of my normal Friday night routine. ;)

Thanks, guys

Bill

[Jeremy]

Thanks, good to know these options are available. The Subaru needs new wipers so maybe I will get the Reflex and test-fit on the XC70 first.
Anyone use the Michelin flat blades from Costco? I have seen those also but they aren't cheap either.

BTW, what is the general price for OEM wipers at the dealership, for comparison?

I was reading this thread a few days ago and while at Costco yesterday I noticed the Michilen blades. At $7.99 each I figured I'd give them a try. Used them today and they work great so far. Will have to see how they hold up long term.

Jeremy

[brianc2112]

RainX sells a ones like Reflex and I was wondering if anyone has tried them.?
http://www.rainx.com/Products/Wiper_Blades/Latitude.aspx

Thanks,
Brian

[ChazzyD]

FYI. Volvo part number for 2005 front blade set: 30753270. Only $29.21 at tascavolvoparts.com or $43 at eEuroparts.com with free shipping for orders over $49.
Charles

[Crazy Harry]

The passenger side wiper blade has a curvature to fit the windshield. Are people just replacing it with straight aftermarket blades or are you sliding out the refills and swapping them?

Thanks,

Harold.

[tolgatt]

The passenger side wiper blade has a curvature to fit the windshield. Are people just replacing it with straight aftermarket blades or are you sliding out the refills and swapping them?

Thanks,

Harold.


the blades that are mentioned on this thread are not refill blades,,they are full replacements of the regular wiper blades

[Crazy Harry]

the blades that are mentioned on this thread are not refill blades,,they are full replacements of the regular wiper blades

But the passenger side blade is curved, do the straight replacements work just as well?

Harold.

[tolgatt]

But the passenger side blade is curved, do the straight replacements work just as well?

Harold.

they are not straight,they are naturally curved flexible blades,,when you put them on, it takes the shape of the windshield,,,no gaps left at any part of it..

thats why they work better than the traditional wiper blades

[Art]

FWIW, the Michelin Hydroedge blades are on sale for $10 (with coupon) at Costco until April 19. Reg price is $12.99/blade. They look and fit just like the oem versions.

http://www.getmoreofwhatyoulove.ca/images_upload/live/coupons97_west_en_20091304.jpg

[poiurewqfdsa]

i've tried the new Rainax wipers, they do the job nicely but the commercial over exaggerated their effectiveness.

btw can someone please list the length of the 3 wipers (two front & the one in the back) for the XC70? I have to take my old wipers in the store to match everytime i'm due for a replacement and i'm not sure i am really getting the correct size. thanx.

[kamiar]

i've tried the new Rainax wipers, they do the job nicely but the commercial over exaggerated their effectiveness.

btw can someone please list the length of the 3 wipers (two front & the one in the back) for the XC70? I have to take my old wipers in the store to match everytime i'm due for a replacement and i'm not sure i am really getting the correct size. thanx.

It depends on the model year, for 2001-2004 is 24-21/Driver-Passenger and 17 for rear i think (although it has to be from dealer only), for 2005-2007 is 24-22/Driver-Passenger

[dagibby]

I've got the ones from costco and they work well, I use rainex fluid which seems to help at speed.

[brianc2112]

i've tried the new Rainax wipers, they do the job nicely but the commercial over exaggerated their effectiveness.

btw can someone please list the length of the 3 wipers (two front & the one in the back) for the XC70? I have to take my old wipers in the store to match everytime i'm due for a replacement and i'm not sure i am really getting the correct size. thanx.

I got my blades from Rainx. The front two went on well, but the back one didn't. In fact, it broke my wiper arm. The round little part that suppose to clip into the wiper arm has a bigger diameter that the previous one. When I attempted to snap it into place, it broke the little clips on the wiper arm. I got a new arm and blade from the dealer and it is clearly smaller diameter than the rainx one.

[gdias1]

FWIW, the Michelin Hydroedge blades are on sale for $10 (with coupon) at Costco until April 19. Reg price is $12.99/blade. They look and fit just like the oem versions.

http://www.getmoreofwhatyoulove.ca/images_upload/live/coupons97_west_en_20091304.jpg


Hi I got those exact wippers but I don't see how they would fit on my wiper arms... adapter does not seem right.. I have the arms in the pics from previous post's

am I just a moron???

[Art]

Here's a quick run through of the Hydroedge wiper blade installation:

This is the adapter that should have been included in the package.
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b249/Batstar/P5121453.jpg

Lineup the slot in adapter with the support on the wiper blade.
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b249/Batstar/P5121455.jpg

Press firmly down on the two parts until they snap together.
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b249/Batstar/P5121456.jpg

Lineup the hole in the blade assembly with the protrusion on the wiper arm.
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b249/Batstar/P5121457.jpg

Angle the blade assembly so that the wiper arm fits properly into the hole.
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b249/Batstar/P5121458.jpg

Snap the lower portion of the adapter in place.
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b249/Batstar/P5121459.jpg

Installation complete.
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b249/Batstar/P5121460.jpg

[Au_xc70_03]

I have been using the michelin hydroedge wipers which i bought at my walmart for about 2 1/2 years. I first started using them on my 240 which work great in all weather conditions. The only thing about the wipers is on the xc70 i had to buy a size smaller than 22 inches for the passenger side because of fitment issues. I would recomend buying these wipers again to anybody looking for an all weather wiper. easy installation.