How to Replace Windshield Wiper Blades: 2nd Gen Acura CL Type-S

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As I continue to slowly do work on my 2003 Acura CL-S to get it back in proper shape, I had to address one of the issues that I experience every time I take the car out for a drive to keep the battery from dying. And that’s a simple one: the windshield wiper blades. The original wiper blades that came with the car have fallen apart and the rubber portion was barely hanging on by a thread. Every time I turned on the wiper blades, I’d hear screeching as the metal parts of the wiper arm scratched against the windshield. Although this is an easy fix, it’s a very effective one and is a good reminder to regularly change out the wiper blades on your car.

Tools/Materials

I purchased these Michelin wiper blades from Costco, but obviously there are a number of choices out there so you may end up going with whichever ones you like. Personally, I like Goodyear or Michelin wiper blades over the others. For the 2nd generation Acura CL (years 2001-2003) including Type-S models, the driver’s side has a 24in driver side wiper blade and the passenger side has a 19in wiper blade.

Here are some other popular wiper blades if you’re interested in other options:

Bosch Clear Advantage: 24″ / 19″
Rain-X Lattitude: 24″ / 19″
Bosch Evolution: 24″ / 19″

How to Replace Windshield Wipers Blades

On the 2nd gen Acura CL series vehicles, you will need to remove the passenger’s side wiper arm from the base in order to replace the wiper blade. The driver’s side wiper arm can be flipped up to replace the wiper blade, but the passenger side arm cannot flip up due to the hood being in the way. Even with the hood open, you cannot flip up the passenger side wiper arm.

I decided to just remove both wiper arms from the base as it is much easier to replace the wiper blades once the arm is out.

Use a 14mm socket wrench to remove the bolt that holds each arm into place. Once removed, the base of the arm may be slightly seized into place. A flat head screwdriver can be used to wedge the wiper arm out of place; just make sure to do it evenly around all sides to work the whole wiper arm off of the base.

After removing the wiper arms, I used a microfiber towel with some all-purpose cleaner and cleaned up all the dirt and miscellaneous debris from the pivot arm location. This will keep the wipers operating smoothly while keeping away any obstructions.

In the past, I’ve tried to save a few bucks by buying wiper inserts and trying to change them out. This usually involved juggling the metal and rubber pieces during the process and would result in me getting frustrated and bending it. I’ve concluded that it’s just not worth the hassle. For me, buying the whole blade and changing it out is so much easier and convenient.

To replace the wiper blade, rotate the existing wiper blade almost 90 degrees from the wiper arm, press in the release tab, and pull the wiper blade towards the arm so that the hook from the arm comes loose. The new arm then goes into place the exact same way. Easy peasy.

After that, you can place the arms back onto the pivoting arm base, making sure to press the base all the way in. Re-install the 14mm bolt and hand-tighten. Do this for both wiper arms with new wiper blades installed.