I know this question is just one level less stupid than "how do I change my headlight fluid", but how do you change the wiper insert/blades on the '16 RX350? They seem to be a different style than the Toyota/Lexus blades I'm used to (i.e. on my '06 IS250 and '12 Highlander). Also, you can't actually lift the front ones off the windshield and leave them up, they would hit the hood. Usually lifting the blades off the windshield is step one in my exterior detailing routine. The rear one can't even be seen without kneeling and looking up towards the rear spoiler.

 

I'm not sure how to change the blades, but to lift them off you need to put them into the service/winter mode. Manually push them up until they click into the service/winter position.

 

I like to lift and clean the wiper blades when doing a wash. Now it takes an extra step. Within 30 seconds of turning off the RX, move the wiper stalk to the mist position. The wiper blades come out and sit vertically on the windshield. Then they can be safely lifted up. To get to the rear wiper with the RX on, turn the rear wiper on but turn off the RX before it moves back under the spoiler. That I don't mind as much since it's protected from the elements. New RX, new routines.

 

Thank you both for the quick replies. I am a little weary on manually moving anything with these cars, the last time I manually moved something I broke the air recirculation servo arm on my IS250 while attempting to change the cabin air filter...5 minute job turned into 4 hour dash disassembly to fix it. kitlz you are spot on with your recommendation for the front wipers as I found the same info in the owner's manual over the weekend (RTFM!) which was a pleasant surprise, didn't expect that info to be covered in there. As far as the rear one I think your suggestion is probably the easiest way to access it, there may be an exposed nut to take the entire wiper arm off that could be accessed with a closed end box wrench but that seems like overkill to change an insert. Also the manual recommends having the rear one serviced by the dealer :-/

 

I went to the dealer recently. The service tech did push the wiper up manually. A different dealership pulled the rear arm down to service it as well. *shakes head*

 

The rear wipers on my 2016 RX 350 retract beneath the rear spoiler and are inaccessible. The user manual says it's a dealer service item. Hard to believe. Can't do it myself. Does anyone know how?

 

Have you tried turning on the rear wiper and turning off the RX before it sweeps back under the spoiler? That should give you access. It's how I used to do it on my '10 that also had the wiper retract under the spoiler.

 

That worked thanks. I did not think something that simple would work, especially when putting the front wipers in "maintenance mode" is necessary to change the inserts.

 

Anyone tried the Bosch icon wiper blades? As per bosch fitment guide we need the 21OE and 26OE blades, does these fit good and comes with the correct attachments?

 

I tried it in previous car and they are not too good IMO. I prefer and recommend MICHELIN® Stealth. Currently have a set on a CT200h and they have been great.When the RX blades are done. I'm switching for these as well.

 

I too were not impressed with them on a previous car. I had issues with wind noises last time I swapped out a set of factory wipers so now I just replace the wiper blade insert with OEM inserts, instead of the whole wiper blade.

 

I have a 2016 RX 350, and decided to refill the front wiper blades, rather than buy entire blades. I have the refills, but I can't figure out how to "open" the blade to extract the old rubber refill and insert the new one. The ends of the rubber wiper are locked into plastic pieces that fit on the ends of the blade.
I can't find any guidance re how to remove these plastic pieces.
I'd be grateful for any suggestions.
Thanks!

 

 

Oh, dear! It's in the manual? Color me embarrassed.
Thanks very much!!

 

Not to worry! My '17 manual is 752 pages long, so I'm sure there's lots of stuff I'll never find!