Review of the Silblade Silicone Windshield wiper blades on a 3rg gen 4runner

Texas_Ace · 12-24-2007, 07:21 PM

Ok, I just got my Silblade flexblade silicone wipers (http://www.silblade.com/) in to replace all of mine. And here is the write up I promised:

I got them in a nice box via UPS

and opened it to find

Which is going to replace these rain-x blade that were about 6 months old

Side by side comparisons:

So I just popped the old blade off the wiper handle

And popped the new one on

And badda bing, badda booom! It is done!

Here is the new one on the left with the old one on the right

The other side went on just as easy and the same way.

Now where it got interesting, the rear wiper:

This is the junky stock one that is ALL messed up, it would only get about 4 inches by 10 inches clean at all, the rest would not get anything. (it is cleaner in a bigger area in the picture because I had messed with it a few days earlier to try to find out what the problem was and made it clean more)

And this is the new blade:

Well the first problem was that the stock blade mounts in a funny way that nothing can just snap onto. The good news is that these blades had the extra holes and stuff I needed to be able to make it work. So I first removed the plastic covers the mounting bracket per the instructions.

(it is wet because I had already finished the modding but took it back apart to show how I did it)

Here you can see the stock bracket on the old blade, I had just unscrewed the 2 screws holing it on to get this far.

Ok, now I forgot to take a picture of this part but what I did was quite simple. I just took a grander and ground off the rivet that was holding the pivot pin in place on the stock blade. On this pic you can see the hole and the pin after I did it

If you do this grind off the rivet part and not the head part, I tired the head but it just would not come off without cutting more than I wanted. The rivet was also a lot easier. Then just use a nail to pound out the pin. Took all of 3 mins to do.

So there are the parts separated and ready to mount to the new blade.

the bracket on the new blade

I then just found a bolt that was just perfect size for the hole on the blade, 3/16th is what I think it was but don’t quote me on that.

And the bracket bolted to the blade

And that was all there was to it, not that hard at all really. Took me 15 mins to do it, and most of that time was looking at it trying to figure out how to do it. So here it is on the truck:

And here you can see the nice big sweep that it now makes, the spots that you see are not things that it left behind. They are something with the picture because it was clean as a whistle in real life.

So now the big question, how do they work? Do I like them?

YES! The fronts work GREAT! I think they need to “ware” into the shape of the window some, it almost wants to lift up in the middle of the sides if that makes sense. Still cleans the window nice and clean with the water I threw on it to test them. Didn’t squeak and works 10X better than the rain-x I had.

As for the back, it works 100X better than the stock one! It gets a wider sweep and cleans it much better! Only problem I see with it is that it is a tad longer and this makes it hit the bottom of the window and makes the blade come off the window for the last inch or 2 not totally but just enough to leave a little behind. Still works tons better than the stock one though and the little it misses at the bottom is not even noticeable from the front seat.

Overall the fronts get a 9/10 rating and the rear a 8/10. Best blades I have ever got so far. I would get them again and would mod the rear again as well. No regrets at this point. We will see once we get some rain and I give them a real test. Then we will see how they stand up over time, I will update this thread when we get some rain and I try them.

Oh, what happened to my old blades you ask?

TA

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kcebes · 12-29-2007, 01:40 PM

I just replaced my front wipers with the Michelin Radius. They are flex wipers too. I need to do the rear now. They look sweet...i hope they work alot better. Just need some rain now to test them.

Texas_Ace · 12-30-2007, 08:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kcebes

I just replaced my front wipers with the Michelin Radius. They are flex wipers too. I need to do the rear now. They look sweet...i hope they work alot better. Just need some rain now to test them.

Yeah i have the same problem, no rain to test them with.

pitpatt · 12-30-2007, 08:50 AM

come to Tennessee it has rained out here for about 3 days straight! lol

Nuthuts96 · 12-30-2007, 10:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Texas_Ace

Yeah i have the same problem, no rain to test them with.

some people just don't know when to show praise for a lack of rain...

Texas_Ace · 12-30-2007, 06:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nuthuts96

some people just don't know when to show praise for a lack of rain...

LOL, well here is Texas rain is one of things that you either don't have near enough OR you have WAY WAY TOO much. There is no happy middle ground here at all. A few years ago we were out of power for 2 weeks because of a big rain storm (if you are not from Texas you have no idea what a big storm is!)

Texas_Ace · 01-30-2008, 05:09 PM

Ok, quick update on these.

That little problem I mentioned above about the blade not touching the windshield everywhere turned out to indeed be a problem. Anywhere the blade touched it worked GREAT but it just missed a few places.

So I called Silblade to see what they said. Well within 5 mins they had sent out a complete set of replacement blades. It appears that there is a known issue with the flexblades not working on the flatter style windshields (which is exactly what I was thinking). So this time around they sent me the normal blades (BTW, for anyone that wants to know, the only difference between the ultra and the normal blades is that the ultra has colored blades and not just colored frame for it.).

I got them in a few days later and today went out to install them. They went on just as easy as the other ones. In fact I found a great benefit to modding the rear blade like I did above, I can now use any blade I want with that same frame. So it will make later blades easier to install. But supposedly I won’t have to replace these for 5 years so only time will tell.

I can say that these blades are by far the best I have ever used! They leave the window literally DRY after they wipe. And works great. I HIGHLY recommend them for all of our trucks! Just get the good ol normal blades and not eh flex blades. They are meant for windshields with more curve then our trucks.

2000t4rAKS · 01-30-2008, 06:21 PM

TA,

Thanks for the update. I was wondering when you were going to put the new ones on. Have you tested them out in the rain?

Texas_Ace · 01-30-2008, 07:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2000t4rAKS

TA,

Thanks for the update. I was wondering when you were going to put the new ones on. Have you tested them out in the rain?

Not in the "rain" per se but i did have them running while spraying down the window with the hose. Worked VERY nice.

2000t4rAKS · 01-30-2008, 07:29 PM

Nice, very nice. Looks like I will be the first to be complaining about the PIAA's Silicone Wipers then. It could also be the rain-x that I used, but the wipers still streak for some reason. I even used regular glass cleaner to see if i could get all the rain-x off and I think I did. Still the streaks continued so I will be switiching over to Sil Blade very soon.

Texas_Ace · 01-31-2008, 08:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2000t4rAKS

Nice, very nice. Looks like I will be the first to be complaining about the PIAA's Silicone Wipers then. It could also be the rain-x that I used, but the wipers still streak for some reason. I even used regular glass cleaner to see if i could get all the rain-x off and I think I did. Still the streaks continued so I will be switiching over to Sil Blade very soon.

I can say that at least with new blades there is not a streak in sight. I would not use rain-x with these either, the silicone is supposed to make a rain-x type coating on the window and i am going to see if this is right.

I will update in a little while after some real rain and further testing but at this point WELL worth the extra $$ for them.

mkgarrison5 · 01-31-2008, 08:16 AM

i recently bought some trico blades with a strip of silicone or something like that and i have to say they work great! plus a little rainx on the windows never hurt

SC4Runner · 01-31-2008, 08:52 AM

I was going to say, those blades look awfully curved!

Glad they sent out a flatter set.

dirtoyboy · 01-31-2008, 11:06 AM

I thought this thread was a joke when I first saw it!

wiper blade tech! I didnt even know it existed! haha

INFINITY · 01-31-2008, 11:11 AM

i have this style of blades on my crv and they work amazing. hands down the best wiper i have ever had.

gpcollen1 · 01-31-2008, 11:25 AM

A test of a blade is not how it works when new - it is really how it works in 3 months or more. Every new blade I have purchases has worked well new. NOw I use rain-x windshield washer fluid and do not even have to use my wipers 1/2 the time. And I just buy new blades when mine degrade.

toyminator2000 · 01-31-2008, 11:31 AM

Cool. I've been wondering how to change wiper blades.

Next, could do a thread on changing your oil?

Texas_Ace · 01-31-2008, 12:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SC4Runner

I was going to say, those blades look awfully curved!

Glad they sent out a flatter set.

Yep, i just wanted to try those flexblade out but really these work just as well but better since they tuch everywhere. I have to say that there service is second to none. They even paid for both shipping the new blades to me and the old blades back to them.

Quote:

Originally Posted by dirtoyboy

I thought this thread was a joke when I first saw it!

wiper blade tech! I didnt even know it existed! haha

LOL, nope real thread. When i went looking for some new blades i relized that a review thread would not be a bad idea.

Quote:

Originally Posted by INFINITY

i have this style of blades on my crv and they work amazing. hands down the best wiper i have ever had.

X2

Quote:

Originally Posted by gpcollen1

A test of a blade is not how it works when new - it is really how it works in 3 months or more. Every new blade I have purchases has worked well new. NOw I use rain-x windshield washer fluid and do not even have to use my wipers 1/2 the time. And I just buy new blades when mine degrade.

Agreed. As i said i am going to try them and see what they do over the next few months. During the symmer here you are usually lucky to get a blade that will last through the summer. So time will tell....

Quote:

Originally Posted by toyminator2000

Cool. I've been wondering how to change wiper blades.

Next, could do a thread on changing your oil?

Please tell me that you are joking. LOL

Really the front blades are a piece of cake, the rear one just take a few very simple mins of work to convert into a uinversal blade holder.

As for the oil, you unscrew the drain. Drain the oil, put the plug back in. then take off the old filiter and then put on the new one. Filler up and you are done. If you really don't know how to do that then you really should not be messing with you truck.

YotaNewbie · 03-05-2008, 11:11 AM

So is there no way to change out the rear wiper blade that doesn't require the use of a grinder? I bought winter blades for both the front and read of my 4Runner, but I couldn't figure out how to even get the rear blade off...I guess now I know why.

I thought this was a worthwhile post, thanks for taking the time to put it up here.

Texas_Ace · 03-05-2008, 11:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by YotaNewbie

So is there no way to change out the rear wiper blade that doesn't require the use of a grinder? I bought winter blades for both the front and read of my 4Runner, but I couldn't figure out how to even get the rear blade off...I guess now I know why.

I thought this was a worthwhile post, thanks for taking the time to put it up here.

Well reading the above will show you how to switch out the rear blade.

The only thing that the grinder is needed for is to take the head of the rivet off. If you didn't have a grinder you could use a file, or even sand paper if you have a lot of time. Just use your imanation, all you have to do is get that rivet head off. "There is more than one way to skin a cat" comes to mind.

Once you get that rivet out the hard work is done, it is just a matter of putting it back together after that.

edzo · 03-05-2008, 12:24 PM

you mean I can stop having the dealer do it ?

Texas_Ace · 03-05-2008, 12:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by edzo

you mean I can stop having the dealer do it ?

Change your blades? Or buy your blades there?

In either case the awnser is yes.

Just read the above on how to change the rear blade out with most other blades, although i have only done it with the Silblades. It should work wwith just about any of them.

Once you have modded the stock mount then you can forever use any blade and change them out easy.

The front blades are a piece of cake.

As for buying the blades at the dealer. I wouldn't do that but then i hate "stock" anything.

2000t4rAKS · 03-05-2008, 12:57 PM

Finally got my SilBlades and they are 10x better than the PIAA Silicone wipers. I think I got a bad batch. Anyway, after reading TA's thread....I decided to get a set of the regular SilBlades and so far they are amazing. It gets everything in one sweep. =) =) =)

Elton · 03-05-2008, 01:19 PM

i have the rain-x latitude ones like those i think my wiper arm springs are toast as all it does is streak there only like 4months old

edzo · 03-05-2008, 01:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Texas_Ace

Change your blades? Or buy your blades there?

In either case the awnser is yes.

Just read the above on how to change the rear blade out with most other blades, although i have only done it with the Silblades. It should work wwith just about any of them.

Once you have modded the stock mount then you can forever use any blade and change them out easy.

The front blades are a piece of cake.

As for buying the blades at the dealer. I wouldn't do that but then i hate "stock" anything.

I wuz being sarcastic.

I use Rain X latitudes on the front. they work first time every time (and are available everywhere)

and toyota dealer OEM rear blade. ditto on the working first time every time

12-29-2007, 01:40 PM	#2 (permalink)
kcebes Contributing Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: NoVA Posts: 208	I just replaced my front wipers with the Michelin Radius. They are flex wipers too. I need to do the rear now. They look sweet...i hope they work alot better. Just need some rain now to test them. __________________ 2000 4runner \| 3.4L \| e-locker \| TJM T-15 \| 305/70/16 maxxis buckshot \| powder coated procomp 1069's \|Lightforce 170's \| Yakima Load Warrior Rack \| Warn M8000 w/Viking synthetic winch rope \| 4crawler 1" BL \| Front:OME lift 881's w/ 1 1/4" daystar spacers + N91S shocks. Rear: OME 891's w/N86 shocks \| Stubbs welding sliders \| Cobra 75 WX ST w/ K40 fiberglass 2' antenna

01-30-2008, 06:21 PM	#8 (permalink)
2000t4rAKS Registered User Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Sacramento, CA Posts: 292	TA, Thanks for the update. I was wondering when you were going to put the new ones on. Have you tested them out in the rain? __________________ 2000 4Runner Limited 4x4 Kenwood DNX7100 HU Alpine SPR-17S Component Speakers

01-30-2008, 07:29 PM	#10 (permalink)
2000t4rAKS Registered User Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Sacramento, CA Posts: 292	Nice, very nice. Looks like I will be the first to be complaining about the PIAA's Silicone Wipers then. It could also be the rain-x that I used, but the wipers still streak for some reason. I even used regular glass cleaner to see if i could get all the rain-x off and I think I did. Still the streaks continued so I will be switiching over to Sil Blade very soon. __________________ 2000 4Runner Limited 4x4 Kenwood DNX7100 HU Alpine SPR-17S Component Speakers

01-31-2008, 08:16 AM	#12 (permalink)
mkgarrison5 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: NC Posts: 1,516	i recently bought some trico blades with a strip of silicone or something like that and i have to say they work great! plus a little rainx on the windows never hurt __________________ 02 Tacoma 4-Dr 4x4 V6 117k miles

01-31-2008, 08:52 AM	#13 (permalink)
SC4Runner Contributing Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: 5th Gen San Diegan, California Posts: 5,885	I was going to say, those blades look awfully curved! Glad they sent out a flatter set. __________________ 1996 4x4 3.4L 4Runner on 35's - 6" of lift, MTR's, E-locked, ARB Tacoma Bumper, Sliders and a cut off tail pipe. 1966 FJ40 - SOA with stock springs, stock 1F motor, and a smelly tailpipe.

01-31-2008, 11:11 AM	#15 (permalink)
INFINITY Registered User Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Canyon Creek, AZ Posts: 643	i have this style of blades on my crv and they work amazing. hands down the best wiper i have ever had. __________________ TRAIL GEAR's CUSTOMER SERVICE IS TERRIBLE MORE LIKE A HEADACHE OR PAIN IN THE A$$ THAN A SERVICE! -1980 toyota 4x4 - 235/85/16 bfg M/T tires, 03 tacoma wheels, onboard air, trd camshaft, 18" e-fan, weber 32/36 carb, 4.88 yukons, lockright in rear, etc -94 xcab SAS, arb/lockright, 5.29s, 4" lift, etc... Yota tech gallary- http://yotatech.com/gallery/showgall...ser=15173&sl=i <---yes, that is victory blood!

01-31-2008, 11:25 AM	#16 (permalink)
gpcollen1 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Connecticut (NY State of Mind) Posts: 402	A test of a blade is not how it works when new - it is really how it works in 3 months or more. Every new blade I have purchases has worked well new. NOw I use rain-x windshield washer fluid and do not even have to use my wipers 1/2 the time. And I just buy new blades when mine degrade. __________________ '99 SR5 Sport - Desert Dune: AirRaid MIT, OEM Air Filter, Toyo 265/75/16 ATs, Deckplate, PP Springs and Bilsteins, Cheapo nerf bars, Injector replacement impending

01-31-2008, 11:31 AM	#17 (permalink)
toyminator2000 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: St. Louis, MO Posts: 305	Cool. I've been wondering how to change wiper blades. Next, could do a thread on changing your oil? __________________ YOU ONLY NEED TWO TOOLS IN LIFE - WD-40 AND DUCT TAPE. IF IT DOESN'T MOVE AND SHOULD, USE THE WD-40. IF IT SHOULDN'T MOVE AND DOES, USE THE DUCT TAPE Last edited by toyminator2000; 01-31-2008 at 11:34 AM.

03-05-2008, 11:11 AM	#19 (permalink)
YotaNewbie Registered User Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Boston, MA Posts: 29	So is there no way to change out the rear wiper blade that doesn't require the use of a grinder? I bought winter blades for both the front and read of my 4Runner, but I couldn't figure out how to even get the rear blade off...I guess now I know why. I thought this was a worthwhile post, thanks for taking the time to put it up here.

03-05-2008, 12:24 PM	#21 (permalink)
edzo Registered User Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 155	you mean I can stop having the dealer do it ? Last edited by edzo; 03-05-2008 at 12:26 PM.

03-05-2008, 12:57 PM	#23 (permalink)
2000t4rAKS Registered User Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Sacramento, CA Posts: 292	Finally got my SilBlades and they are 10x better than the PIAA Silicone wipers. I think I got a bad batch. Anyway, after reading TA's thread....I decided to get a set of the regular SilBlades and so far they are amazing. It gets everything in one sweep. =) =) =) __________________ 2000 4Runner Limited 4x4 Kenwood DNX7100 HU Alpine SPR-17S Component Speakers

03-05-2008, 01:19 PM	#24 (permalink)
Elton Contributing Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Siletz,Oregon Posts: 10,644	i have the rain-x latitude ones like those i think my wiper arm springs are toast as all it does is streak there only like 4months old __________________ My Truck 98 4runner SR5 3.4L 5spd 4x4 E-Locker Mods Mom 07 Tundra d-cab limited 5.7L 4x4 auto sister 92 pickup SR5 X-cab 3.0L 5spd 4x4 Papa 89 Pickup SR5 X-cab 4x4 3.0L 5spd/98 4runner SR5 4x4 auto 3.4L R.I.P 91 4runner SR5 4x4 3.0L 5spd Totaled 5/13/06 My Wreck Last edited by Elton; 03-05-2008 at 01:23 PM.

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