new wiper blades?
 

Has anyone tried or installed the Bosch Icon or the Valeo Ultimate wiper blades on their Lexus ES? I'm curious since it maybe worth upgrading considering the fact I get some "chattering" at higher speeds.

I would read this article first> http://www.popularmechanics.com/auto...t/1789177.html
And then buy OEM blade refills. ;)

Like amf1932 stated, go with OEM toyota refills.

I installed the Valeo wipers on my 02 ES last Nov. and through them away in June. I purchased this type of wiper to avoid bulky "winter blades" and was interested to see if the Valeo really lived up to the "will not freeze" claim they protest. The Valeos failed at this, even worse than the stock wiper arms and blades.

Don't get me wrong, the Valeo's are nice in all other situations and have a very sleek design. At speeds of over 75mph, they held their own to the windshield, but again, no better then the stock blades. They are ultra quiet, however, no quieter than the stock blades. (score: stock blades =3, Valeo =2).

I have also tried a plethera of other blades to include Toyota (not to be confused with the Lexus parts counter), Trico, PIAA and Bosch. I have not tried Rain-X brand blades.

In the end, I always came back to and am currently running the stock arm with Lexus OEM rubber inserts.

steviej

I like the PIAA Super Silicone, thats just me though :D

Hmm okay it looks like I should stick with the OEM blades. Does it matter if I buy it at the Lexus or Toyota dealer, or is it the same part? Right now I'm using the Bosch Micro Edge (I think that's what it's called) and it's doing okay except the passenger blade doesnt contact at the lower 3" of its sweep.

I'm not too sure whether the quality of the OEM blades for a Toyota are the same as the OEM's for the Lexus. Somebody once mentioned that they're not. :uh:

I just use Trico. They're cheaper than bosch's and they wipe clean.

I found that the blade and arm at several toyota dealerships are not the same as the Lexus OEM arm and rubber inserts. The Lexus ones are skinnier and made of a different compound. Even the color is a little different.
They run about $8 for the 20" and $10 for the 24" insert. Online lexus parts dealers may be cheaper, but then their is the shipping.

sj