Huge difference in price. From CL vendor www.lexus-parts.com, the inserts run $14.86 for the pair, the whole blades will set you back $59.91 a pair.

If the inserts are installed properly, which isn't that difficult, they'll work fine.

 

Is there really much of a difference between the factory inserts and any aftermarket replacement? Is replacing the blades just as easy with any aftermarket blade?

 

Typically I replace the whole blades (including arms) every other time... So, for example, once a year (15k miles) I replace the blades inserts only, then the next year (30k miles) I replace the whole blade assembly...

I think maybe the blades get slightly bent/deformed after a few years, especially if they get iced over in bad weather, etc... Maybe the heat in the summer also warps them slightly, but I find that after about 2 years, even with brand new inserts, they don't work as well...

Just my experience with replacing wipers...

 

I'd stick with the factory blades and inserts... They work great and are not that expensive...

 

In my experience, yes. The two times I tried third-party blades from an auto parts store (once Anco and once a triple-edge product), they were so bad that I tossed them in the trash and replaced them with OEM the very first time it rained.

 

Looks like the end result is the same as using Rain-X and regular blades. You get the shielding action of Rain-X. Just use with a good quality blade and you're good to go.

 

has anybody changed the wiper blade inserts on a gen 2 IS yet? if so, how is it done? i tried to get the old insert out by trying to take the blade assembly apart but i didnt want to use to much force in fear of breaking the entire assembly.

 

I'd like to know as well. I have to change mine out soon too.

 

Just noticed my passenger side blade is slightly bent, it's about 2 inches higher on one end than the other, should i try to replace the insert first, or do you think I'll need to replace the whole arm? I am pretty sure it happened in the Lexus car wash... they do a hand wash, but I fear the car was left on and the rain sensing wipers went while they were soaping up the windshield!

 

I have the PIAA Super Sporza with those sweet little "spoilers" they are cool.

 

Bosch Icons on my vehicles.

 

i have bosch icons and they suck anus! i use PIAAs on my other vehicles and they are terrific! but im not sure if i'll put them on the IS cause i like how the OEM ones are aerodynamic and flow nice with the lines of the IS. (i am a very detailed person) Whereas the PIAA's look like plain wipers and i dont want the PIAA's with the "spoilers" PLUS i think the OEM wipers are one of the best OEM wipers i've ever used.

 

Rain X works charms. I love it. will replace blades when needed.

 

How do you remove the wiper assembly on an ES 330. Does the blade assembly need to be stopped in the upright position and then removed?

 

Check out Consumer Reports. They just did a test on wipers. I think you may be suprised.