It's a little late now but, I thought I bring up a point.

Most of the time OEM is always going to be better than aftermarket, and not just wiper blades either. (That's a whole nother can of worms)

OEM Blades usually are made to fit your windshield curvature etc. Aftermarket blades are probably made better than factory (Who Knows?) but the mere fact is the engineering and rubber etc doesn't mean anything if it wasn't made specifically for your windshield.

and Yes I've probably tried every brand of wiper under the sun

 

^^ Tried using aftermarket blades on other vehicles and realized they don't always fit, wipe or wear as well as OEM. Avoiding possible headaches: OEM on the LS for me

 

Agree - OEM works the best...found out the hard way

 

This is a no-brainer for me. Set of OEM blades for $12 that work perfectly from my Lexus dealer.

 

OEM blades work great and last a long time (mine are at least 2 years old, surviving at least 2 Canadian winters without any degradation). I think the water-repellent windshield helps with the blade longevity, as well as parking in a garage.

 

Yep, always reading these threads after encountering a problem. It's wiper blade replacement this time with Bosch replacement fitment a royal PITA. It's off to the dealer for OEMs. Plenty of beefs with OEM other stuff starting with the Mark Levinson audio junk, mirror motors, sunshade, etc. Second LS and love the driving experience though.

 

Trico Force works great on a 2004 ls430.

 

Goodyear Assurance from Costco on sale for $7 and don't think OEM is outlasting these by two. Blades are one piece i've steered from OEM because i just never felt they were better. There are however bad aftermarkets, so be weary of $2 blades.

 

is there any solution the the reply above about the thud
my wipers on high make that harsh thud, when in standard or low nothing
any suggestions thanks

 

I think you can get carried away with anything. I get my oil changed at the dealer for a fair price, they do the wipers no brainer.

 

Sounds like you might have non-OEM blades. The Goodyear have their own arms and they are too wide and thud on the down sweep. Either that our you need to have the arms adjusted so they don't bang on the down sweep. Just isn't normal.

 

Ok, time for a stupid question. Searched the forums couldn't find the answer.

Does anyone know what the OEM wiper blade ARM is? I bought a used 06 LS430. The driver side wiper leaves an annoying streak of water at the very end of the blade on the right. I had the wiper blade replaced at the dealership. Drive side still streaking at the same spot. Drives me nuts. Is this normal? They are very quiet though. I am thinking something is wrong with the ARM.

Should I look for an OEM wiper blade arm? If so, what brand is it? I don't know if the ARMS are OEM or were replaced by previous owner.

Thanks for any help you can give me.

 

Just go to a Lexus dealer and buy OEM arms and blades, put the car back in original condition, and be happy aobut it!

 

I found these instructions on Sewell's site on how to replace the wiper inserts.
http://lexus.sewellparts.com/pdf/How...er_Inserts.pdf

It took me about 10 minutes this morning.

 

Up here in Canada any of the new style wipers are better than OEM in the winter due to the snow building up on the hinges...with the recent purchase of my ucf31 it looks like I'll be wiper shopping soon...thanx for the useful info