I have a Japan-built 2008 RX350 and would appreciate everyone's input on this. On every Toyota I have changed the rear wiper on, the blade either comes up, or the plastic tab can be removed (or even modified) from the rear of the arm to allow it to extend out to change the wiper insert. On every RX350 video I have seen, this is the case as well. However, I do notice that the Japan-made RX incl all 400h have a different part number for the plastic cover and arm compared to Canadian-made models. My rear wiper arm also looks different than anyone I've seen. Do I have an aftermarket arm? I ended up having to remove the wiper blade from the motor's shaft using a gear puller. Not a hard or time-consuming task, but surely there has to be a better way than this!



Even with the plastic cover removed, there is a big piece of metal in the way that prevents the arm from tilting



The cover



Maximum range of movement that the wiper arm will allow, this can't be right!

 

I googled 85241-0E010

inconclusive

 

Both 85241-48050 (Japan-made - the one spec'd for my car) and 85241-0E010 (Canadian-made) appear to be the same and correct for the application. Previous owner(s) probably swapped out the rear wiper with aftermarket or from another car. Not surprised because of the history of this car. This is probably one of the last few "kinks" I need to straighten out.


Circled area is completely different than mine

 

This is the probably the cheapest you'll find
https://www.amayama.com/en/part/toyota/8524148050

 

Thank you, I'll be going with that if I can't find one in a junkyard soon

 

that's the range the wiper should ahve when that cover is on still. I have a similar issue, there's a plastic tab that goes into the grove where the blue lines intersect in matt's picture, it's supposed to be attached to the cover piece. On mine, the tab broke off in there and limits the movement by the same amount unless I use a tool to pry the small plastic out.

 

That's what I thought it was at first, but surprisingly that big darn piece in the way is actually metal and molded to the arm! I even tried to find a way to cut it off when I had the blade off the car, but there isn't an easy way to do it without destroying it.

 

That's All the movement that I have on the rear wiper blade on my 2005 RX330!

 

You can tell if the arm is aftermarket if you take it off and see if the hole has “teeth.”

teeth = oem
no teeth = chinese

 

Don't try and remove without a wiper arm puller. Well unless it basically falls off.

 

hmmm.. have you ever pushed down (towards the window) on the windshield wiper hinges? That usually straightens out the hole to the bolt and allows for a pull/adjustment to the wiper. It’s a bit weird. You have to push down on the hinge with one hand and pull or adjust with the other.

Try that sometimes.. may save you a trip ha