I need new blades for my 2015 Outback.   The hardware assembly seems fine and I'm wondering if I can just replace the rubber insert.    I see this sold via Subaru but not sure exactly how these would be installed:

 

https://www.subarupartsandaccessories.com/p/Subaru_2015_Outback/RUBBER-ASSEMBLY-WINDSHIELD-WIPER-650MM/60018731/86548AL03A.html?partner=googlebase_adwords_maintenance_color_make_model_year&kwd=&origin=pla&gclid=Cj0KCQjwzcbWBRDmARIsAM6uChXzcYELqGOeHqvSwikNhC034kkOava3gaaS5kCWoKSmBRTg3reE92AaAlLREALw_wcB

 

Does anyone else just replace the inserts? 

Some cases you can. If your car has OEM wipers, that refill will work... But really, $20 at Walmart gets a pair of decent wipers.

Some cases you can. If your car has OEM wipers, that refill will work... But really, $20 at Walmart gets a pair of decent wipers.

Thanks, what wipers would you suggest at Walmart for $20 that's decent? 

we have threads about wipers fairly often so, you might search for that.

 

I'm fond of the Trico hybrid design - Teflon Shield , and their Exact Fit for the rear wiper.

we have threads about wipers fairly often so, you might search for that.

 

I'm fond of the Trico hybrid design - Teflon Shield , and their Exact Fit for the rear wiper.

Thanks.  I did search "wiper blades" before I posted but there was nothing useful going back as far as 2013.  

I prefer the Bosch Icon blades.  They seem to last longer than most.

I bought new Goodyear hybrid wiper blades from Costco for $4 each.

Well with rain coming and needing to drive, I bought some Bosch blades on sale at AutoZone.    Not only does it seem like a lot to pay $36 for a pair of blades, but throwing away the whole assembly when just the rubber needed to be replaced seems like stupid waste.   I'll keep those oem blades on a shelf and hopefully remember to look for replacement inserts next time I need them.

Thanks all!

TBH I do not even think parts stores carry refill's anymore. Would have to special order. You would be about the first person in years I have heard actually want them. They were the cheap way out years ago. Now a cheap wiper is $4. They get frozen to windows, pulled, snapped. They loose  their spring from use. They are actually meant to be replaced. I have refilled stainless wipers in some of the classic cars that I have had and it's a pain to get them right. I wish there were off the shelf replacements for those, but not always.

 

As far as what I buy. Either the Trico wipers from Walmart or the middle of the road RainX. ~$20 per set. Anything more is a waste, and going to Autozone is a rip. Wipers are a large markup at those stores along with washer fluid

refills are fiddly to deal with too , the coupla times I tried it, seemed like a 2 person operation lol!- but they can be ordered if you can't find them locally. Subaru dealers used to have refills for the STI wiper blades at one time.....

Edited April 16, 20187 yr by 1 Lucky Texan

Subaru has pretty much discontinued refills. They did bring out a fairly nice hybrid style blade last fall when they started phasing out refills that's about $15 a piece, if you've got a dealer nearby, you could try those. My '04 Outback needs blades, and I'm thinking about trying those for it...

TBH I do not even think parts stores carry refill's anymore. Would have to special order. You would be about the first person in years I have heard actually want them. They were the cheap way out years ago. Now a cheap wiper is $4. They get frozen to windows, pulled, snapped. They loose  their spring from use. They are actually meant to be replaced. I have refilled stainless wipers in some of the classic cars that I have had and it's a pain to get them right. I wish there were off the shelf replacements for those, but not always.

 

As far as what I buy. Either the Trico wipers from Walmart or the middle of the road RainX. ~$20 per set. Anything more is a waste, and going to Autozone is a rip. Wipers are a large markup at those stores along with washer fluid

 

Advance Auto stopped carrying refills a few years ago.  The newer style blades made by aftermarket (Trico, RainX, Bosch, etc) are all once piece these days.  Buying them at auto parts stores is a high mark up item and can be cheaper if on sale and you have a coupon or a rebate gift card.

​I have had much success and satisfaction with "Trico Chill 37-190"  on my '96 Outback.  available on Amazon or Ebay, and probably some retailers.

 

Just my 2 bucks 

Did you notice that you can't get refills for pens anymore?

just sayin'

 

 

 

If by any chance they are noisy, take them back and get another set. Last set of wipers I bought were actually defective, which I never knew could be possible. They felt fine, rubber was soft, but they were NOISY.

Thanks for the replies, the overpriced blades from AutoZone seem ok for now and hopefully I won't need to replace them for a good while.   I hate waste and am disappointed that I have to throw away the whole assembly just to replace the insert but it is what it is.

 

Did you notice that you can't get refills for pens anymore?

 

https://www.google.com/search?q=ink+pen+refills&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&client=firefox-b-1

 

Just sayin'