Want to use regular wiper blades? I have a solution!

Wiscon_Mark · Dec 15, 2014

After reading through several threads of frustrated owners who can't find anything beside PIAA, OEM, and Trico refills for the driver's side, I decided to seek out a solution for replacing the wiper arm.

When ordering wiper blades, I realized that the 2010 Legacy has the same size blade (26") and a similar arm size. So yesterday, I borrowed the arm from my mother's 2010 and swapped it onto the Tribeca. It works! It's not 100% the same coverage, but it's still effective and there's no interference between blades.

Some photos:

As you can see, it sits pretty well over the heated wiper area, although I never found the heating element that effective when it's really cold.

Comparison of beam coverage. The Legacy goes a little bit lower on the bottom and top. Being 6'2" and sitting tall inside the 'Beca, I would say that the coverage on the top is adequate, it's much less extreme than it looks in the photo (not the best quality):

The Legacy part # is: 86532AJ020 and it's ~$35-40 depending on where you go.
The cap specific to the Legacy arm is 86538FG000 and it's about $3 or under.

Rotorflyr · Mar 3, 2015

Thanks for the info, may I ask what (if anything) you did for the passenger side arm?

Dodik · Mar 3, 2015

i used 05 legacy arm on driver's side, it sits a bit higher from the windshield but works just as good.

captainmorgan · Mar 11, 2015

I recently searched for a set of wiper arms from an 08+ Tribeca at a salvage yard and got the pair for $35 + s/h. They bolted on in a snap and had wonderful J-hook ends.

car-parts.com

Turtles_ride · Mar 15, 2015

You may still have an issue with the drivers side J-hook wiper arm when looking for new replacement wiper blades. I have an '09 which I believe is the same as the '08. The passenger side stock arm takes a common replacement blade, but the longer driverside J-hook is 2mm wider then every other common wiper blade out there. You'll either have to just change the inserts, or I've seen other people say they took the J-hook to a grinder to make it narrower, which is what I am going to do eventually, then paint your exposed metal edge to avoid rust.

Wiscon_Mark · Mar 18, 2015

Turtles_ride said:
You may still have an issue with the drivers side J-hook wiper arm when looking for new replacement wiper blades. I have an '09 which I believe is the same as the '08. The passenger side stock arm takes a common replacement blade, but the longer driverside J-hook is 2mm wider then every other common wiper blade out there.

This is correct - the 08+ design does not accommodate standard blades on the driver's side.

jbradon said:
Looks like a good solution. How's the performance of it when driving in the rain.

Can't say - I only borrowed the arm for fitment, didn't leave my mother without a driver's side wiper, so no driving around with it on.

I would imagine it's better than the Tribeca arm as it's still made for 26" blades and it's more low profile (have you ever had the arm catch washer fluid and spray it all over after the wipers are done? The Legacy arm isn't designed like that). May provide a bit less drag as well.

jbradon · Mar 16, 2015

Looks like a good solution. How's the performance of it when driving in the rain.

Dodik · Mar 19, 2015

For the 05 legacy arm, it sits a higher so the washer stream hits it a bit, but wiping is much better with new blades than old, held up to a snowstorm with wet snow without issues.

halmn007 · Mar 26, 2015

I actually did this today, and I'm so glad I did!

I looked up some local salvage yards in my area on google maps. I looked for wiper arms for the legacy and the outback, 2001+. I found a yard 30 minutes from me that had an 09 Legacy driver side arm for $25. Took the drive, and replaced the arm. Then I went straight to advanced auto parts and bought some bosch icons for my windshield, and they work PERFECTLY.

Just a note for anyone who's gonna try this. There's a piece of metal on the wiper arm that forms a C. It's located on the elbow. When you install the new arm, don't tighten it yet, and stand next to your steering wheel while looking over the wiper and turn on your wiper. Watch the metal and see if it'll make contact with your windshield. Keep tightening until you're comfortable with how close it is. Mine came awfully close, but a few tests later, and it seemed to be far enough from the glass.

Wiscon_Mark · Jun 19, 2015

Update, I found a part # for the dust/rust cap that works with the 2010-12 Legacy arm (updated the original post, too): 86538FG000

MasterC · Sep 12, 2015

To recap - I should get an arm from an '09 Legacy driver's side and a dust cap from parts.com? Anything else? Thanks!

halmn007 · Sep 12, 2015

Well, I test fitted it and the cap that covers the bolt for the legacy arm is the same cap as the tribeca arm. So if anything, just get the legacy arm. Look for an arm in the same generation. Doesnt have to be 09.

Wiscon_Mark · Sep 12, 2015

The 09 may work, but is from a different generation from what I used.

The dust caps on the 5th gen Legacy arms are different than the dust caps on the Tribeca, the earlier Legacy ones might be the same though as the Tribeca was based on that generation.

If you want to use a proven solution, use the part numbers at the top of this post - the arm & dust caps will work 100%.

sweetpete · Sep 24, 2015

I just did this upgrade per Wiscon_Mark's instructions. Everything fits perfectly. And I can now use Bosch Icon wipers

subbus · Feb 15, 2016

Today I drove to a local Walmart, removed the driver side wiper blade, walked in, measured to the others there to confirm the 26 in size, picked up Michelin one for less then $7, paid for it, removed the new and old inserts, installed the new one, and they even let me wash my hands! The way home was enjoyable with a quiet and working new insert.

verdect · Feb 26, 2016

Subbus, are you saying you slid just the rubber element out of both and transferred the Mich rubber into the Sub assembly? That sounds logical and easy enough but somehow I don't think all the others would be going to so much effort if that is all it takes. I would appreciate any clarifications and advice on how you pulled that off without mangling the rubber if I understand you correctly. Thanks.

subbus · Feb 26, 2016

Yes, you understood me correctly. There is absolutely NOTHING special about the rubber inserts, they are standard size.

tdelker · Feb 26, 2016

They didn't have the trico snap to fit, eh? 1/2 the price ($7 for 2):

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000CB3X4W?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_search_detailpage

heavychemist · Jun 28, 2017

I bought these three years ago. Box came crushed so I called Amazon on it and they sent me another pair free of charge. Turned out the box was crushed but there was nothing wrong with the replacement inserts, so I ended up with enough for the life of my Tribeca.

tgb123 · Sep 27, 2016

I did this a while ago. Works like a charm. Thanks guys!

FLsubies · Sep 28, 2016

The most common issue is not having a local supplier for inserts, besides the dealer.

subbus · Oct 23, 2016

Great price for inserts 20" ($3.24) and 26" ($4.06) for both front sides:

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Michelin-16-Traditional-Wiper-Blade/16767880

FLsubies · Oct 23, 2016

I refuse to shop Walmart if I can help it.

subbus · Oct 23, 2016

Why is that?

I am sure you can get Micheline brand products anywhere.

FLsubies · Oct 23, 2016

I don't support bullying

As I stated earlier in the thread, getting inserts locally is near impossible without visiting the dealership, it is much more convenient to be able to use a standard blade/arm. My local auto parts stores do not sell inserts as the general practice is to replace the arm and blade as one.

subbus · Oct 23, 2016

There is no need to buy inserts. You can buy the complete wiper blades, remove the inserts, and install them. It takes little bit time and hands get dirty so I get it that you would not want to do it.

FLsubies · Oct 23, 2016

Where can you buy complete wiper arm assemblies for the Tribeca besides from the dealer?

FLsubies · Oct 25, 2016

I get what you are saying now :lol:

FYI the inserts for the original tribeca arms are narrow inserts, personally I like just walking into any auto parts store buying a set of blades and installing them no muss no fuss. Have some bosch Ikons in right now and they are going strong from June to now which in Florida is amazing. If you are determined to stick with the original arms you are very limited in choice to what wipers will work and you can't use the pretty ones,

Joesturbo · Nov 6, 2016

I took a grinder to my drivers side arm... took about 12 minutes and painted it. Works perfectly and it is the OEM arm so it covers everything properly. Now I have the Bosch frame-less wipers and would never go back.

FLsubies · Nov 6, 2016

You have an 08+ the 06-07 have a "very special" style wiper arm for which there is no aftermarket options, besides replacement blades. I bought the 08 arms for my 07 and took the grinder to the driver side arm as well. :tup:

michaelhinchey · Jul 1, 2017

So any 26 inch wiper blade can be purchased with removable inserts and replaced on the Tribeca? I have an 06 is this still the case?

FLsubies · Jul 1, 2017

The 06 and 07 use a narrow insert so be careful which inserts you buy.

06b9beca · Aug 31, 2025

I have 2011 Legacy wipers but want to run 26 on driver and passenger. Will it work?

Want to use regular wiper blades? I have a solution!

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