Sun Dec 03, 2017 9:14 pm
I find this and other threads on the forum re. wiper blade replacement somewhat confusing.
First, some basics:
- the rubber part that contacts the glass is a refill/element when talking about replacing just it and not the whole blade (where applicable)
- blades come in 3 types (traditional metal or composite frame, beam/aero/frameless, hybrid combo. of first two types)
- most beam type wiper blades do not allow for replacing just the element
- replacing either the entire blade or the element (where applicable) requires you to shop carefully to achieve a good outcome
- automakers do not have a standard for windshield curvature so aftermarket blades aren't guaranteed to perform well
- from 2011, the front blades on the Leaf use an offset connector to allow the wiper arm to be closer to the glass
- the size and shape of the Leaf windshield did not change over the years even though blade part nos. did
- front blades are 26" and 16", rear blade is 10"
This thread should have been titled, "Nissan Leaf Wiper Blade refills: Part Numbers and Compilation from Forum"
To complete the picture, a compilation of a Nissan Leaf Wiper Blade O.E. part nos. seems useful.
Given that it has become increasingly difficult to find refills for traditional blades at dealers or elsewhere (with the exception of PIAA and some others), and accepting that beam type blades have become almost the new standard, the following is a summary of original equipment blades through the years.
Front Driver side:
288903NA0A up to Apr. 2012
288903NA0C from Apr. 2012
288903NF0A from Dec. 2012
288903NF2B from Nov. 2016
Front Passenger side:
288903NA1A up to Apr. 2012
288903NA1B from Apr. 2012
288903NF1A from Dec. 2012
288903NF2A from Dec. 2016
Rear:
287901LA0A
287903NF0A from Dec. 2012
Part nos. taken from Nissan dealer online parts site - there may be errors
The F in a part no. indicates a frameless or beam type wiper I believe. This did start when production switched from Japan to U.S.?
Some or all Nissan dealers now offer a lower-priced hybrid replacement blade that fits all years with the following part not.:
Front driver side: B889UHS26JNW
Front pass. side: B889UHS16JNW
Rear: B87Y3RB10JNW
Don't know who makes these, but the leading B might be for Bosch and the JN indicates Made in Japan (wild guess).
CONCLUSION
The hybrid replacement blades from the dealer are probably a good choice as they look sleek, perform like traditional blades (which they are under the outer covering), and can potentially have refills fitted when necessary if you are resourceful.
The next challenge is determine if there is an aftermarket blade widely available at common retail outlets that is identical to these (it could have any number of brand or house-label names on it and still be the same).
Note: hybrid blades can look similar to what has always been called a "winter blade", but more streamlined and lighter.
2012 SL Pearl White
06/2012 build date (38K miles, 10 bars, 76.54% SOH, 58.37%Hx, 50.72Ahr @ 09/2017)
Michelin Defenders & Nokian WR G3
Tor's heater mod