Front wiper blades on a 2022 Ford Explorer are typically 26 inches on the driver side and 20 inches on the passenger side, with a 12-inch rear blade. This guide walks you through replacing the front and rear blades, with tips to ensure a proper fit and safe procedure.
What you’ll need
Before you begin, gather the right blades and a few basic supplies to make the swap smooth and safe.
- Replacement wiper blades: driver-side 26", passenger-side 20", rear blade around 12" (verify exact sizes for your vehicle)
- New blade adapters or clips if your blades require a different mounting
- Microfiber cloth or paper towels for cleaning the windshield and blades
- Gloves or a towel to protect your hands
- flashlight or a well-lit workspace
Having the correct replacement blades and confirming compatibility with your Explorer will help ensure a secure fit and optimal performance.
Replacing the front wiper blades
Front blade replacement on the 2022 Ford Explorer is straightforward and can be done without tools in most cases.
Driver-side blade (26 inches)
Follow these steps to replace the driver-side blade.
- Park on a level surface and turn off the engine. Lift the driver-side wiper arm away from the windshield until it locks in a raised position.
- Locate the blade’s connection to the wiper arm, typically a small tab or release button.
- Press the release and slide the old blade downward/out of the hook until it detaches.
- Take the new blade and align it with the arm’s connector, ensuring the correct orientation for your vehicle’s model.
- Slide the new blade into the arm’s hook until you hear or feel a click, then gently lower the arm back onto the windshield.
Test the driver-side blade by turning on the wipers to verify full contact with the glass and proper parking position.
Passenger-side blade (20 inches)
Follow these steps to replace the passenger-side blade.
- Lift the passenger-side wiper arm away from the windshield until it locks in the upright position.
- Find the blade’s release mechanism near the connector to the arm and press the release tab.
- Detach the old blade by sliding it out of the hook or slider, depending on your model.
- Prepare the new blade, align it with the arm, and insert it in the same manner as the old blade.
- Secure the blade until it clicks into place, then lower the wiper arm back onto the windshield.
Test the passenger-side blade with a quick wipe to ensure proper seating and performance.
Replacing the rear wiper blade
The rear wiper blade on the Explorer uses a separate mounting and is typically around 12 inches in length. Check your owner’s manual or blade packaging to confirm the exact size for your trim.
Follow these steps to replace the rear blade.
- Release the rear wiper by lifting the tailgate and locating the blade at the far rear of the window.
- Press the release tab or twist the old blade’s connector to unlock it from the wiper arm adapter.
- Remove the old blade from the adapter and prepare the new blade with its adapter attached, if needed.
- Align the new blade with the arm’s connector and slide it in until it locks in place.
- Lower the rear wiper back into position and test by activating the rear wiper to ensure smooth operation and proper parking.
Ensure the new rear blade sits firmly and that the wiper parks correctly when turned off.
Tips for a smooth replacement
These quick tips can help you avoid common issues and get a reliable wipe every time.
- Always verify blade sizes for your exact trim level and prefer OEM or high-quality aftermarket blades designed for your Ford Explorer.
- When removing old blades, avoid letting the wiper arms snap back against the windshield; support the arm with one hand while you release the blade with the other.
- Clean the wiper blades and the windshield before installing the new blades to maximize visibility and blade life.
- Test both low- and high-speed wipes and the park function after installation to confirm proper seating and operation.
If you notice streaking, skipping, or excessive chatter after replacement, recheck the blade alignment and ensure you have the correct size and connector type for your model.
Summary
Replacing the wiper blades on a 2022 Ford Explorer is a straightforward task you can complete at home in about 15–30 minutes. Use 26" driver-side and 20" passenger-side front blades, plus a 12" rear blade, but always verify sizes in your manual or on the blade packaging. Follow the simple lift, release, detach, attach, and reseat steps for each blade, test the system, and you’ll maintain clear visibility in all weather conditions.