Problem installing Valeo wiper blades

[waveman]

Based on positive comments here, I bought a set of Valeo Ultimate 900 wiper blades for my '11 sedan from Amazon. But the adapters are made for a hook arm, which my car definitely doesn't have. The pic on tirerack.com shows a connector called "Top-Lock Gen II," which looks very much like the ones on my Genesis (see pics).

Valeo's web site says to "re-use the OE adapter." Does that mean that I'm supposed to remove the adapters from my old blades and put them on the new ones? That doesn't seem right, and they don't look easy to remove.

TIA for any advice.

 

[OneFunGenesis]

No other adapters came in the package?

 

[waveman]

No other adapters came in the package?

No, nothing else. When I ordered on Amazon, there was no place to choose the adapter. But I had found the blades using their parts finder, and a note at the top of the product page said that they fit my '11 Genesis. On the other hand, the order page on tirerack.com specifically says "top lock II," which means that they'll almost certainly fit.

 

[OneFunGenesis]

Hmmm. Very odd.

 

[waveman]

Problem resolved

I sent an inquiry on Valeo's web site and got a prompt reply by email. After a couple of exchanges (which included me sending the pics I posted earlier), the Valeo rep confirmed that I had wiper blades with the wrong adapters. Apparently, Valeo sells the adapter and blade as one unit. The rep was very responsive and helpful, so kudos to Valeo.

Next, I called Amazon, told them my story, returned the wipers, and ordered new ones, which arrived today. (They waived the charge for overnight shipping at my insistence.) The new wiper blades fit properly.

If you order the Valeos on Amazon, be sure to get the 900-24-7B Frameless ULTIMATE All-Season Wiper Blade, OE Replacement - 24" and the 900-20-7B Frameless ULTIMATE All-Season Wiper Blade, OE Replacement - 20". Don't rely on Amazon's "parts finder" - it said that the 1B blades fit my Genesis.

(Caveat for '12 owners: I don't know if anything changed for your model year.)

 

[OneFunGenesis]

Cool!! Good for Valeo . I am glad you got the right parts!

 

[waveman]

Cool!! Good for Valeo . I am glad you got the right parts!

Thanks much. I hope that my experience saves someone a bit of grief. I'll post my opinion on how well the wipers work in a few days.

 

[Traveler]

Re: Problem resolved

If you order the Valeos on Amazon, be sure to get the 900-24-7B Frameless ULTIMATE All-Season Wiper Blade, OE Replacement - 24" and the 900-20-7B Frameless ULTIMATE All-Season Wiper Blade, OE Replacement - 20". Don't rely on Amazon's "parts finder" - it said that the 1B blades fit my Genesis.

(Caveat for '12 owners: I don't know if anything changed for your model year.)

It's ironic that you added that last line... the 1B blades that you returned are the proper blades for the 2012 sedan. I think you'll be very happy with the Valeo blades.

 

[waveman]

Re: Problem resolved

It's ironic that you added that last line... the 1B blades that you returned are the proper blades for the 2012 sedan. I think you'll be very happy with the Valeo blades.

Thanks for confirming that the adapter for the '12 is different. I wonder why Hyundai changed after four years using the other one?

 

[waveman]

OK, finally got some quality time with the Valeos in some light, moderate, and very heavy rain today. They're very quiet, and can get rid of a fine mist without leaving any streaks.

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[OneFunGenesis]

Good to hear! I like mine too. Something the dealer sells for $14 a wiper no matter the size. Not a terrible deal. Also comes with all of the mounting hardware for any wiper arm style! I shall take pictures the next time I am there

 

[Midnightsun]

I just wanted to confirm that the 2012 wiper attachment is definitely different from previous years. This is good news as the new 2012 system is the standard hook type where as the old was rather impossible to find. ( I got soaked on my 2010 at the dealer for $83 for a set, not installed. Remember, this is Canada!) Good part is now you can mount any blade you heart desires because of the standard type attachment. Strange although as my 2010 had hingeless design from the factory identical to a Valeo and my new 2012 has gone back to a hinged design which is covered with a nice looking plastic top to make it ecstatically pleasing. I have had good luck and good performance from the Michelin brand hingeless design available at Costco here in Canada so I will most likely spring for those this winter. @ $12 each they are a great value. http://www.michelinstealth.com If you are into corny commercials, try this. http://www.pylonhq.com/advert_stealthvid.html

 

[wjakridgeii]

I also got the Valeo wipers for my 2012 and got the ones for the 2011, sent them back to Amazon and got the right ones.

Hyundai!! What was the reason to change the wiper arms from 2011 to 2012.

We appreciate the confusion!

 

[Tin]

how much are the valeo? rain-x is having a promotion with pepboys right now, buy a pair and get 12 back I think.