Just got back from a GM dealership....

[02EnvoySLE Guy]

I was having problems with the rear wiper catching on the glass, and knew about the TSB for a bad wiper arm, but they said the arm was fine.

However, they told me the blade I had on there (Bosch MicroEdge Excel) wasn't able to fit the TB/Envoy platform. Why, you ask? Because the little tray that it sits in won't allow the blade to seat if you aren't using a Genuine GM blade.

From what this guy said, and I went over to autozone and verified, no aftermarket blades have the "notch" in the blade frame to allow the arm to set properly on the back, causing the catch.

So, basically you HAVE to go to GM and get blades at $20 a pop versus the $10/ea. blades you would usually buy. Thanks alot, GM!!

Anyone else noticed this or have alternatives that actually WORK? This seems ridiculous to me, especially since I go through a complete set of three blades in ~6 months. This just ups the cost to replace/maintain them.

[jdits7]

I noticed the same thing, bought one from Wal-Mart a while back.
1) it wouldn't set in the holder.
2) it would hit the glass handle when it did a wipe accross.

Haven't found an alternative yet.

JD

[02EnvoySLE Guy]

I noticed the same thing, bought one from Wal-Mart a while back.
1) it wouldn't set in the holder.
2) it would hit the glass handle when it did a wipe accross.

Haven't found an alternative yet.

JD

mine was actually getting stuck between the paint and glass portions of the hatch; what brand did you buy? I'm going to be getting in touch with Bosch to let them know about the issue so maybe they can let folks know that TBs/Envoys/etc. on this platform can't use their blades. Or better yet, they'll start making the blades to fit our trucks!

Until then, I bought a brand new bosch blade before knowing this issue, so I'm going to try hacking it up and making something that will fit. I'll post a procedure when I'm done and if it's successful.

[jdits7]

I bought a Anco blade, I am going to try to modify mine as well. We will see how it turns out. Hopefully It will start getting a little warmer here so I can go out and try it. Plus my TB really needs a bath. Hopefully yours turns out decent also.

JD

[Black Ice]

Im glad you found all this out, now i know not to go out and by a after market blade when i need it.

[04TBEXT]

I don't know if this will help...I bought a pair of GM (A/C Delco) wiper inserts (PN 89001063 - A/C Delco PN 8-5163) from the local GM dealer. It cost me $4.84 plus tax. This wiper insert fits the rear wiper blade on my '02 Suburban and '04 T/B. I do not change the blade, instead only the insert...far less expensive and my wipers function equal to new. This wiper insert will fit the rear of '02 - '04 T/Bs.

[02EnvoySLE Guy]

I don't know if this will help...I bought a pair of GM (A/C Delco) wiper inserts (PN 89001063 - A/C Delco PN 8-5163) from the local GM dealer. It cost me $4.84 plus tax. This wiper insert fits the rear wiper blade on my '02 Suburban and '04 T/B. I do not change the blade, instead only the insert...far less expensive and my wipers function equal to new. This wiper insert will fit the rear of '02 - '04 T/Bs.

That's REALLY good to know. Why didn't the service writer I talked to tell me this?!