HotRodW

After repeated complaints from my wife regarding the poor quality of the factory Q5 wiper blades, I did some research and found that Valeo offers a direct replacement blade. The Valeo Ultimate wiper blade (part #'s 900-24-11B & 900-20-9B) slip right on the factory arm without the need for an adapter. The blades cost a few bucks more at Amazon, but I'm hopeful they'll perform better. In my wife's words: "how can they possibly be any worse?" I just installed the blades last night, but I'll provide updates if my wife offers any feedback - positive or negative.

HaveBullDogWillTravel

I'm not going to argue with your wife...or anyone's wife for that matter but I'm on my 3rd st of OEM blades since Oct. '09 and must admit that I've been happy with the OEM. I'm kind of **** about a clean windscreen and when the blades start to show any wear, they're gone! Is it possible that your glass needs a thorough clean and polish job? Wipers(any brand) work SOOO much better when the glass is slick and clean. Blades will also benefit from a thorough cleaning...I just use alcohol. FWIW.
Thanks for posting the info and part #, BTW.

HotRodW

Thanks for the tip. I have degreased and cleaned the windshield and wiper blades numerous times (glass polish, alcohol, vinegar, Dawn, Simple Green), plus I've treated the windshield with Rain-X. The factory Bosch wipers skip, failing to maintain consistent contact. The problem is likely exacerbated by the 70 mph speed limit here in Michigan, (which means my wife is likely cruising at 80 on her commute). Still, her previous car's wipers performed well, and I have had no issues with my car. I've had a lot of luck with PIAA Super Silicone blades, but I've been told there is no direct fitment for the Q5 yet.

I did ask the service manager about the blades when I had the rearview camera module installed last week. He explained that they will replace blades free of charge once if done on or before the 5,000 mile service. Obviously we were beyond that threshold.

uberwgn

Hot Rod, get rid of the RainX on the windshield and your skipping problem will go away

uberwgn

Alcohol is tough on rubber. It's better to find something that will clean and possibly refresh/soften the rubber edge. 303 makes tiny little wipes* that work well. Apply the night before, wipe off any residue the following morning. I believe this simple process can extend the life of the blades. I've had good luck with it and am still on my original blades. They're quiet, smooth-running and do a good job of cleaning the glass.

*I suspect the wipes contain the same 303 product that comes in the spray bottle

HotRodW

Stripped it a couple months ago thinking it had started breaking down. Didn't help so I reapplied. Better with than without, but blades were still skipping.

uberwgn

I wonder if you didn't get all the RainX off...that stuff is a biatch to fully remove.

With fresh (soft) blades, and truly clean glass, you shouldn't have that annoying blade juddering.

Have you tried claying the glass, or possibly a glass polish? Then follow up with 91% isopropyl alcohol? I've had pretty good luck correcting some peoples' cars by doing that.

tomaszp72

RainX has blades, not sure if they have some for Q5, but I found blades for my car and they work the best. Original Bosch blades were always garbage.

HaveBullDogWillTravel

I use Zaino Glass polish and that works very well. Tried clay with minimal improvement.

amkmeco90

Do you mean that it is wrong to use Rain-X windshield fluid?