I wanted to replace my rear wiper blade ages ago. Knowing it's a dealer-only part, I tried the servicing dealer ages ago but it completely foxed the parts person and he said they couldn't supply it.

It's from a 2003 L&K hatch, the one with the cover on, and is now split and getting quite grotty. I tried a different dealer last weekend. He struggled to find it on the computer, but said it wasn't in stock and so would have to be ordered. He took my number but didn't call in the week.

While passing by this morning, I called in and there was someone else on the counter. He looked at the computer again, went upstairs and brought it down. It didn't look as curved but was difficult to tell when in the packet. Now I've brought it home, it looks quite different. I have removed the adapter that was fitted for a normal arm.

Apologies for the poor quality. I seem to have misplaced my digicam so used the phone. New one is on the top in the first picture, bottom for the second.

The new blade is completely straight so I have a feeling this is the wrong part, especially as it seemed generic with the adaptor and is certainly not a specific model part.

The part number was 1M6 955 425 but the invoice states 1U9 955 425B.

Any experts on here who can confirm whether this is ok, or whether I should take it back and get them to supply the same one as before? Or even better and provide the part number.

Thanks, James.

EDIT: I've just tried to fit it and it's definitely the wrong one, as it needs to be curved to fit behind the plastic cover.

I just got a blade from halfords when I changed mine, fitted perfectly. 13" I think.

Thats the same one that i got when i got mine from the dealers last time.

Think ill get a 13" one from Halfrauds next time

I need a new rear wiper too...

The one on the car is a 16" curved blade which looks like the one James posted, not a 13". I'm going to try Skoda and see if they can get the right one ordered in. Halfords had nothing similar. :(

Does anyone have the correct part number for the original 16" curved blade?

Is the part number stamped on the old wiper somewhere?

Is the part number stamped on the old wiper somewhere?

Unfortunately not that I can see... :(

Maybe I am missing something here, can you not just change the rubber, rather than the whole assembly?

Maybe I am missing something here, can you not just change the rubber, rather than the whole assembly?

Yep, that's the next option...

a much cheaper option too

I can generally recycle my front wiper rubbers to the back of the car (works on the estates as the rear wiper is much shorted then than the front blades)

a much cheaper option too

I can generally recycle my front wiper rubbers to the back of the car (works on the estates as the rear wiper is much shorted then than the front blades)

Refills were an option, but I hadn't thought of re-using the rubber from the front ones. I changed my front ones for aero blades a while ago and still have the originals so that's a great idea! Why didn't I think of that?

Can only find two partnumbers for the hatchback wiper blades, 1M6 955 425 and 1U6 955 425 A. The partnumber for the estate is 1U9 955 425 B.

Can only find two partnumbers for the hatchback wiper blades, 1M6 955 425 and 1U6 955 425 A. The partnumber for the estate is 1U9 955 425 B.

Thanks Simon, seeing as though the OP was given 1M6 955 425, I wonder if 1U6 955 425 A is the curved 16" blade. Odd that they invoiced him for the estate blade. :confused:

I though I had better head back to the dealer to try to swap it after writing the post, just in case they wouldn't accept any refund if I only went back next weekend.

Thanks for the part numbers. The bloke behind the parts counter said that he must have picked the wrong blade, with the 'B' making the difference. As there were none in, he has ordered one for me.

I think I'll have to call them on Monday, as it sounds like a 13" estate blade might be on its way. A lot of faffing for a £5 part :(

I just went to halfords aka "numptyland" and got a Bosch blade that was listed for the car.

Fits and works great.

Just clearing some rubbish out and came across the wrapper and receipt form this wiper, so thought I would point out exactly happened in the end.

The part number for the curved blade needed on the Octavia mk 1 hatch with the cover was 1U6 955 425 A.

I had been billed for a blade different to the one originally supplied, neither of which were the right one. Needed a few dealer visits in total back in May but was finally sorted out.