I had posted a DIY on vwvortex about a month ago on this.
Here's a copy of it, with Webshots pics:
I needed new wipers for my Jetta, and being a cheap b@st@rd, decided to swap just the inserts out, rather than buy all new blades.
I couldn't find anyone who sold inserts for the mkV yet, so I used simple aftermarket inserts, and just removed the plastic backbone, keeping only the wiper itself.
This is really pretty easy:
1. Put wipers in "maintenance" position (turn off key, hit wiper switch once, pull arms away from windshield);
2. Pivot wiper 90 degrees, and pull off of wiper arm;
3. Take a thin blade screwdriver and CAREFULLY pry off both of the end caps on the wiper;
4. On one end, there's a small metal "spike" that keeps the rubber insert from pulling out - gently pry this spike up just slightly;
5. Pull out the old insert from the other end;
6. Slide in new insert, and press the metal spike back down with a needle-nose pliers to lock the insert from sliding;
7. Press the plastic end-caps back on, reinstall wipers on arms and place them back on the windshield.
This retains the OE low profile blade frame, but allows fitment of inserts of my choice alot cheaper than constantly buying complete frames.
Also allows you to install "hi-tech" triple edge styles too.
