2012 V: Trouble removing OEM front wipers

Long time lurker, first time poster.

I've changed my wipers a few times over the years without much problem. I am currently struggling to remove the front wipers which are OEM Toyota parts from my local dealer. They refuse to come out with moderate effort and I don't want to exert any more force until I get advice.

There's a tab to flip up and normally I'd just pull to disengage from the hook end. But, neither front blade unit will come off. I looked for another tab or clip that would need actuation and can't find anything appropriate.

Due diligence: I've watched a lot of YT videos and searched the Forum. The Forum has several older posts about this but a key photo is not appearing in the messages. I am doing what the videos say and they're all in line with what I've done in the past but the blade/frame won't come off this time. I'm replacing with Anco blades so I don't have any OEM removal directions.

I've enclosed some photos of the assembly from various angles. I can upload higher resolution images if needed.

Advice appreciated.

 

Thanks, very much! I'll try that in the morning and report. Great video - others start with the wiper arm up and the demonstrator's hands get in the way.

FWIW, I was moving the assembly as you've shown. With the wiper arm up, I was trying to slide the wiper blade towards the hood of the car.

 

@rjparker Your suggestion worked great. Thanks!

@Mendel Leisk Appreciate this tip. Even with oil, the OEM wipers came off with a jerk. The towel did its job.

Unfortunately, the Anco wipers were hard to get on and the left front failed immediately on testing it. After couple of wipes, it crumpled. Their printed instructions are pretty grim and their videos not much better so I must have misinterpreted something in the installation. I guess that's why they cost $4.

I put the old blades back on and will get OEM parts from the local dealership.