Ray-Ban Erika 4171 – How to replace the temple tips

Temple tips are the covers on the ends of the arms, the part that rests behind your ear. On the Ray-Ban 4171 Erika they can be replaced in a few minutes: you straighten the end of the arm, pull off the old temple tip, slide on the new one and bend the curve back by hand.

The Erika has a simple design, with slightly rubberized, gently curved metal arms. Over time and with wear, the temple tips get worn, crack or lose their color, and replacing them makes the glasses comfortable again and keeps them looking well cared for.

Before you start

Identify your model

On the inside of the arm you will see the full reference printed: the model (RB4171), the color code and the lens and bridge measurements, in the same format as on any Ray-Ban (for example, “RB3025 001 58□14” on an Aviator). Take a photo of it so you can order temple tips in the right color.

What you need

• The new temple tips: you will find original Ray-Ban Erika 4171 temple tips in Ray-Ban 4171 spare parts.
• Your hands: no tools are needed.
• Optional: a cloth to hold the arm without marking it.

Step by step: how to replace the RB4171 temple tips

1. Straighten the end of the arm. Gently bend the curved part until it is straight; this way the old temple tip slides off easily.
2. Pull off the old temple tip. Pull it outward, in a straight line with the arm.
3. Fit the new one. Slide it onto the straight end of the arm the same way you removed the old one, until it reaches the stop.
4. Bend the arm back. Since you fitted the temple tip with the arm straight, you now need to bend the curve back by hand to restore its original shape so it fits behind your ear.
5. Repeat on the other arm and compare the two curves.

Done! Try the glasses on: both arms should rest evenly. If one presses more than the other, adjust the curve little by little.

A tip for bending the curve

Use the other arm as a reference: place them side by side and bend the new one until the curves match. Do it in several small movements rather than one. Metal gets marked if it is bent and straightened many times at the same point, so it is better to get it right calmly than to correct it several times.

When to replace the temple tips

There is no need to wait until they break. If you notice that a temple tip is cracked, hardened, sticky or discolored, or if the metal arm pokes through the end, it is a good time to replace it. A temple tip in poor condition rubs behind the ear, holds the glasses less securely and can end up marking your skin. Replacing them costs little and makes a big difference to everyday comfort.

Common mistakes

• Pulling the temple tip without straightening the arm. With the curve still in place it is very hard to remove, and you can break it or scratch the arm.
• Bending and straightening many times. The metal gets fatigued. Straighten it once, replace the temple tip and carefully give it its final curve.
• Leaving the temple tip only halfway on. Make sure it reaches the stop before bending.
• Giving each side a different curve. The glasses will sit crooked on your face. Always compare both arms.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need tools?

No, the temple tips on the Erika are replaced by hand.

Can I replace just the temple tips rather than the whole arm?

Yes, if the metal arm is in good condition, replacing the temple tips is enough. If the arm is bent or broken, we have original Ray-Ban 4171 arms.

Are they original?

Yes, they are genuine Ray-Ban parts. We have been a certified EssilorLuxottica distributor since 2018.

Do they come with a warranty?

All our parts come with a 3-year warranty against manufacturing defects.

More spare parts for your Ray-Ban Erika

If you also want to renew the lenses, we have original lenses for the Erika and compatible lenses. Standard shipping is free on orders over $ 50.53. Not sure about the color? Write to us and we will help you by email. Below you will find other original and compatible parts for this model.