front washer pump vs rear washer pump??

[cn90]

Just checked my 2006 X5, @StephenVA is correct.

I have 3 pumps, standing in front of engine from front to rear arrangement:

- The very FRONT pump is for HL (for which I disabled on purpose).
- Middle pump ---> front windshield
- Rear pump ---> rear tailgate

[StephenVA]

These pumps have a super high failure rate. Most croak before 5 years in service the rest soon after.
Failures are:
Pump Seals at reservoir leaking - the fluid drains down to the lowest pump mounting point level. (leaves light blue stains everywhere).
Pump failure - Nothing happens or leaks through pump body.
Lines cracking due to age and diluted washer fluid too high of freezing point (Like 32 degrees F).

This repair is an easy DIY (2 out of 10) with only simple hand tools. Note, twist off the pumps and hoses - do not force them otherwise you will break more parts as these items get real brittle with age. A little brake caliper or silicone grease will help long term if any of the fitting points are questionable. Most go on dry with no issues and a long life.

[Ricky Bobby]

^How does one disable the HL washer pump and in my case the rear washer pump since I deleted my rear wiper? I can't stand the headlight washer feature it does nothing but spray washer fluid all over my cleaned and sealed front end lol

[cn90]

@StephenVA,

- I bought a VDO washer pump at autohausaz dot com for about $20, I leave it inside the glove compartment as spare. Maybe I should get a grommet.
A trick when stuck in the middle of nowhere: a tiny bit of grease (very very thin smear) around the grommet will stop the leak, but a new grommet is better.

@Ricky,

- To disable the HL washer, open the fusebox in the engine compartment, remove the fuse controlling the HL washer, label it so you know you did it.

[thrillcat]

Originally Posted by Ricky Bobby

^How does one disable the HL washer pump and in my case the rear washer pump since I deleted my rear wiper? I can't stand the headlight washer feature it does nothing but spray washer fluid all over my cleaned and sealed front end lol

But if you need to use the windshield washer, it's time for a fresh wash anyway, right?

[Ricky Bobby]

^Great point. I filled up my reservoir in December and haven't filled it up since then. In spring/summer I barely ever use my windshield wipers because I hate when the car is clean and I get those wiper lines lol.

I'd rather have a few bugs or water spots on the window and come home and clean with glass cleaner and an MF towel after work lol

[thrillcat]

Originally Posted by Ricky Bobby

^Great point. I filled up my reservoir in December and haven't filled it up since then. In spring/summer I barely ever use my windshield wipers because I hate when the car is clean and I get those wiper lines lol.

I'd rather have a few bugs or water spots on the window and come home and clean with glass cleaner and an MF towel after work lol

I'm the same way.

I only want the rear wiper fluid to work for winter when getting dirty is inevitable. I like to be able to see out my back window now and then. You know, to see all the other drivers back there.

[Qsilver7]

Originally Posted by cn90

Just checked my 2006 X5, @StephenVA is correct.

I have 3 pumps, standing in front of engine from front to rear arrangement:

- The very FRONT pump is for HL (for which I disabled on purpose).
- Middle pump ---> front windshield
- Rear pump ---> rear tailgate

Here's a pic to go with the above:

[StephenVA]

Originally Posted by Ricky Bobby

^How does one disable the HL washer pump and in my case the rear washer pump since I deleted my rear wiper? I can't stand the headlight washer feature it does nothing but spray washer fluid all over my cleaned and sealed front end lol

Two options: pull relay or just disconnect the electrical quick connect at the H/L or rear washer pump, which ever you wish to not to function. Same result with no warning light or error message.

[thrillcat]

Originally Posted by thrillcat

I need to replace my rear pump and my headlight washer pump. I've had the replacements on my bench for months, but I've been trying to drain as much of the fluid before pulling them as I can. Not that it's expensive, but it's wasteful and I don't care to make the mess.

I had it almost down to E and then my shop topped it off when I had it in to replace my front air suspension bags. :|

*Ding* Patience is a virtue.




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