Why the windshield washer pumps fail for everyone

[rlabair]

Hey guys, on this topic, is there a separate washer pump for the rear window? My front works but the rear does not.

[fcx56]

To continue hijacking the thread in the same vein as rlabair my rear flid dispenser puts out washer fluid but it doesn't mist over the window, just runs down in one stream. I always assumed I would need to replace the nozzle at the end because it must have been damaged but after reading this thread I wonder if it is possibly being caused by inadequite pressure from the pump? Sorry for the ongoing hijack, carry on...

[xfizzle]

Originally Posted by fcx56

To continue hijacking the thread in the same vein as rlabair my rear flid dispenser puts out washer fluid but it doesn't mist over the window, just runs down in one stream. I always assumed I would need to replace the nozzle at the end because it must have been damaged but after reading this thread I wonder if it is possibly being caused by inadequite pressure from the pump? Sorry for the ongoing hijack, carry on...

The pump is simple little DC motor so I don't think it would lower the pressure if it was defective--I think it would just quit on you. To troubleshoot, you could try switching the front and rear pumps to see if it squirts better. But most likely the nozzle or the valve in the back of the car is clogged. Which valve? #3 in this diagram:

RealOEM.com BMW E53 X5 3.0i SINGLE PARTS FOR REAR WINDOW CLEANING

[xfizzle]

Originally Posted by rlabair

Hey guys, on this topic, is there a separate washer pump for the rear window? My front works but the rear does not.

I probably should have been more specific in my DIY. On the back of the washer fluid tank, there 2 pumps. Looking at your engine bay from the front of the car, the one on the right is for the front windshield washer. The one on the left is for your rear window washer. Both pumps are the same so you can order 2 of the same off of eBay. The front pump does not require any tools as in my DIY to replace. Depending on the size of your hands, you may or may not have to loosen the washer fluid tank to replace the rear washer pump.

[Quicksilver]

More than likely he was trying to do the job
because that's why the service dept. is in
business. Can't blame a service dept. for trying.

It's like the SA saying why come here, you
know you can change your own oil...... right?

Originally Posted by xfizzle

I think he tried to scare me away from doing a DIY repair because he knew how easy it would be.

[m5james]

My son could change the washer pump, so comparing it to changing the oil isn't a good comparison. I get your drift though.

[Quicksilver]

It aint the difficulty of the install it's the intent.
Some dealers will do small stuff for no charge.
Often it depends on your relationship with the
dealership and the SA.

If it's a 3 minute job and they know it and you
know it then customer service comes into to play.
I've seen it time and time again. I've also seen the
opposite. You just never know.

Originally Posted by m5james

My son could change the washer pump, so comparing it to changing the oil isn't a good comparison. I get your drift though.

[rlabair]

Fcx56, hijacking the thread? It was a question regarding a similar topic. Sorry if my forum etiquette is out of line but so glad you could continue the highjack. It's always nice to be thrown under the X5 bus...haha

[fcx56]

Originally Posted by rlabair

Fcx56, hijacking the thread? It was a question regarding a similar topic. Sorry if my forum etiquette is out of line but so glad you could continue the highjack. It's always nice to be thrown under the X5 bus...haha

Haha no malice in my comment, if anything I'm the guilty one being that my post had barely anything to do with the pump at the end of the day. Blame me, rlabair is innocent!

[rlabair]

FCX56, no malice taken. Actually, got a laugh out of it! Thanks though for the reply. I'm officially off the pirate hook