Why the windshield washer pumps fail for everyone

[xfizzle]

So we have a 2001 X5 and a 2002 325 wagon, in one month four out of five of the washer pumps failed. The dealer brought the first one to our attention when the 325 was in for service and said $140 to fix. I said no thank you. You can get the pumps on eBay for $15 each with free shipping--the ones in the X5 don't even need any tools to replace and is literally a 3 minute job. So afterward I smashed open one of the broken pumps and much to my suspicion I found that it was rusted to all hell. So basically the pumps fail because the seal between the motor and the pump area eventually leaks with age and rusts out the motor and then no more windshield washing fluid goodness. The SA actually told me "washer pump electrode loop was indicating a fault"--I think he tried to scare me away from doing a DIY repair because he knew how easy it would be.

[m5james]

Scare tactics and fancy wording is what scares away most people. Fuel transfer technicians in Oregon use these tactics to get the ladies

[wallyx5]

Originally Posted by m5james

Scare tactics and fancy wording is what scares away most people. Fuel transfer technicians in Oregon use these tactics to get the ladies

When I pumped gas in Oregon as a teenager I used the term "petroleum transfer engineer". I worked for Texaco. Great outfit.

[m5james]

Originally Posted by wallyx5

When I pumped gas in Oregon as a teenager I used the term "petroleum transfer engineer". I worked for Texaco. Great outfit.

Saying enginerd is like an instant panty remover...ok, not really Cheaper gas and it's pumped for you, what is going on w/ all these other states

[scchang]

Originally Posted by xfizzle

You can get the pumps on eBay for $15 each with free shipping.

Have you had any issues with the eBay pump?

[xfizzle]

None. As far as I can tell, the pumps on eBay are the exact same as the OEM pumps. They look identical.

[AZX54.4]

I think I need to replace the windshield washer pump on my 02 x5. Could you give a little DIY explanation on how to remove the old pump and put the new one in, Do i need to remove the washer tank? Thanks!

[xfizzle]

Without pics, here goes:
No tools required. No need to remove the washer fluid tank. My car is a 3.0 so I'm thinking the 4.4 has the same washer tank and in the same spot. The tank is big and white and if you are looking at the car from the front with the hood up, it will be on the left in the back. I think the cap is marked with a big 7.8L. The pump is on the back side. When you remove and replace the pump, some washer fluid is going to leak from the tank during the time it is all disconnected. It's only a little mess but you should do the repair in the driveway and then mop up any spills when you are done. It's really only going to be a couple ounces of washer fluid.

1. Remove the wiring harness from the pump--I think it's just a squeeze and pull connector. The pump is just held on to the tank with giant clips molded into the tank.

2. Look at your new pump--you will see two places for water connections--at the very bottom of the pump and the little spigot shooting off to the side.

3. Remove the hose from the spigot on the old pump--just wiggle and pull. At this point washer fluid will begin to come out of the spigot.

4. Then pull the pump straight up to remove it from the tank--now the washer fluid will be leaking from the tank where you removed the pump.

5. Put the new pump in by simply just pushing it in to the tank where the old pump was.

6. Put the hose on the spigot--push and wiggle it on.

7. You're done.

[Bimmer Ese]

Originally Posted by xfizzle

The SA actually told me "washer pump electrode loop was indicating a fault"--I think he tried to scare me away from doing a DIY repair because he knew how easy it would be.

Hahaha...should that go along with the blinker fluid actuator diagnosis line too?

[xfizzle]

The best is when they tell you that "your piston return spring needs to tightened".