Replacing windshield washer hoses

[Salty B.]

My window/windshield/winscreen/that big piece of glass in from of me/ washer system leaks badly. The tank isn't cracked but it will empty itself within a day and the leaks appear to be coming from the underside of the car at the firewall, not the bottom of the tank or the two pumps (it has headlight washers which also leak but only when operated, not just sitting.

Any suggestions how to replace these? My Bentley doesn't have anything useful. I guess the only way to check is to fill the reservoir then get under it to see from where it's peeing. Whee... anyone know what size tubing this would require?

[wpoll]

I've recently spent time chasing down leaks on this system. In my case, it started with a non-return valve failure at the rear spoiler, then came grommet leaks at the tank, then I had two pumps fail in quick succession (a few weeks apart but...). I was darn near about ready to set the thing on fire (but it was too wet to burn!).

When this system leaks, it can be difficult to tell where the fluid is leaking from. it collects in all manner of cavities until it hits the ground...

Are you certain it's not the pumps? The have an internal seal that fails and leak washer fluid out a vent port... hard to spot. I used a telescopic inspection mirror to view the pumps when in place.



If the leak is higher up, up by the cabin filter housing, it's likely a cracked jet nozzle. These suckers are heated and are about USD$50 each - let's hope it's not that!!

Earlier threads on leaks have suggested placing paper towels in strategic locations to see where the leak is coming from (by StephenVA I think...)

The hose is pretty generic rubber tubing (6mm, 1/4" maybe) - you should be able to find it at any auto parts store.

[Salty B.]

Originally Posted by wpoll

I've recently spent time chasing down leaks on this system. In my case, it started with a non-return valve failure at the rear spoiler, then came grommet leaks at the tank, then I had two pumps fail in quick succession (a few weeks apart but...). I was darn near about ready to set the thing on fire (but it was too wet to burn!).

When this system leaks, it can be difficult to tell where the fluid is leaking from. it collects in all manner of cavities until it hits the ground...

Are you certain it's not the pumps? The have an internal seal that fails and leak washer fluid out a vent port... hard to spot. I used a telescopic inspection mirror to view the pumps when in place.

If the leak is higher up, up by the cabin filter housing, it's likely a cracked jet nozzle. These suckers are heated and are about USD$50 each - let's hope it's not that!!

Earlier threads on leaks have suggested placing paper towels in strategic locations to see where the leak is coming from (by StephenVA I think...)

The hose is pretty generic rubber tubing (6mm, 1/4" maybe) - you should be able to find it at any auto parts store.

Wow, this is great info to have. Thanks!

[Factory6speed]

I recently went through mine. The headlight washer "distribution piece" was cracked in half and the grommet on the rear pump was leaking. Also some of the headlight washer nozzles were leaking at the little o-ring.

I don't have like a nice assortment of o-rings on hand, but I found an obscure post I think it was on the E46 forum saying that the number 7 o-ring is the perfect fit for these headlight washers. And somehow I had the number 7 o-ring here for some old AN fittings, so I was able to replace all those thanks to some good luck.

61671379530 is the part number for the washer hose. I bought a length of this and was able to get the headlight washers all fixed up. You could probably just get an equivalent hose at the parts store as said.

I think if the rear line was leaking I would just cap and unplug the pump. Is it really worth it..

[Salty B.]

Thx 6-speed!