Access to washer pump

[ABliss]

I've had a look on the Web and everywhere it says to remove front bumper to gain access to windscreen washer pump. Question is, can I access it from the driver side wheel arch?

[grandadbobby]

Hi,
l haven't had to do this yet, but according to the Haynes manual and as you say, what's on the net, it's a bumper off job.
Personally, l don't have much faith in the Haynes manual, but you could take a look on your car and post your findings.
So often people look for solutions but don't share their findings when it's been done.
Please let us know.
Cheers
Bob.

[ElCid]

Me too. My washers dont work, MOT is due in the first week in August.

[ABliss]

When I get to doing it I'll let you guys know. I agree that if you find a way of doing something which isn't in the Haynes it should be shared. Done so in the past and will be in this situation.

I did a bit of research and there's a really good video on YouTube describing how the pump works. Basically, there's a rubber tube which blocked one if the two tubes when it's spun a certain way, directing fluid to the rear or front. The rubber expands over time and doesn't shift, letting liquid to only go either to the rear or front. This is my symptom, as my motor still works.

Me too. My washers dont work, MOT is due in the first week in August.

Does your motor work at all? Or is there nothing when you pull the stalk to activate the washer? You might not have to replace anything, might just be a case of cleaning out the connector going to the motor.

[ABliss]

https://youtu.be/dxZ0SZC_a4c

To access and clean connector of washer pump.

[ABliss]

Update:

Bought a new water pump from eBay, 7 quid.

Taking the bumper off was a bit of a pain as it was my first time and wasn't expecting any issues. Now that I know what to do, it's fairly easy.

Remove bumper as per guide (you can Google it or YouTube it). Watch out for these above the lights when pulling off upper part of the bumper:

20170823_225542 by Andrew Bilsland, on Flickr

As per above picture, part of the bumper slots in these highlighted clips and you'll need a screwdriver to depress the bumper slot. You'll see what I mean.

I only needed to let one side hang (driver side) as it's where the pump was. You need to pull out the old washer motor, when you do this the bottle will empty itself so be prepared for it. Once out, I used a flat blade screw driver to lever the hoses off the motor. There is a rubber seal which needs to be re-attached to the new pump when you pull the motor out.

NEW motor installed

20170817_204400 by Andrew Bilsland, on Flickr
20170817_204405 by Andrew Bilsland, on Flickr
20170817_204408 by Andrew Bilsland, on Flickr

Any questions, let me know. New trim clips may be required.

Edit: Pictures added

[grandadbobby]

Good post
Well done.
Bob.

[ABliss]

Hmm, Seems like my photos aren't showing. I'll see if I can sort that after work.

[pw981]

I managed to change my washer pump via the drivers side wheel arch. It was easier than expected - if anyone else needs to change theirs - give this a try first before removing the bumper.

[ABliss]

I managed to change my washer pump via the drivers side wheel arch. It was easier than expected - if anyone else needs to change theirs - give this a try first before removing the bumper.

This is good advice. But the pump is on the other side of the bottle if you're accessing it from there. It's very easy to pull out and push back in so its definitely worth a go.