WINDSCREEN WASHERS
Some months ago now, my windscreen washer jets stopped working (reliably >anyhow)... > >Checked the pump - no problem, traced the problem to the contact behind the >steering wheel. Took it to my local garage. They squirted some WD40 >through a straw down inside the stalk/contact. This cured the problem, and >I thought that was the end of the story...within a few days, the jets had >given-up again. I tried the WD40 trick again, and it worked...but I find >that this "Heath Robinson" approach will only last a few days at best, and >quite frankly, at this time of year it's a pain not to be able to rely on my >washer jets. >I haven't taken the steering wheel off, and all the other bits yet...I'm not >keen on dismantling my car without knowing what I'm doing, because from past >experience it may be worse after I've put it back together! >I suspect the contact may need replacing/cleaning - has anyone else had this >problem and sorted it out properly? > >Any tips are welcome before I ask to borrow Dave's H@#^£S Manual... Cheers, Mark R
Quite an easy one, remove horn pad which just clips in. 23mm Socket and extension
bar (do not put the steering lock on) a quick jerky type movement (no jokes
please) on the socket will loosen the nut, mark the position of the steering
wheel in relation to the instrument housing with some tippex to ensure correct
alignment when refitting.
WD40 is the wrong type of material to use it is more a lubricant than a cleaner
and attracts dust and airborne greasy particles. Get some real McCoy electrical
contact cleaner which does not attract static or dust and clean away to your
hearts content with a cotton bud. This should do the trick. Nik M
1. Experienced similar erratic behaviour of washers and had it traced to faulty
contact on wipe/wash stalk. Replaced with second hand stalk and problem disappeared.
2. Recently experienced even stranger symptoms when water passed through passenger
washer at full strength but a mere dribble on driver's side. Before you all
reach for your X certificate manuals - I may be 50+ but I do not have any prostate
problems so there! Finally traced problem - the T-piece that feeds drivers side
has a non-return valve which had jammed. Whichever your problem is, good luck
and may your windscreen keep moist........! Regards Pete J