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Replacing the Windshield Washer Motor Grommet
by Max Korin of Sheffield, England

Is the windshield washer tank on your Mercedes-Benz leaking? Are you tired of the low washer fluid warning message?
Fortunately, Max has done a very good job of documenting this inexpensive repair.

This web page is a self explanatory guide to replacing the motor and grommet for the windscreen wash mechanism. The job is very easy even for a relative novice. No specialist tools required - just a basic tool kit with Pliers, Flat blade screwdriver etc.

Step 1 is to remove the heat shield on the side of the screen-wash reservoir.

As shown in photo 2 - Slide the flat retaining clip sideways to release the Heat shield. Take care not to drop it! - If you do (as I did) you may be lucky enough to pick it up using a magnetic pick-up tool. The heat shield can then be flexed and slid sideways off its mountings.

Photo 3 - Next step is to disconnect the electrical terminal for the motor.

As shown in photo 4 - Pull up gently on the tab to release the catch as you pull the whole terminal cap up off the motor.

And here's what you're left with - photo 5. At this stage I twisted the motor slightly anti-clockwise so that the water hose below was unobstructed from any moldings on the side of the plastic tank. In my case the motor was dead so I just grabbed hold of it with some pliers and pulled. If your motor is OK and you just want to access the rubber grommet underneath - you may want to be a little more gentle as you remove the motor. However it is simply a case of lifting the motor directly up from its position.

Be aware - If there is any fluid in the screen-wash reservoir, it will be forced out through the hole for the motor. As in my case, the motor had died with almost a full tank so there was small fountain as the tank drained! Just make sure it doesn't squirt all over the coil packs and spark plugs on that side of the engine.

Photos 6 & 7 below - Now you have access to the rubber grommet below the motor, often the cause of leaks.

I was advised to replace this grommet so I removed it. However, on close inspection the grommet was in perfect condition and was of superior quality than the new grommet supplied with my new motor so I decided to replace it and continue to use it. Replacing the grommet proved fiddly and somewhat difficult as the hole it seals is slightly smaller than the grommet body and you are working at fingertip distance. It took patience and a long shafted flat blade screw-driver to prize it back into place. So I would advise you to consider carefully before you remove it. If your motor is clearly still working and you are losing fluid - by all means replace it. But if like me, it's clearly the motor at fault, I would think twice about removing it unless it shows visible signs of deterioration (just my personal view).

Photo 8 below. Finally if you're replacing the motor as I was, you will need to disconnect and reconnect the hose leading to the washer jets. - And to be honest there's little need for me to include this photo... as the procedure is self-evident once the motor is free. But just to be complete....

Just squeeze the tabs on the clip holding the hose onto the motor. And remove the hose.

Obviously - Putting it all back together is exactly the reverse process. If I hadn't been taking photos every few minutes and messing with the grommet I'd removed that was in perfect condition; the whole job would have taken about 10 minutes, maybe 15 for a complete novice.

Hope that helps make the job easier for you.

Kind Regards

Max Korin

This is an overview of what "Max did". By "overview", I mean he didn't list everything that should be done under normal circumstances. For example, he didn't write, "the average mechanic shouldn't perform this while wearing a necktie or scarf with the engine running". Max also didn't write anthing about "heated washer fluid" possibly being hot. Since this is going to be read by the general public, the same gerneral public that decided McDonald's was responsible to the tune of 2.86 million dollars because a customer spilled hot coffee in her lap, these instructions are for entertainment value only. I am not recommending that any reader perform any service on any car. I also do not guarantee the accuracy of the text or pictures, and highly recommend that everyone use the services of a qualified mechanic to perform ALL MAINTENANCE, REPAIRS, & VEHICLE SERVICE. Lastly, If you fall over and hit your head or are otherwise injured while being "entertained", please note that I don't have $3M sitting around. If you need a payday, I recommend McDonalds. Extra large, extra hot.

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