Windscreen Washer Pump replacement & repair made easy

What does a windscreen washer pump do?

The windscreen wiper / washer system enables you to clean your windscreen while driving. The washer fluid assists the window wipers to clean the windscreen of dirt and debris. The washer nozzles that distribute the washer fluid over the windscreen are powered by the washer pump.

How does the windscreen washer pump work and what are the components?

The washer pump is a simple electric fluid pump that, when activated by the driver, pumps the washer fluid through the pipework and then out through the nozzles (or jets) onto the windscreen.

How do you know there is something wrong with the windscreen washer pump?

• When there is no washer fluid coming from the washer nozzles.
• When there is an irregular or poor supply of washer fluid coming through the washer jets.
• If you go to spray the windscreen and cannot hear the pump running to build the pressure.

When should you consider a windscreen washer pump replacement?

When there is no washer fluid being distributed over the window it is not necessarily the washer pump that has failed. In some cases it might be that the wiper switch has failed or that the system has blown a fuse. Equally it could be a loose or corroded wire connector. At an inspection the mechanic will establish, step by step, what the exact fault in the electrical system is before replacing any parts.

When there is a noise coming from the windscreen washer pump when activated but no washer fluid is distributed across the windscreen the fault most likely lies with a non-electrical issue. The most obvious one is that the washer fluid reservoir is empty, in other cases it might be that the washer lines or nozzles are clogged up preventing washer fluid to flow through.

How common is a windscreen washer pump replacement?

Although it's a common item, its simplicity, if maintained, means failure happens occasionally rather than regularly.

How can I extend the lifetime of my windscreen washer pump?

The only thing you can do, and this is more important than you may think, is use the right screen detergent at the correct ration. This stops the pump getting clogged up with detergent if it is too undiluted and keeps it lubricated.

Never, ever, use washing up liquid in the washer system. It's not designed for using it and you will clog up the pump as well as producing a string of bubbles each time you spray the windscreen!

What happens during a windscreen washer pump replacement?

• The mechanic will inspect the windscreen washer system.
• The mechanic will carry out checks to determine the exact fault in the electrical system.
• If necessary, the mechanic will replace the faulty washer pump.
• The mechanic will advise if any other parts need to be replaced.
• The mechanic will test the windscreen's wiper / washer facility to ensure it works correctly.
• If necessary, the mechanic will make adjustments to the washer jet direction.

How much does a windscreen washer pump replacement cost?

The cost of a windscreen washer pump replacement depends on your car and what parts your car's manufacturer recommends using for the replacement. Find out what you could save by having your windscreen washer pump replaced by ClickMechanic, by selecting your car at the top of this page!