Rear washer drains back; delay before sprays

[philbrown]

This is a desperate plea to see if anyone has had the same issue and found a fix. I have searched and read everything I can on rear washer leaks but not found a solution to my problem.

First the history of my rear washer system.

I had a new washer pump many years ago. Replaced with genuine VAG part, all okay.

I got the seized jet tube in the rear washer. After several unsuccessful attempts to repair it I rebuilt the rear screen motor with a rebuild kit. All fine.

I recently replaced the washer pump again as it was leaking. This time I bought a cheap one from GSF.

Now for my current problem – a few minutes after using the rear washer if I use it again it takes several seconds and wipes before any fluid comes out the jet. If I use it immediately after using it then fluid comes out straightaway. It doesn’t seem to make any difference if I use the front washer in between rear washes, the effect is still the same.

I’m not absolutely certain it happened as soon as I had fitted the new pump, so not sure if I can attribute it to the cheap pump I bought. The pump runs as soon as activated and the jet is fine when it comes through.

I don’t have any leaks evident in the rear hatch or on the nearside C pillar and never have had. There is dust on top of my CD changer, no fluid.

Questions
1 Has anyone had a similar issue and if so have they fixed it and how? Was it related to a cheap ‘pattern’ pump?
2 Are there any joins in the rear washer pipe apart from at the pump (two connections), C pillar and wiper motor/jet that might be letting air in and so allowing the fluid to drain back to the reservoir?

It is really annoying as the wiper sweeps dry dirt before any fluid comes through.

I don’t want to buy another pump (VAG) only to find that is not the problem.

Incidentally I cannot unlock my rear hatch with the key but central locking is okay; I don’t think I have had a leak inside the hatch – I think I caught the seized tube before this happened. My conclusion is that the washer fluid and scale gets into the lock barrel from the outside and gums it up.

[batteryman]

Hi. I replaced the rear wiper recently to cure the leak problem. The lock mechanism on mine was seized inside - WD40 and repeatedly flexing freed it off eventally. I think the barrel may respond to the same treatment - I certainly put WD40 in the barrel and flexed it many times before putting everything back. I also used some silicone grease spray which is a much better water repellant, hopefully this will prevent any further problems. If you do this, take care with paintwork because I think the silicone is in a solvent. Finally, I put cable ties on all the joints except the one in the boot - leave one to relieve pressure if ice/dirt blocks the pipe.

The pump problem sounds like a missing non-return valve. The rear jet is higher than the reservoir and the valve is supposed to stop washer fluid draining back under gravity. It sounds like your second replacement doesn't have a valve so the pipework empties back into the tank after you've used the washer. It takes a few seconds to refill next time. You should be able to get a non-return valve for pennies from any decent car shop and it can go in the tubing anywhere along its length - some places are handier than others. Check it will fit the tubing before cutting and secure it with cable ties or wire to stop leaks. The alternative is another new pump for quids but make sure its got the valve.

[geoff eeles]

The rear wiper motor is broken. Theres a metal pipe inside that maybe split leaking out water. Thats what happened on mine. You can get a second hand on off auction site for about 35 notes. If its a Valeo vw sell a rebuild kit for it. Its an easy job you can do yourself to change it out