A6 Avant Rear washer probs

[Greengrocer]

Hi Guys. 1st post on this site so be gentle.

I've searched the site but can't seem to find anything specific about a cure for the rear washer leak I've got on my A6 Avant 1.9 TDi 130 2003. The washer pump is fine but when activated there's leak coming from inside the tailgate that promptly soaks the boot area and locking mechanism.
I've had the tailgate panel off and it would appear that a metal pipe that's part of the wiper arm spindle is broken / coroded.
Is this a known issue or is there a known repair or part I can get so solve the problem - without having to replace the entire wiper assembly?
In addition to above my central locking is also playing up. Sometimes it will not lock or unlock remotely so I have to use a key manually. After that it's fine for a time and then plays up again. It's noticable that this happens more regularly when the rear doors are used instead of just the drivers. Are these two issues connected? I've read others posts re front footwell flooding - which as far as I know I don't have.
Car is off to a local independent for a cam belt change next week - long overdue at 92k. Other than that reasonably pleased with 48mpg and reliability to date (bought 2nd hand in 2006).

Any advise on the above would be appreciated.

[jesterjak]

I have recently had the same sort of problem and cured it by the following:

1. Check the rear washer jet hose connection, which is situated in the front LHS footwell behind the hard plastic kick panel. When the pressure builds up, due to the metal pipe in the rear washer motor braking down and blocking the jet. this causes the connection to spring apart. The water then fills the foot well and eventually fills the control unit with water, hence the problems with central locking.

2. Remove the boot lid internal panel and see if the water is leaking from the washer motor. If so order the overhaul kit from VW Pt No8L0998711 @£22. It took me half an hour to fit including taking the panel off.

Hopefully this will help.

[Greengrocer]

Many thanks Jesterjak. Exactly what I was after. Obviously a known fault / problem.
I assume the VW p/no you provided is common to a variety of VAG cars that use the same rear wash / wiper set up.

[jesterjak]

I went to my local VW garage because the Audi garage were not as helpfull.
The Vw garage looked on the common parts catalouge and checked that it would fit my Audi. Very helpfull.

Helston garages 01326 555 666 if you need to check it will fit.

[jesterjak]

I went to my local VW garage because the Audi garage were not as helpfull.
The Vw garage looked on the common parts catalouge and checked that it would fit my Audi. Very helpfull.

Helston garages 01326 555 666 if you need to check it will fit.

[Greengrocer]

Just checked with my local Audi parts place (Wayside) and the part is correct and will fit. Have ordered it up (£24.32) & it will be in stock by tomorrow AM.
Once again thanks for the help.

[eeyore]

I'm having problems with my rear wash wipe too. Took the wiper motor apart last weekend and found the spindle was corroded and jammed. All cleaned and greased now but still havin' trouble with the washer.

What's actually in the refurb kit mentioned here? I might need one.

Also, can anyone confirm where the joints in the rear washer pipe are? I found one in the passenger footwell and one behind the rear wheelarch (both leaking!). Are there any more I need to check??

Thanks.

[Greengrocer]

I'm having problems with my rear wash wipe too. Took the wiper motor apart last weekend and found the spindle was corroded and jammed. All cleaned and greased now but still havin' trouble with the washer.

What's actually in the refurb kit mentioned here? I might need one.

Also, can anyone confirm where the joints in the rear washer pipe are? I found one in the passenger footwell and one behind the rear wheelarch (both leaking!). Are there any more I need to check??

Thanks.

The refurb kit contains a new wiper spindle / gear assembly, the inner brass tube (which was broken / corroded on mine), all new seals / washers / O rings and tubes of grease. It solved my problem.
I can’t help you on the number of pipe joints. I can’t believe there would be more than 2 joints though, both of which you have found.
It’s probably worth getting the refurb kit because it seems all rear wash wipes on the Avant models have the same problem after a certain amount of time / useage.
The only real pain with this is replacing the rear boot door trim. Most of the locating clips on mine have broken off so it’s only secured with two clips and two screws. I have also found this to be a problem on other plastic parts which have broken off when covers are removed e.g. air filter access panel, battery cover clips. My 90,000mile 2003 model is starting to show her age I guess.

However, I have just given the old girl a viagra pill and fitted a DTUK diesel tuning module. Still playing with the settings but there's an appreciable amount of extra accelleration and torque. Kit says power should now be up to 160BHP and 380Nm torque. Average MPG is also improving - currently 48.8 according to computer. I'm going to do a brim to brim check to see how accurate that is.

[eeyore]

Thanks Greengrocer for the kit info. I'll order one up!

Mind me asking how much your DTUK kit cost? Much work to fit it?

I assume you've got the same 130bhp 1.9TDI as me?

[Greengrocer]

Thanks Greengrocer for the kit info. I'll order one up!

Mind me asking how much your DTUK kit cost? Much work to fit it?

I assume you've got the same 130bhp 1.9TDI as me?

Hi Eeyore. Yep I got the TDi 130SE Avant.

The DTUK module cost around £300 - I bought it online & got a £50 discount and next day delivery. Forget the cheap E-bay analogue resister version - waste of time. It's not the cheapest around but it is adjustable (many of the others are not - one sizes fits all).

The power / torque can be increased / decreased by up to 30% in 10% increments from the factory setting. Also the point at which the power is introduced can be varied with 3/4 different "maps". I'm still playing with these to see what's the best setting for my style of driving.

Fitting is "supposed" to be a doddle - 10mins. It took me more like 30-45mins because on the 1.9TDi 2WD the engine wiring plug is right at the back between the engine and firewall in an awkward position. Very fiddly to get at. All the wiring is ready made on a loom with original manufacturer connectors. Just a +/- battery connection to make and Bobs your uncle.

The module must only fitted to the harness once the engine is up to working temp so it can calibrate itself at idle speed. The instructions are reasonably good. I mounted the module itself under a cover by the power steering fluid.

As I say I'm still playing with the fine tuning but my reason for getting it was to raise the MPG to 50+. This looks like it might be acheivable providing I can resist the temptation to plant my right foot too often. I have to say it has given the old girl a new lease of life.