1st Gen R53 Cooper S Most liked posts in thread: Help - rear window washer not spraying

The nozzle can be removed with your thumb nail, don't ream it out with a pin and enlarge the hole. Then operate the pump to see if it squirts fluid out. You will probably find some junk behind the hole in the nozzle, just pick it out with a broom straw, blow through it then snap it back in. Adjust spay pattern with the edge of a dime, remember you took note of where the slot was pointing.

 

Check out RealOEM.com Online BMW Parts Catalog for help with the parts and assembly.


.....and this is why this is the best MINI forum out there!

 

You can pull the nozzle part of the rear wiper away from the arm. This will give you access to the metal nipple. You can then operate the washer to see if the pump is working or if the nipple itself is clogged up.

This is a yearly (at least) occurrence for me. I have a section of copper wire that I use to clear out the metal nipple.

 

Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: Iowa
Posts: 1
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I have a 2003 Cooper S. The washer worked for the front windshield but not the back window. As they are the same washer pump I started at the rear of the car.

I cleaned out the orifice for the sprayer for the rear and it still didn't spray. I took off the rear wiper and tried again, no fluid. I did not see a puddle of fluid on the floor so knew that it was a clog and not a disconnected hose. Also the sound of the washer motor was higher on the clogged rear wiper than the front, also indicating a clogged hose. I noticed that the fluid runs through the wiper shaft itself and had rusted the pipe closed. I took off the inner panel of the rear hatch (4-6 screws, then pry the panel off it is held with small metal clips, quite easy). I took off the back of the wiper motor gearbox (4 small screws) to get to the backside of the wiper shaft. I then used a 3/32 drill bit and by hand started auguring out the rust-filled shaft. The shaft and therefore the water passage is straight so will not be damaged by the drill bit. I was able to get the small bit all the way through the shaft. The shaft will accept slightly larger bit but it would not go all the way through even after a lot of spinning the bit (all done by hand). I then reattached the washer hose to the shaft and ran the motor without the wiper blade (so not to clog the washer nozzle) to flush out the rust particles and now I had fluid. I cleaned out the shaft several times and flushed it with fluid several times until the shaft was as clean as I could get it. I put it all back together and now have an operating rear washer.

I would imagine all of the older Minis will have this problem as the steel shaft will rust. I also think that occasional use of the washer would delay or prevent this as the microscopic rust particles from the shaft will get flushed out instead of collecting and closing off the passage.

To "minintrigue" I would think that you could use the 3/32" drill bit to augur out the broken toothpick. I spin it with my fingers and NOT a drill as to not cause damage to the steel nipple.

 

The same was true when I bought my '08 MCS. Eventually I had to have a pump replaced, along with the end nozzle. I hope you have better luck!

 

The thin metal dental picks the hygienist uses on you at the dentist's office work great for cleaning out clogged washer nozzles. You can pick up a "non-medically approved" set at most auto parts stores.

 

If you do this as ScottinBend suggests, you will find the O ring that seals the plastic nozzle part to the metal nipple, it may be that your O ring is shot.

I found that a #60 O ring fits perfectly if you need to replace yours.

 

Great idea! I stuck a toothpick in mine a few years ago and it broke off. Hasn't worked since and I keep hoping that it degrades enough to shoot out, but not yet.

 

If you need a new pump, I've got one for cheap.

 

I removed the rear wiper for a cleaner look and plugged the whole.
I use Rain-X on the rear glass on only drive looking out the front window. :ihih: