The windshield washer pump is a small part that is subject to more wear and tear due to constant use. This is a kind of small motor, similar to the part of toy cars, but its failure will seem like the end of the world, especially in heavy city traffic in slush or rain.
The device and principle of operation of the windshield washer
The washer is one of the important elements of the car. It keeps the windshield clean. Its use is justified in almost any weather. This is due to the fact that in the rain the window gets dirty due to passing cars, and it is also especially dirty and slushy in winter, but in the heat various insects often stick to the windshield.
The main parts of any washer are a tank, a pump and nozzles that supply water to the glass. The nozzles must be installed in such a way that the jet hits exactly in the middle of the glass. The pump, in turn, is designed to supply water. It is worth noting that in some models the water supply is at the same time provided for both the headlights and the rear window.
As mentioned above, the pump is a small motor that consists of an oil seal and an impeller. This detail is noticeably different for different car models. However, the principle of operation is the same for everyone - this is the forced supply of water or special windshield washer fluid. In most cases, the tank itself or nozzles are damaged. Depending on the model of the machine, these parts can be replaced or simply repaired. However, a pump failure can lead to some confusion for motorists. After all, few people pay attention to this small detail.
Windshield washer pump - breakdowns and their causes
The failure of the pump is indicated by the cessation of the fluid supply. If a breakdown is detected, it is worth immediately starting repairs, since safety and comfort depend on the cleanliness of the windows. However, the pump may not always be the cause of the cessation of operation. Most often this happens due to:
- clogging of the jets or the filter itself, to troubleshoot, it is necessary to flush the entire system, having previously disassembled it, sometimes it will be necessary to blow the washer system;
- damage to the tightness of the hoses supplying water, in this case, you can simply replace the worn part with a new one;
- improper connection of parts;
- weak connection of the pump shaft and the motor shaft, you can fix it by fixing the parts;
- failure of the motor itself, and before changing the element, you need to try to clean the brushes and all parts, as well as remove corrosion with a regular eraser.
Expert opinion
Ruslan Konstantinov
Automotive expert. Graduated from IzhGTU named after M.T. Kalashnikov with a degree in Operation of Transport and Technological Machines and Complexes. Over 10 years of professional car repair experience.
The windshield washer may not only not work at all, but also not work as it should. It is very simple to determine this: the pump is buzzing, but the washer fluid either does not reach the surface, or is sprayed in different directions. Among the main reasons are the following:
Clogged nozzles or tubes (the filter is also worth checking);
violation of tightness (tubes often dry out and fly off);
wear or breakage of nozzles or connections.
Checking the system is easy. First you need to disconnect the tube from the pump fitting, if there is good pressure, you need to examine the tubes, connectors or nozzles. Damaged tubes and connections should be replaced, and nozzles are most often simply clogged with dirt. You can clean them on the spot without removing them, using an ordinary pin or needle for this, although for convenience it is better to remove the nozzle. The main thing after adjusting the direction of the jet with the same pin.
Another common problem is when the washer stops working in winter. On most cars, the washer fluid reservoir is located in the engine compartment and often the washer fluid crystallizes and turns into porridge in harsh climatic conditions, especially when it comes to a cheap washer bought on the highway. It is not recommended to dilute such a liquid with warm water, because the liquid will freeze in the tubes, then you will have to remove them all and warm them up.
How to replace the washer pump?
If the pump breaks down, it is better to immediately replace it with a new one. Moreover, for each model of the machine, you can find an alternative part from another model that fits the tank. Many car owners will wonder how to replace the washer pump? This process is not as complicated as it might seem at first glance. You only need a screwdriver to replace the part.
When checking, the pump is allowed to turn on for 2 seconds. Over time, it may burn out. After all, it is designed to work in water.
First, the washer reservoir itself must be found in the car, it is better to refer to the instruction manual. In some models, it is visible when you simply open the hood, and in some you even have to remove the inner fender protection of the car to get to it. The stages of work are arranged approximately as follows. First you need to disconnect the wire from the negative terminal of the battery and disconnect both wire blocks from the pump motor. Then remove the tank.
The hose and fitting must be disconnected and the fluid drained. Using a screwdriver, push the intake out of the seal bushing. And now, with full confidence, remove the pump from the washer reservoir. Replace the sleeve with a new one, it is its failure that is considered a common cause of pump failure. It remains only to repeat all the steps in reverse order to assemble the washing system in its original state.
1 – cleaner motor;
2 - washer motor;
3 - solenoid valve for turning on the windshield washer;
4 - mounting block;
5 - wiper relay;
6 - ignition switch;
7 - ignition relay;
8 - switch for cleaners and washer.
Windshield wiper type 32.5205 consists of a gearmotor, levers and brushes. Cleaner electric motor - three-brush, with excitation from permanent magnets, two-speed. To protect against overloads, a thermal bimetallic fuse is installed in it.
Technical characteristics of the motor reducer:
The cleaner has three operating modes, they are switched on by the right steering column switch. Intermittent operation is provided by an electronic relay type 52.3747 or 525.3747 installed in the mounting block. The relay also turns on the low speed of the wiper gearmotor when the windshield washer is turned on. The relay must ensure that the electric motor is switched on with a frequency of 14 ± 4 cycles per minute at a speed of rotation of the gearmotor shaft of at least 20 min–1, a temperature of (20 ± 5) ° C and a supply voltage of 14 ± 0.2 V.
When the cleaner is running at low speed in constant mode, the supply voltage is supplied to diametrically opposite brushes. When the cleaner is operating at maximum speed, “+” power is supplied to the brush located on the side.
The windshield washer consists of a polyethylene tank with an electric pump installed on the right in the engine compartment, washer nozzles located on the hood, and flexible connecting hoses.
The washer is activated by the right-hand stalk, which energizes the pump motor and the windshield wiper relay, which activates the wiper at low speed if it is off or intermittent. If the pump fails, replace it. Clogged nozzles can be blown in the opposite direction or cleaned with a fishing line.
The washer solenoid valve in a vertical position (fittings down) should operate at a voltage of not more than 8.5 V. The resistance of its winding at 25 ° C should be (95 ± 6) Ohm.
Autumn. Early dusk. Narrow suburban highway. From the very morning, now calming down, now intensifying again, a nasty cold rain drizzles. On the pavement - dirt from fallen leaves and sand from the roadside. Behind every passing car is a long train. The truck ahead is practically invisible, it can only be identified by the position lights. The wipers work constantly, but there is little sense from them, you have to periodically water the glass with a washer. But in the flow of oncoming cars there has been a big gap - you can try to overtake. The speed is growing, the truck is already nearby, the washer works almost continuously, and suddenly it stops abruptly. The glass instantly tightens with a dirty film, almost nothing is visible through it. What to do? Finish overtaking? To brake?..
Nobody wants to be in that situation. And summed up the reliability of a seemingly penny device - a windshield washer pump. Today we will talk about him.
For the test, we selected ten samples. There are many of them on the market today, the issue price is 150-200 rubles. At our request to present the entire range, some sellers shrugged their shoulders in bewilderment - they say, what's the difference, they are all made in one, well-known country. But we will not rush to conclusions, we will draw them after testing.
We present you the participants of our test. Designation - 992.3730, catalog number - 2110-5208009.
All experimental samples are tested on several parameters. First, it is the so-called control point. At a certain back pressure in the system (0.14 MPa), the flow rate through the pump must be at least 4.5 ml/s. At the same time, at a pressure in the system up to 0.16 MPa, the current consumed should not exceed 3.5 A, and at a pressure above 0.16 MPa, it should not exceed 4.5 A. The results of this part of the tests are summarized in Table 1. At the same time, The EKAR and STSAR-1 pumps failed to reach the control point.
The maximum flow and maximum pressure were also measured.
Let's say in advance that not a single pump has reached the declared maximum pressure of 0.25 MPa (2.5 atmospheres).
Next, we will test for resistance to inclusions with the anchor locked. During it, motor pumps with chambers filled with water are kept at an ambient temperature of minus 40 ºС for at least four hours in a non-operating state, after which 10 switchings are carried out lasting 0.5 ... 1.5 seconds each, with a pause of 1 ... 3 seconds between switching on, at a voltage of 12 V. This test simulates a situation when the fluid in the tank froze in winter, and the driver, not knowing this, turns on the pump. Here, "STSAR-2" refused to work, the reason is the inter-turn short circuit of the rotor of the electric motor. The operating parameters of the remaining pumps have not deteriorated.
A very important test is the performance check after operation with a blocked delivery line. This happens when there is liquid in the tank in winter, and the nozzles are frozen. During the test, motor pumps are switched on evenly - once a minute, with a duration of 2 ... 5 seconds on for a voltage of 12 V with a blocked discharge line. After a three-hour exposure under normal conditions, the parameters are checked. All pumps passed this test.
And finally, the last test is for heat resistance. It is no secret that in the hot summer the temperature under the hood of the car reaches significant values. Therefore, we kept motor pumps at a temperature of 100 ºС for three hours in a non-working state, and after twelve hours of exposure under normal conditions, we checked the parameters again. At the same time, the Kaluga pump refused to reach the control parameters, and the EKAR pump began to leak liquid from under the cover that closed the impeller. There were no comments for the rest of the pumps.
After testing, we disassembled each pump to assess the quality of the workmanship of the elements and the assembly as a whole.
SMZ 
Serpukhov Mechanical Plant. Sold in branded packaging, the motor has a manufacturer's mark - ZhenQi (most likely made in China), good quality stuffing box seal, motor contacts - on clamps, non-separable housing, there are drainage holes in the housing to remove moisture. Work parameters are among the best. Recommended.
Manufactured by the Stopol Group. It is sold in a package, the motor contacts are on clamps, the design of the gland seal is unsuccessful, the body is collapsible. The operating parameters are good, but there may be problems with reliability. We do not recommend.
STSAR-1
Saratov. We were sold two pumps of this brand, and, as it turned out, they are completely different in manufacture. Both were sold unpackaged. In this sample, the electric motor, most likely, is made in China, our experts assessed the quality of the solder connection of the contacts as low. Collapsible body. Given the low quality of the stuffing box and the failure to check the parameters, we do not recommend it.
STSAR-2 
But this sample is of a different quality. Brass contacts are welded to the terminals of the electric motor, the motor itself is of an original design. The case is collapsible. But the stuffing box is unreliable, during the tests the rotor of the electric motor closed. We do not recommend.
The sample that was sold to us, as it turned out, was intended for the "eighth" VAZ family. This explains the lowest parameters of its operation compared to other pumps. There is a manufacturer's marking on the motor - ZhenQi (most likely made in China), the body is non-separable, there are drainage holes in the body to remove moisture. The seal is of decent quality, there are drainage holes. For the "eight" - good.
Manufactured by EKAR-ENVO LLC, Voronezh. Sold without packaging. Motor contacts - mechanical clamp plus soldering - are reliable. The case is collapsible, there are drainage holes. But the oil seal is of low quality, the plastic warps from heating, it did not reach the control parameters. We do not recommend.
Kaluga. Sold without packaging. Completely original collapsible design with a two-piece body (all the others have three parts), there are drainage holes. Reliable brush assembly of the electric motor, decent stuffing box, good performance parameters. But everything was spoiled by the design of fastening the magnets of the stator of the electric motor to the glue, which did not pass the heat test (the magnets turned). We do not recommend.
STARTVOLT
Made in China. Sold in original packaging. The body is unbreakable. Electric motor contacts are plug-in, stuffing box seal is reliable, original design. Work parameters are among the best. Recommended.
Moscow. Sold in original packaging. The case is non-separable, there are drainage holes. Good workmanship, fastening of contacts to the terminals of the electric motor - with rivets, a reliable stuffing box, good operating parameters, however, the value of the maximum current is too large. Recommended.
ELECTROM 
Cheboksary. Sold without packaging. There is a manufacturer's marking on the motor - ZhenQi (most likely made in China), the case is non-separable, the case has drainage holes to remove moisture, plug-in contacts. Reliable original seal in the form of a rubber stopper. High performance parameters. Recommended.
So, according to the test results, half of the samples were eliminated, and only two of them are obvious “Chinese”. As they say, draw your own conclusions.
Windshield wiper and washer
Scheme of switching on the cleaner and washer of the windshield
1 – cleaner motor;
2 - washer motor;
3 - solenoid valve for turning on the windshield washer;
4 - mounting block;
5 - wiper relay;
6 - ignition switch;
7 - ignition relay;
8 - switch for cleaners and washer.
Windshield wiper type 32.5205 consists of a gearmotor, levers and brushes. Cleaner electric motor - three-brush, with excitation from permanent magnets, two-speed. To protect against overloads, a thermal bimetallic fuse is installed in it.
Technical characteristics of the motor reducer:
The cleaner has three operating modes, they are switched on by the right steering column switch. Intermittent operation is provided by an electronic relay type 52.3747 or 525.3747 installed in the mounting block. The relay also turns on the low speed of the wiper gearmotor when the windshield washer is turned on. The relay must ensure that the electric motor is switched on with a frequency of 14 ± 4 cycles per minute at a speed of rotation of the gearmotor shaft of at least 20 min–1, a temperature of (20 ± 5) ° C and a supply voltage of 14 ± 0.2 V.
When the cleaner is running at low speed in constant mode, the supply voltage is supplied to diametrically opposite brushes. When the cleaner is operating at maximum speed, “+” power is supplied to the brush located on the side.
The windshield washer consists of a polyethylene tank with an electric pump installed on the right in the engine compartment, washer nozzles located on the hood, and flexible connecting hoses.
The washer is activated by the right-hand stalk, which energizes the pump motor and the windshield wiper relay, which activates the wiper at low speed if it is off or intermittent. If the pump fails, replace it. Clogged nozzles can be blown in the opposite direction or cleaned with a fishing line.
The washer solenoid valve in a vertical position (fittings down) should operate at a voltage of not more than 8.5 V. The resistance of its winding at 25 ° C should be (95 ± 6) Ohm.
windshield wiper
The windshield wiper consists of a gearmotor, levers and brushes. The electric motor of the cleaner is three-brush, with excitation from permanent magnets, two-speed. To protect against overloads, a thermal bimetallic fuse is installed in it, and to reduce radio interference, capacitors and chokes are installed.
Technical characteristics of the gearmotor
The cleaner has three operating modes, they are switched on by the right steering column switch. Intermittent operation is provided by an electronic relay K2 type 524.3747 installed in the mounting block. This relay also activates the wiper gearmotor low speed when the windshield washer is turned on. The relay must ensure the inclusion of the electric motor with a frequency of 14±4 cycles per minute at a speed of rotation of the gearmotor shaft of at least 20 min -1, a temperature of 20±5°C and a supply voltage of 14±0.2 V.
When the cleaner is running at low speed in constant mode, the supply voltage is supplied to diametrically opposite brushes. When the cleaner is running at maximum speed, "+" power is supplied to the brush located on the side.
To unload the contacts of the ignition switch, the cleaner is connected through an additional relay K6 in the mounting block.
The scheme of inclusion of a washer and a cleaner of a windshield
The windshield washer consists of a polyethylene tank with an electric pump installed on the left in the engine compartment, washer nozzles located on the hood, and flexible connecting hoses.
The washer is activated by the right-hand stalk, which energizes the pump motor and the windshield wiper relay, which activates the wiper at low speed if it is off or intermittent.
If the pump fails, replace it. Clogged nozzles can be blown in the opposite direction or cleaned with a fishing line.
Removal and disassembly of the windscreen cleaner
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If necessary, we replace the gear motor gears, clean the contacts of the limit switch. We assemble in the reverse order.
Removing the level sensor, electric motor and washer reservoir
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