9k screenwash valves follow-up

Sep 07, 2005 3 Replies

I've just replaced the two valves that lurk underneath the wing liner. Only one was stuffed, but replaced both. The one rubber pipe was so short that it was a job to get it re-attached way down the side of the pump - in fact the rubber pipe itself was so short that it wouldn't reach as far as the retaining clip, and I didn't have any spare bits to lengthen it. Maybe Saab were using up all the odd bits. I guess it's been OK for 150K+ miles so why worry. Something that caught me out was that if you remove the rubber inspection plate from the plastic liner remember to put the darned thing back before you replace the liner. The little rubber bungs wouldn't push fully home despite thoroughly cleaning the plate and holes in the liner, and coating everything in WD40 then Vaseline. I pushed, shoved, grunted, and swore more than a little for about half an hour before ripping everything out again to replace the inspection cover. The worst thing about it was that I reckon I made the same mistake once before. Must be losing it...


Hmmm... I know that I have replaced that rubber cobver in-situ before, as that is what that cover is meant to be used for. Maybe I reached inside the engine bay and pulled the little rubber nipples ("hehehe... he said nipples") to get it to seat? I don't remember the details but am sure I have removed and replaced it with taking out the whole liner.

...yep....sounds like it should be do-able, but I pratted about with long-nosed pliers and although some of the nipples (gosh I said it too) went home ok, others didn't want to play....!

Try from under the car next time (3-4 years from now?). Once you've lifted the right front of the car it takes just 5 minutes to remove the screws and the panel, reinstalling is as easy. You also have room enough to get both hands in to manage the short rubber pipe without too much problem.

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