How to Replace a Windshield Washer Tank

There are some car components that you might think you can go without even when they fail but that isn’t the case. Cars are made up of thousands of different parts and they all play an important role in how your vehicle performs. This also includes the washer fluid reservoir which might not seem like a big deal, but when it stops working you will see how important it is when your windshield gets dirty. A bad or failing windshield washer reservoir is going to experience leaks which you will see coming from below your car.

This may not be seen immediately and it can be mistaken for something far worse, which is why you should try to use the wiper fluid. If there is none coming out on the windshield it means that either the tank is empty or gone bad. If you see cracks in the tank, then it is probably time to replace it, especially if the washer fluid always seems to be gone.

How Do You Fix a Windshield Wiper Reservoir?

What You Need

The best solution for a failing windshield wiper reservoir is almost always a replacement and you need a good number of tools to do this type of replacement on your own. You should have a flashlight, butt connectors, torque wrench, wheel chocks, wire strippers and simpers, side cutters and protective gloves. You should also consider needle nose pliers, a battery saver, a ratchet with sockets and boxed end wrenches for the replacement of your windscreen washer tank.

Removal

1. The removal process of the fluid reservoir usually starts by loosening the lug nuts on the wheel where the tank is. Once loosened, raise your vehicle using a floor jack until you have the wheels completely off the ground. With the wheels off the ground, place the jack stands under the car and lower your vehicle onto them.
2. Once you have your vehicle ready remove the tyre you loosened the lug nuts of and then remove the inner fender if there is no access to the tank. After that, remove the bolts that keep the tank to the fender or body of your vehicle. Once that’s done, remove the harness plug that is connected to the washer pump and then the washer fluid line from the windscreen washer tank.
3. Use needle-nose pliers if there is a clamp. Once done, pull out the washer reservoir from your vehicle but remember to keep the pump. After that, just clean the contacts on the harness plug and washer pump and you’re ready to install the new washer reservoir.

Installation

1. After you’ve removed the washer fluid tank, continue by installing the pump back into place if your vehicle required you to remove it beforehand. Then, install the washer reservoir onto either the fender or the body of your vehicle depending on where it was previously.
2. Use the bolts you removed from the previous washer tank to install the new one and then reconnect the harness to the washer pump. After you’re done, install the washer fluid line to the reservoir. If you previously removed the clamp, use needle-nose pliers to install the new clamp and line.
3. Once you have everything set up, get your washer fluid and fill the tank with it. In case the washer fluid is concentrated you will need to dilute it with water according to the instructions on the jug. Make sure to use distilled water for this.
4. Once the washer tank is in place and filled with fluid, put the tyre you removed back on the wheel and the studs. Place the lug nuts on the tyre and have them sit there hand-tight. Then, lift the vehicle so that the wheels are off the ground, remove the jack stands and lower down your vehicle until you have all four tyres on the ground.
5. When you have your vehicle safely on the ground, make sure to torque the lug nuts you left hand-tight to the correct specifications. Reconnect the battery of your car after that and test out the new washer fluid reservoir. Do this by checking the bottom of the reservoir for any leaks once you use it. If everything is fine, then you’ve successfully replaced your vehicles washer fluid tank.

Conclusion

Something as simple and as hidden as a windshield washer reservoir can be so crucial for your safety when on the road. A clean windshield is everything as it guarantees proper visibility. So, make to check the state of your windshield fluid reservoir by using the washer lever. Even if you don’t need to, it’s important to have the washer fluid line and wipers functional to ensure that everything is operational. Having a way to clean your windshield is especially important if your everyday routes include passing through muddy or dusty terrain.