Hey all. I noticed my driver's side windshield washer nozzle doesn't work right, like maybe it's plugged, and I'd rather fix it than replace it. I read online that you should never stick a needle in the hole because you may puncture the feed line or something. Anyone know how to remove the washer nozzle so I can inspect /clean it? I'm afraid of prying it off and marring my hood. Also, I've noticed this white build up around both nozzles, that I can't seem to get rid of no matter how many times I wash the car or scrub with detailing solution. Any tips? Help? Pics related:

 

Don't know about the white residue around the base, but I always just stick a needle in the holes, wobble it around and hit the squirters - seems to do the trick!

 

easy to remove

they just snap in

best is to work from behind

you'll probably want to remove some of the bonnet insulation blanket to get good access, then just undo the hose and you'll see that the piece is just a plastic clip on the back. Carefully squeeze and work it out from the top then you can clean up the collected wax.

The black plastic is just showing signs of oxidation but you can polish that out.

A pin works in the holes, just don't jam it way down and in. While it is off I'd try soaking in vinegar for a day. That tends to disolve most deposits.

 

Thank you so much! I will try this when I get home. I was worried that they would be tough to fix. I'm loving this MINI. By far the easiest car to deal with these small issues I have ever owned. I had 2 Audi's and they were ridiculous. I had to take it to the dealership for every minor thing. I was worried a bit , knowing that MINI is owned by BMW, but I'm relived to find not all German birds flock together. Any tips for polishing the oxidized plastic (Product)? I'd love to freshen up a few other spots around the trim.

 

Any tips for polishing the oxidized plastic (Product)?

the dash rocker switches turn white with oxidation on my 79 and I'll use a plastic bristle brush on my Dremel at the lowest speed to knock off the oxidation then carefully apply Zymol or 303 Basically it is more like buffing the part ..

with a piece like this that's easy to remove I'd probably just use a soft toothbrush and some toothpaste followed by any decent plastic/vinyl protector .... a non greasy one..

 

Thanks for the tips. I got home last night, popped off the nozzles, and cleaned em out. I couldn't get the residue off, and I don't think it is wax. It's only around the nozzles (front and rear).

I cleared the ports, but now I can't align the left sprayer correctly

I'll keep working on it.......

Anyhow, thanks for all the help!

 

you aim them thru judicious twisting and turning of the needle - that bends the soft metal where the hole is

yep - I saw some wax residue around the base which I'm sure cleaned up nicely with the piece out of the way. But on the sprayer .... that's oxidation and cleaning that off is going to be similar to de-fogging a plastic headlight...

b4 you spend too much time trying to deal with the discoloration you might consider treplacements as I can't image they cost too much - or covers

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