Access to Washer Fluid Reservoir.

[Toprun26]

Hello, is it possible for me to access the Washer Fluid Reservoir without removing the Fender. I've seen a couple of videos on different models in which the tire and fender liner was remove giving access to the reservoir. I have a leak and I'm hoping I can replace the pump and grommets myself. I am open to any and all suggestions. Thank you.

[turboawd]

Probably remove wheel and liner.
But check here.
https://www.newtis.info/

[Toprun26]

Thank you for the info. I did check out that website but there instructions includes removing the fender.

[turboawd]

Maybe to remove the tank. But you might be able to get to the pumps just by removing the liner.

[Richwm]

Originally Posted by Toprun26

Hello, is it possible for me to access the Washer Fluid Reservoir without removing the Fender. I've seen a couple of videos on different models in which the tire and fender liner was remove giving access to the reservoir. I have a leak and I'm hoping I can replace the pump and grommets myself. I am open to any and all suggestions. Thank you.

So Toprun26 did you figure out a way to replace the pump grommet without removing the front fender? My wife's 2015 X5 is leaking washer fluid also.

[Ascotgrun]

I've been searching for a way to avoid fender removal but have yet to find one. I have pretty much resigned myself to killing a day to change out a $1 part. I have large hands and a low tolerance for skinned knuckles so fender off it is.

[Ascotgrun]

Finally tackled the job. If you are just replacing the pump, the fender does not need to come off completely, but it is still a lot of work just to get the back of the fender loose enough to where you can fit you hands behind it and access the pump.

[Monkeypoop]

Originally Posted by Ascotgrun

Finally tackled the job. If you are just replacing the pump, the fender does not need to come off completely, but it is still a lot of work just to get the back of the fender loose enough to where you can fit you hands behind it and access the pump.

Attachment 3130719

Attachment 3130720

What were your steps to pull this off without removing the fender the whole way?

[Chukker]

Hi - new owner of a 2018 diesel and got a low fluid warning light for the wiper system. Thought the dealership where I had bought the car just missed topping off the reservoir but that wasn’t the case as after I refilled it myself, it was empty in a couple of weeks and the light came back on. After seeing the YouTubes of guys peeling off their fenders, I decided to top it off one more time and then cycle the front and rear wiper washers to exhaust all the fluid. Then I refilled the reservoir once again with just water and waited. No drips.

Pumps are strong as I have great pressure in front & rear washers. I will probably have to have an O-ring replaced and possibly one or both pumps eventually but I’m trying to delay removing any body panels since that is so labor intensive.

Since the X5 came from Las Vegas, and it’s now 5 years old, I think it’s more than likely an o-ring issue than the pumps. Anybody else have any luck flushing the reservoir/pumps a few times to see if it improves the seals?

[Ascotgrun]

The pump has a plastic body and the one I removed from my 2017 had sizeable cracks in it. Even though leaks weren't my issue it's easy to see that the pump itself could be a cause of a leak.

There isn't an o-ring on the pump. It uses the strainer to seal to the reservoir. It was a clogged strainer that caused my washer to stop working.

[Ascotgrun]

Originally Posted by Monkeypoop

What were your steps to pull this off without removing the fender the whole way?

I don't have a specific method. I just kept removing bolts until the fender was loose enough. I had to pull the side sill trim to access a bolt at the bottom of the A pillar.

It's a tedious job, I was at it for well over 4 hours. If you can afford to pay a shop to do it, I highly recommend that route.

[Monkeypoop]

Originally Posted by Ascotgrun

I don't have a specific method. I just kept removing bolts until the fender was loose enough. I had to pull the side sill trim to access a bolt at the bottom of the A pillar.

It's a tedious job, I was at it for well over 4 hours. If you can afford to pay a shop to do it, I highly recommend that route.

Thanks for the insight... I'll shady tree mechanic it!

[c00lbeansdude]

Originally Posted by Monkeypoop

Thanks for the insight... I'll shady tree mechanic it!

It took me 2 hours. The hardest part is getting the liner. Buy new liner grommets/pins as it’s fastest to just break them and pull them out. The internal clips are a pita to figure out.

After the liner I had to undo some bolts and clips to get the side skirt/ steps off the front. The The fender is easy. It’s just 7-10 t25 screws and bolts starting near the headlight then going back and down the edge where it meets the door.

[beattiecj]

Originally Posted by c00lbeansdude

It took me 2 hours. The hardest part is getting the liner. Buy new liner grommets/pins as it’s fastest to just break them and pull them out. The internal clips are a pita to figure out.

After the liner I had to undo some bolts and clips to get the side skirt/ steps off the front. The The fender is easy. It’s just 7-10 t25 screws and bolts starting near the headlight then going back and down the edge where it meets the door.

Do you happen to know the part # of the liner grommets or where to get them?