S-Class (W220) 1999-2006: S 320 CDI, S 320, S430, S 500, S 600

How to Fix Leaking Windshield Fluid S430

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Old Feb 13, 2021 | 12:47 PM
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2019 W222 S560 4Matic/2025 Yukon Denali
How to Fix Leaking Windshield Fluid S430

Hi.
Can someone tell me how to stop this from leaking out of the front? I was going to slather it with some good epoxy, but wanted to see what you all thought.
This is a 2005 S430. We are looking at windshield fluid reservoir and just behind pass headlight. See the blue? It leaks out.
Thanks!



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Old Feb 13, 2021 | 04:26 PM
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S-series 2003 S500 4matic
There is no fix. I have tried it all, from zip ties to putting vacuum hose over the hose with gorilla glue to bring a tighter fit.

You will need to purchase a new hose cable, about $175 more or less. It is expensive because it has the fluid heater wire inside the hose. And installation is a few hours, as it goes through some other wiring harness.

Sorry, but there is no known retrofit McGiver fix....
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Old Feb 13, 2021 | 06:15 PM
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From: Ball Ground, GA (N of Atlanta)
2003 S500 2007 GL450
The washer fluid is normally heated by passing coolant thru the meal loop in the tank - I have never seen an electric heating element in the washer tank. That being said, I have never disassembled that particular fitting...
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Old Feb 14, 2021 | 07:49 AM
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S-series 2003 S500 4matic
Originally Posted by wallyp
The washer fluid is normally heated by passing coolant thru the meal loop in the tank - I have never seen an electric heating element in the washer tank. That being said, I have never disassembled that particular fitting...
The hose that transports the fluid from the windshield washer storage tank to the sprayers on the hood has two metal wires running through it to continue to heat the washer fluid until it hits the sprayers. The connection on this hose at the storage tank is a very common leak point. I have seen it leak on almost all of my W220s... I am pleasantly surprised it has not been an issue for you.

Having studied it for hours, only fix that has held up is new transport hose. The heating element inside the hose made this a complicated mess.....

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Old Feb 14, 2021 | 10:47 AM
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From: Ball Ground, GA (N of Atlanta)
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Thanks, Mike. Always ready to learn more about these cars!
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Old Feb 14, 2021 | 10:53 AM
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S-series 2003 S500 4matic
Wally, you are our Tribal Elder on W220s, and many other technical issues. If I had five percent of your knowledge and know how I would be blessed. I am still surprised you have not come across the washer fluid leak issue, as I have had three of them. Every time I think I might have a found a retrofit fix, I am humbled.

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Old Feb 14, 2021 | 07:10 PM
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Originally Posted by MikeKerr7
Wally, you are our Tribal Elder on W220s, and many other technical issues. If I had five percent of your knowledge and know how I would be blessed. I am still surprised you have not come across the washer fluid leak issue, as I have had three of them. Every time I think I might have a found a retrofit fix, I am humbled.
Originally Posted by MikeKerr7
The hose that transports the fluid from the windshield washer storage tank to the sprayers on the hood has two metal wires running through it to continue to heat the washer fluid until it hits the sprayers. The connection on this hose at the storage tank is a very common leak point. I have seen it leak on almost all of my W220s... I am pleasantly surprised it has not been an issue for you.

Having studied it for hours, only fix that has held up is new transport hose. The heating element inside the hose made this a complicated mess.....
Originally Posted by wallyp
The washer fluid is normally heated by passing coolant thru the meal loop in the tank - I have never seen an electric heating element in the washer tank. That being said, I have never disassembled that particular fitting...
Got it, thank you so much guys, always so helpful. Looks like be getting a new cable and hose for this rather than slather it with something.
any tips on the install of the new wire/hose?
Much appreciated.
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Old May 4, 2021 | 04:57 PM
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Hi Guys,
Just to close this out.
I replaced the pump with a VDO/Conti pump on Amazon.
The new pump has a second plastic lip on the line that goes to the washer hose.
Its been a month now and no leaks.
The original pump only has the lip where it connects to the washer hose, no second lip further down like the updated pump.
The part was like 20 bucks or something. Fixed my problem....
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