Headlight Washer leak fix? 2007 S550
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 9
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From: Weston FL
2007 S550 & 2003 SL500
Headlight Washer leak fix? 2007 S550
My passenger-side Headlight Washer assembly leaks. I removed the entire nozzle unit through the trap door and submerged it in water. With slight air pressure bubbles come out of the small mid-point vent hole.
I saw some old posts suggesting replacing the O-Ring inside, but I can't figure out how to disassemble this unit. Any suggestions on disassembly would be greatly appreciated, or any other ideas, or a source for a replacement part.
I saw some old posts suggesting replacing the O-Ring inside, but I can't figure out how to disassemble this unit. Any suggestions on disassembly would be greatly appreciated, or any other ideas, or a source for a replacement part.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 9
Likes: 2
From: Weston FL
2007 S550 & 2003 SL500
I squirted silicone spray inside the unit and around the seam between the two halves and into the vent hole. I twisted around the two halves and pulled the plunger in and out with an aim to lubricate O-Rings, etc, inside.
I submerged it and retested - no bubbles! - It may be fixed, so I'll reinstall it and see if it leaks. I'll also purge the line because I'm in Florida and hardly ever use my headlight washers so there may be junk in the line.
I'll post what happens for anyone that stumbles upon this post. I've been a long time lurker on this site, stumbling upon much knowledge but not yet adding to the vast knowledge base.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 9
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From: Weston FL
2007 S550 & 2003 SL500
No more leaking! Here's my take on it -
The nozzle units are below the fluid reservoir, so if the internal o-rings get dirt under them, they'll leak. My guess is that simply twisting around the two halves of the unit are what cleaned my o-ring.
For anyone else with a leak that stumbles upon this post - I suspect it could be fixed without removing the unit. By reaching way back through the trap door to the sideways hose and moving it up and down, twisting the back half of the unit. It's worth a try.
The nozzle units are below the fluid reservoir, so if the internal o-rings get dirt under them, they'll leak. My guess is that simply twisting around the two halves of the unit are what cleaned my o-ring.
For anyone else with a leak that stumbles upon this post - I suspect it could be fixed without removing the unit. By reaching way back through the trap door to the sideways hose and moving it up and down, twisting the back half of the unit. It's worth a try.
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 27
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From: Metro Van
S550 4MATIC
B1LL,
You didn't happen to also take photos while you were investigating? Having a visual would help me see your description clearer. But regardless, I've bookmarked this thread for future reference. Thanks for sharing!
You didn't happen to also take photos while you were investigating? Having a visual would help me see your description clearer. But regardless, I've bookmarked this thread for future reference. Thanks for sharing!
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 9
Likes: 2
From: Weston FL
2007 S550 & 2003 SL500
Mine never leaked again after what I did 4 months ago (described above).
I didn't take photos, but if you Google 2218601447, you'll see drawings of the assemblies. Enlarge the drawings and you'll notice the sideways hose & nib on the back end of each assembly.
The entire rear half of the assembly can rotate and apparently it has one or more o-rings inside.
I suggest - hold the door open - without removing the assembly - try using something like a long BBQ fork reaching way back to the hose & nib and move it up and down, which will rotate the back half of the assembly clearing debris from the o-rings. Pulling the nozzle & plunger in and out may also help.
If that doesn't stop your leak, you can remove the assembly (it's held in with one screw) and try what I did. Good luck. Post your results.
I didn't take photos, but if you Google 2218601447, you'll see drawings of the assemblies. Enlarge the drawings and you'll notice the sideways hose & nib on the back end of each assembly.
The entire rear half of the assembly can rotate and apparently it has one or more o-rings inside.
I suggest - hold the door open - without removing the assembly - try using something like a long BBQ fork reaching way back to the hose & nib and move it up and down, which will rotate the back half of the assembly clearing debris from the o-rings. Pulling the nozzle & plunger in and out may also help.
If that doesn't stop your leak, you can remove the assembly (it's held in with one screw) and try what I did. Good luck. Post your results.
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Joined: Jan 2014
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From: Newyork
s550 Diamond white amg pano
Not sure it helps but Bmws are notorious for this as well, Ive changed quite a few washer pumps, they usually leek out of a small vent hole. Ive found the pumps as low as 20-25.00 online they usually pull right out and a few connections slide back in.
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Joined: Dec 2001
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From: USA
W140 Mercedes S350, W221 S550 sport
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 3,430
Likes: 187
From: USA
W140 Mercedes S350, W221 S550 sport
Is this the same issue with me having the leaking washer fluid "tanks" ? My blue fluid leaks when I haven't even used the wipers or squirted any fluid. It seems to happen when it's below 32 degrees. Or are you saying, when fluid leaks, it's come from the headlight washers? I've never used those and don't even know how.
Last edited by Jason B; Feb 5, 2014 at 06:05 PM.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 9
Likes: 2
From: Weston FL
2007 S550 & 2003 SL500
Is this the same issue with me having the leaking washer fluid "tanks" ? My blue fluid leaks when I haven't even used the wipers or squirted any fluid. It seems to happen when it's below 32 degrees. Or are you saying, when fluid leaks, it's come from the headlight washers? I've never used those and don't even know how.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 3,430
Likes: 187
From: USA
W140 Mercedes S350, W221 S550 sport
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 3,430
Likes: 187
From: USA
W140 Mercedes S350, W221 S550 sport
