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Active windshield washer fluid leak – Driver's side wheel well (M278 / W221)
Hey everyone,
Just noticed an active leak on my 2012 S550. It’s dropping fluid pretty rapidly right under the front driver’s side wheel well, dripping down onto the concrete off the edge of the belly pan.
I know the reservoir tank and washer pump live right behind that front driver's side fender liner. I uploaded a quick clip to YouTube showing how fast it’s actively dripping while parked in the garage:
The car is heading to an independent shop next week for some routine preventative maintenance (coolant flush, brake fluid flush, and a new serpentine belt/pulleys). I have an aftermarket warranty (Endurance Diamond), so I'm going to have the shop trace the leak and try to file a claim.
From what I understand, if the plastic body of the washer pump itself is cracked/leaking, Endurance should cover it under electrical/components. If it’s just the $3 rubber sealing grommet at the bottom of the tank or a cracked reservoir, it’ll be out of pocket.
A few questions for the W221 experts here:
1 For those who have had this exact driver's side puddle, was it usually just the rubber grommet failing, or does the plastic pump housing tend to crack on these?
2 If Endurance denies the claim because it's a non-covered tank or grommet, what's a fair labor time for a shop to swap it out while the wheel/liner are already loose?
Appreciate any insight or tips before I drop it off next week!
If it is the pump seal grommet it will not be changed through the wheel well. It is done under hood. If I remember correctly there is one bolt that holds the reservoir down and you need to raise the reservoir up to get to the pumps. Remember there are two pumps mounted on the reservoir the same way with a rubber grommet. Either one can be bad.
If you have the base without ABC option (487) and without heated windshield wash option (875) then its a fairly straight forward job from under the hood as noted above.
If you have the base without ABC option (487) and without heated windshield wash option (875) then its a fairly straight forward job from under the hood as noted above.
so yes I do have the base model, I don’t have the heated windshield or anything like that. So would you just recommend me getting the windshield washer pump and a rubber grommet?
so yes I do have the base model, I don’t have the heated windshield or anything like that. So would you just recommend me getting the windshield washer pump and a rubber grommet?
You first have to determine exactly what's causing your leak which will require you to check the connection to the windshield washer fluid pump. Leaks can be due to the rubber grommet but also to a failed windshield washer jet assembly.
You first have to determine exactly what's causing your leak which will require you to check the connection to the windshield washer fluid pump. Leaks can be due to the rubber grommet but also to a failed windshield washer jet assembly.
You do not have to remove the wheel well liner to replace the jet assembly, it can all be done from the top but you have to be careful when replacing the assembly. You will have to remove the pump to inspect the physical condition of the connection to the pump.
Obviously you need to inspect the reservoir and find the source of the leak.
I did a quick search for "Mercedes washer fluid leaking" just to see the most common causes.
- Cracked hose where it connects to the pump. Havent seen just the fitting sold separately, diy'ers splice in new hose. Searched around for prices and appears that part# is discontinued at MB dealer. Hose w/heated nozzles is $150.
- Pump itself is leaking/cracked. $46 from MB dealer.
- Reservoir itself is cracked. $66 online.
Havent come across the grommet below the pump leaking, but didnt search that long. New grommet is only $3.90 at dealer.
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