The windshield wiper system is an important safety feature on all modern automobiles. By spraying washer fluid onto the windshield, the driver is able to remove dirt, bugs and minor icing, providing a clear view of the road.
Over time, the tubing that runs from the washer fluid tank to the windshield wiper arms can become brittle and crack, or the plastic barbed fittings connecting the tubing can break. Once there is a break the windshield washer system will be inoperative and will require replacement.
Find the windshield washer tubing at the base of the windshield washer tank. Follow it along its path until you find the failed portion.
Examine the failed location. If the failure is a hole or break in the tubing that portion of the tubing will require replacement.
If the failure is at a plastic barbed fitting, the fitting will require replacement.
If the tubing is failed go to step 3; if the plastic barbed fitting is failed go to step 4.
Remove the failed section of tubing by slicing the end of the tubing on the barbed fittings past the bulge that denotes the barb on the fitting. Remove the tubing by peeling back the tubing around the slit.
Note and record the size and length of the tubing, and then discard.
Continue to Step 5.
Slit the tubing as directed in step 3 and remove the tubing connected to the barbed fittings if the plastic barbed fitting has failed.
Note the size and length of the pieces of tubing and the location of the failed barb, and discard.
Reassemble by connecting the hose to the barbed fitting from which it was removed.
If the barbed fitting was replaced, first connect the two replacement hoses to the existing barbed fittings, then connect them to the replacement barbed fittings.
