removing tank - awkward

Removing fluid from tank,
then lift tank from car.

NOT technical.. just time consuming:eek:

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reservoir/tank + pump are generally located in the inner wing area.

before removing tank check pump doesn't make ANY sound..,
check fuses..!!;)

I removed the under bonnet liner, and unplugged the rubber supply hose, and tried BLOWING down the hose ( there MAY be a non-return valve stopping this)

I DO NOT recommend sucking.. as it can be pretty foul stuff :yuck:
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safely jack-up car, remove road wheel for better access.

on the focus , I used a T30 Torx key to remove inner wing plastic retaining clips, then wriggled plastic liner free.

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once liner is off you SHOULD be able to see SOME of the rubber supply hose(es) - front and REAR screen often share the 1 pump.

I pulled apart one of the hose couplers, and let the system drain into a filtered container ( a bowl is fine.. as you can filter the fluid on re-installing)




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once as much fluid has drained as possible,
try and dislodge the pump ( lower tubing), as this will cut down the weight unsupported when unbolting the tank.

unbolt all supporting bolts / screws,
there MAY be a "hook" into the chassis too ( was on Focus)

once free - carefully lower - as there may be hoses + pump wiring to deal with:eek:

planning ahead and having a means of supporting the tank at a mid-height is good here ;)

once all is clear move tank away from car and tip last few trapped parts of fluid into your catch tray / bowl(y)

half-way..!!



remove the pump , and it's rubber seal,
wash out tank with clean water,


try plugging 1 end and shaking to get out little bits of crud.

on the FORD there is a "mesh /grille" cast into the rubber seal, it was SOLID with blue gunge from the screenwash ( common issue)

so pump was BONE DRY(n)

this meant pump wouldn't run:( needless to say this was discovered when the local FORD garage was shut:bang:

so a strip down of the pump ensued:rolleyes:

PUMP -basics



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I've used a funnel and proper filter screen for the crud-catching, but pouring through an OLD tee shirt would do the job :D


ince all clean,
reassemble grommet / seal into tank and twist pumpback into place,
re-wire the loom into place, then offer tank into car, connecting tubes as they will reack,
loosely hang tank onto car and put a little NEAT WATER into the tank, then test the pump..,
( A LOT Less work if you've made a mistake t this point)(y)
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