W203. Help me stop my washer hoses blowing off!!

[elite_504]

Hmm.
Ever since I've had my W203 estate, one by one, each junction in the rear washer system has spat its hose off at some stage. Initially it was at the bulkhead, behind the battery. Then at the joinder behind the cubby hole in the boot. Then at the wiper motor. Earlier in the week, the final joint, the worst one, bulkhead INSIDE the car in the passenger footwell blue. The mat is now nice and damp, and drying out.
Each time I remade the joint, I used two mini cable ties on the rubber boot that the hard PVC hose pushes in to, 180° apart, hoping that this would keep the hoses tight.

In the boot for example, where I felt that the joint was strained, I used some small 3mm bore samco silicone hose, to relieve the strain. At the pump and behind the battery, I used a 90° elbow from an aquarium fitting in order to get the hoses to line up better, and take load off the joint.

Last night though, damn hoses are still popping off!

Anyone got any hints as to what to clean or glue the hoses with so they don't keep coming undone. That PVC line is mighty waxy,and I'm guessing, part of the problem. .

All help appreciated!

 

[davidjpowell]

Is the line freezing up? More anti-freeze mix if so.

 

[Chrishazle]

I've had the same problems with my S203, that connection behind the glove box is a real PITA to get to!

Problem was, as said above, caused by freezing. These days I make sure my wash fluid is good for about -20!

 

[elite_504]

Not as far as I know. I actually pulled the pump, so the big majority of the tank drained, and filled with a 50:50 concentrate mix. I must admit I didn't check the specific gravity though (not sure a glycol SG tester would work for screen wash though- my feeling is not. . .!).
Thanks for the info though. I'll up the mix.
Any hints at what to glue them with would be good!

 

[Chrishazle]

I've had 3 connections popped - in the tailgate, in the rear cubby hole and behind the glove box. All are re-secured with tie wraps (as they originally were!), no glue - and since I upped the anti-freeze they've stayed put (fingers crossed, touch wood etc etc!).

 

[elite_504]

Got it, just put another 1l of pure hard-core concentrate in (meant to be a 10:1 dilution), and hopefully the problem will pass!
Thanks all for your help- sincerely appreciated

 

[zenman63]

I found similar to this in my last vito.
The only cure is to cut the last 10mm of the tubes that have come off as it's stretched and gone weak, this will be like new again when you refit them.
I am now using neat screen wash and no problems.