The Audi Avant Twin Rotating Washer Jet & Solid Rear Wiper Mod

[hskrdu]

I hope this one is a keeper!

 

[SFHGolfTDI]

I hope this one is a keeper!

Ha. Unfortunately this is what it looked like when I opened the motor case today. Clearly moisture had found its way in and had corroded the gear mechanism:

I'm learning that fixing these wiper motors is trickier than the simple brass tube replacement of the vw style. There is no repair kit and depending on the condition of your rotating washer/wiper tube you may be out of luck. The main issue is a failure of a 6x16x5 oil shaft seal that is responsible for keeping the wiper fluid going into the rotating shaft but not around it. It is located in the plastic connector portion of the outer cover and is tricky to get to since you need to pry the two halves apart carefully then gently wrestle the seal out to replace (it will get damaged and is hard to remove; I had to spray with penetrating oil then pull out with needlenose):

The fix can be found here: http://www.vwaudiforum.co.uk/forum/showthread.php/65961-A6-Rear-Wiper-Motor?p=638198#post638198 by user joewhite2417.

I'm ordering this 5x16x6 seal on eBay and hope to get this sorted out soon (hopefully fix both motors too). The slightly smaller inner diameter should help it seal the shaft better also: http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item.view&alt=web&id=151129609198

EDIT: I apologize for the giant close up of my fingers!

UPDATE: The 5x16x6 seal was just a hair too thick/wide to fight back into the housing and allow it to reconnect with the other half. I've ordered the stock 6x16x5 size (the last dimension is the problem). I was hoping to have that narrower 5mm inner diameter to more tightly seal the problem area, but looks like that won't work out as planned (no such size as a 5x16x5). Will update when I get this one in there.

 

[hskrdu]

S- Sorry to hear/see it, but thanks for the update & good helpers. When you say "6x16x5," what sizing is that?

 

[SFHGolfTDI]

S- Sorry to hear/see it, but thanks for the update & good helpers. When you say "6x16x5," what sizing is that?

Steve, that's in mm. IDxODxWidth . . . When I get the seals, I'll clean up the rust off the wiper gears, lube it up and install the washer motor. Hopefully a test run will show no leaks for a while and I'll feel ok about closing it up and enjoying this mod.

Btw, from what I've seen, the leaks are really, really slow and small (compared to the catastrophic leaks of the broken brass tube of the VW motor). And frankly, with the design on this motor, I'd be surprised if anything but a brand new motor does not leak. I bet if you popped open the back of your hatch you'd see a few drops come out the back of the motor when spraying. Or it could also be routing into the motor and you might not see it at all. After all, I had 2009 and 2011 motors. They're just not that old. I'm NOT impressed with the seemingly planned design failures in these things. And the fact that they don't even offer the option of a repair kit on these is outrageous as well.

 

[hskrdu]

I'm NOT impressed with the seemingly planned design failures in these things. And the fact that they don't even offer the option of a repair kit on these is outrageous as well.

That's too bad. I was really hoping the newer design would have been a significant improvement. I have seen several Audi threads about leaks from the rear motor, but most seemed to be from the earlier versions. I'll take a look at mine sometime this summer and see what I can find. Now that I've had the A3 wiper and jet for a year, I think I'd still choose this version over the OE. The ability of this one to clear off the window is so much better than stock, I've decided it's worth the hassle of new leaks. Let's see if I still say that when I have wwf dripping out the hatch!

 

[SFHGolfTDI]

Update, the 5x16x6 seal was just a hair too thick/wide to fight back into the housing and allow it to reconnect with the other half. I've ordered the stock 6x16x5 size (the last dimension was the problem). I was hoping to have that narrower 5mm inner diameter to more tightly seal the problem area, but looks like that won't work out as planned (no such size as a 5x16x5). Will update when I get this one in there.

 

[SFHGolfTDI]

Finally done.

Finally, fixed two motors with the new oil seals and a few layers of teflon tape (for a little added protection). Greased everything up and tested both and there were no leaks. We'll see how long it lasts! I'll be keeping the extra Audi motor for backup / parts and selling my VW motor and aero blade.

 

[hskrdu]

Looks great! I know Santa Monica won't cover you rear window in winter road salt dust like the northeast, but how do you find the twin jet action?

 

[SFHGolfTDI]

Looks great! I know Santa Monica won't cover you rear window in winter road salt dust like the northeast, but how do you find the twin jet action?

Hi Steve, it sure beats that little pitiful stream shooting straight up! We get plenty of dust and sand on trips around Cali, so it helps. Still haven't figured out exactly where to aim the two jets for optimal performance, but it seems to do the job pretty well where they are. In addition to soaking the entire hatch. Ha.

Do you find you run out of wiper fluid much faster with these twin jets? At least less is wasted shooting straight up and down and more goes where it belongs. I'm tempted to get the larger size washer reservoir (5L as opposed to 3L). Have you seen those?

Great mod, by the way! I probably spent way too much time, $$ and energy getting it all dialed in, but if I can sell my old VW wiper setup, I can recoup some of that. And I have a working backup motor now too.

 

[hskrdu]

Hi Steve, it sure beats that little pitiful stream shooting straight up! We get plenty of dust and sand on trips around Cali, so it helps. Still haven't figured out exactly where to aim the two jets for optimal performance, but it seems to do the job pretty well where they are. In addition to soaking the entire hatch. Ha.

Hi Shady! I didn't aim mine, either. The upper spray hits the upper third, and the lower hits the lower third. The wiping area ends up nearly perfect.

Do you find you run out of wiper fluid much faster with these twin jets? At least less is wasted shooting straight up and down and more goes where it belongs. I'm tempted to get the larger size washer reservoir (5L as opposed to 3L). Have you seen those?

Oh my, I think I used it so much the first 2 months I ended up doubling my WWF purchases for the year. A lot of that was just playing with it, but having 2 jets definitely increases the amount of washer fluid used- all to a good end. I'm a fan of the Rain-X fluid, which is fifty cents more, but since I'm getting ready for a summer Rain-X vs Aquapel "experiment," I used the increased WWF usage as a secondary reason to switch to the cheaper blue fluid. I thought about going to a 5L reservoir (I think I even have Lito's old thread saved), but I open my hood so often it's prolly not necessary. It would be cool, though.

Great mod, by the way! I probably spent way too much time, $$ and energy getting it all dialed in, but if I can sell my old VW wiper setup, I can recoup some of that. And I have a working backup motor now too.

It's funny, it's such a small change, but I use it weekly at a minimum, and daily in the winter. Thanks for helping with this thread, as you and Graeme added lots of p/n's and good info. I'm still going to do a thread on fixing the old tubing, as well as a fun thread on the "experiments" of RX vs Aquapel and Bosch Icons vs OE wipers. Hopefully I can post them before it's fall!

 

[SFHGolfTDI]

I'm still going to do a thread on fixing the old tubing, as well as a fun thread on the "experiments" of RX vs Aquapel and Bosch Icons vs OE wipers. Hopefully I can post them before it's fall!

Have you heard of this stuff Steve? Einszett Washer Fluid. It comes concentrated in a winter and normal form, and it's German and less harsh than some others. I've been using it for a few months and really like it. Not sure how good the winter formulation is since I haven't had to try it yet. I use distilled water out of my dehumidifier so I don't have to buy it.

Really interested in your Bosch Icon vs oem/valeo experiment. I've really only used the Bosch.

 

[hskrdu]

Yes- I like 1Z products a lot. I have their silber wheel paint, some cleaning products, and their old version of Gummi Pflege. Just as good as Wurth, and often less expensive. I haven't tried the wwf, but now that you've recommended it, I'll put it on my list. I don't particularly like the generic blue stuff- I find it dries out the plastic. To counter this, I've been using the Aerospace 303 for many years, which I found in one of the Club threads. It's awesome on preserving all the rubber and black plastic.

Now that warm weather is here, I'm prepping for several mods that have been waiting. Hopefully Graeme will help me finish my rear fog light button install, just need an extra kick panel. Then I'll finally add some more brushed alum trim that has been sitting in boxes for too long. I just finished an LED trunk lighting mod- love it. I'll try to do a write up for that, since almost all of them are for sedans.

When you have a free moment, would you measure width and height of the actual rubber blade refills that you have on back and front? Mine are all 5.0mm wide by 9.5mm high, using VW (Valero) replacements. I have some that are 5.5 by 12mm, but they don't quite fit either Icons, OE, or my A3 rear. Thx much!

 

[graeme86]

Finally, fixed two motors with the new oil seals and a few layers of teflon tape (for a little added protection). Greased everything up and tested both and there were no leaks. We'll see how long it lasts! I'll be keeping the extra Audi motor for backup / parts and selling my VW motor and aero blade.

Are you using the 8R0 motor in your install now?

Just wondering, if so, could you confirm 100% that the sweep time is shorter than the older 8E0 motor you had?

 

[SFHGolfTDI]

Are you using the 8R0 motor in your install now?

Just wondering, if so, could you confirm 100% that the sweep time is shorter than the older 8E0 motor you had?

No, I'm currently using the original motor I bought (8E0). I tested both but I did not think to pay attention the the difference in sweep time. The 8R0 sounded a little noisier to me, so I stuck with the 8E0. I don't remember noticing any difference in sweep time, but like I said, I wasn't paying any attention to that at the time.

 

[SFHGolfTDI]

If anyone is interested, I just posted a whole bunch of wiper parts, including a couple of OEM Q5/Touareg wiper arms/blade/cap for this mod. I also have my original setup and aero blade if anyone is looking to go back to stock or wants a backup option:

http://forums.tdiclub.com/showthread.php?p=4859437#post4859437

 

[babelfish42]

@HSKRDU duuuuuude! nicely done! very comprehensive write up, thanks for doing all the research and aggregation! I've been diagnosing this issue off and on for weeks! anything worth fixing, is worth fixing better than it was.

soon as I'm back from vacation, I'm doing this.

 

[SFHGolfTDI]

@HSKRDU duuuuuude! nicely done! very comprehensive write up, thanks for doing all the research and aggregation! I've been diagnosing this issue off and on for weeks! anything worth fixing, is worth fixing better than it was.
soon as I'm back from vacation, I'm doing this.

Babelfish, when you're ready, I've got some nice Audi Q5 wipers for you. Check out this thread: http://forums.tdiclub.com/showthread.php?t=445351

 

[hskrdu]

@HSKRDU duuuuuude! nicely done! very comprehensive write up, thanks for doing all the research and aggregation! I've been diagnosing this issue off and on for weeks! anything worth fixing, is worth fixing better than it was. soon as I'm back from vacation, I'm doing this.

Thanks babel! I also have the pics from diagnosing the rear sunroof drain leak and upgrading the tubes, so I've been meaning to write that one up, too (along with some others). Hopefully I can post soon.

Let us know how your project goes, and take pics for us!

We should set up a mini NE GTG. Last time (in VT, at Long Trail Ale) we had three, but with more notice I'm sure we could surpass that.

 

[Wankel7]

http://www.rmeuropean.com/Products/8E9955711E-MFG262.aspx
$110 shipped .... worth the premium to buy new?

For reference my MK4 wagon blade measured 14.75 inches or 374mm.

 

[SFHGolfTDI]

It could be, but you might also want to check out Valeo 579603 (search on eBay) which is the OE manufacturer part number for this motor that I dug up from my previous research. Looks like you can get them new for about $90 shipped or less on eBay from Poland, but you might want to go with the US seller you linked if you don't want to order internationally. With all the work I had to do to rehab used ones, it is probably worth just to go new (though you still might have to rebuild it later on):
http://www.ebay.com/itm/REAR-WIPER-...330059?hash=item3abb4a93cb:g:rJAAAOSwgkRVU3E3
http://www.ebay.com/itm/GENUINE-REA...095512?hash=item4ae6ffacd8:g:mjcAAOSwBLlU5xK6

 

[Wankel7]

I was wondering about these two blades from graeme86....I would like to try and find them locally....

7P6 955 427 7P Touareg 366 mm - What model years?
8X3 955 425 A1 3-door 380 mm - What model years?

 

[SFHGolfTDI]

I was wondering about these two blades from graeme86....I would like to try and find them locally....
7P6 955 427 7P Touareg 366 mm - What model years?
8X3 955 425 A1 3-door 380 mm - What model years?

I use the 7P Touareg on my Golf and it is a great fit. They come up on eBay in the $10-15 range. I think the 380mm would be a tad too long, and that blade is pretty expensive in comparison.

EDIT: Here's some on eBay: http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_sacat=0&_nkw=7P6955427&_sop=15

 

[Wankel7]

It is for my wagon which has a 374mm blade on it now....it is pretty close to the edge of the glass though.

Do the Golfs and Wagons share the same piece of glass?

 

[SFHGolfTDI]

It is for my wagon which has a 374mm blade on it now....it is pretty close to the edge of the glass though.

Do the Golfs and Wagons share the same piece of glass?

Ah, didn't realize you had a wagon. I'm pretty sure the wagon glass is bigger. You would probably be fine with the longer blade if you could find it reasonably priced. The 380mm also goes by Bosch A360H if I'm not mistaken.

 

[Wankel7]

Ok...more questions....

The jet listed was part number 8K9 955 985 A....it was coming up for around $29 new.

However, I was looking at the 2013 Touareg parts diagram
http://www.vwpartscenter.net/auto-p...as-engine/body-cat/rear-wiper-components-scat


They show a different jet....which is cheaper at $16 7P5-955-985

Is the Touareg motor different than the Q5 motor?

Thoughts?

 

[SFHGolfTDI]

Hmm, that jet looks to be the same part. I'm 99% sure you're fine with the VW one since they use the same wiper arm (but different motor).

 

[hskrdu]

It does look like it may be the same part, but it's hard to tell from the illustration.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but if the second and third set of part numbers remain the same (XXX-955-985), and only the first set changes (from Audi to VW), than it would indicate the same part?

If there's a salvage yard near you in Indiana, you could also try to pull one off a wrecked car. That would only cost pennies. Last time I went out, there was a smashed Audi wagon with the whole setup, from motor to arm, blade, and nozzle, but I was too cold to even think about pulling it.

My rear wiper insert is 13in, apx 335mm, but I have the solid rear arm, which is different from the aero rear arm and wiper. I do think the Golf rear glass is smaller, but I'd have to measure.

 

[SFHGolfTDI]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but if the second and third set of part numbers remain the same (XXX-955-985), and only the first set changes (from Audi to VW), than it would indicate the same part?

Pretty sure that is correct, Steve. That's why I said 99% sure it was the same part.

 

[hskrdu]

Pretty sure that is correct, Steve. That's why I said 99% sure it was the same part.

Thx, S!

 

[xbiker423]

Ah, didn't realize you had a wagon. I'm pretty sure the wagon glass is bigger. You would probably be fine with the longer blade if you could find it reasonably priced. The 380mm also goes by Bosch A360H if I'm not mistaken.

Using this info, I purchased this:

Porsche 958 Cayenne 2011 - 2013 Rear Wiper Blade new Bosch

It arrived yesterday and I put it on the wagon this evening when I got home from work. It definitely cleans more glass than the Q5 wiper it replaced. It almost comes all the way up to the third brake light now. So, yes, it will fit. And for $15.50 all in, not too bad price wise, either.