ok afew weeks ago in the very cold weather i used a summer screen wash fluid and had a major freeze up with my pipes (the usual disconnection in the bulkhead ect) but also i poored tepid water over the reservoir to unfreeze it.

I now have a constant drip when the car is stood from n/s wheel arch,pulled the wheel arch trim and the pipes are attached (the 2 i can see)

so no.1 is there another pipe connection that may cause a drip from gravity alone

and no.2 if i have cracked the resoivoir do i definately have to remove the bumper or could it be pulled through the wheel arch

cheers

I had a similar problem when we had a cold snap before Christmas. Despite the drip coming from the wheel arch like yours is, the actual leak was at the bulkhead connection behind the engine. The fluid was draining onto the undertray, and then running down under gravity until it came out by the front wheel. If that's the case for you, you will find a short pipe sticking out from the bulkhead in the gap between the engine and the airbox, and you will need to feel around for the longer hose, which will be hanging down somewhere behind the airbox. Then all you need to do is push the two bits of hose together - you'll need nimble fingers for this!

If it IS the reservoir, then yes, you do need to take the bumper off - which isn't that hard. There's a guide for fitting the 5l reservoir on here that will help you if you need it.

I had a similar problem when we had a cold snap before Christmas. Despite the drip coming from the wheel arch like yours is, the actual leak was at the bulkhead connection behind the engine. The fluid was draining onto the undertray, and then running down under gravity until it came out by the front wheel. If that's the case for you, you will find a short pipe sticking out from the bulkhead in the gap between the engine and the airbox, and you will need to feel around for the longer hose, which will be hanging down somewhere behind the airbox. Then all you need to do is push the two bits of hose together - you'll need nimble fingers for this!

If it IS the reservoir, then yes, you do need to take the bumper off - which isn't that hard. There's a guide for fitting the 5l reservoir on here that will help you if you need it.

cheers ,yes i think that connection is ok ,comes out of the passenger side bulkhead about 6 inches long then a longer pipe with an L connector snaps on. well i broke this connector but fixed with a new one plus some silicone tubing .seems to be water tight .

btw the washers work fine but the drip emptys the reservoir so im thinking the problem must be below the waterlevel

If you do end up replacing it then the 5l reservoir is a massive upgrade over the standard one. There is very little cost difference, but some dealers refuse to sell them if they don't match the OEM spec. of your car.

I have a 5l reservoir in my garage that I was unable to fit due to a seized nut on the old one. PM me with your address if you're interested...

I have a 5l reservoir in my garage that I was unable to fit due to a seized nut on the old one. PM me with your address if you're interested...

many thanks i will have another look first and make sure i havnt missed anything obvious ,feel abit stupid for using the lidl washer fluid, i was taking my daughter back to Warick uni and had to stop at every motorway services to clean the screen ,trouble is the hot air frm th engine dosnt get chance to defost untill the cars parked up due to that mounting position i suppose

Just let me know. If it has cracked, it may just need a wodge of epoxy over the gap, after all...

I have had the same issue it is probably the water pump (Mine is silicone sealed at the moment). There is a two part valve that sits on the front of the pump, when this freezes it causes them to leak. Went to my local Skoda garage on the weekend to get a replacement valve, but was told it came with the pump. They had replaced two others in the last week. Someone on my other thread also mentioned the grommet leaks. You can check all this through the wheel arch, don’t even have to remove the wheel. Just remove the screws to the front and wedge open.

_VRs_

I just got a pump and valve assembly for the same reason (my silicon repair from the other year seems to have given up) from ebay via Butts of Bawtry for £8 incl postage... cheaper than the dealer.

Edited 1 February, 201016 yr by skomaz

_VRs_

I just got a pump and valve assembly for the same reason (my silicon repair from the other year seems to have given up) from ebay via Butts of Bawtry for £8 incl postage... cheaper than the dealer.

Thanks skomaz

In the end it was the pipe that had come off again near the bulkhead and was running down to the washer bottle area, thanks for all the help anyway